How to Regrow Hair After Chemo

Hair loss is one of the telltale symptoms of chemotherapy. And while it’s certainly not something any woman wants to go through, the good news is that it’s only temporary. Most people begin to see their hair grow back around 3 to 6 months after chemotherapy – though you may notice that your hair is initially a different texture or shade than usual.

That said, for some women, hair grows back much slower than usual. Is there a way to regrow your hair faster? Or better treat your hair so you’re back to normal as quickly as possible?

Strategies for Regrowing Hair

These are some of the best ways to stimulate hair regrowth as quickly as possible when your chemotherapy treatment ends:

•       Low-level laser therapy (LLLT). LLLT is a relatively new type of hair growth therapy that utilizes small, light-emitting devices to stimulate the hair follicles on your head. Wearing a hat or a similar device, you can expose your head to these lasers (which are safe and barely noticeable to the user). After using LLLT for 30 minutes per day, you should start to notice regrowth in as little as 3 months.
•       Biotin. Some people have also found value in using biotin, also called vitamin H. This vitamin is important in the maintenance of both hair and skin, and deficiencies in the vitamin could end up resulting in thinner hair (or even hair loss). That said, clinical evidence supporting biotin as a hair regrowth supplement is somewhat limited; some people anecdotally claim the supplement helped them, and it appears to be safe, so it may be worth a try.
•       Minoxidil. You’ve likely heard of Rogaine, a branded, FDA-approved treatment for hair loss. But the generic name for this drug is Minoxidil. For the most part, Minoxidil is used to treat male-pattern baldness, but it’s also been included in studies related to hair loss in women – and even hair loss related to chemotherapy. This drug doesn’t have the power to stop your hair loss during chemotherapy, nor can it regrow your hair instantly, but it could help stimulate hair regrowth once your chemo is over.
•       Time. Unfortunately, even our best tools, prescriptions, and strategies for regrowing hair are somewhat limited. Since most women do eventually regrow their hair after chemo is over, the most reliable strategy is to give it time. You probably won’t regrow your hair in the first month or two – but if you’re patient, it should eventually return to its former glory.

Additional Management Strategies

There are some additional management strategies you’ll need to employ if you want to maximize your chances of growing a full head of hair – and remain confident and content in the meantime.

•       Feel free to wear a wig. Losing your hair can make you feel unconfident or less feminine, but some women are afraid to wear wigs for fear that they could interfere with their hair regrowth process or accelerate hair loss in other ways. However, this isn’t the case. Wearing a wig will not interfere with your ability to regrow hair, so if you find a wig that suits you, show it off!
•       Use scarves, hats, or turbans. Other accessories can similarly make your lost hair less noticeable – and make you feel more confident in the process. There are many different styles and materials to choose from, so it’s the perfect time to experiment with your fashion sense.
•       Be gentle with your new hair when it comes in. Your new hair may be thinner and more fragile than your typical hair, so be gentle with it. Avoid using dyes or other harsh chemical products, and don’t expose it to too much heat (like heat from a curling iron). Minimize your interference as much as possible.
•       Don’t be afraid to seek emotional support. Losing your hair can be an emotionally devastating experience, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Ask your friends and family members for support, and if you’re having difficulty coping with your emotions even then, talk to a therapist.
•       Seek out a specialist. If you’re struggling to regrow your hair, or if you’re concerned that your hair isn’t growing out in a “normal” or expected way, reach out to a specialist. An onco-dermatologist will be able to evaluate your hair and scalp, identify any potential underlying issues, and provide a prescription or treatment strategy for you moving forward.

Cancer sucks. Chemotherapy is difficult. And dealing with lost hair for months after your chemotherapy is over just adds insult to injury. Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to grow your hair back immediately, but if you’re patient and willing to invest in a handful of additional management strategies, you should be able to grow back a full head of hair after just a few months.