What should you know about hair after chemo?

Chemotherapy can affect scalp hair as well as eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair because these follicles grow actively. Shedding may happen during treatment or after a treatment cycle, and some medicines cause thinning rather than complete loss. New hair can look different in colour, curl, thickness, or feel while it grows.

Hair changes do not show whether chemotherapy is working. The timing and extent depend on the drug combination, dose, other treatments, and individual biology. Ask the oncology team what is expected from your specific plan.

Use a gentle shampoo, pat the scalp dry, and protect bare skin from strong sun and cold. Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments, and high heat if the scalp is tender. A soft hat, scarf, or wig may improve comfort and confidence. Before using scalp products or supplements, check with the treatment team because some ingredients may irritate sensitive skin.

Tell the care team about a painful, cracked, blistered, very itchy, or oozing scalp, or about fever during chemotherapy. Seek urgent advice for fever with chills or feeling suddenly unwell, because infection can need prompt assessment even when the scalp change looks minor.

Will my medicines cause shedding or thinning? When should I expect changes? Is scalp cooling suitable for my treatment? Which products are safe, and where can I get practical support with head coverings?