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Shampoo and hair: gentle care for weakened hair

During chemotherapy hair can thin, dry out or fall out, and the scalp becomes sensitive. The right care protects the skin and adds comfort.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A soft-bristled hairbrush and other hair-care items
Figure 1.A soft brush for weakened hair

01Short answer

Use a mild, fragrance-free shampoo (such as baby shampoo) and lukewarm water. Do not wash hair too often; every 2–3 days is usually enough, but keep washing the scalp during hair loss. Massage gently with your fingertips and do not scratch with your nails. Pat dry rather than rubbing with a towel; if you need a dryer, use the cool or low setting. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft brush. During treatment avoid dye, perms, straightening, tight braids and ponytails. Wash, moisturise and protect a bald scalp from the sun (“Headwear: protection and comfort”). Tell your team about sores, rash or itching on the scalp.

02Simple explanation

Mild shampoo, lukewarm water.

Pat dry.

Dye and perms: no.

Protect a bald scalp.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during hair loss, a mild shampoo, a soft brush and protection from heat are recommended.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Scalp

A scalp without hair still needs washing and moisturising.

Dye

Chemical hair products can burn sensitive skin.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
ScalpA scalp without hair still needs washing and moisturising.
DyeChemical hair products can burn sensitive skin.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Baby shampoo
A mild shampoo that is gentle on the eyes.
Seborrhoea
Flaking of the scalp.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Gentle.
  • Pat dry.
  • Protect.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

When can I dye my hair?

After treatment ends and your hair is stronger; ask.

Is dry shampoo all right?

Occasionally, if your scalp is not irritated.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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. When can I dye my hair?

  2. Is dry shampoo all right?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Feelings and Cancer
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  8. NHS. Blood transfusion
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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