Information Sheet Cancer Treatment & Hair Loss

Chemotherapy can cause hair loss which is also called alopecia. The hair loss is not permanent and your hair will start to grow back about 6 weeks after your chemotherapy has finished.

Hair loss usually begins with the hair on your head but hair over your entire body may also be lost. The amount of hair loss is different for everyone with some people experiencing thinning, while others may lose all of their body hair. Your hair loss is also dependent on the type of chemotherapy that you are receiving.

The hair loss may begin as early as the first few days of your chemotherapy treatment or may take up to a few weeks to occur. Some hair may begin to grow back during treatment, but full regrowth will not occur until after the treatment ends.

The colour and texture of your hair may be different from how it was before treatment.

If you have long hair, you may find it easier to have it cut short before you begin treatment.

 Use a gentle shampoo on your scalp, as harsh chemicals may cause your scalp to become dry and itchy.

 If your scalp is tender, use a soft hairbrush.

 If your scalp becomes flaky, you may like to use an anti-dandruff or other mild shampoo.

 A cotton pillowcase may prevent irritation when you are resting or sleeping.

 It is best not to use a hairdryer as heat can further damage brittle hair.

 If you lose your eyelashes, sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from dust particles.

 If you have lost underarm hair, try not to use deodorants; use unscented talcum powder instead

Information Sheet Cancer Treatment & Hair Loss

 Protect your scalp and skin from the sun and from the cold. Use a good sunscreen (SPF30+), as skin that has been suddenly exposed can be very sensitive. You might like to wear a wig, beanie, scarf, hat or other type of headwear to protect your scalp and keep your head warm.

 Speak to your nurse about wigs and where to obtain them. We also have a small supply of hats made by our volunteers that you may like to look at.

 The “Look Good, Feel Better” program may interest you (www.lgfb.org.au): ask your nurse.

We encourage you to speak with your healthcare team if you have any concerns about hair loss during your treatment.

We welcome feedback at: Bairnsdale Regional Health Service PO Box 474 Bairnsdale VIC 3875 P (03) 5150 3333 F (03) 5152 6784 E [email protected] www.brhs.com.au

The information in this brochure is intended as a guide to one of the services provided by BRHS and is correct at the time of publishing. Adapted from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre brochure. Issue date: October 2014 Our Ref: A40006

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service is located on the traditional land of the Gunai Kurnai people.