Hair Loss Due to Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy‑related hair loss (alopecia) is common, though not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. Your medical team can tell you whether your treatment is likely to affect your hair.

“Hair loss does not always happen right away. It may begin several weeks after the first treatment…”

Hair may thin or fall out entirely across the scalp, face, arms, legs, underarms, and pubic area. Hair usually grows back after treatment ends—sometimes even during treatment—and may return with a different color or texture.

Many people notice scalp sensitivity before shedding begins. Hair may fall out gradually or in clumps, and remaining hair often becomes dull and dry.

Caring for Your Scalp and Hair During Chemotherapy

• Use a mild shampoo

• Use a soft brush

• Use low heat when drying

• Consider a short haircut to make thinning less noticeable

• Protect your scalp with sunscreen, hats, or scarves

• Avoid brush rollers

• Avoid dyeing, perming, or relaxing your hair

Covering Your Head: Wigs, Scarves, Turbans, or Nothing at All

There is no “right” or “wrong” choice—only what feels comfortable for you.

If You Choose a Prosthetic Wig or Hair System

Get your wig before hair loss begins. This allows your licensed prosthetic stylist to match your current color and style as closely as possible.

“Get your prosthetic wig or hair system before you lose your hair.”

You may purchase through a licensed salon or through a catalogue such as StudioHairDesign.com.

Have your wig professionally cut and shaped to frame your face.

Insurance & Tax Benefits

Some insurance policies cover prosthetic wigs when medically necessary. They may also be tax‑deductible. Ask your doctor for a prescription.

Emotional Support

Feeling angry, sad, or depressed is common—and completely normal. Remember: this is a temporary side effect. Sharing your feelings with someone who has gone through chemotherapy can help.

A Positive Approach to Hair Loss

Hair loss can be emotionally challenging. You’ve lived with your hair your entire life—it’s part of your identity. When hair loss becomes visible, you may wonder:

• How do I explain it?

• Do I need to explain it at all?

• How will this affect my self‑image?

Planning ahead makes the transition easier. Securing a prosthetic wig before hair loss occurs allows you to adjust privately and on your own terms.

“Take care of this as soon as possible, before the hair loss occurs.”

Your medical team is your best resource for managing treatment‑related side effects. When you’re ready for compassionate, expert support with a prosthetic solution, Studio Hair® Prosthetics is here to help you navigate the journey with dignity, comfort, and confidence.

Cold Caps & Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Cold cap therapy can reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy

Cold caps—tightly fitting, gel‑filled caps chilled to extremely low temperatures—may help some women retain part of their hair during chemotherapy.

“Cold caps… may help some women keep some of their hair during chemotherapy.”

By cooling the scalp, blood vessels constrict, reducing the amount of chemotherapy medication that reaches the hair follicles. With less drug exposure, follicles may be less likely to shed.

How Cold Caps Are Used

During each chemotherapy session, cold caps are worn:

• 20–50 minutes before treatment

• During treatment

• After treatment (duration depends on the drug)

Caps must be changed every ~30 minutes as they warm.

Side Effects

• Headaches

• Feeling very cold

• Scalp irritation

• Neck/shoulder discomfort

“Several minor side effects were noted… chills, headaches, scalp irritation, and neck and shoulder discomfort.”

Dress warmly and bring blankets.

Hair‑Care Guidelines During Cold‑Cap Use

• No blow drying, hot rollers, or straightening irons

• Shampoo every third day with cool water

• No coloring until 3 months after chemotherapy

• Gentle brushing only

Cost & Insurance

Cold cap therapy typically costs around $400 per session and is often not covered by insurance.

“Typically, cold cap therapy costs around $400 per session.”

Safety Considerations

Some providers have expressed concern that cold caps might prevent chemotherapy from reaching cancer cells in the scalp. According to Mayo Clinic, this risk appears low, and reports of scalp‑specific cancer recurrence are extremely rare.

“Some have questioned whether cold caps might prevent chemotherapy from reaching cancer cells… But that risk appears to be low.”

Effectiveness (Mayo Clinic Study)

A recent study of women receiving chemotherapy for early‑stage breast cancer found:

• 66% of women using cold caps lost 50% or less of their hair

• 100% of women not using cold caps lost more than half of their hair

This makes cold caps one of the few evidence‑supported options for reducing chemotherapy‑related hair loss.