What To Do
About Hair Loss (Alopecia)
|
To order free copies of this fact sheet, please call
1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER).
Talk with someone.
Losing your hair may be hard for you. Talk about your feelings with friends and family. Or think about joining a cancer support group. Talking can help you cope with hair loss and other changes during treatment.
Read what worked for others:
Before your hair falls out, think about how you will prepare for it. Here is what others have done:
Pat: "I took good care of my hair and just let it fall out by itself."
| |
Candace: "I cut my hair before it fell out."
| |
Greg: "I shaved my head and got a new cap."
| |
Jackie: "I got a nice scarf."
|
People lose hair only in the area where they get radiation. It starts to fall out 2 to 3 weeks after your first radiation therapy session. If you are getting radiation to the head, you may lose the hair on your head. |
What should I do after my hair falls out?
Protect your scalp. Wear a hat or scarf when you are in cold places. Cover your head to protect it from the sun. Ask your doctor or nurse what lotions to use.
Will my hair grow back?
Your hair may grow back 3 to 6 months after treatment is over. In some cases, if you received a very high dose of radiation, your hair may not grow back. Talk with your doctor or nurse to learn what you can expect.
Other resources:
American Cancer Society
Toll-free: | 1-800-227-2345 (1-800-ACS-2345) | |
Online: | www.cancer.org |
Look Good…Feel Better
Toll-free: | 1-800-395-5665 (1-800-395-LOOK) | |
Online: | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org |