What kind of chemotherapy causes hair loss

In almost all cases of chemotherapy-induced hair loss, your hair will resume growth after treatments. Through the years, attempts have been made to reduce hair loss by using tight bands or ice caps. While these techniques may reduce hair loss by reducing blood flow to the scalp and limiting chemotherapy exposure to hair follicles, there is a theoretical concern that this could reduce the effectiveness of treatment in that area.

Within 3 to 6 months after your treatment ends, your hair should return. For most people, their hair will fully recover within 6 to 12 months. Thinning hair caused by hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs will also recover. Your hair will usually thicken within a few weeks of finishing the treatment. A type of targeted cancer drug called epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR inhibitors can cause permanent hair loss. But this is usually when you have it long-term.

A wig is the most obvious choice. But not everyone wants to wear one. They can be a bit hot and itchy, especially in the summer. You can wear a soft inner cap a wig stocking under the wig to make it more comfortable. Some people worry that the wig will slip or fall off. You can buy sticky pads designed specifically to keep the wig still. Some people prefer hats, scarves or baseball caps. Or you can just leave your head uncovered if you feel confident with your bald head.

There are different types of hats and scarves you can wear when you have hair loss or thinning. You can buy these in high street shops or on the internet. Ann: Sheena who lost her hair during her chemotherapy will now show you some of the different types of headwear. Hello Sheena. Sheena: Hello, I wore wigs as well as lots of alternatives. There are many different alternatives to wigs. The stretchy tube is simple, easy and quick to put on.

They come in lots and lots of different colours which is really nice so you can match different outfits very easily. You can get them from lots of different high street stores which is very useful. I use to keep one of these by my front door. It is important to just make sure you adjust it so that it follows your natural hairline.

And then that was it. I was ready to go and answer the door. If I then wanted to go out I could then just tuck it in at the back and if I wanted to I could just put an ordinary outdoor hat on top and that would be me ready to go. Make sure you hold your fingers to keep it in place and you have got head covering. Depending on the shape of your face you might want to create a bit more width and one of the ways to do that is to add another one of these stretchy tubes on top. They are quite versatile.

And actually just pop it on, very simple. If you want to create a bit more height if you just un tuck the back bit you can just rearrange it The other thing you can do is to add different scarves and accessories. You can even take The other important thing if you are talking about scarves is looking at the size um and texture of what they are.

This one is a bit too small The problem is this is a really beautiful scarf but this is silk. The trouble with silk is that if you tie it, you think it is secure it tends to slip so it is much better to choose a fabric with just that little bit of grip.

If you want to tie a headscarf it is important to start with something quite simple. And then it goes round the back and use one of these stretchy bands but without any metal because otherwise it might catch your headscarf and ruin the fabric.

Treat it a bit like tying a ponytail. Double the elastic over and you can pull out as much of the fabric as you like at the back. Ask your doctor or a hospital social worker about resources in your area to help you find the best head covering for you. Look Good Feel Better is a free program that provides hair and beauty makeovers and tips to women with cancer. These classes are offered throughout the United States and in several other countries.

Many classes are offered through local chapters of the American Cancer Society. Look Good Feel Better also offers classes and a website for teens with cancer, as well as a website and a guide with information for men with cancer. Radiation therapy also attacks quickly growing cells in your body, but unlike chemotherapy, it affects only the specific area where treatment is concentrated. If you have radiation to your head, you'll likely lose the hair on your head.

Your hair usually begins growing back after your treatments end. But whether it grows back to its original thickness and fullness depends on your treatment. Different types of radiation and different doses will have different effects on your hair. Higher doses of radiation can cause permanent hair loss.

Talk to your doctor about what dose you'll be receiving so that you'll know what to expect. Radiation therapy also affects your skin. The treatment area is likely to be red and may look sunburned or tanned. If your radiation treatment is to your head, it's a good idea to cover your head with a protective hat or scarf because your skin will be sensitive to cold and sunlight. Wigs and other hairpieces might irritate your scalp. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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Sign up now. Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment Your doctor can tell you whether your particular chemotherapy treatment is likely to cause hair loss. I decided to shave my hair off before it fell out on its own from treatment. I used a good electric razor—learned the hard way when the plastic one cut my scalp. Kim: Rodney—the bald look is great for you. I'm just not ready to shave it all off right now.

Janet: Rodney, thanks for letting us know what worked well for you. Who else would like to share? Cara: Well—first I cut my hair short so the shock factor was less. And I got a wig before all my hair fell out. The first one I got matched my natural hair color. That one was free. Then I thought, hey, I've always wanted to be a redhead—so I bought a red wig. Cara: Yes. The nurse gave me the number of a place that supplies wigs at no charge. But wigs can be hot, especially in the summer.

That's why you see me in this colorful scarf wrapped around my head like a turban. Personally, I think a turban is the way to go! Miguel: I see a lot of women at the hospital wearing bandannas. Some men too. Kim: These are great suggestions. Thanks, guys. But I still need to know one thing—Janet, will my hair grow back? Janet: Your hair may grow back in 3 to 6 months after your treatment is over.

It really depends on the amount of radiation you get. People who get very high doses may not see their hair return.

In the meantime, wash your hair gently with a mild shampoo and pat it dry. I'd also avoid using a hair dryer. Kim: Okay, Janet, thanks. And thanks, everyone, for sharing your ideas. Looks like I'm going scarf shopping!

Kim: Sure, that would be great. Do you think we could go tomorrow afternoon? Narrator Summary: Hair loss can be difficult for both men and women. It's important to remember that people tend to lose their hair only in the area where they get radiation. Most often, hair grows back 3 to 6 months after you complete treatment. If you'd like to wear a wig, talk with a nurse or a social worker where you receive treatment. In some cases, your wig may be free or covered by your health insurance.

And as some group members shared, you can always wear a scarf, bandanna, cap, or nothing at all on your head. Choose whatever works and feels best for you. Menu Contact Dictionary Search.

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