Hair regrowth after chemotherapy

New hair may first appear as soft, fine growth on the scalp. It can look curly, wavy or a different shade while the follicles recover; this temporary change is sometimes called chemo curl. Eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair may return on a different schedule from scalp hair. Some medicines cause thinning rather than complete loss, and other treatments can affect regrowth. Your oncology team can explain how your specific drug plan may influence the pattern.

Treat the scalp gently: use mild shampoo, lukewarm water and a soft brush, and avoid tight styles, harsh chemicals and high heat while hair is fragile. Protect exposed skin from sun and cold with a hat or suitable scalp covering. Do not start supplements, minoxidil or salon treatments without checking with your cancer team, because products may irritate the scalp or interact with treatment. A wig specialist or hairdresser experienced with cancer-related hair changes can help with practical choices.

Tell your oncology team about a painful, very itchy, scaly or persistently reddened scalp, open areas, pus, fever, or sudden patchy loss after regrowth has started. These changes can reflect irritation, infection or another scalp condition that needs assessment. Seek urgent medical help for fever with feeling very unwell, breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat.

Ask which treatment caused your hair changes, when washing and colouring are reasonable, whether scalp medicines are appropriate, and what to do if regrowth is uneven or does not begin as expected. You can also ask for a referral to wig, head-covering or emotional-support services.