A common secondary effect of Chemotherapy is the sudden loss of hair (temporary, reversible, non scarring Alopecia) due to the alteration of the hair follicles.
Chemotherapy agents (cytostatic) cause an interruption of the mytotic activity during the anagen phase (anagen effluvium), causing alopecia, given that it is during this phase when 90% of hairs are formed.
This effect takes place between 7 and 10 days after starting a Chemotherapy treatment and becomes evident one month after the treatment started.
This mainly affects the scalp, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as underarms, arms, legs, eyebrows and eyelashes.
After the Chemotherapy treatment concludes, the hair recovery is complete and reversible, even though the hair may initially grow with different characteristics to the original hair (colour, texture, etc.)
Chemotherapy effects
1) On hair
2) On skin
3) On Eyebrows, eyelashes and nails
Radiotherapy effects
Chemotherapy effects on hair
Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment, this often lead to significant psychological distress.
One of the main concerns of people who start cancer treatment is the hair loss. During chemotherapy and due to the action of certain drugs, the hair follicle, responsible for hair shaft formation and growth, is shut down temporarily, so the hair falls out. Hair starts to regrowth after chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy acts directly on fast growing cells. Hair is a cellular structure formed by keratin which cells grow very fast. Because of the effect of chemotherapy, hair falls TEMPORARILY and proliferation is inhibited. In most cases, during de treatment, hair stops growing.
When does hair fall out?
Usually, and in our experience, it begins to fall between 17 and 20 days after first treatment cycle. Until then, it is normal not notice any significant change despite having already received the first treatment. After approximately 17 days, you can notice significant hair fall, but not massive enough to lose all of them in hours, as might think. During 2 or 3 days you will notice an increase in the hair loss accompanied by a different aspect in terms of volume and naturalness. When the process of falling has begun, washing is not recommended.
When does hair grow back?
When treatment ends, hair begins to grow approximately 40 days after the last cycle. Hair grows at a rate of 1cm per month approximately, so you still need use accessories, scarves and wig for 3-4 months.
What should I do in this new situation?
Many people recommend cutting hair before it starts to fall. Based on my 15 years of experience in these cases I have reached the following conclusions:
If you decide to wear a wig or hair prosthesis, choose first the haircut and do not make significant changes in your look before wearing it.
Choose if you want to keep your regular look. Request advice with a professional in order to copy the color and texture of your hair. Also, you can choose a new look. Discuss that with a professional and ask for advice.
Go to a specialized center to adjust it at the beginning of the hair falling process. They will cut your hair and perform the adaptation process. So they will show you the maintenance and care required.
Other essential elements are beanies and scarves, wich will be usefull for those moments when you prefer to give your wig a brake and using an item more comfortale. Also, they replace the wig if you decide to do without it.
Solutions
Wig or hair prostheses?
Lack of information on these products can lead to poor or inappropriate choice of this supplement that will help keep your image in the process. Choose one that makes you feel more comfortable or make you feel better.
We can divide wigs and hair prostheses into 2 groups. There are synthetic fiber and natural hair.
Synthetic fiber wigs
They are made with artificial hair, very similar to natural hair, also have the advantage of being able to wash them at home and do not require a qualified professional to shape the hairstyle.
Wash them with specific shampoo; do not apply heat with the hair dryer. After washing, let it air dry overnight. There are plenty of models and colors to find what best suits you. You must remove it to sleep. At that time it is advisable to use caps that are sleeping breathable fabric. Already the market offers such products.
Prosthesis or human hair wigs
They are made with natural hair and require frequent maintenance in specialized centers or hair salons. Although you can use to sleep, it is recommended remove them. Your scalp should transpire at least 6 hours a day.
Scarves and specific Beanies
The scarves and specific beanies for alopecia are designed in a special way. Tissues are carefully selected to be breathable. Its shape is specifically designed for easy placement. There are different kinds depending on the time of day or activity to do with them.