About Hair Loss & Solution

What is hair loss?

In a normal scalp there are about 100,000 hairs. These are constantly growing with old hairs falling out and being replaced by new ones. When an excessive amount of hair falls out over time, it is called alopecia.
It is normal to be upset and distressed about hair loss. But it can help to know why it happens and also to know that your hair will grow back again. In the meantime there are ways to lessen the problem for you.

What causes hair loss?

Some cancer treatments can cause hair loss. These include chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Treatment can damage the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out and preventing new hairs from growing. This hair loss is usually temporary and once the course of treatment is over, your hair will grow again within a short space of time. Your doctor and nurse will tell you if you are likely to have hair loss due to treatment.

What types of treatment cause hair loss?

1. Chemotherapy: The amount of hair lost will usually depend on the type of drug or drugs used, the dose given, and your individual reaction to the drug. There are many kinds of drugs used in chemotherapy. Some of these will cause total hair loss, while others cause some hair loss. This can vary from a little thinning of your hair to greater hair loss. Other drugs cause hardly any hair loss at all. Even if it does not cause actual hair loss, chemotherapy can still damage your hair and make it brittle.

2. Radiotherapy: Hair loss due to radiotherapy depends on which area of your body is being treated. Radiotherapy to the head often causes scalp hair loss. Depending on the dose of radiation to your head, your hair may have changed in colour and texture when it grows back. Some hormone therapies or biological therapies can cause hair thinning. Usually this is quite mild and may not even be noticeable.

Can hair loss be prevented?

In general you cannot prevent hair loss entirely. But for some patients having certain types of chemotherapy, it may be possible to reduce or delay hair loss by using a ‘cold cap’. This is also known as scalp cooling. The treatment reduces blood fl owing to your scalp for a short period so less of the drug reaches your scalp. While it can reduce the risk of hair loss, it does not always prevent it. The cold cap only blocks the action of certain drugs as well. It is also not suitable for all patients and not all hospitals offer this kind of treatment. Ask your doctor or nurse if it would be useful for you.

How soon will my hair fall out?

If hair loss does occur, it usually happens within a few weeks of the start of treatment. It can help to have your hair cut short before treatment or soon after it begins. The weight of long hair can pull on your scalp and may make your hair fall out faster. You may experience tingling or sensitivity of your scalp just before your hair starts to fall out. This is normal and may last a few days. Hair loss when it happens is usually gradual. It can fall out in clumps when shampooing or brushing. Sometimes you may fi nd clumps of hair on your pillow or on your hairbrush. At this time, you might prefer to shave off your hair entirely. Most hairpiece suppliers provide this service. Underarm, body and pubic hair may be lost as well. Some drugs also cause loss of your eyelashes and eyebrows.

How should I care for my hair during treatment?

Your scalp may feel very sensitive to washing, combing or brushing during the short time when your hair is actually falling out.
■ Brush or comb your hair gently – use a soft or baby brush.
■ Use gentle hair products.
■ Use a gentle unperfumed moisturiser on your scalp if it becomes dry or itchy. Natural oils such as almond oil or olive oil are suitable.
■ Avoid using a hair straightener, curling tongs or heated rollers.
■ Pat your hair gently after washing it. If using a hairdryer, keep it on low to moderate heat only.
■ Do not perm or straighten your hair during chemotherapy.
■ It is best not to colour your hair during treatment but ask your hairdresser for more advice.

When will my hair grow back?

Usually hair grows back within a few weeks of fi nishing treatment. In some cases, it can start to regrow even before treatment has fi nished. After about 5 or 6 months, you should have a full covering of hair on your head. When it does grow back, it can often be a different texture, style or colour. You may notice it is thicker and darker in colour. At fi rst, fi ne downy hair appears on your scalp and then stronger hair develops. It grows at about half an inch each month.

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