Cancer and Hair Loss Part II

Cancer and Hair Loss (Part II)

by Felicia Wills 

After chemotherapy, hair does grow back, often within a few weeks of completing treatment.

How, When, & Why Hair Loss Occurs

No matter how prepared and well informed, facing chemo hair loss can be difficult and embarrassing - adding to a very difficult life challenge. Marisa Weiss M.D., President and Founder, Breast Radiation Oncologist, Philadelphia, PA shares; “There are studies that show that for many women, losing their hair is worse than losing a breast.  That's because you can conceal the loss of a breast, but hair loss is so obvious and apparent.”

Hair loss occurs during the use of radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal treatments used to treat cancer. 

Hormonal treatments usually cause thinning. 

Radiation sometimes causes permanent hair loss, but only the hair that is in the area of radiation will be affected.

With chemotherapy treatments, hair loss occurs because chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells—healthy cells as well as cancer cells.

Normal hair follicles divide every 23 to 72 hours, but as the chemo works against cancer cells, it also destroys hair cells. Within seven to twenty one days of starting chemo, hair loss may start to occur.  The extent of hair loss depends on which drugs or other treatments are used, and for how long. Also, the timing and dosage amounts of treatments will determine whether hair loss will be gradual or dramatic.

The various classes of chemotherapy drugs all produce different reactions. Some chemotherapy drugs affect only the scalp hair. Others cause the loss of all body hair. While some of the newer, more targeted chemotherapy drugs will not affect hair, the majority do cause hair loss.

Unfortunately, nothing can prevent it. It's an unfortunate side effect of chemotherapy that just about everyone undergoing chemo goes through. Hair may gradually thin before completely lost, or may be lost all at once. 

To prepare emotionally for the change, most patients have their hair cut or shaved before they start chemotherapy. Until their hair grows back, some people choose to wear a wig or hairpiece, which insurance usually covers. Women sometimes wear scarves and others prefer the natural look, as an expression of their battle with cancer. Thankfully, hair loss is temporary. After chemotherapy, hair does grow back, often within a few weeks of completing treatment.

It is also advised to seek emotional support by talking to others who have experienced hair loss, or to professionals with experience with the matter.  

• Connect with a friend or another patient who is empathetic and call this person when feeling down or uncertain.
• Join a support group for mutual support, to receive helpful guidance, and to share valuable tips with others.
• See a Counselor or Oncology Social Worker who can assist in finding resources to help with difficult decision-making.

Growing Hair Back After Treatment

For hair growth after chemo, stimulation of the hair follicles, accelerating blood flow and nutrients is essential to hair growth and restoring healthy hair. Hair care products formulated to restore natural hair re-growth can help combat the effects of chemo and restore natural, healthy hair.

Follicle Stimulators - Follicle Stimulators are topical applications rich in Trichogen and scalp nutrients, which are clinically proven ingredients to promote faster hair growth and invigorate new hair re-growth. Trichogen stimulates blood flow, aids in blocking DHT, and has been shown to work in over 88% of tested subjects.

DHT Blockers - Though not a direct hair stimulant, DHT blockers are formulated to block DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which often is a function of hormonal changes - common in chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. DHT blockers use natural ingredients that help to block the 5 alpha reductase enzyme that must be present for DHT to form. Because the hair has been mal-nourished and needs a boost of nutrients, it is important to note that both blocking the enzyme and adding extreme amounts of vitamins and aminos to your diet is essential. Scalp stimulation is also important to re-establish blood supply.

Hair Vitamins - Chemo generally strips vital nutrients. Vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and amino acid compounds help promote healthy hair growth. Amino acids build protein chains in the hair shaft. As your hair grows up and out of the scalp it is reproducing rapidly and making these protein chains. By giving your body more of the amino acids, hair grows faster and healthier. B Group vitamins get your hair growing faster and minerals form the bonds in the hair. Until hair grows back, keep the scalp moisturized to help skin feel more comfortable and itch less.

As hair begins to grow back after chemotherapy, it will initially have a different texture. New hair might feel finer and have a thin texture. Curly hair can grow back straight or straight hair may be curlier than before, and dark hair can grow back lighter, even gray. This is because the pigment cells have yet to revert back to normal. These changes are usually not permanent and within six months to twelve months, the hair will have returned to its normal texture, thickness and color.  To ensure proper care of fragile, newly grown tresses, gently follow the guidelines outlined below.

Shampoo

Wash hair gently. The American Hair Loss Council (AHLC) advises restricting shampooing to twice a week. Use a shampoo formulated for damaged or dry hair, followed up with a conditioner formulated for thin or fine hair. Massage scalp gently to loosen up dead skin cells.

Remove Excess Water

Avoid towel drying! According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), vigorous rubbing can damage healthy hair, as the hair is more vulnerable when it's wet. Wrap the hair in a towel and allow it absorb the water.

Dry Hair

Allow hair to air dry. The heat from a blow dryer can damage new hair growth as well as healthy hair, says the AHLC. The AAD advises limiting use of blow dyers and other heated styling tools in general. Only introduce the blow dryer again after hair has regained its strength and waiting until hair is barely damp to use it.

 

Avoid Chemicals

Avoid chemical processing for the first six months, advises MayoClinic.com. This includes use of hair dye, bleach, permanent waves and straightening treatments. The AAD again points out that these harsh treatments are damaging to healthy hair as well, causing strands to become dry and brittle. If you eventually choose to chemically process your new hair, use these treatments on a limited basis.

 

Limit Styling Tools

Keep styling to a minimum. The AHLC points out that the scalp will be tender after chemotherapy. Avoid using heated styling tools such as curling irons and flat irons. Use a wide tooth comb. Limit brushing and combing, and the use of hair pins and curlers. Styling products with a light hold may be used in moderation, says the AHLC. Moderation is stressed as shampooing is less frequent, therefore, buildup can occur on the hair and scalp.

by Felicia Wills