Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a word used to describe different types of medication to treat cancer. Its purpose is to destroy cancer cells. Some of these drugs cause hair loss, others do not. Your oncology team will advise you if the drugs you are on will cause hair loss, and if so, when the hair is likely to fall out. This usually occurs 2-3 weeks after your treatment starts. The hair loss is temporary and your hair will begin to grow about 3-4 weeks after the last treatment. Hair grows at a rate of half an inch per month.

Sometimes hair will thin out over the course of the treatment or if using Cold Cap. It is recommended not to colour or perm your hair and to keep hair dryers on a medium heat during treatment. The result is that your hair can be limp, fine and grey, or showing roots. Many people in this situation find great relief from wearing a wig.   You don’t have to have total hair loss to wear a wig and there are also other options for thinning hair such as safe hair colours, root colour sticks and hair pieces that cover your roots and add some volume. We are happy to advice. 

Radiotherapy

With radiotherapy, hair usually starts to fall out after 2-3 weeks. After radiotherapy, hair usually starts to grow within 2-3 months of finishing your treatment.

Radiotherapy only causes hair loss when treatment is directed at the head. If you are receiving treatment to a particular part of the head, you will only lose hair in that area. Depending on where the hair loss occurs, you may be able to use your own hair and scarves to camouflage the hair loss, or you may consider getting a wig if the hair loss is more extensive. Patches of hair that do not regrow fully can be camouflaged very successfully with product and custom-made partial hair pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : I’ve been told that I’m going to lose my hair – when should I look for a wig?

Anne : It is best to visit us before you start any treatment so we can match a wig to your natural hair colour and texture. If you hair has started to thin, a recent photo will help us.

Q : Can a wig be fitted in my home?

Anne : Yes, home and hospital fittings are possible if you are unable to come to our private consultation rooms.

Q : When can I expect my hair to start to fall out?

Anne: Hair loss usually occurs two to three weeks after the first treatment. The loss is always gradual – it never falls out all at once. You may start to notice hair on your pillow and on your hairbrush etc. It is as if the hair has become loose in the scalp and any movement such as washing or brushing causes it to fall out.

Q : What about my eyelashes and eyebrows?

Anne: They may fall out. There are ways to camouflage this and we are happy to advise you.

Q : Is there anything I can do to prevent hair loss?

Anne: Your treatment causes hair loss. If your hair is long the weight will cause it to fall out quicker. We suggest cutting long hair into a shorter style about 10 days after the first treatment or even into the style of the wig you want to wear.

Q : What should I do when I begin to lose my hair?

Anne: Some people choose to cut off the remaining hair at the first sign of hair loss and start wearing the hairpiece. We are happy to do this for you in our private fitting room. Others wait until the hair has fallen naturally. It is a very personal choice.

Q : Is there anything I can do to make my hair grow back faster?

Anne : There are lots of ‘old wives tales’ but the honest answer is no, just let nature take its course.  Zinc and Magnesium are known to promote strong healthy nails and hair and are available in health food stores. Wearing a hairpiece does not damage the scalp or inhibit the hair from growing back.

Q : When can I colour or perm my hair again?

Anne : It is recommended not to colour or perm your hair for about 6 months after treatment. However a colour or mousse that does not contain ammonia or peroxide can be used. We are happy to advise you on this in our private consultation rooms where we can recommend the best safe colours available in Ireland.  When hair starts to re-grow, it can be a different colour. If this colour is showing beneath the wig as your locks grow down, a coloured mousse or water rinse can be a great camouflage and will not damage your hair.