Some types of chemotherapy can lead to hair loss. Hair usually starts to regrow 4 to 6 weeks after finishing treatment but may differ from before in texture and color. After 12 months, hair may be long enough to brush and style.
Many people lose some or all of their hair if they undergo chemotherapy. However, this effect is rarely permanent, and the hair should grow back once treatment is over.
This article contains personal stories from Anj Oto and Ngozi Onwuchekwa, two individuals who have experienced hair growth after chemo.
Discover how long it takes for the hair to grow back and what to expect when it does.
Chemotherapy can affect not only cancerous cells but also healthy cells, including those in the hair follicles that support hair growth.
Damage to these cells can cause hair on the head, eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair elsewhere on the body to fall out during treatment.
When hair loss occurs, it usually starts within
After the last treatment, it takes time for chemotherapy drugs to leave the body altogether and stop attacking healthy dividing cells. Therefore, the hair does not start to grow back immediately.
Most people undergoing chemotherapy will begin seeing some thin, fuzzy hair a few weeks after their last treatment. Real hair may start to grow properly within 4 to 6 weeks.
Some people who undergo chemotherapy may experience longer term hair loss, some
Learn more about why chemotherapy causes hair loss.
Knowing about hair growth can help a person better understand hair regrowth after chemotherapy.
All hair goes through periods of rest, during which it does not grow. Hair can also fall out when it reaches a certain length or during routine tasks like brushing or styling. Due to this, the scalp always sheds some hair.
The following timeline indicates what most people can expect to happen after chemotherapy:
- 3 to 4 weeks: Light, fuzzy hair forms.
- 4 to 6 weeks: Thicker hair begins growing.
- 2 to 3 months: An inch of hair may have grown.
- 3 to 6 months: Some 2 to 3 inches of hair may have grown, covering bald patches. People who previously had very short hair may be able to return to their original style.
- 12 months: The hair may have grown 4 to 6 inches and be long enough to brush or style.
Ngozi’s story: My hair growth timeline
“Due to a rare and aggressive cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma, I lost all of my long, thick, afro hair. I spent the better part of 2 years bald because of the potent cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs I received during treatment.
Following chemotherapy, my hair started to grow back slowly and steadily. The first signs of new hair became noticeable after several weeks in remission, and I experienced significant regrowth within 3 to 6 months.
After 2 years in cancer remission, my hair has returned to 80 to 90% of its original state. It’s still not as thick or strong as it once was, but growing back nicely. Seeing it gradually regain its natural texture and vigor has been rewarding. I’m looking forward to the day it feels entirely like it used to, but I’m in no rush; for now, I’m embracing every little victory.”
It can take several years for hair to return to its previous style, particularly for people who once had very long hair.
A
- On average, hair started growing back 3.3 months after stopping treatment.
- Hair started regrowing before treatment ended in about 13% of people.
- In less than 0.5% of cases, the hair had not started to grow back 6 months after the end of treatment.
The
It works by cooling the scalp to reduce the likelihood of alopecia in people undergoing cancer treatment.
Anj’s story: My hair growth timeline
“About a month after my last chemo, I started noticing peach fuzz. Witnessing the start of my regrowth gave me hope and signified to me that my body was starting to recover from treatment. After 2 months, my hair had regrown to nearly cover my whole scalp. By 3 months, it was fully grown in and about half an inch long. I estimate that my hair has grown about a quarter-inch each month.”
After chemotherapy, hair initially regrows as thin fuzz. It may stick straight up or be difficult to style. Very fine hair may also not be visible from a distance.
Some hair follicles may enter the active growth period before others. When this happens, the length of hairs can vary, which may make the hair look patchy overall. It will likely also be more difficult to style.
Over time, the hair should settle into a more regular growth pattern. However, its texture might be different than before the treatment.
Some people talk about “chemo curls,” which occur when the hair grows back curlier, more brittle, or less manageable than before. In some cases, the hair may also grow back a different color.
The
- About 58% of respondents said their hair grew back thinner, while 32% said theirs did not change.
- In 63% of respondents, the hair grew wavier or curlier, while 25% said their hair texture did not change.
- Hair color did not change in 53% of respondents, while 38% said their hair grew back more white or gray.
Doctors still do not fully understand why hair texture sometimes changes after chemotherapy. It could be that the treatment damages hair follicles or affects the genes that control hair growth.
Ngozi’s story: My hair texture after chemo
“It’s important for people to know that new growth might look and feel different from what they had before chemotherapy. In my case, my hair, which used to be thick with tight coils (4C hair type), grew back thinner, slightly lighter, and much weaker than before, having lost some of its original fullness.
Adapting to a new hair texture and style after chemotherapy isn’t just a physical change; it’s deeply emotional because it’s another aspect of your appearance that requires resilience and self-compassion. While some people may be ecstatic to see their hair slowly regrow, others, like me, may feel overwhelmed by the changes. Dealing with the return of hair that looks and feels different can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing, styling, or treating it.”
People can take certain steps to keep their hair healthy as it regrows:
Limit brushing and styling
To avoid additional hair loss during the regrowth period, people
- brushing or pulling the hair excessively
- styling their hair with heating devices, such as flat irons or blow-dryers
- using dyes and perms for the first few months
Wearing a hat and applying sunscreen regularly can protect the scalp from UV rays while the hair is growing back.
Ngozi’s story: Styling my hair after chemo
“I had persistent scalp pain, tenderness, and sensitivity for months as my hair gradually grew back, making any contact or combing uncomfortable. The discomfort would vary from mild to more pronounced at any time.
During this period, I discovered that gentle hair care products, light head massages, and avoiding any tight hairstyles (like cornrows and braids) helped alleviate some of the pain. While dealing with these sensations was difficult, knowing they were a normal part of the hair regrowth process after chemo was reassuring. Over time, as my hair continued to grow, my scalp’s sensitivity gradually lessened, and I began to feel more like myself again and was able to experiment with different hairstyles.”
Try hair regrowth treatment
Some drugs encourage hair regrowth after chemotherapy, but the results vary. Most hair regrowth drugs aim to treat hair loss from causes other than chemotherapy.
Doctors may, for example, recommend Rogaine for people who have had tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer. However, it can be messy and expensive. Pharmacies usually offer other forms of minoxidil that are cheaper.
A person should discuss the risks and benefits of hair regrowth treatments with their doctor before using them.
Anj’s story: Hair regrowth treatment after chemo
“Nobody warned me that eyelashes and eyebrow hair can fall out long after finishing chemo. Months after my last treatment, mine started to thin and went through several months of regrowth and fallout. Organic castor oil was helpful in regrowing my lashes and brows. I also used a scalp massager while showering to help stimulate the hair follicles.”
Disclaimer: Castor oil’s benefits are mostly anecdotal, and more research is necessary to determine its effectiveness in promoting hair growth. Those wishing to use castor oil should be aware that although it is generally safe, there have been reports of it causing allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, swelling, and itching. If these occur, a person should seek immediate medical attention.
What helps hair growth after chemo?
They are exploring other therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma, Spironolactone, and photobiomodulation. However, more studies need to be conducted to confirm their effectiveness in helping hair growth.
How long does hair take to grow after chemo?
After chemotherapy, it may take up to a year for a person’s hair to grow 4 to 6 inches and be long enough to brush or style.
Does hair grow back differently after chemo?
Hair often grows back differently after chemotherapy. This
Anj’s story: Navigating the emotional journey of hair growth after chemo
“The hardest part about regrowth after chemo is going through the awkward stages. In some ways, being bald was easier as I didn’t have to worry about styling and navigating new hairstyles. I received and continue to receive many comments like “It’s just hair,” “It’ll grow back,” or “You look great like that!”
It’s okay if losing your hair is a big deal to you. It’s okay to hate how you look or wish that you could go back to the “you” that you were pre-cancer. You can be both grateful that your hair is growing and frustrated that it isn’t growing fast enough.”
Losing hair while receiving chemotherapy can be upsetting, but the loss is usually only temporary.
Finding a suitable wig or hairpiece can help as an individual waits for their hair to regrow. Turbans and other types of headgear are also available, and they may be cooler and more comfortable to wear.
Hair regrowth after chemotherapy can be a positive sign of a person’s improving health.