Chemotherapy related hair loss 
Chemotherapy consists of the administration of drugs that destroy rapidly

reproducing cancer cells. Cancer cells are some of the most rapidly reproducing

cells in the body,but other cells, such as those which contribute to the formulation

of hair shafts and nails, are also rapidly reproducing. Unfortunately,

while chemotherapy drugs preferentially destroy cancer cells, the drugs also can destroy those 

cells responsible for normal growth of hair and nails. 

Cancer patients sometimes shed their hair and nails during treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are 

poisonous to the cells of the hair root responsible for the hair shaft formation. Usually, the 

hair is lost rapidly in large quantities during treatment. No hair growth stimulates, shampoos, 

conditioners or other cosmetic treatments can prevent or retard the hair loss. The good news, 

however, is that once chemotherapy is complete, the hair usually grows back.
 

How and when hair growth returns
 
Adequate hair growth may take six months to one year after chemotherapy 

Returning hair may be different from the hair that was lost.

Due to the absence or alteration of pigment the hair may grow back wihte,

gray or a different color. Eventually, as the pigment cells return to normal,

the original color should return. 

It is common for the new hair returning to be finer in texture initially, but like color,

the texture should return to its original thickness. 

It is sometimes difficult to be patient, but as the body is returning to normal and

getting over the significant insult, time is a necessary ingredient. 

Hair care tips for new hair growth 

Shampoo hair twice weekly with a mild shampoo such as those intended for dry or damaged hair. 

The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged to remove any scale. 

Follow shampoo with a conditioner for fine or limp hair. 

Avoid high heat from blow dryers to the hair and skin. 

Keep hairstyling to a minimum due the new hair being prone to breakage. Brushing, combing, 

hairpins and curling should all be minimized.

Curling appliances should be avoided, as the scalp is very tender following chemotherapy. 

Hair styling aids such as mousse, hair spray, hair spritz, styling gel and sculpturing gel may 

be used in moderation. It is best to select products with normal to light holding ability, as 

the high hold products may not be completely removed with mild shampoos. Hair styling aids can 

build up on the hair shaft resulting in dullness and possibly scalp disease. 


Can I perm my hair as it's growing in? 

Chemical curling or permanent waving of the hair is best avoided until the hair is at least 

three inches long. It is difficult to get nice curls if the hair is much shorter even with a 

healthy head of hair. For best results, use a mild wave with short processing time. The hair 

should be wrapped loosely on the largest size curling rod possible. Looser curls will be less 

damaging to the recovering hair shaft, and will thus minimize hair shaft breakage. 

WARNING! Many patients cannot tolerate the perm solution on their scalp for some times up to one 

year following chemotherapy. This extreme sensitivity of the scalp is not unusual during the 

regrowth period. In such cases perms should not be attempted. Have your hair dresser do a strand 

test on you to make sure your scalp can tolerate the perm solution. 

Hair coloring may also be irritating to the sensitive scalp and should be avoided until the 

scalp is healed; the hair may be colored. 

Permanent hair colorings are the most damaging to the hair shaft and should be minimized in 

favor of semi-permanent hair colorings which are gradually washed away with four to six 

shampooings. 

Bleaching to lighten the hair color should not be attempted at this time. Additionally, the hair 

should be altered only 3 shades from its regrowth color as more drastic color changes could 

increase hair shaft breakage. 


This period of time following chemotherapy treatment is a time of healing and rebuilding for the 

body. Hair growth will gradually return, and with time most patients regain a healthy head of 

hair. Following some of the enclosed hair care tips will insure that the regrown hair looks and 

feels its very best. 

Children 

A word of caution to parents with children undergoing chemotherapy. The absence of hair can be 

used in a positive manner. It can signal to others "handle with care". While undergoing 

chemotherapy the child has a low blood count and can be bruised easily. 

Treatment Options 


At the onset of hair loss, the very first hair fall, some patients choose to shave the scalp. 

Their reasons are the following: 

Shaving the head eliminates the embarrassment of hair loss. 

Shaving the head is less traumatic than going through the actual hair loss process. 


Shaving facilitates wig security and comfort (i.e. vacuum bases, two-way tape and other 

adhesives). 

Attractive head coverings (i.e. turbans, scarves) are available to cover the head during hair 

loss. 

Wigs 

Start searching for a wig before you loose your hair (Custom-made wigs take ONE week to be made). 
Start with a simple style. It will be easier to maintain. 
Choose a casual style vs. a wig with a lot of curls. 
During chemotherapy you will have complete hair loss. Avoid hair weaves, extensions, hair integrations and hair intensifiers. A full prosthesis (wig) is required. 

 

 Cancer is hard enough on the body without having to deal with the added agony of hair loss ... 
let Rajkamal Wigs & Hair help you look and feel like yourself again! 
 

Our mission is to provide clients with hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia or other medical 
conditions with the finest selections of alternative hair in a relaxing atmosphere. 


 Why Rajkamal Wigs & Hair is a step above the rest... 
 

We are manufacturer of custom made Wigs & Hair Replacements Since sixty years.  We cater to men, 
women and children that are stricken with cancer and pride ourselves on ensuring that our clients 
maintain a healthy sense of self.  They leave fully satisfied with the kind of appearance that 
they are used to presenting to the outside world. We have such a large selection that we can please 
even the most difficult clients and those who aren't sure what would be best suited for them. 


 our wigs feature:
 

ˇ	Monofilament design, a special ultra-fine mesh that renders the wig virtually undetectable. 
ˇ	Skin tops to mimic the appearance of a natural scalp. 
ˇ	Hand-tied knots to create the look of a natural hairline. 
ˇ	Custom made cap to fit perfectly.
ˇ	Fully adjustable caps for stock unit: Velcro and hook-and-eye closures allow wigs to be 
        sized from small to extra large.


  Let us help you look and feel like yourself again!
 

        Rajkamal Wigs & Hair  is also the place for wigs and hairpieces for everyday fashion, 
special events, weddings,  drama, movies  or just to change or update your look. What makes us 
different? 

         We believe that we are a step above the rest simply because our ,clients become part of 
our family..  It is important that we give back to them some of what cancer has taken away. 
Our clients are treated with the utmost dignity and respect and given our full attention. If they 
don't find what they're looking for at Rajkamal Wigs, it doesn't exist!