When did you start losing your hair?

[abby1043]

Hello, I have had my first chemo treatment about a week and a half ago. I have VERY THICK hair. I have noticed today that my body hair has stopped growing and I am starting to lose a few strands of hair when I run my hands through it or brush it. I was just wondering what week your hair started coming out enough that you had to do something about it? Any responses would be helpful. Its really depressing that I am starting to notice this stuff.

[Perthgirl]

Hey there! My hair started falling out within 10 days of 1 st chemo, as soon as it began coming out in handfuls I had my head shaved to stop the pain in my scalp. Good luck with the remainder of your chemo , stay strong and stay safe🌹

[Iyana271]

Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after you start treatment.

Your hair loss will continue throughout your treatment and up to a few weeks afterward. Whether your hair thins or you become completely bald will depend on your treatment.

While you are on chemotherapy you can use some gentle hair strategies like:

- Use a soft brush and use a mild shampoo.

- Wash your hair only when it's necessary.

- If you have an itchy or irritated scalp then it will be best to shave your head

- Don't brush your hair when it is wet

- Protect your scalp from the sun

- Use gentle creams or lotions on your scalp

Hair loss is temporary and it can last till your treatment lasts. About four to six weeks after completing chemotherapy, hair begins to regrow. You can also consult with your doctor regarding your hair fall he can suggest some better options to deal with the hair fall properly.

Best of luck!

[Katmal-UK]

Hi, I too had very thick hair, not just in volume but each strand was thick. Mine started to come out within 2 weeks so I shaved it off. When it grew back it grew back in volume but not thickness of each strand. Having said that its incredibly soft and in great condition and my hairdresser often comments on the speed it grows. Be assured this is only temporary, you will have a lovely head of hair once yr through chemo. Take care xx Kathyxx

[SUE7777 in reply to Katmal-UK]

Thanks Kathy, you just made me feel better. I look like Worzel Gummidge at the moment. x

[Katmal-UK in reply to SUE7777]

Awww im sure you dont look like Worzel Gummidge tho. Like now, things will improve xx

[Numi]

Hi. My hair didn't start falling out until after my second chemo and even then wasn't drastic. I just had my hair cut shorter and shorter as it thinned. The salon I got my wig from recommended not to shave my head as it would irritate, so I didn't. The prickly feeling I got after the first chemo, was just a reaction to the chemo and didn't happen again. I didn't lose all my hair on my head, though I did everywhere else. I just ended up with very thin wispy pale hair. I'd had red hair, starting to grey and only the lightest strands stayed, so I didn't actually wear wigs very often. It started growing back by the time I had my last chemo - but jet black! I thought at first my scalp was dirty, until I realised the black speckles among my white were new hairs. My hair came back thick and glossy, but I've now got a dramatic almost blue/grey look which I rather like, though it's quite a contrast to my fair skin and freckles of the redhead days. Everyone reacts slightly differently, so do what is comfortable for you, and I wish you well with your treatment. x

[caf132]

Anyone lose hair on Gemzar/carbo? I was told probably not but I have lost over half my hair. It was really thick and now not so much. Not sure yet to shave and get out the wig.

XX Carol

[LittleSan in reply to caf132]

My already fine hair thinned to about 2/3 thickness. I didn't need a wig though, even for my daughters wedding which was a month after finishing gem/carbo. Xx

[Mumsie13]

I started off using a cold cap but had too stop as hair on crown got too thin and my scalp felt like it was burning. I had already had my long hair cut short but as the hair on my crown got thinner and thinner I looked as though I had a tonsure - a rather weird look. Even with cold cap my hair had started thinning a little by second treatment but then I was on carbo/taxol. By the end of six treatments my hair had also started going patchy so I decided to have it shaved as short as I could without going bald - didn't want an itchy scalp. Best decision I ever made. It was the very hot summer of 2018 and wig and scarves were very uncomfortable. It felt quite liberating and I quite liked the look. I too lost all other body hair including my eyebrows which, for me was worse than losing my head hair. Had to learn how to apply natural looking eyebrow make up pdq. The bottom line is everyone is different and react differently to chemo drugs. Decide what is best for you and then rock the look. 😎