Chemo is a truly challenging process for the body, but perhaps more so for the soul. And, just when it seemed like things could not get any more upsetting, on comes your hair fall. The better news – chemo-related hair fall is most of the time a passing phase, and knowing a few things can provide you a little ease:
Why Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?
Chemo is used to kill off rapidly growing cells in your body. Cancer cells tend to grow rapidly, so drugs that combat cancer go after them, but hair follicles have a fast growth cycle too, so hair follicles end up being killed off too, causing the loss to occur a little way into treatment, two to four weeks, usually, or so. You can also lose body hair, eyelashes and eyebrows depending on your type of treatment and your body’s tolerance for your medication.
The degree of loss varies by the specific medications used, the dosage amount, and the way your body reacts. Some of us get very patchy, and others may lose their hair more completely.
When Does Hair Start Growing Back?
This is a nice relief for many to know that as soon as their chemo has been completed, their hair follicles should get to know the world again. Between two and three months after their last chemotherapy session, the fine, soft growth will appear. Within six months of their last round, they usually start to feel some fullness on their heads. Within one to one and a half years, most will have close to the original volume.
The new hair may grow back looking and feeling slightly different – a curly texture, for instance, slightly changed colour, or even a different texture from that of the original hair. This is referred to as ‘chemo curl’, and while it is fairly frequent, the hair should begin to resemble its previous characteristics as it grows.
What Can Slow Down Regrowth?
It isn’t the case that all of your hair will grow back at the same rate, and there are some causes of prolonged regrowth that we can blame. If you suffer from a deficiency of iron, zinc, protein, or vitamin D, this can delay how quickly the hair will grow back. Stress and hormonal or thyroid problems are other causes of slow hair growth. You can request a blood test if, after 6 months, you feel that your hair is still not growing back to address possible deficiencies.
How to Support Regrowth During Recovery?
On the flip side, there are a few things that can make the environment more amenable for your follicles to bounce back. Loading up on proteins – leafy greens, nuts, and eggs are rich sources – will lend the nourishment that hair craves. Taking care of your scalp – steer clear of strong shampoos or heat styling while follicles are busy recuperating – will help.
A simple scalp massage, for instance, may just do the trick in pumping blood into the scalp and waking up those dormant follicles.
For the more intervention-ready, there’s PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy that employs growth factors derived from your own blood to spur on languid follicles. It’s a non-surgical therapy that can go hand-in-hand with the natural rejuvenation of your scalp and a prescription that you will commonly find at hair clinics that hand out post-chemotherapy.
When Hair Does Not Fully Come Back?
However, in very few and specific circumstances, after the intense treatment, like high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, the hair may not come back to its full glory. If there are remaining bald patches and the hair density does not come back to a level where you are content with it, a hair transplant can be considered after an oncologist ensures your body is stable and you are out of treatment. So, if you are looking to undergo a hair transplant in Hyderabad, then knowledge of the hair transplant cost in Hyderabad is surely required before approaching the right place. Usually, there are a few clinics offering free consultations, where a qualified doctor examines your scalp to find out if it’s suitable for a hair transplant.
A Word on Timing and Patience
Recovery from chemo hair loss can be unpredictable, not necessarily linear. Some weeks can feel like amazing progress, others like a total standstill. Patience for your scalp – and for yourself – will go a long way.
If your treatment is complete and you are concerned about your hair’s current condition, visiting a hair specialist is a must. The solution might involve nutritional assistance, or it could mean considering hair restoration services like PRP therapy or a hair transplant in Bangalore or Hyderabad – but an assessment will guide the way.
The hair loss concerns post-chemo are very personal, which is something we deeply appreciate at QHT Clinic. Through compassionate and expert consultations, we will help you gain insight into your scalp’s condition and formulate the best plan for you – whatever your phase of recovery.
To schedule your free consultation and take control of your hair loss journey, simply book an appointment.
