Treatments for hair regrowth after chemotherapy

Cancer is indeed a deadly medical condition. This occurs when normal healthy cells of the body turn cancerous and disrupt the normal functioning of the body. Thankfully, there are several advanced and sophisticated treatments available nowadays. One of them, chemotherapy, is still popular among cancer victims.

It involves injecting powerful chemical drugs into the body in order to destroy the fast-growing cancer cells. But one of the most debilitating effects of chemotherapy or ‘chemo’ is hair fall. This is due to the fact that chemotherapy while attacking cancer cells also destroys normal healthy cells.

But there are treatments available for hair regrowth after chemo is over. During chemotherapy, one can wear wigs and toupees to cover their baldness. But one cannot help but wonder, “Is hair regrowth possible?”

What helps Hair Regrowth after Chemo?

Before we understand how chemo affects hair fall, we must understand how hair growth and fall is intrinsically linked to chemicals used in chemotherapy. As noted earlier, chemotherapy is associated with hair fall, because the powerful toxins that have the ability to destroy the cancer cells can also destroy the normal, healthy, dividing cells of the body.

Hair starts falling off within one to two weeks of chemo cancer treatment. Within a few weeks, other body hair also falls off. The baldness remains for the entire course of the treatment. Hair will not come up even after the treatment. However, after two to three weeks small, curly hair will start growing. It might take a year for the full head of hair to reappear.

There are various hair regrowth solutions after chemo. Here is a list of what helps in hair regrowth after chemo:

Limit brushing and styling: The hair that grows after chemo sessions is weak and fragile. The hair, therefore, cannot withstand vigorous brushing and use of styling products. Brushing destroys the fragile hair follicles, which might take a long time to grow back. Therefore, it is important that we avoid such brushing of hair. Similarly, styling products and devices, like straighteners and curlers, should be avoided too.

Head gears/other products: Unless you are fully regaining your hair, it is important that you protect the hair follicles that you have. FDA recommends the use of cold laser therapy during chemotherapy sessions. Apart from that after chemo sessions are over, you can always opt for surgical and non-surgical procedures to speed up your hair regrowth as per needs. Consult a hair expert to advise you on the product and come up with a solution.

Why does Hair Grow back different after Chemo?

After chemotherapy, hair grows back as thin fuzz. The hair follicles are fragile and weak, and may not be visible from a distance. Overtime, your hair is likely to settle into a pattern. However, hair texture may be different.

According to a study:

• Around 58% said that hair grew thinner
• Around 63% respondents said that their hair grew curlier and waiver

However, doctors are not fully aware as to why hair texture sometimes changes after therapy. It can be that the treatment damages the hair follicles or the genes that control hair. The harm caused by the chemo and radiation, which destroy the healthy cells of the body, is another factor responsible for the hair texture change.

Does Hair Grow back GREY after Chemo?

It is possible for cancer cells to fundamentally change the cell composition of the body. Therefore, the length and the color of hair follicles are sometimes affected by the harsh chemicals that are used during the chemo sessions.

However, the good news is that it might not last long. This is due to the fact that the hair might fall off and new hair follicles might start to sprout in its place. It might take a whole year to get back the original locks you lost.

How do I deal with Hair Loss after Chemo?

There are a couple of things that can be done in order to deal with hair loss after chemo. Here are some hair regrowth tips:

Acceptance: Acceptance is the first step towards reconciliation. Accepting that you are more than your looks is the key towards dealing with the after effects of hair loss due to chemo. You must also realize that you will soon get back your hair once your chemo sessions are over.

Good nutrition: A balanced diet and good nutrition are the key components of healthy hair and nails. One needs to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables that carry a lot of antioxidants that have the ability to reduce the amount of free radicals in your body. Also because of the fact that your chemo sessions will make you weak, it is advised that you eat an adequate amount of protein to regain muscular strength. A balanced diet is the best hair regrowth medicine.

Hair care: Once hair starts coming back after chemo, you need to be extremely careful. Hair care includes washing your hair regularly and massaging your scalp with growth-inducing hair oils. During the hair loss due to chemo, you should always follow your doctor’s advice. Your doctor might advise you not to wash or oil your scalp during the chemo sessions as it might negatively affect the efficacy of the chemicals that are used during the chemo sessions.

Treatment for Hair Regrowth after Chemo

Cancer patients require specialized care to revive their hair. Our hair experts at Advanced Hair Studio will examine your hair loss and suggest a personalized treatment to suit your particular needs. We offer various revolutionary treatments to get your hair back to its former glory!

Conclusion

In this blog, we looked at how to deal with hair regrowth after chemo. Hair regrowth is a serious issue for many patients undergoing chemo sessions. As we have seen that chemo can lead to drastic hair fall. This hair fall is mainly due to the toxic chemicals that are used during the chemo sessions.

Once chemo stops, hair follicles are supposed to grow on their own. However, if this does not happen generically, then one may opt for various treatments. Also to strengthen the fresh hair growth there are possible therapies that can be undertaken. Make sure you ask for them.

Advanced Hair Studio is one of the most prominent hair care clinics in the world that offers a range of hair care treatments, both surgical and non-surgical in nature. We deal with a lot of cancer patients regularly and our hair fall treatments have helped a many people struggling with cancer-induced hair fall.