CHEMOTHERAPY & RADIATION TREATMENTS

Many of our clients at Advanced Hair Solutions who are scheduled to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments have questions about potential loss of hair and other related side effects of their treatment.  At Advanced Hair Solutions, we are happy to spend as much time as needed to thoroughly answer all of their questions.  Some of the more frequently asked questions are answered below.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Q.	Why will I lose my hair when undergoing chemotherapy treatments?
A.	In chemotherapy drugs are administered to destroy rapidly producing 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 hair shaft and nails, are also rapidly reproducing. Unfortunately, while chemotherapy drugs preferentially destroy cancer cells, the drugs can also destroy those cells responsible for normal growth of hair and nails. Chemotherapy drugs are poisonous to the cells of the hair root responsible for hair shaft formation.
Q.	Will I lose all of my hair?
A.	The amount of hair loss depends upon the type of drugs and the dosage prescribed. Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. For further details regarding the extent of expected hair loss, please consult with your physician.
Q.	When will hair loss begin once I start my chemotherapy treatments?
A.	Typically, hair loss begins approximately 1-3 weeks after your first chemotherapy treatment and total hair loss generally occurs in about 1-2 months.
Q.	Will my hair eventually grow back?
A.	In most cases, hair loss from chemotherapy and radiation treatments is temporary. You can expect normal hair growth to return approximately 3-4 months after your final treatment.
Q.	Will the new hair growth be like my original hair after the chemotherapy treatments?
A.	New hair may be different from the hair that was lost. Due to the absence or alteration of pigment, the hair may grow back white, gray or a different color from hair that was lost. Eventually, as the pigment cells return to normal, the original color should return. Many men and women find that the new hair is thicker in texture and sometimes curly. But with time it will return to its original thickness.
Q.	Will I also lose my eyebrows and eyelashes?
A.	Some individuals do lose their eyelashes and eyebrows, but, in most cases, early management and proper application of our exclusive eyebrow solution has been effective in preserving your natural eyebrows during treatment.