Hair loss during cancer treatment can be an emotional experience that affects how you feel about yourself. Many people find cancer and hair loss particularly challenging as it can be a visible reminder of their diagnosis. If you find yourself losing your hair with cancer, you’re not alone – and there are several ways to help you feel more like yourself, from wigs and stylish turbans to head wraps and other accessories that both protect and reflect your personal style.
Our team is here to listen and support you.
Hair loss in cancer patients can happen during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The timing can vary for each person – some notice hair starting to fall soon after treatment begins, while others may see changes after several sessions. You might lose just a little hair or all of it, and both experiences are completely normal. Many people find comfort in exploring different ways to feel like themselves during this time, whether through wigs, stylish turbans or attractive head wraps that offer both protection and personal style.
Different cancer treatments have different hair loss outcomes in cancer patients. With chemotherapy, the hair on the head begins to break off near the scalp. Just before this, your scalp might feel irritated and itchy. You might start to find hair on your pillow and sheets, or an excessive amount comes out when you wash or brush it.
It is common for people to lose hair with cancer from around two or three days after treatment starts. Hair loss on the head is the most common, but also from the eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, legs, chest and the pubic region.
If you find yourself losing hair with cancer, you might experience a swirl of emotions. It’s natural to feel vulnerable about changes to your appearance and how cancer is affecting your body.
Everyone responds differently, and however you’re feeling is valid. The suggestions below can help you prepare for, and manage, hair loss, while keeping your head protected and comfortable during treatment.
Tips to manage hair loss:
Wigs can be a great way to boost your confidence and protect your head.
These videos offer information about the best type of wig, how to fit a wig, and how to look after and style your wig.
General care for synthetic wigs:
Washing and drying synthetic wigs:
Storing your synthetic wig:
Some people prefer to wear a headscarf. These videos offer information about wearing a headscarf and how to style different types of headscarf.
We find your style through hats, wigs, scarves, and turbans. Our Wig and Turban Service is a private, personalised wig and turban fitting service, offered at no cost for anyone losing hair with cancer treatment.
Not all chemotherapy treatments cause hair loss in cancer patients, but it is a common side effect. The chemotherapy drugs stop or slow the cancer cells from growing, which is what disturbs healthy hair. The amount of hair that is lost depends on the type of chemo drug and the dosage.
Radiation therapy aims to destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells using radiation. Hair can fall out in the part of the body that is being treated. This often happens when treatment starts or just after. Usually, the hair starts to grow again within a few weeks after treatment has finished.
