Hair Growth After Chemotherapy – How Long Does it Take?

Getting through cancer, chemotherapy and the hair loss that the whole process often entails can be difficult. It is understandably extremely emotional for many patients to lose their hair. Many people are pleased however, with the quality and variety of wigs and scarves that are available for their choosing. Nevertheless, every patient wants their hair to begin to regenerate. This article explores the question that is on the mind of nearly every cancer patient: How long does it take for hair growth after chemotherapy? The following information presents the timeline and process for hair growth after chemotherapy.

Hair Loss

Hair is lost during chemotherapy as a response to the chemotherapy drugs. The drugs attack the cancer cells but unfortunately, they also cause an attack against the hair follicle cells as well. About three weeks into the chemotherapy is when the hair loss is likely to begin. At this point, it is difficult to predict if the hair will suddenly and quickly fall out in clumps or if it will be a gradual shedding of hair over time. In any case, the hair is likely to fall out until some time after the chemotherapy has ended.

How to Handle Hair Loss

It is quite understandable that hair loss causes people a great deal of emotional anguish. In fact, it has been noted that the hair loss is the most upsetting side effect for many cancer patients. Yet, when a person is prepared beforehand there is a great deal that they can do about it. For one thing, an individual may get ready by purchasing hats, turbans and bandanas. Wide headbands are also useful. In addition, it is also possible to begin trying on wigs and choosing a wig type and style. Just remember that this is merely a phase that, although difficult, will probably not last forever as the hair is likely to regrow.

Process of Hair Regrowth

Many people want to ask their most important question: When will my hair grow back? The answer to this common question is that hair should begin regrowing in about ten months. This will be a very important and happy time for the individual who has come through cancer treatment. Throughout this time and until the hair is fully grown back in, the wigs and other head coverings may continue to be used.

The above is an explanation of hair growth after chemotherapy hair loss. Explained is the process of damage that chemotherapy does to the hair follicle, the notion that hair loss is normally only a temporary situation and how simple it is to get helpful hair products and accessories during this temporary but difficult time. It is also a fact that the hair loss will likely be very concealable and also that the hair will probably regrow. Hair growth after chemotherapy is quite possible for cancer patients. Hair will be soon regenerate in a healthy way again with good care and patience as the necessary time for healing reaches its fullness.

Want to learn more about chemotherapy hair loss and cancer wig selection? Brimming with positivity and practical advice, Barry Hendrickson’s “Looking Like You” book provides his most up-to-date wig design innovations and tips on accessorizing and looking your best during chemotherapy treatment.