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Chemotherapy Related Hair Loss
Chemotherapy
consists of the administration of drugs that destroy rapidly
reproducing cancer cells. Cancer cells are some of the most rapidly
reproducing cells in the body, but other cells, such as those which
contribute to the formation of hair shafts and nails, are also
rapidly reproducing. Unfortunately, while chemotherapy drugs
preferentially destroy cancer cells, the drugs also can destroy
those cells responsible for normal growth of hair and nails. Cancer
patients sometimes shed the hair and nails during treatment.
Chemotherapy drugs are poisonous to the cells of the hair root
responsible for hair shaft formation. Usually, the hair is lost
rapidly in large quantities during treatment.
NO HAIR
GROWTH STIMULANTS, SHAMPOOS, CONDITIONERS OR OTHER COSMETIC
TREATMENTS CAN PREVENT OR RETARD THE HAIR LOSS.
THE GOOD NEWS, however, is that once chemotherapy is
completed, the hair usually grows back.
How and When Hair Growth Occurs
Adequate hair
growth may take six months to one year.
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Returning hair
may be different from the hair that was lost. Due to the absence
or alteration of pigment the hair may grow back white, gray or a
different color. Eventually, as the pigment cells return to
normal, the original color should return.
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It is common
for the new hair returning to be finer in texture initially, but
like color, the texture should return to its original thickness.
It is sometimes difficult to be patient, but as the body is
returning to normal and getting over the significant insult, time
is a necessary ingredient.
Hair
Care Tips for New Hair Growth
Shampoo hair
twice weekly with a mild shampoo such as those intended for dry or
damaged hair.
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The scalp
should also be thoroughly massaged to remove any scale.
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Follow shampoo
with a conditioner for fine or limp hair.
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Avoid high heat
from blow dryers to the hair and skin.
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Keep
hairstyling to a minimum due to the new hair being prone to
breakage. Brushing, combing, hair pins and curling should all be
minimized. Curling appliances should be avoided as the scalp is
very tender following chemotherapy.
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Hair styling
aids such as mousse, hair spray, hair spritz, styling gel and
sculpturing gel may be used in moderation. It is best to select
products with normal to light holding ability as the high hold
products may not be completely removed with mild shampoos. Hair
styling aids can build up on the hair shaft resulting in dullness
and possibly scalp disease.
CHEMICAL
CURLING OR PERMANENT WAVING
Chemical treatment of
the hair is best avoided until the hair is at least three inches
long. It is difficult to get nice curls if the hair is much shorter
even with a healthy head of hair. For best results use a mild body
wave with short processing time.
The hair should
be wrapped loosely on the largest size curling rod possible. Looser
curls will be less damaging to the recovering hair shaft, and will
thus minimize hair shaft breakage.
WARNING!
Many patients cannot tolerate the permanent wave solution on their
scalp for some times up to one year following chemotherapy. This
extreme sensitivity of the scalp is not unusual during the regrowth
period. In such cases permanents should not be attempted.
HAIR
COLORING
Hair coloring may also
be irritating to the sensitive scalp and should be avoided until the
scalp sensation returns to normal. Once the scalp is healed, the
hair may be colored.
PERMANENT
HAIR COLORINGS ARE THE MOST DAMAGING TO THE HAIR SHAFT
and should be minimized in favor of semi-permanent hair colorings
which are gradually washed away with four to six shampooings.
BLEACHING
to lighten the hair color should not be attempted at this time.
Additionally, the hair should be altered only 3 shades from its
regrowth color as more drastic color changes could increase hair
shaft breakage.
The period of
time following chemotherapy treatment is a time of healing and
rebuilding for the body. Hair growth will gradually return, and with
time most patients regain a healthy head of hair. Following some of
the enclosed hair care tips will insure that the regrown hair looks
and feels its very best!
CHILDREN
A word of caution to
parents with children undergoing chemotherapy. The absence of hair
can be used in a positive manner. It can signal to others “handle
with care.” While undergoing chemotherapy the child has a low blood
count and can be bruised easily.
The insistence of
parents, although well meaning, for a child to wear a wig or
prosthesis can signal the message “YOU’RE NOT O.K. THE WAY YOU
ARE!” A child should have all of the options but the choice
should be his or hers. Hugs and tender loving care along with your
physician’s suggestions for care are all that is necessary from the
parents.
Prepared for
the American Hair Loss Council by Zoe Draelos, M.D. and Mike
Mahoney,
AHLC Executive Director, and member
of
Transitions International Group.
Treatment Options Available for
Female Pattern Hair Loss
At the onset of hair
loss, (the very first hair fall), some patients choose to shave
the total scalp. Their reasons are the following:
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The elimination of
uncontrolled hair fall and embarrassing shedding.
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Some feel that total
baldness is more attractive than the spotty hair loss (especially
males). Many believe that after 25-50% hair loss, males or females
look healthier with no hair at all.
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Shaving facilitates
prosthetic hair security and comfort (i.e. vacuum bases, two way
tape and other adhesives for hair prostheses. What may seem
extreme to some, may not be for others.
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Attractive head
coverings are available from a variety of manufacturers as an
alternative to wigs.
HAIR PROSTHESES
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Insurance sometimes covers a wig or hair prosthesis.
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Assume you will lose all of your hair when you begin chemotherapy
treatment. By doing so, your advance planning will assist you
considerably.
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Your first wig or hair prosthesis should duplicate your hair as
closely as possible. (Be conservative in color, length, thickness
and style.)
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In
chemotherapy related hair loss avoid the following: weaves, hair
extensions, hair integration and hair intensifiers. You will
require a full prosthesis and not a partial hairpiece.
Male Pattern Hair Loss -
Female Pattern Hair Loss
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