Hair loss due to anticancer drugs often begins 1 to 3 weeks after the start of administration, and many people say that it starts falling out 2 to 3 weeks later.
After treatment, it is said that soft, downy hair usually starts to grow around 2 to 3 months, and short hair often grows in completely around 3 to 6 months.
Preparing hats and wigs before hair loss begins can help you approach treatment with less anxiety.
When does hair loss due to anticancer drugs begin?
It is often said to start 1 to 3 weeks after the start of administration.
When chemotherapy begins, hair loss is a common side effect. The time from administration to hair loss varies from person to person, but it is generally said to start falling out 1 to 3 weeks later (National Cancer Center Japan Cancer Information Service). The extent and timing of hair loss vary depending on the type, dosage, and number of administrations of the anticancer drug used.
Hair loss is thought to occur because anticancer drugs affect the highly active hair matrix cells (cells that are the source of hair). Hair and body hair are susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy because hair matrix cells actively divide and grow.
Some people experience a tingling pain or itchiness on their scalp, as if it is being pulled, just before hair loss begins. This is often said to be a temporary symptom, but if the symptoms persist or are severe, please consult your doctor or nurse.
Mayumi, the founder of BAREN, experienced this tingling pain on her scalp when she ran her fingers against the grain of her hair about two days before her hair started falling out during her cervical cancer treatment. Once her hair started falling out, she no longer noticed the pain.
What is the course of hair loss?
Many people experience a significant amount of hair loss over several days to 1-2 weeks.
Once hair loss begins, many people experience a significant amount of hair falling out over several days to 1-2 weeks. Rather than thinning little by little, many people feel that it progresses rapidly in a short period.
The amount and extent of hair loss vary depending on the drug used; in some cases, only partial hair loss occurs, while in others, almost all hair on the head falls out. Also, hair loss is not limited to the hair on the head. Eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair on the arms and legs may also fall out depending on the type of anticancer drug.
Hair loss other than head hair is often said to begin about a month later than head hair. Since thinning occurs gradually rather than all at once, there is no need to rush preparations. However, taking photos before hair loss can be helpful later as a reference for eyebrow and eye makeup.
It is natural to feel overwhelmed by hair loss. If you try to pull out your hair forcibly when it starts to fall out, you may damage the hair follicles and delay recovery, so it is recommended to wait for it to fall out naturally.
When does hair recover?
Often, short hair grows in completely about 3-6 months after the end of treatment.
After chemotherapy, hair matrix cells gradually recover, and soft, downy hair often starts to grow around 2 to 3 months after treatment, and short hair often grows in completely around 3 to 6 months. The timing and speed of recovery vary from person to person.
Once hair growth begins, it is thought to grow at a rate of approximately 1 cm per month. It takes about 6 months to 1 year to return to a very short length.
Therefore, many people are said to wear hats or wigs for about 1 to 1.5 years.
Regrown hair may have a different texture than before treatment.
It is said that people with straight hair may develop curly hair, the color may change slightly, or gray hairs may appear. However, many people's hair texture returns to being similar to what it was before treatment over time.
In Mayumi's case, her hair was straight before it fell out, but when it grew back, it started as downy hair like a chick, and then became somewhat coarse and curly.
While changes in hair texture vary from person to person, the experience of many people whose hair settles down over time can be a reference point.
When should I prepare a hat or wig?
It is safest to prepare before treatment begins, before hair loss occurs.
It is best to prepare hats and wigs before hair loss begins. There are three main reasons for this.
- If you start looking after hair loss begins, it may be difficult to choose with peace of mind.
- Your preferred design or color may not be in stock.
- You have time to try them on before treatment and check for comfort.
Especially just before treatment begins, there are many other things to do, such as examinations and preparing for hospitalization, making it a difficult time to spend on choosing a hat. Preparing during the period between receiving the diagnosis and starting treatment can reduce one source of anxiety during treatment. For general preparation before treatment, please also refer to BAREN's existing column "What you can prepare before starting chemotherapy."
It is important to choose hats and wigs that can accommodate the amount of hair loss and changes in head circumference. Since head circumference is said to shrink by 2-4 cm after hair loss, items that are adjustable in size or that are stretchy and do not require size adjustment are recommended.
Wig-attached medical caps combine the comfort of a cap with the natural look of a wig, and are characterized by their ease of size adjustment and the ability to use the cap and wig separately.
Detailed features are explained in "What is a medical cap with a wig? A clear explanation of the difference from medical caps and wigs."
What points should I check before treatment?
Keeping these three things in mind—head circumference, material, and size adjustment features—will make it easier to choose.
When choosing a hat or wig before treatment, keep the following three points in mind.
1. Head circumference size
Accurately measure your head circumference before hair loss. Since head circumference can shrink by about 2-4 cm after hair loss, it is safest to choose a design with ample room or one that has an adjustment function. How to measure head circumference is explained in detail in "How to measure head circumference and approximate hat size."
2. Material
Since the scalp is sensitive during this period, soft materials such as organic cotton are suitable. If you can try it on, it's best to feel it directly on your head.
3. Size adjustment feature
Your head size will change with hair loss and regrowth. Choosing items that can be adjusted with ribbons or Velcro, or that are stretchy and do not require size adjustment, will make them easier to use for over a year.
Specific details on how to choose based on these three points will be explained in "How to choose a medical cap: Points to consider for size, material, and design" (coming soon).
If you are unsure whether a hat or wig is right for you, please also refer to "Which is better: a medical cap or a wig? A third option: a wig-attached medical cap" (coming soon).
FAQ
When does hair loss from chemotherapy start?
It often starts 1 to 3 weeks after the start of administration, and many people say that it begins to fall out 2 to 3 weeks later. The timing varies depending on the type and dosage of the anticancer drug used, and individual differences.
When does hair loss recover after treatment ends?
After treatment, it is generally said that soft, downy hair starts to grow around 2 to 3 months, and short hair often grows in completely around 3 to 6 months. The hair growth speed is approximately 1 cm per month, and it often takes about 6 months to 1 year to reach a very short length.
When should I prepare a hat or wig?
It is safest to prepare before hair loss begins, preferably before treatment starts. Preparing during the period between receiving the diagnosis and starting treatment allows for ample time to try on and compare options.
How long do I use a hat or wig for?
Many people use them for about 1 to 1.5 years, from the start of hair loss until their natural hair has recovered to some extent. This varies depending on the end of treatment and the speed of hair growth.
Does head size change before and after hair loss?
It is said that head circumference can shrink by about 2-4 cm after hair loss. Choosing hats that are adjustable in size or that are stretchy and do not require size adjustment makes them easier to continue using as hair loss and regrowth progress.
Summary
Hair loss due to anticancer drugs typically begins 1 to 3 weeks after administration, and after treatment ends, downy hair often starts to grow around 2 to 3 months, with short hair growing in completely around 3 to 6 months. Preparing hats and wigs before hair loss begins, or ideally before treatment starts, can help alleviate anxiety during treatment.
BAREN's wig-attached medical caps are designed to be easily adjustable to size during the period from hair loss to recovery, and the cap and wig can be used separately.
As part of your pre-treatment preparations, please consider trying them on at a fitting event.
▶For fitting event information, click here (currently suspended: reopening will be announced on BAREN's official Instagram)
Related Articles
- What happens with hair loss due to anticancer drugs
- What you can prepare before starting chemotherapy
- How to measure head circumference and approximate hat size
- What is a wig-attached medical cap? A clear explanation of the difference from medical caps and wigs (coming soon)
- Which is better: a medical cap or a wig? A third option: a wig-attached medical cap (coming soon)
- How to choose a medical cap: Points to consider for size, material, and design (coming soon)
