Hair loss

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause hair to be lost from the head and other parts of the body. Hair loss due to cancer treatment is usually temporary, but it's a significant event nevertheless.

The hair that we see on our heads and bodies is actually dead cells linked by a hardening protein called keratin.

Hair cells are constantly developing, dividing and dying at the root of each hair (just below the skin's surface). New cells forming in the root push older, dead cells towards the skin's surface, where they're joined and become hardened by keratin.

Unless hair cells are damaged (for example, by radiotherapy or chemotherapy), this cycle of cell development, division and death continues, the hair strand lengthening as keratinised cells are pushed from the root. 

When deciding about whether to have treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy you'll need to weigh up the benefits and risks. The treatment may cure or control your cancer but may also cause side effects, including hair loss. Losing your hair is not an insignificant occurrence, whatever age you are and whether you're a man or a woman. Ask your doctor to explain the benefits and risks for you.

Chemotherapy and hair loss

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. These drugs can also damage some normal cells, especially those which rapidly divide, such as hair cells.

Not all chemotherapy drugs affect the hair. Ask your doctor if the drugs you're taking are likely to cause hair loss. The amount of hair loss depends on the drug or combination of drugs taken, the dose and your own reaction.

Chemotherapy doesn't cause permanent hair loss. If you have a type of chemotherapy that causes hair loss, the effect will last while you're on the treatment. Hair will begin to grow again after you finish the treatment. (If you were bald before you began the treatment, your hair won't start to grow again).

Hair loss may be so slight that it's hardly noticeable. However with some types of chemotherapy, people lose most or all of their hair for the duration of the treatment. Hair loss may not only be from the scalp but also from the eyebrows, eyelashes, moustache, beard, armpits, chest and pubic areas.

Chemotherapy causes the hair to break off at or near the scalp. You'll notice hair loss when you brush, comb or wash it. When you wake up in the morning you may notice hair on your pillow and sheets.

Hair loss may occur at any time during chemotherapy but usually begins in the first few weeks.

Radiotherapy and hair loss

Radiotherapy is the use of radiation to kill or injure cancer cells so that they can't multiply. Normal cells in the path of the radiation beam, including hair cells, can also be damaged.

Hair will only fall out in the area of the body treated. For example, if you have radiotherapy to your head, you'll probably lose some hair from your scalp. If the area being treated includes an armpit or your chest, then you could lose hair from these areas.  

Thanks to Cancer Council South Australia for permission to use this material.