Coping with hair loss and thinning

Tips for coping with hair loss

For hair loss

• Ask about a wig before you start treatment, so you can match the colour and texture of your own hair.

• If you are feeling adventurous, choose a wig for a whole new look – why not try the colour and style you've always wanted!

• Think about having your hair gradually cut short before your treatment starts - this might help you get used to seeing yourself with less hair.

• Some people shave their hair off completely to avoid the distress of seeing their hair fall out.

• Consider removing any hair weaves, braids or extensions as these might make your scalp sore or itchy.

• Wear a hair net or bonnet at night so you won't wake up with hair all over your pillow, which can be upsetting.

• Keep your head warm in cooler weather - some people wear a soft hat in bed.

• Rub in oil or moisturiser if your scalp feels dry and itchy, try unperfumed products such as Epaderm, Hydromol or Doublebase.

• Try a moisturising liquid (emollient) instead of soap if your scalp is dry, for example aqueous cream, Oilatum or Diprobase.

• Protect your scalp by covering your head in the sun - your scalp is particularly sensitive to the sun.

For hair thinning

• Use gentle hair products such as baby shampoos.

• Don't use perms, colours or chemicals – colours may not take well and perms and chemicals can damage your hair and scalp.

• Use a soft baby brush and comb you hair gently.

• Avoid using hair dryers, curling tongs, hair straighteners and curlers

• Pat your hair dry after washing.

• If your scalp flakes or itches this means it is dry – use oil or moisturiser, not dandruff shampoo.

• Protect your scalp by covering your head in the sun.

Read about using hair dye and treatments after chemotherapy

Covering your head

There are a lot of ways to cover your head if your hair falls out.

A wig is the most obvious choice. But not everyone wants to wear one. They can be hot and itchy, especially in the summer. You can wear a soft inner cap called a wig stocking under your wig to make it more comfortable. Some people worry that the wig will slip or fall off. You can buy sticky pads designed specifically to keep the wig still. 

Some people prefer hats, scarves or baseball caps. Or you choose to leave your head uncovered.

Ask your nurse if you think you would like a wig. You might be able to get one for free on the NHS.

There are different types of hats and scarves you can wear when you have hair loss or thinning. You can buy these in high street shops or on the internet.

Find out where you can get wigs, hats and scarves

When will your hair grow back?

Chemotherapy

Hair usually grows back once your chemotherapy has finished. Sometimes the hair does not grow back but this usually only happens with very high doses of particular drugs.

It might take several months or longer for your hair to grow back. When it does grow back, it is likely to be softer. It may also have a different colour or be curlier or straighter than before. 

Hormone therapy

Hair thinning due to hormone therapy usually starts to improve once treatment has finished. 

Targeted cancer drugs and immunotherapy

Within a few weeks of finishing targeted cancer drugs or immunotherapy you might have:

• thickening of hair if you had hair thinning

• regrowth of hair if you had hair loss

With some targeted cancer drugs and immunotherapy, hair might start to grow before you stop your treatment. 

Radiotherapy

Hair usually grows back after radiotherapy for most people. But some people might have permanent hair loss. This is more likely if you have had higher doses of radiotherapy. Ask your doctor what might happen in your situation.

It might take 6 months, or more for hair to grow back. The more radiotherapy you have had, the longer your hair takes to grow back.

It may not be quite as thick as before, or regrowth could be patchy. Your hair might grow back a different colour or texture. For example, it may be curly when it used to be straight.

Your feelings about hair loss

Hair loss and hair thinning can be very stressful. Some people find it the hardest part of having cancer and its treatment. This is understandable because our appearance is closely linked to our feelings of self esteem.

Trying to accept sudden changes to the way you look can be very hard. Going back to work, meeting new people or going to job interviews can all be difficult if you are trying to cope with changes to your appearance.

It’s not unusual to feel angry or depressed. You might feel worried about how your friends and family see you. And you may think that you are no longer as physically attractive. If you have children or grandchildren, you might worry about how they feel about seeing you without hair. You might also worry about how their friends will see you, and if this will affect your children. It’s natural to worry about these things.

Remember though, that the people closest to you will not see you any differently as a person. They will want to support you as much as they can. Try to tell them how you’re feeling. Talking things through can help you to feel less isolated and more able to cope.

Read more about coping emotionally

People's stories

Getting help and support

There are people who can help and support you. Talk to someone you trust. You can also talk with your specialist nurse, doctor, GP, dietitian or physiotherapist.

Cancer Research UK nurses

Cancer Chat

Cancer Research UK has an online forum called Cancer Chat. You might find it helpful to join the forum to talk to other people who have had a similar experience. 

Visit the Cancer Chat forum

Resources and support organisations

There are lots of organisations, support groups and helpful books to help you cope with changes to how you look.

Look for organisations to help you cope with changes in the way you look