What happens with hair loss caused by chemotherapy

Hello, this is Mayumi from BAREN.

I'm sure that both those who are about to start chemotherapy and those whose loved ones are going through such a phase are feeling a great deal of anxiety right now.

When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, I searched the internet but there was so much information available that I panicked and didn't know where to start.

When I look back on that time, I think,

"Knowing the truth and being prepared is the best way to alleviate anxiety."

What about hair loss caused by chemotherapy and how can you prepare for it?

I hope that what I have experienced and researched will help ease your concerns even a little.

[Table of Contents] Hair loss caused by anti-cancer drugs

1. Why hair loss occurs
2. Hair removal schedule
3. Points to consider when choosing a care hat or wig
4. Hair loss other than hair
5. Effects of hair loss

1. Why does hair loss occur?

When anti-cancer drug treatment is started, hair loss and other hair loss may occur as a side effect.

Anticancer drugs are thought to easily affect hair matrix cells (cells that form hair), which are actively dividing, damaging the hair roots and causing hair loss.

If you try to forcefully pull out the hair yourself when hair loss begins, you may damage the hair roots and delay the recovery of your natural hair. You may be shocked by the unfamiliar appearance of your hair, but it is important to understand the correct way to deal with it in order to speed up the recovery as much as possible.

Also, when hair loss begins, you may experience symptoms such as a pulling pain or itchiness on the scalp, but these are generally temporary. If the symptoms do not improve or if you are actually experiencing scalp problems, please consult a doctor or nurse.

In my case, about two days before my hair started falling out, when I curled my hair the wrong way I felt a tingling pain as if my scalp was being pulled, but once my hair started to fall out the pain went away without me noticing.

2. Hair removal schedule

Hair loss will begin approximately 2 to 3 weeks after chemotherapy is administered.

The amount and location of hair loss will vary depending on the type of chemotherapy and individual differences, but hair will begin to grow back approximately 3 to 6 months after treatment ends.

The timing and speed of hair growth varies from person to person, but hair will grow at a rate of about 1cm per month and will return to its very short length in about 6 months to 1 year.

However, when the hair regrows, the quality and thickness of the hair may change, and some hair may turn gray, but it is said that once the hair grows back, it will return to a quality similar to that before treatment.

In my case, my hair was straight before it fell out, but when it grew back it was downy like a chick's hair, then slightly coarse and curly.
Also (this seems like a rare case), my sideburns were getting really thick, and I was afraid that if I shaved them, they would get even thicker. I shaved them, and they never grew back. I wish I had shaved them sooner.

The period for wearing a medical wig or care cap is from the start of hair loss until your natural hair has recovered.

As mentioned above, hair grows at a rate of about 1 cm per month, so wigs and care caps will often be needed for about one to one and a half years.

3. Points to consider when choosing a care hat or wig

Have a hat or wig ready for hair removal before the process begins.
Since you will be relying on it for a long time, we have summarized some points to help you choose something that is as comfortable as possible.
* After hair removal, the head circumference will be reduced by about 2 to 4 cm.

• Breathable
• When you don't have hair, you tend to get sweaty and stuffy, so choose a material that is breathable.
• Lightweight and does not constrict the head
• Since you will be using it for a long time, make sure that the weight and specifications are not too heavy.
• Size adjustable or no size adjustment required
• Your head size will change as you lose and grow hair. Choose a brace that can be adjusted or does not require adjustment to avoid it being too loose and slipping off, or too tight.
• Easy to clean
• Since it is something you use every day and that comes into contact with your skin, it is best to choose something that is easy to care for.
• A design that can be used in any situation
• Hats with brims may be considered rude in the workplace or at a restaurant, so choose hats that are appropriate for the occasion.
• price
• Fully custom-made and semi-custom-made wigs can be quite expensive, so try to find one in a price range that won't be too much of a burden.

Furthermore, hair loss is one of the side effects of anti-cancer drugs that many people experience psychological distress from.

Try to find some items that will lift your spirits and help ease those feelings even a little.

4. Hair loss other than hair

When we think of hair loss, we generally think of only hair, but depending on the type of chemotherapy, it can affect all body hair, including eyelashes, eyebrows, beards, and pubic hair.

Hair loss usually occurs about a month later than hair loss.

Also, the hair does not fall out all at once, but rather thins out gradually, so there is no need to rush to prepare, but taking a photo before the hair removal can be helpful for applying makeup afterwards.

5. Effects of hair loss

It's not just a matter of appearance; hair removal can have a variety of effects on your body. Be sure to learn about this beforehand and prepare accordingly.

Hair loss not only has a physical impact, but also a psychological impact.

Please try to find ways to stay positive, such as confiding your feelings to someone close to you, sharing your feelings with people who have the same concerns, and getting information in advance and making the right preparations.

After losing my hair, I decided to try something like a scarf hat from BAREN. By trying out styles you've never tried before, we hope that your awareness of fashion will change and that you will be able to live your daily life more stylishly and enjoyably than ever before.

I hope that this will not only help you regain what you have lost, but also serve as an opportunity to discover something new about yourself.