Hair loss after chemo: what to know

Shedding may affect scalp hair and sometimes eyebrows, eyelashes or other body hair. It can begin during treatment or after a treatment cycle, depending on the medicines used. Hair may return gradually after treatment ends; early regrowth can look finer, curlier or a different shade before settling. The amount of loss does not show whether chemotherapy is working.

Use a gentle shampoo, lukewarm water and a soft towel. Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh dyes, bleaching and high heat while the scalp is sensitive. A hat, scarf or wig can protect the scalp from sun and cold; choose breathable material and keep anything touching the scalp clean. Do not start supplements or hair-growth medicines without checking with the oncology team, because they may interact with treatment or be unsuitable during recovery.

Tell the oncology team about sudden changes, painful or inflamed scalp skin, sores, marked itching, or hair loss that appears in sharply defined patches. Seek prompt medical advice for fever, spreading redness or drainage from the scalp. These findings may need assessment for infection, irritation or another cause alongside treatment-related shedding.

Ask which medicines in your regimen are linked with hair loss, whether scalp cooling is suitable for you, and what products are safe during treatment. You can also ask how to protect the scalp, when colouring may be reasonable, and whether persistent or uneven regrowth needs a dermatology review.