Do cancer patients ever grow their hair back? Everything You Should Know
Many of us are familiar with the myth that cancer patients can't grow their hair back, which is often fueled by misconceptions and dramatic portrayals in movies. Is this belief true? The fact is, most cancer patients see their hair re-grow after treatment.
This blog explores everything you need to know, right from the process, and what to expect to strategies for improving hair growth.
What causes hair loss in cancer patients?
Cancer can lead to hair loss as a side effect of treatment. While cancer itself can cause changes in hair growth, significant hair loss is primarily due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common side effect of cancer treatment. It occurs due to
- Chemotherapy: Cytotoxic medicines destroy rapidly growing cells such as intestinal epithelial cells, hair follicles, hematopoietic cells, and cancer cells. This may lead to chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA).
- Radiation therapy: It can trigger hair loss only in the treated area or the area where the radiation beam passes through, unlike chemotherapy, which affects the entire body.
According to a 2023 study, 65% of chemotherapy patients are expected to experience chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA).
It is important to discuss with your oncologist about the possibility of hair loss as a side effect of your cancer therapy. Your healthcare team can provide strategies to help you understand the possibility.
Does hair grow back after chemotherapy?
Not every chemotherapy drug can cause hair loss. It depends on the type, dose, combination of the medicine used and duration of the treatment.
Usually, it may take many weeks to re-grow hair after cancer treatment. It can take 3 to 6 months to re-grow hair after chemotherapy.
- When the hair starts to re-grow, It will be slightly different from the previous one. But this difference is usually temporary.
- The new hair may have a different colour or texture. It can be curlier than before.
- Until the cells that control hair pigment begin to function again, it can also be grey.
Dr Netravati, a Bengaluru-based internal medicine consultant, shared her personal experience. She said, “Losing my hair was a big blow to my confidence.”
However, she has re-grown her hair now and also gave personal advice: “For some, hair falls out gradually, while others wake up to big clumps on their pillow. Know that when you shave off, hair will come back in three to six months after treatment ends. My hair’s thicker now.”
How long does hair loss last after radiation?
As radiation therapy can cause hair loss, It does not affect the entire body like chemotherapy does. It only causes hair loss in the area treated with radiation or where the beams pass through.
- If radiation therapy is used in the head, it can affect hair follicles and cause hair loss. However, if radiation is used in any other area of the body, it can also cause hair loss in those areas.
- The hair loss varies depending on the treatment protocol, such as the dose and duration of the treatment.
- The hair usually re-grows 3 to 6 months after the treatment ends. It can be different in texture or thinner than before.
How to prevent hair loss during cancer treatment?
There are no proven ways to prevent hair loss during cancer treatment. However, you can try using cold caps or scalp-cooling devices to prevent hair loss during cancer treatment.
- It works by lowering the scalp temperature using cold air or gel packs.
- Reduced temperature causes blood vessels in the scalp to constrict, limiting the flow of chemotherapy drugs to hair follicles. This reduces the hair loss during cancer treatment.
What products are used for hair growth in cancer patients?
Hair loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, but various products can help promote re-growth. Here are some effective options that many patients consider during their recovery process.
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical solution that improves hair growth. It increases blood flow to hair follicles and extends the hair's growth phase. It is commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia but may also be beneficial for treating post-chemo hair loss.
2. Biotin cream or oil
Biotin is known to improve hair health by strengthening hair strands and nourishing hair follicles. It can promote hair growth and enhance overall scalp condition.
3. Corticosteroid creams
In cases of alopecia areata (often related to cancer treatment), corticosteroid creams prescribed by a doctor can help decrease the inflammation and inhibit the immune system from attacking the hair follicles, as a result of which the hair growth is stimulated.
4. Essential oils
Essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and lavender are good for hair growth because they improve blood circulation to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles. They can be made better by mixing with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and massaging into the scalp, which will help the scalp absorb the oil better and also increase its effectiveness.
5 tips to promote hair growth after cancer treatment
Getting hair back after cancer treatment can boost confidence and improve the recovery process. Here are five tips to improve hair growth after cancer treatment.
1. Scalp massage
Regularly massaging the scalp can improve blood circulation, which delivers nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. This nourishment can improve hair health and make the affected hair follicles grow new hair.
2. Healthy diet
A healthy diet not only helps in hair growth but also improves a person's overall well-being. Here are some nutrients that can improve hair growth:
- Proteins: They provide essential amino acids that are necessary for hair growth.
- Omega 3 fatty acids: This nourishes the hair follicles and supports scalp health.
- Multivitamins: Vitamins A, C, D, and E play important roles in hair growth and repair. Try to have foods that are rich in these vitamins, or you can also take multivitamin supplements.
- Zinc: Zinc helps in tissue growth and repair, including hair tissue, and helps keep hair follicles functioning properly.
3. Hair care
Using mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners helps in reducing damage and dryness, which can weaken hair. Avoid hair styling using heat or gel, which can lead to hair breakage.
4. Supplements:
Health supplements such as collagen and biotin can promote hair health by supplying the body with the necessary nutrients that help in the hair growth cycle.
- Biotin can strengthen the hair and promote hair follicle health.
- Collagen improves the overall structure and elasticity of hair.
5. Patience and realistic expectation
Understanding and accepting the truth that hair re-growth takes time helps set achievable goals and reduce frustration. This mindset can also promote a positive outlook, which is beneficial for overall wellness.
Expert’s advice
Dr Ashish Gupta, American board-certified Medical Oncologist and Chief of Medical Oncology at Unique Hospital Cancer Centre in New Delhi's Dwarka, said, “It is not necessary that all patients of chemotherapy will have hair fall, or vomiting or mouth ulcers. In fact, now with better pre-medication, these side effects are hardly seen.
Also, there are many chemotherapy drugs that don’t cause hair fall. Few non-medical interventions like yoga, meditation, regular exercise, regular fruits and vegetable intake, etc. have been shown to decrease the side effects and also chances of cancer coming back.”
Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon at The Esthetic Clinics, said, “Chemotherapy hair loss is not permanent. Your hair will grow back eventually, but there might be some change in shade and texture and rate of hair growth. This re-growth might not be as quick as you want it to be but about an inch in a month or two after the treatment. To address the issue of hair growth, just talk to your doctor about treatments and hair care for long-lasting relief.”
Inspiring stories
Hina Khan, a Television actress who has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, shared a hopeful message to her fans, which said, “Hair will grow back, eyebrows will return, scars will fade, but the spirit must remain whole. I am recording my story and my journey to ensure that my efforts to embrace myself reach everyone out there. If my story can make even one day of this heartwarming yet excruciating experience better for someone, it's worth it. Also, this day couldn't have gone as I hoped without the presence of the people who have taken a vow to support me through thick and thin.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. What type of cancer causes hair loss?
Cancer treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy can cause hair loss, such as breast cancer, lymphoma, leukaemia, ovarian cancer, and testicular cancer. These treatments can lead to hair loss due to their ability to attack rapidly dividing cells. Hair loss can vary depending on the treatment given and individual responses.
2. Does everyone lose hair with chemo?
Hair loss from chemotherapy may vary depending on the dose and duration of the treatment. Not all chemotherapy medicines can cause hair loss.
3. Is cancer hair loss permanent?
No, hair loss after cancer treatment is not permanent. Hair usually re-grows 3 to 6 months after the treatment ends. However, the new hair can be different from the previous one, like it can be thinner and curlier.
Final Thoughts
The journey through cancer treatment is filled with challenges, and hair loss can be one of the most visible. However, it’s important to focus on the promise of recovery and to have patience and hope that your hair will come back. Each new strand that re-grows is a testament to your strength and resilience. Surround yourself with support and resources that empower you, knowing that brighter days are ahead.
“Though the road may be long, every step taken in hope brings us closer to healing.”
References
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/hair-loss
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10137043/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547552/
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy/side-effects
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/side-effects/hair-loss-and-thinning
Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general knowledge. It is important to remember that it should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about cancer or related symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider.
