How to Regrow Hair After Chemo

After the last round of chemotherapy treatments, on average, hair begins to grow within two to three weeks. It can take up to two months for your hair to grow at your normal pace and at least four to six months for cancer patients who receive complete brain radiation, according to BreastCancer.org. Don't be alarmed if your hair grows back a different color or texture. The effects of chemotherapy take time to subside in the hair follicles, which can cause your hair to grow back thicker, curlier or straighter than your original hair. Eventually, however, it will usually revert to its condition before chemotherapy.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hair at least twice a week with a gentle shampoo, such as those intended for babies or dry, damaged hair. Massage your scalp as you wash your hair to remove any scales and scabs. Follow up each hair wash with a moisturizing conditioner designed for fine hair.

• 2

  Air dry your hair to avoid the affects of harsh heat from hair dryers on your hair and skin, which are both in an extremely fragile transitioning period after chemotherapy treatments. Additionally, avoid heat styling tools such as curling irons and flat irons. Chemotherapy makes the scalp tender, and it might take a while before your scalp adjusts and becomes tough enough to with stand the high temperatures from heat styling tools.

• 3

  Keep hairstyling to a minimum. Excessive styling and use of combs, brushes and hairpins can cause damage to your new hair, which is susceptible to breakage.

• 4

  Minimize your use of hair styling products such as gel, hairspray and mousse. The American Hair Loss Council says these products can lead to buildup, which could stunt the growth of your hair or lead to scalp disorders. If you decide to use hair styling products, opt for light holding products that wash out easily with mild shampoos, and increase the amount of times you wash your hair each week. However, you can use products containing minoxidil, marketed as Rogaine, as a safe treatment to increase your hairs' growth cycle and retention.

• 5

  Avoid chemical processes such as perms, relaxers, hair coloring and hair bleaching to reduce hair shaft breakage and the chance of irritating your scalp. If you decide to perm or relax your hair, wait until you grow at least three inches of hair. If you want to apply a color application, opt for a milder semi-permanent hair color and wait few months to allow your scalp to desensitize.