How many chemo treatments before hair loss

To help your hair grow back strong, treat it gently. In the early stages of hair growth, avoid coloring or bleaching it. It might also help to limit the use of hairdryers and other heating devices. When your hair grows back, it might be a slightly different color or texture than it was before. Those differences are usually temporary. Wearing a scalp cooling cap during chemotherapy infusions might help prevent hair loss. These caps are thought to slow the flow of blood to your scalp.

This may limit the amount of chemotherapy drug that reaches your scalp, reducing its effects on your hair follicles. According to a review published in the International Journal of Cancer, scalp cooling caps reduce the risk of hair loss in people undergoing chemotherapy. This study found that other treatments, including the use of minoxidil Rogaine , were not effective. Some people develop headaches while wearing scalp cooling caps or find them uncomfortable to wear.

Some studies have suggested that these caps might increase the risk that cancer will develop in the scalp later on, but a recent review published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found the rate of cancer recurrence in the scalp was low among breast cancer survivors. This was true whether people wore the caps or not. Shorter hair often looks fuller than longer hair.

As a result, hair loss might be less noticeable if you have a short hairstyle. If you typically wear your hair long, consider cutting it before you begin chemotherapy.

After you start chemo, hair loss might make your scalp feel itchy, irritated, or sensitive. Shaving your head can help ease the discomfort. Many people also prefer the look of a cleanly shaved head to partial hair loss. If you feel self-conscious about hair loss, wearing a head covering might help. From wigs to scarves to hats, there are many options. Such coverings can also protect your head from sunlight exposure and cold air. If you think you might want a wig that matches your natural hair color, considering buying it before you begin chemotherapy.

This may help the wig shop to better match the color and texture of your hair. Try on different styles until you find one you like. The following are options to consider, the best option is the one that is most comfortable for you:. Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments.

The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice. For information about the 4th Angel Mentoring Program visit www. A wig can provide a sense of normalcy, consistency, and privacy during cancer treatment.

Experimenting with different wig styles and colors can also be quite fun! Not sure if a wig is right for you or where to begin looking for one? Read more about Wigs to learn about where to buy a wig or get one for free, how to choose one that suits you, how to care for a wig, and more.

Many people find that scarves and hats are the easiest, most comfortable, and versatile solution for managing hair loss from breast cancer treatment.

Scarves and hats can hide your hair loss, help keep you warm, protect you from the sun, and they can be stylish and fun to wear. Learn more about Scarves, Hats, and Turbans for managing treatment-related hair loss. Breast cancer treatments such as hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy can cause some people to have ongoing mild to moderate hair loss.

The dermatologist will order blood tests to check whether there are other reasons for your hair loss besides the effects of breast cancer treatments. Thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, and other factors can play a role in hair loss. For mild to moderate hair loss, dermatologists often recommend Rogaine chemical name: minoxidil , an over-the-counter medication that promotes hair growth.

But check with your oncologist before you start using minoxidil. In most cases, you can use it while you take hormonal therapy or targeted therapy, but not during chemotherapy treatment. Minoxidil is thought to stimulate hair growth by, among other things, improving blood flow in the scalp and prolonging the growth phase of each hair follicle. Some dermatologists may recommend certain nutritional supplements to help speed up hair growth, such as Nutrafol and Viviscal Hair Growth supplements.

Always check with your oncologist before you start taking a nutritional supplement. Biotin supplements should be avoided because they can cause you to have incorrect results from lab tests such as cardiovascular diagnostic tests and hormone tests.

Visit our online community to connect with others who have gone through breast cancer treatment about hair loss, wigs, cold caps, and more. Of course, not everyone reacts to treatment-related hair loss in the same way. For some, it can be devastating, especially at the beginning.

Talk about your feelings with understanding friends and family members, a mental health professional, or a social worker at your local cancer center. Also, try seeking out an in-person support group or an online community for people with breast cancer. Visit our online community to connect with others who have experienced hair loss from breast cancer treatment.

Since kids often follow your lead, try not to get too upset yourself during the conversation. Reassure them that your hair will grow back. There tends to be a lot less stigma with being open about a cancer diagnosis in the workplace than there was even a generation ago. How you decide to handle hair loss at work might also depend on your job role and industry. For instance, if you work in a field in which your appearance is front and center more, you might decide that concealing your hair loss on the days you go into work helps you feel more confident.

Written by: Jen Uscher , contributing writer. Nik Georgopoulos, Ph. Mario E. Lacouture, M. Yolanda Lenzy, M. Jonathan Leventhal, M.