Hair loss (alopecia) due to chemotherapy can be one of the most distressing side effects
you can face during treatment. This fact sheet aims to provide helpful information and support about the causes of hair loss and the management and solutions available to you.
you can face during treatment. This fact sheet aims to provide helpful information and support about the causes of hair loss and the management and solutions available to you.
Chemotherapy and hair loss
Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy
targets all rapidly dividing cells, not only
the cancer cells but healthy cells as well.
Hair follicles (the structures in the skin filled
with tiny blood vessels that make our hair)
are some of the fastest growing cells in
our body. Healthy hair follicles divide every
23-72 hours, which makes these cells
particularly susceptible to chemotherapy.
It is important to know that not all
chemotherapy will cause hair loss.
Whether your hair remains as it is or thins
or falls out depends on the type of drugs
and dosages your doctor has prescribed.
There are various classes of chemotherapy
drugs that all produce different reactions
along with your own individual response to
the chemotherapy.
The timing of your treatments can
also affect hair loss. Some types of
chemotherapy are given weekly and in
smaller doses and this minimises hair loss.
Others are scheduled every three to four
weeks in higher doses and are more likely
to cause hair loss.
Often your hair may come out in clumps
rather than evenly. It is also common for
hair loss to include eyelashes, eyebrows
and even pubic hair.
Coping with hair loss
Being prepared and talking about how you
feel with others can help you adjust to this
temporary change in appearance. Keeping
in close contact with friends, relatives,
your doctor and nurses, or someone who
has also shared this experience can be a
helpful way of dealing with your emotions
and thoughts about hair loss.
Support and advice is also available
through the Cancer Council Helpline on
13 11 20, Monday-Friday.
Some people consider cutting their hair
short before treatment begins. Others find
it helpful to cut their hair in stages so they
have time to adjust. If you have children, it
is also important to prepare them for this
change.
Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy
targets all rapidly dividing cells, not only
the cancer cells but healthy cells as well.
Hair follicles (the structures in the skin filled
with tiny blood vessels that make our hair)
are some of the fastest growing cells in
our body. Healthy hair follicles divide every
23-72 hours, which makes these cells
particularly susceptible to chemotherapy.
It is important to know that not all
chemotherapy will cause hair loss.
Whether your hair remains as it is or thins
or falls out depends on the type of drugs
and dosages your doctor has prescribed.
There are various classes of chemotherapy
drugs that all produce different reactions
along with your own individual response to
the chemotherapy.
The timing of your treatments can
also affect hair loss. Some types of
chemotherapy are given weekly and in
smaller doses and this minimises hair loss.
Others are scheduled every three to four
weeks in higher doses and are more likely
to cause hair loss.
Often your hair may come out in clumps
rather than evenly. It is also common for
hair loss to include eyelashes, eyebrows
and even pubic hair.
Coping with hair loss
Being prepared and talking about how you
feel with others can help you adjust to this
temporary change in appearance. Keeping
in close contact with friends, relatives,
your doctor and nurses, or someone who
has also shared this experience can be a
helpful way of dealing with your emotions
and thoughts about hair loss.
Support and advice is also available
through the Cancer Council Helpline on
13 11 20, Monday-Friday.
Some people consider cutting their hair
short before treatment begins. Others find
it helpful to cut their hair in stages so they
have time to adjust. If you have children, it
is also important to prepare them for this
change.
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