Hair Growth after Chemo

Having chemo is a challenge in itself and losing your hair can be a contributing factor, because it shows that you’re ill. Fortunately, hair loss from chemo will be temporary most of the time. Hair regrowth after chemo is possible and not uncommon.

In this article you will read everything you need to know about hair loss from and hair growth after 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 after chemo 
• What helps hair growth after chemo? 
• What vitamins help hair growth after chemo? 

Does hair grow back after chemo? 

The short answer is: yes, your hair will most likely 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. This hair loss 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.

You may expect your hair to grow back after chemo three to six months after the therapy. Your hair may even have a different shade or texture, but that also will be temporarily.  

Why is my hair growing back while on chemo? 

Hair lost through 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 after chemo 

Hair regrowth after chemo happens a couple weeks after the end of your chemotherapy treatment. These are the hair regrowth stages after chemo: 

• 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 hairs 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 growing back after chemo: the hair may have grown 4 - 6 inches and is long enough to brush or 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’ll need to be aware that the usage of the drug minoxidil can cause side-effects such as acne, burning of the scalp, reddened skin, and inflammation. That’s why we recommend to use the hair growth complex Neoxyl® instead of minoxidil. This complex can be found in Neofollics hair growth stimulating products as 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 process with healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

The best vitamin to combat hair loss from chemo and stimulate hair growth 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.

Amino acids and minerals, such as selenium, play a crucial role in maintaining hair health and promoting hair growth. Amino acids are the building blocks of keratin, the protein that forms hair strands, supporting strong and healthy hair structure. Selenium, an essential mineral, helps protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, reducing damage and encouraging healthy 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 my hair grow back after chemo?”, is that you should combat deficiencies of these vitamins. You can do this by eating a healthy diet and by taking supplements to support hair growth, however, we recommend to consult your doctor for medical advice before taking any supplement.