Hair Loss Chemotherapy

Dear SaffaJH

Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. I’m Isobel one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line.

I can see that you have joined our breast cancer forum I hope you are finding this welcoming and supportive.

There can be so much to get used to when starting treatment for cancer, and it is not uncommon for hair loss to be very challenging to deal with, there is no right or wrong way to feel. I am glad you have been able to get in touch at this stage to help prepare for this.

With most drugs that cause hair loss you can expect to feel some scalp changes at around 2 -3 weeks after the first round of chemotherapy. People often describe a tingling sensation prior to the hair actually coming out, this is a sign the hair follicle has been weakened. Hair loss generally follows on from this. To begin with you may notice more hair on your pillow in the morning or when you wash and brush it. This can be distressing even if you are prepared for this.

The Cancer Hair Care website may be useful to help understand more about what is happening and includes sections about how to care for your scalp during the period of hair loss.

My new hair is another resource that you may find has more information on hair loss. The link will take you to their booklet. I hope these options are supportive and informative at this time.

Please know that you can contact our helpline and speak to one of our cancer information nurses if you need to discuss this in more detail. Sometimes a 2-way conversation can be very beneficial. The number is 0808 808 0000 we are here 7 days a week 8am -8pm.

With best wishes

Isobel Young

Ref:IY/JF