How to Deal With Hair Loss From Chemotherapy

Practical tips for dealing with hair loss

Hair loss from chemotherapy or radiation therapy isn't just upsetting; it can be a nuisance and uncomfortable to boot. Here are some suggestions to keep the person you're caring for as calm and comfortable as possible while dealing with this annoying side effect.

Take special care of the scalp

Chemotherapy agents damage the hair follicles and wreak havoc on the balance of oils in the skin underneath the hair as well. "During chemo, the scalp gets really dry and flaky, which can lead to itching," says Terry Anders, a registered nurse and clinical educator at the Mark H. Zangmeister Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio. "I've found that rubbing the scalp every day with a perfume-free lotion such as Eucerin helps soothe, moisturize, and prevent itching." Anders also recommends continuing to wash the scalp with gentle shampoo, even if there's no hair present, to condition it and help prevent itching. "Some patients wash their scalp with regular body soap, but that can be very irritating."
Afterward, Anders says, have the person pat his head gently with a soft towel (he should avoid rubbing, squeezing, or twisting with the towel).

Shaving often helps

Another cause of sensitivity or itchiness is new hair growing in. Some cancer patients find that shaving their heads can prevent this irritation. Patients with sensitive scalps may find pillowcases made from synthetic fibers irritating, so switch them to all cotton or all linen if the person has been using a poly blend.

Protect the head from cold

Without as much hair covering the head, it's natural for cancer patients to feel cold more quickly because heat escapes through the head. And cold can lead to increased sensitivity as well. Suggest that he wear a hat and scarf when going outside and even in the house if it's at all cool or drafty.

Treat hair gently

There's nothing a patient can do to prevent hair loss, but being extremely gentle with the hair can reduce the amount that falls out at any one time. Advise the person you're caring for to brush his hair as little as possible and to use the softest brush available. When combing, use only a wide-tooth comb and go easy on tangles. If the patient is female, take a break from hot rollers or other styling aids, if possible, and avoid elastic ponytail holders and other hairstyles that pull on the hair. If she normally gets permanents, suggest that she revert to straight hair during chemotherapy, as heat and chemicals can cause hair to fall out. It can help to wear a hairnet at night, and some people suggest sleeping on a satin pillowcase or one with a very smooth weave to prevent the hair from catching and pulling. As new hair begins to grow in, it will be brittle and delicate, so it must be treated gently as well.

Be vigilant about sun protection

Sunburn is a real danger when hair loss leaves the scalp newly exposed. Even thinning hair creates more vulnerability to sunburn, which in turn can cause more itchiness, flakiness, and dry skin. Remind the person to apply sunscreen whenever he's going outside, even to areas where there's still thinning hair, or better yet, a hat.