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After treatment and remission

Skin and hair

Chemotherapy causes hair loss and dry skin. This topic explains how hair and skin recover after treatment and how to care for them.

Last updated: ~2 min read
Fine golden hair strands rising from smooth skin.
Figure 1.Hair grows back over several months.

01Short answer

Chemotherapy affects fast-dividing cells, including hair follicles and skin cells. That is why hair falls out, skin becomes dry and sensitive, and nails may change. Hair usually starts to grow back 2–3 weeks after chemotherapy ends and recovers over several months; new hair may have a different texture or colour. After head radiation or some transplant regimens, hair loss is sometimes permanent. Skin care: gentle cleansers, moisturiser and sun protection. After a transplant, a rash or dry skin can be a sign of graft-versus-host disease. New skin changes should be shown to your doctor.

02Simple explanation

Chemotherapy affects hair and skin cells.

Hair usually returns over several months.

New hair may be different.

For skin — gentle washing, moisturising, sun protection.

Show new changes to your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

Hair regrowth: according to the NCI, hair usually starts growing 2–3 weeks after treatment and recovers noticeably in about 3–6 months.

Texture change: the AAD notes that new hair may for a while be curlier, finer or a different colour; this usually settles with time.

Permanent alopecia: after head radiation and some high-dose regimens, hair loss can be partly permanent.

Skin cancer: the COG guidelines recommend regular skin checks and sun protection for people who had radiation or a transplant.

04What happens in the body?

When will my hair come back?

Usually fine hair appears a few weeks after treatment. Over several months it thickens. Eyelashes and eyebrows also recover.

New hair may be different

Many people find new hair curlier, finer or a different colour. This often settles within a year or two.

Skin recovery

Skin cells renew, but dryness and sensitivity can last for months. Gentle, fragrance-free products and a moisturiser help.

A clear cross-section of softly glowing skin layers.
Figure 2.Skin cells renew — Skin and hair

Sun protection

Some medicines and radiation make skin sensitive to the sun. Use a hat, long sleeves and a high-protection sunscreen.

A dome of light shielding skin from sun rays.
Figure 3.Protect sensitive skin from the sun.

Hair care

In the first months, a mild shampoo, a wide-tooth comb, and avoiding hot hairdryers and harsh dyes are advised. Ask your doctor before colouring or perming.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Skin and hair recovering

Care steps.

Washing — Mild products, lukewarm water.1WashingMild products, lukewarm water.
Moisturise — Cream once or twice a day.2MoisturiseCream once or twice a day.
Sun protection — Hat, clothing, sunscreen.3Sun protectionHat, clothing, sunscreen.
Hair — Soft comb, avoid harsh dyes.4HairSoft comb, avoid harsh dyes.
HairReturns gradually.
SkinRenews and is protected.
ProtectionLower skin cancer risk.

06Changes and care (simplified)

ChangeGeneral careWhen to see a doctor
Hair lossGentle care, patienceIf not regrowing after 6 months
Dry skinMoisturiserCracks, infection
Sun sensitivityHat, sunscreenBurn, rash
Nail changesKeep short and cleanRedness, pus
Rash (after transplant)—Straight away

* After a transplant, skin changes need special attention.

07Key terms

Alopecia
Hair loss.
Hair follicle
The small pocket a hair grows from.
Moisturiser
A cream that protects skin from dryness.
SPF
Sun protection factor.
Skin GVHD
The skin form of graft-versus-host disease.
Melanoma
A type of skin cancer.

08Key points

  • Hair usually returns over months.
  • New hair may be different.
  • Wash gently and moisturise.
  • Protect from the sun.
  • Check your skin regularly.
  • Show new changes to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Is there something to make hair grow faster?

There is no proven universal remedy; discuss any product with your doctor.

Can I dye my hair?

It is usually advised to wait until skin and hair recover — a few months.

Can I wear a wig or headscarf?

Yes, as long as it is comfortable and clean.

My hair has not regrown after 6 months. What should I do?

Tell your doctor; hormones, thyroid and iron may be checked.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your 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. Is there something to make hair grow faster?

  2. Can I dye my hair?

  3. Can I wear a wig or headscarf?

  4. My hair has not regrown after 6 months. What should I do?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Skin and Nail Changes during Cancer Treatment
  3. American Cancer Society. Skin Cancer Prevention: Protect your skin from UV rays
  4. Children's Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  7. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  8. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  9. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
  10. American Cancer Society. Second Cancers in Adults
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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