Hair Loss - Alopecia

Alopecia, or hair loss, occurs with certain chemotherapy drugs. It is a temporary side effect ranging from thinning to complete baldness.

Hair loss may begin 10 to 21 days after starting medication. Depending on chemotherapy type, it is completed within one or two months. Body hair may also fall out. Rarely, this affects eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache and hair on the face, arms, legs, armpits or groin. However, loss generally starts on the scalp. Hair may begin regrowing during chemotherapy, but slowly. Many patients are distressed by hair loss, which is the hardest part of chemotherapy for them. However, hair regrows and lengthens 2-3 months after chemotherapy ends. New hair may look different: thick hair may become fine, dark hair lighter, and curly hair straight. Those tired of their previous hair may find this pleasing.

How Can We Cope with Alopecia?

First, talk with your doctor for information.

Ask whether scalp cooling to prevent or reduce hair loss is suitable for you. It uses a special device with a connected cooling cap. During chemotherapy, the cap is placed on your head to protect the scalp from chemotherapy's effects. Success rates are around %80. Click for more information about this device, called Dignicap, and the procedure.

If planning to wear a wig, choose one matching your hair's color and style before hair loss and have a hairdresser shape it as desired. Make sure it is comfortable and does not harm your scalp.

Cutting hair short or shaving it can give a sense of control over hair loss and make coping easier. If shaving, remember to use an electric shaver.

Avoid shampoos with heavy chemical content. Dry hair gently with stroking movements rather than rubbing.

You may wish to protect your scalp and skin. Cover your head with a scarf or hat and use sun-protection products. Remember that your skin is sensitive during this period, so protection against external factors benefits you.

A satin pillow creates less friction than cotton and can make you more comfortable.

Remember that hair loss is a temporary chemotherapy side effect.
Hair loss can alter feelings about yourself. If these feelings prevent important activities, or you feel sad, angry or anxious, talk with a close friend or relative who lost hair during chemotherapy, or your treating doctor. Sharing feelings will bring relief.

Which Chemotherapy Agents Cause Hair Loss?

Agents with a high likelihood:

• Cyclophosphamide
• Epirubicin
• Paclitaxel
• Daunorubicin
• Etoposide
• Doxorubicin
• Ifosfamide

Agents with a moderate likelihood:

• Actinomycin-D
• Idarubicin
• Mitoxantrone
• Vincristine
• Cisplatin
• Methotrexate
• Nitrogen mustard
• Venorelbine
• 5-fluorouracil
• Mitomycin
• Vinblastine

Agents with a low likelihood:

• Bleomycin
• Carmustine
• Dacarbazine
• Melphalan
• 6-thioguanine
• Busulfan
• Chlorambucil
• L-asparaginase
• 6-mercaptopurine
• Thiotepa
• Carboplatin
• Cytarabine
• Lomustine
• Procarbazine

Consult Your Doctor

Consult your doctor if a problem affects daily life. Never follow hearsay advice on your own without your doctor's knowledge. Your doctor will perform necessary tests and make any additions and/or changes considered necessary.