Hair Loss – OnCare Cancer Center Hair Loss
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Hair Loss Hair loss (alopecia) can be, but is not always, a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. Your health care team will tell you before you start treatment whether you can expect to lose your hair. Hair loss typically begins 2 or 3 weeks after chemotherapy treatment starts. You may experience thinning or loss of hair on your head, underarms, and leg, and the loss or reduction of your eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, and pubic hair. The amount of hair you lose is related to the type of chemotherapy you receive. The good news is that your hair will grow back—typically 1 to 2 months after chemotherapy ends. It may take 6 months or more for your hair to fully grow back. It can be difficult to prepare yourself for the loss of your hair. This change in your self-image is often a visual reminder to you and others that you are undergoing treatment for cancer. It’s OK to allow yourself to grieve the loss of your hair. Encourage family members, especially children, to express their thoughts and emotions about your hair loss. Remember, losing your hair does not change who you are as a person. You are still you.
Tips for Dealing with Hair Loss
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