Hair Growth after Chemo

Hair loss from chemo is most of the time temporary. Hair regrowth after chemo is possible and not uncommon. You can expect hair growth after chemo three to six months after the therapy. Your hair can temporarily be a different shade or texture, but that does not have to be the case. 

In this article you will read everything you need to know about hair growth after chemo and hair loss from chemo. The following topics will be discussed: 

• Does hair grow back after chemo? 
• Why is my hair growing back while on chemo? 
• Hair regrowth stages of hair growth after chemo 
• What helps hair growth after chemo? 
• What vitamins help hair growth after chemo? 

Does hair grow back after chemo? 

Hair loss from chemo is one of the possible side effects of chemotherapy. For many it can be seen as a symbol to the world that you have cancer. This can make you uncomfortable, because you share this information with others and you might not want that.  

Hair loss from chemo occurs because chemotherapy drugs are powerful medications that attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs also attack other rapidly growing cells in your body, including those in your hair roots. Hair loss from chemo can happen anywhere on the body, not only on the scalp. Fortunately, hair regrowth after chemo is possible because hair loss from chemo is temporary.  

Why is my hair growing back while on chemo? 

Hair loss from chemo can grow back while on chemotherapy treatment. For radiation therapy, hair regrowth will not begin until several months after the radiation treatment is completed. Hair grows by forming new cells at the base of the root. There are different stages of hair growth after chemo in which hair regrowth after chemo takes place. 

Hair regrowth stages of hair growth after chemo 

Hair regrowth after chemo happens a couple weeks after the end of your chemotherapy treatment. The following hair regrowth stages of hair growth after chemo take place: 

• 3-4 weeks after chemo: fuzzy hair begins to form. 
• 5 weeks post chemo hair growth: new hairs become more visible. 
• Hair growth 6 weeks after chemo: the new hair become thicker. 
• 2-3 months of hair growth after chemo: an inch of hair may have grown. 
• 3-6 months of hair regrowth after chemo: some 2-3 inches of hair may have grown, covering bald patches formed by hair loss from chemo. 
• 12 months of hair growth after chemo: the hair may have grown 4-6 inches and is long enough to brush of style. 

What helps hair growth after chemo? 

Hair growth after chemo can be stimulated to grow back faster by applying minoxidil or minoxidil alternatives. Research suggests that minoxidil (Rogaine) might speed up hair regrowth after chemo. But you need to be aware that the usage of the drug minoxidil can cause side-effects such as acne, burning of scalp, reddened skin, and inflammation. That’s why we recommend you use instead of minoxidil the hair growth complex Neoxyl®. This can be found in Neofollics hair growth stimulating products and is a combination of effective ingredients that tackle hair loss in multiple ways.  

What vitamins help hair growth after chemo? 

You can possibly help the hair regrowth stages of hair growth after chemo, by boosting the growth with healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The best vitamin to combat hair loss from chemo and stimulate hair growth after chemo is Biotin, or vitamin B7. Biotin is the go to vitamin when talking about healthy hair, skin, and nails. Biotin stimulates the keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth.  

Vitamin A also is known to keep your skin healthy and promotes the secretion of sebum, an oily substance that moisturises the scalp, therefore reducing damage and promoting hair growth. Vitamin C is another vitamin that helps hair growth after chemo. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells against damage by free radicals.  

The best answer to the question “What vitamins help hair growth after chemo?”, is that you should combat against deficiencies of these vitamins. You can do this by eating a healthy diet or the easiest way, taking supplements to support hair growth, with only healthy and effective ingredients.