WHY DOES CHEMO CAUSE HAIR LOSS?
Unfortunately, chemotherapy has several unpleasant side effects, of which hair loss is the most visible. Hair loss usually occurs two to three weeks after the first treatment. For some people, this happens very gradually, while for others the hair falls out in large chunks at a time. This differs per person and also depends on the type of chemotherapy.
The cause of hair loss is the so-called cytostatics contained in chemotherapy. These drugs attack the fast-growing cells in the body. Unfortunately, cytostatics do not distinguish between cancer cells and healthy cells. As a result, chemotherapy also affects the cells in the hair follicles that ensure hair growth. This is what causes hair loss due to chemotherapy.
DOES YOUR HAIR ALWAYS FALL OUT DURING CHEMOTHERAPY?
Whether your hair falls out during chemotherapy depends on the type of chemotherapy you receive. So there is not always hair loss due to chemotherapy. This often involves a mix of different medications. The type of cancer for which you are receiving treatment determines which mixture of medication is included in the chemotherapy treatment. When treating breast cancer, chemotherapy almost always causes hair loss.
There are also treatments that do not cause the hair to fall out but do become thinner or duller. Before the treatment, the doctor or nurse will always tell you about the possible side effects of chemo and whether you should take hair loss into account.
HOW LONG DOES HAIR LOSS DUE TO CHEMOTHERAPY LAST?
Hair loss due to chemo is temporary. After the treatment, it takes several weeks to 1 to 2 months before the hair starts to grow again. In general, the hair follicle needs time to recover before it can produce healthy hair again. As a result, your new hair may be thinner and have a different structure than you are used to. It sometimes happens that people with curls suddenly have straight hair after the treatment, and vice versa. The color of your hair can also be different, in most cases, it is a bit darker or gray.
These changes are sometimes only temporary. After a few months, you will start to grow your hair back. However, your hair may also be permanently different. Thinner, thicker, stiffer or finer; Unfortunately, after chemo, your hair may never feel quite like it did before the treatment.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO STIMULATE HAIR GROWTH AFTER CHEMO?
It is a nice thought to know that your hair will grow back quickly and in good condition after the last chemotherapy treatment. Mediceuticals helps stimulate new hair growth and helps to bring and keep the scalp, hair follicles, and hair in optimal condition.
For optimal results, we recommend that you start using Mediceuticals products before the first treatment. Always contact a Mediceuticals specialist in advance for personal advice and guidance. In general, we recommend the following:
- Wash the scalp daily with a Mediceuticals shampoo (Folligen, Saturate, Bioclenz, or Hydroclenz), leave on for 2 to 3 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Continue conditioning with Therapeutic or Vitatin, leave on for 2 to 3 minutes, and then rinse.
- Spray Cellagen or Numinox directly on the scalp and distribute with fingertips. Do not rinse the spray. Apply twice a day for optimal results. After application, the skin may show a red glow, which disappears after approx. 20 minutes. We recommend not using these products 24 hours before and 24 hours after a cold cap treatment.
You can continue to use Mediceuticals products after chemotherapy to keep the scalp and hair in optimal condition. For best results, we recommend applying the above steps daily during treatment. After the treatment, at least 3 times a week is sufficient for a good result. It is necessary to continue applying Cellagen and Numinox twice a day for optimal results.
OTHER TIPS FOR HAIR LOSS DUE TO CHEMO
Chemotherapy doesn't just cause hair to fall out. The scalp also becomes more sensitive to external influences, such as cold and heat. In addition, the scalp becomes drier and flaking, pimples or hair pain may occur. Below we would like to give you several tips that you can take into account if you experience hair loss or scalp problems due to chemo:
- Take good care of your scalp:
1. Use the Mediceuticals treatments to gently cleanse and moisturize the scalp to bring and keep the hair follicles in good condition.
2. Hydrate with Dual Moist and/or Bao-Med pure oil. These products ensure well-groomed and hydrated (scalp) skin.
3. Protect the scalp from direct sunlight by wearing a hat or cap and using sunscreen with a high SPF.
- Consider purchasing a hairpiece/wig from a recognized specialist for expert guidance and advice.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase when sleeping. This reduces friction and keeps your hair and scalp moisturized.
Are other parts of your body itchy, dry, or irritated due to chemotherapy? Then add a few drops of Bao-Med pure oil to Dual Moist from Mediceuticals to create a richly nourishing cream for the skin. In the shower or bath, use our Bao-Med pure body wash oil. Apply to damp skin and massage gently until it turns into a silky soft foam. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
BE KIND TO YOUR HAIR AND SCALP
Hair loss due to chemotherapy is an unpleasant side effect that is fortunately only temporary. Your hair always grows back eventually, although the structure of the hair is often different, especially in the beginning. In addition, your scalp also has to endure a lot during chemo. Good care of your hair and scalp is therefore very important, during and after chemo. Give both patients sufficient time to recover after chemo. In the beginning, wait a while before painting and a color rinse. Ask your hairdresser for advice on a new hairstyle that suits your new hair.
