How to Prevent Hair Loss Resulting From Chemotherapy

One of the most common side effects to chemotherapy treatment for cancer is hair loss. While there are many drugs and gels currently in development from various manufacturers to help prevent hair loss, there is no clear cut winner. There are, however, several home remedies that have been studied and shown to be moderately effective.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Rogaine (minoxidil)
• Hair trimming scissors

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Instructions

• 1

  Begin applying Rogaine (minoxidil) to your scalp just before your chemotherapy treatments begin. Spread a small amount on your scalp, making sure it penetrates deep into the follicles.

• 2

  Apply the Rogaine (minoxidil) to your scalp once daily after your treatments have begun.

• 3

  Apply an ice-pack or cooling gel pack to your scalp one to two times daily. Recent studies have shown that scalp-cooling will help keep the hair follicles from splitting and causing hair loss.

• 4

  Continue applying the cool pack and Rogaine throughout your chemotherapy treatment, and continue treatment for three to four weeks following your treatment.

• 5

  Regularly trim your hair. Cutting off dead ends and keeping your hair healthy will also help prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth.