Chemo & Hair Loss 

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Losing Your Hair: What to Expect

In my experience, hair loss will vary from person to person. Once treatments begin, some people notice their hair gradually thinning out. Others find that their hair falls out in clumps when they brush it, or just throughout the day in the bathtub or on a pillow. 

Some individuals will experience baldness only on the head, while others will lose facial hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and other body hair. Most chemo patients lose their hair approximately 2-4 weeks after starting treatments. Just before hair loss begins, some people feel an "itching," or "tickling" on the scalp. Chemo causes your hair follicles to become inflamed so those with very sensitive scalps may experience "scalp pain." In fact, it's the inflammation of your hair follicles that causes the hair to fall out. Shaving your head can relieve these sensations if they are bothersome. They will also go away as soon as your hair falls out naturally.

Regaining Control: To Shave or Not to Shave

Some of our cancer patients feel more in control by cutting their hair very short to gradually ease into hair loss. You may even want to shave your hair off altogether. For many, it lessens the trauma of your hair falling out over a period of days and makes it easier to manage. It’s a personal decision and there is no right or wrong.

If you do retain a small amount of hair during treatments, a shorter hairstyle will make any remaining hair look thicker and fuller so you may want to visit your stylist. If you decide to shave your head, doctors usually suggest using an electric shaver instead of a razor to avoid infections or cutting yourself.

Whether you decide to purchase head coverings or go bald, having a sleeping cap for your head in the evenings or out and about for warmth is a must. When my mom went through treatments, this was the item she wished for the most, but was unable to find. Sun protection is also essential so be sure to have at least one sun hat on hand when venturing outdoors. 

Remember, the hair loss process is as unique as you are, so go with what feels right for you. You get to decide.

Advice From Other Cancer Patients

We sought advice from those who know best - our customers who have experienced hair loss during chemo first hand. Here are a few words they've shared for you:

• "SHAVE IT OFF!!! Felt like I had control over something! Go shopping for head covers! Be bold and beautiful. My hair grew back and I STILL wear my head covers. I love them!" -Monica E.
• "It was my badge of honor that smooth, perfectly round head. I never want to go through that again but rocked it when there was no other choice," - Judy C.
• "Take control and shave it yourself." -Jessica R.
•  "Shaved it off so I didn't have to deal with the trauma of "shedding". My daughter did the shaving and it was a shared sacred time that I treasure. I wore wigs and scarves and continue to wear a wig for some years. Most people don't know I'm wearing a wig unless I tell them. No shame in it. I never really liked my real hair anyway." -Jo H.
• "I started loosing my hair right away & it was so painful. We watched a few videos on shaving hair and off we went. It felt so good once it was all gone. It didn’t hurt anymore. Everyone said I looked so good. I was so excited to find Headcovers.com website and order some beautiful items to keep my head warm especially during chemo & immunotherapy. I still wear some off the hats I purchased with gift cards. The website was invaluable with tips and helpful blogs. -Jennifer S.
• "I had long hair and the best advice I received was to cut it short before chemo so that when it started falling out, it would not be so much hair… it was still a hard day when I had to shave my head but much less traumatic." -Julie N.
• "Shave it off. It was so stressful for it to come out in clumps. I felt so much better after shaving it. Super cold though so get some head coverings. I needed soft 100% cotton." - Becca L.
• "Shave it all off now, save the mess. It will grow back." -Mary H
• "I decided to shave it because I wanted to have control over something! It was definitely very emotional but I felt like I needed that control to help keep me going!" -Emily M.
• "Have it taken right off three years ago I was diagnosed with stage three triple negative breast cancer. My hair was gone in two weeks, blonde and slightly long. My daughter owns a salon she came to my home and shaved my head, we all cried but it’s part of cancer. You have to be a strong fighter and bless you will through the journey." -Donna M.
• "I’ve been there. I shaved it off and it was MUCH LESS STRESSFUL than “watching” it fall out and having a reminder every single day. You’ve got a lot to deal with , so go ahead and get rid of one more thing to stress over." -Melissa L.
• "Been there! Shave it off, enjoy the freedom! You are still beautiful!! "-Rose S.
• "My husband was shocked when I ran my hands over my head without any pain after he shaved it. We figured out it must have been the hair follicles. Nobody mentioned “head/hair pain”; it just sounded weird to begin with.
  My hair came back so curly almost like I had a perm. Grateful!" - Jennifer S.
• "Rock the bald! Unless your head gets cold, and then the slouchy hats are amazing. One neutral color, one fancy one. Oh, and if the skin on your head starts hurting, use non-menthol shaving cream with aloe, with your doctor’s permission, of course. Always only with your doctor’s permission." - Angie G.
• "During chemo, I shaved off the rest of my hair so I didn’t feel like a mangy dog.I wore a comfortable pair of earrings daily. I kept lipstick by my chair, in my purse etc. and always wore it. I experimented with going without any head covering. That look didn’t suit me. I found a good wig. I have alopecia now.
  I wear a chemo/sleeping cap whenever I’m not wearing a wig and at night when I sleep to keep my head warm. It’s been ten years and it’s just a part of me now. Good luck!" -Sheila G.
• "I was told I will start losing my hair 2-3 weeks after the first chemo ( I did TC4), I shaved it 2 weeks after the first chemo and I am happy I did! I bought a cute wig, but honestly used it just a few times. I bought several head covers that looked really good on me and mostly used them. I decided that I am NOT going to worry about my hair as it will grow back. I put all my focus on the chemo itself, not getting neuropathy and trying to stay positive and optimistic. I made a point to have a mini vacation week 3 after each chemo when I felt almost normal, so I had something to look forward to each time. I asked my husband to plan a week long vacation after my 4th chemo, so I could recover there. We went to Oregon and I started really weak and by the end I was found 3 miles walks around lakes there. This was amazing. My hair grew back very fast. Eyebrows did not grew back, but I made ombré brows and they look amazing. Almost forgot. Put big statement earrings with your headband and just rock it!" -Orit C.
• "My husband and I both had our heads shaved, (God bless my sweet husband…he was healthy and had / has gorgeous hair..) "-Karen W.
• "By my 2nd round, my hair was starting to hurt...shaving it was the best thing for me...then shopping at Headcovers!" -Mary F.
• “I recommend you cut it very very short or even clipper cut it when it starts to fall out. I got tired of having to unplug the shower drain and I even tried all those different strainer/covers for the drain.” ~Louise J.
• "When my hair started to fall out the follicles hurt. My hair dresser shaved my hair when it started to fall out. She shaves her cancer patients hair after hours as it is a personal event. I always either had a hat, wig, or beanie on my head. Nobody saw me without hair. I had two wigs, two hats from Headcovers Unlimited, & some stocking hats that I always wore. It is interesting how your hair will grow back." -Jill E.
• "I planned a shave off day with my family and we all shaved our hair off together and I bought some nice caps and embraced the new me. It was a little liberating and loved not having to style my hair each day. You will be OK go for it!!! "-Sug H.
• "I had very long hair so I cut my hair in stages . First from below my back to a bob 2 weeks before chemo to prepare and get used to change . Then at day 12 after infusion one when I saw a bit of shedding I had it cut to a 2 inch boy cut . Then when it really stated falling I would run my head under the sink spout to push it off to not see it fall on the floor . It seemed easier emotionally that way. I also wore a night cap...at night to catch hair...I didn’t have to see it fall … do whatever works for each of you we are all different...I...was advised not to shave it fully but get more of a 1-2 inch buzz cut to avoid scalp issues. Scalp care is important...I used emu oil." -Kizzy P.
• "Shave it the first time you see a clump come out. Hanging on at that point is more heartbreak. Get a wig early so you are ready. Better to have a wig and not need it than the alternative. Besides, shopping for something to make you feel more beautiful is a nice feeling. Remember it will grow back and a bald head is a sign of your strength." - Gina B.
• "I found losing my hair was the most painful part of having cancer and I couldn’t wait to shave it off and be free of that pain. I still wear some of my head covers too." -Wanda J.
• "Look Good Feel Better is an awesome organization who gives online sessions that deals with hair loss. Very inspiring and informative. Look them up." -Carol G.
• "The least bad thing that happened to me during treatment for invasive ductile carcinoma estrogen-receptor positive was losing my hair. It doesn't hurt when it falls out, it grows back, and in between I wore cute hats given to me by my sisters-in-law. Don't sweat it." -Phyllis F.

Keep reading for even more advice from our experts.

Caring for Your Scalp

If you do lose your hair, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

From cancer survivor, Alicia T.: "Best advice I received was, cut short, but do not shave to avoid developing folic ulcerations/rash. Then keep a lint roller handy and lint roll your head several times a day to remove the stubble as it dies off. Thirdly, invest in a jar of cream to keep your scalp moistened."

In addition to wearing sunscreen, some hats feature SPF built right into the fabric to help protect your scalp from the sun's harmful rays. This can provide an extra layer of protection, while also keeping the sun out of the eyes and off of the face.

Headwear Options

Many women find that they prefer to wear headwear instead of wigs. There are many options to meet each individual's unique personality.

A few tips from other patients on chemo hats:

• "It’s a big hurdle but know you are not alone and yes, the slouchy beanie hats are amazing! It’s quite liberating…." Candie C.
• "SHAVE IT OFF!!! Felt like I had control over something! Go shopping for head covers! Be bold and beautiful. My hair grew back and I STILL wear my head covers. I love them!" Mona C.
• "I chose to shave it off as soon as it started to fall out... on my own terms. It was still emotional, but at least it wasn't falling out in clumps everwhere and blocking my drain. Nobody told me my follicles would hurt so much when my hair fell out. I wasn't expecting that part... It felt like a bruise.
  Go for bold headscarves, earrings and lipstick to express yourself and try to have fun with it. I paid a fortune for a wig and only wore it once. Good luck on your journey." Dianne M.
• "Shaved it, bought some pretty headscarves and some nice earrings and rocked it! Keep positive, rest lots and heal like the warrior you are!!!" Cherie-Lyne P.
• "Shave it off..cute wigs and scarfs are the way to go" -Ginny P.
• "Shave it off and then find the most comfortable head covering if you don’t want to go out bald." -Kathy J."

See our Cancer Hats Buying Guide for more detailed information about selecting a cancer hat, including an explanation of fabric types, what to look for in a cancer hat, accessory ideas, and care instructions.

Wearing Wigs

Many cancer patients come to us looking for a human hair wig. Although we carry real hair wigs, we suggest a synthetic wig for your first purchase. They are more affordable and easier to take care of. If you choose a high quality wig, no one will be able to tell that it's not your real hair. Human hair wigs are beautiful but when you don’t feel well, they can take more effort.

Here are a few words of advice from other chemo patients:

• ""Let it go. Cancer has control of so much of your life right now but you can be in charge of your hair. Cut it all off and get at least one flattering wig. A wig will give you a psychological pause in your cancer journey. It will empower you." -Loreen S.
• Shave it off, buy a cute wig or two. I've been through this twice. It really didn't bother me that much because I loved my wigs. Ended up with about six!!"
• "Be ready when the first bit falls!! I had my "Harriet" ordered as well as a couple of cute caps (from Headcovers, of course!) ready and waiting. I had always hated my hair and couldn't style at all so I saw it as a start of a new, fun, easier season! Now, I know that is not the story of most but wanted to throw it out there so those thinking that way could be encouraged and not feel weird. I am on my second "Harriet" with a spare in the closet if something happens. My cancer was gone by 11/20 and still happily shave every 2 weeks. Love my Harriet and love my hats for the rest of my days."  -Julie H.
• "It felt very liberating to me not to have to spend time on my hair." - Tammie C.
• "Shave. Keep it shaved. Wear wig with pride!!!". -Ron R.
• "I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Less than 2 weeks after my 1st treatment my hair starting falling out. Before I started treatment I had it cut short. The day it starting falling out my niece, who is a hair dresser, shaved it for me, we both cried. I had 2 wigs fitted and styled but wigs weren't for me. I only wore head covers. There are some beautiful styles and colors to get. It took me sometime to be comfortable enough to go out in public, but once I did and realized my hair was the least of my worries, I was good. Do whatever you feel comfortable for you. Shaving was easier for me. God Bless" -Lorraine E.
• "Learn to love hats/beanies. I did, and I kind of miss wearing them every day now that my hair has grown back." -Vicky M.

Finding a Wig

Some women experiment with a wig that looks completely different from their own hair. I’ve seen ladies select something fun like a  pink wig for breast cancer or a teal wig for ovarian cancer. It’s a personal decision but the practical side of me suggests that you pick something that is close to your own hair. Select a wig that is the best version of your own hairstyle first, leaving friends and family raving about your new haircut. Once you have your basic “safe” wig, I suggest exploring from there. But remember - you are in control.

There are hundreds of wigs to choose from and each comes in 20-30 colors so feel confident that there is a wig that looks just like “you.” If your hair hasn’t fallen out yet, I recommend saving a hair swatch so that your hair can be perfectly matched to your wig color. If your hair is already gone, a picture can be used to determine the right hue.

Our cosmetologist offers a free color matching service. You can learn more about this service and cutting a hair swatch in our wig color guide.

Facial and Body Hair Loss

 Please see our Eyebrow Guide and our Eyelash Guide for more detailed information about selecting the best options for you.

Coping with Your Emotions

Post Treatment

Do you have any advice to share? Please take a moment to ask any questions and leave us your feedback below.

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