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Psychology, family and everyday life

Hair loss: preparing and caring

Some chemotherapy medicines affect the cells of hair roots and cause hair loss on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes and body. Not every medicine does this. This section explains how to prepare and how to care for hair and scalp.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The same woman before and after cutting her long hair short
Figure 1.Some people cut their hair short in advance

01Short answer

Ask your team whether hair loss is expected with your treatment, and when. It usually starts after 2–3 weeks. Some people cut their hair short beforehand. Care: mild shampoo, a soft brush, no hot dryer or dye, and a satin pillowcase. Protect your scalp from sun and cold with a hat or scarf. You can choose a wig. If shaving is needed, use an electric razor. Hair usually grows back 3–6 months after treatment, sometimes in a different colour or texture.

02Simple explanation

Not every medicine causes hair loss.

Gentle care.

Protect your scalp.

Hair usually grows back.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: chemotherapy affects fast-dividing hair-root cells; hair loss is usually temporary.

NCI: most people facing cancer feel anxiety, sadness or anger; support and treatment improve quality of life.

04What happens in the body?

Eyelashes

Without eyelashes the eyes are less protected from dust; glasses help.

Children

Explain it to a child in advance in simple words.

Psycho-oncology

The field of medicine focused on the emotional needs of people with cancer.

Small steps

Breathing, movement, sleep and talking, a little each day.

05Support: four steps

Feel it, name it, share it, get help.

Feel — Allow your feelings.1FeelAllow your feelings.
Name — Say what you feel.2NameSay what you feel.
Share — Talk to someone close.3ShareTalk to someone close.
Get help — Reach out to a specialist.4Get helpReach out to a specialist.
AttentionListen to yourself.
ConnectionYou are not alone.
SupportA specialist is there.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
EyelashesWithout eyelashes the eyes are less protected from dust; glasses help.
ChildrenExplain it to a child in advance in simple words.
Psycho-oncologyThe field of medicine focused on the emotional needs of people with cancer.
Small stepsBreathing, movement, sleep and talking, a little each day.

07Key terms

Alopecia
Hair loss.
Hair follicle
The root of a hair.
Psychologist
A specialist in emotional support.
Distress
Emotional strain linked to illness.

08Key points

  • Ask your team.
  • Gentle care.
  • A hat.
  • Feelings are normal.
  • Ask for support.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I shave my head?

It is your choice; if you do, use an electric razor.

Does a cooling cap help?

It is usually not recommended in leukemia; ask your doctor.

Does seeing a psychologist mean I am "crazy"?

No. It is looking after yourself in a hard situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I shave my head?

  2. Does a cooling cap help?

  3. Does seeing a psychologist mean I am "crazy"?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Feelings and Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. Adjusting to Cancer
  4. National Cancer Institute. Support for Caregivers
  5. World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response
  6. NHS (UK). Breathing exercises for stress
  7. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2023. Management of Anxiety and Depression in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update
  8. ESMO Open, 2023. Anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline
  9. Psycho-Oncology, 2019. Mindfulness-based interventions for psychological and physical health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  10. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2013. Fear of cancer recurrence in adult cancer survivors: a systematic review of quantitative studies
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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