Overview
Chemotherapy targets cancer cells in the body, but cannot tell the difference between good cells and cancerous cells. In the process of killing cancer cells, chemotherapy inadvertently kills hair cells. Death of the hair follicle cells causes hair loss, or alopecia.
Not All Bad
Although many chemotherapy medications cause hair loss, not all chemotherapies do. Some common medications known to cause hair loss include cytoxan, adriamycin, cisplatin, taxol and 5-fu.
Time Frame
Hair loss begins approximately two to three weeks after the first chemotherapy treatment. Hair loss patterns differ for each person. Hair may fall out all at once or slowly.
Total Loss
Hair is all over the human body. Chemotherapy does not just attack hair on the head. Hair loss occurs to most body hair, including pubic, nose, eyebrows and eyelashes.
Regrowth
The Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing reports that hair may start to regrow six to eight weeks after treatment. Regrowth rates differ in the individual and can take up to six months.
New Hair
Chemocare.com says hair that regrows after chemotherapy may be vastly different from previous hair. Hair that was once blond may grow in a different color. Straight hair may grow in curly. Hair is usually coarser then before chemotherapy.
