Side effects

Treatment-related hair loss

Treatment-related hair loss

Hair loss and recovery vary with treatment.

Sources checked · Introductory guide

On this page

What is it?

Some chemotherapy affects hair on the head and body.[1]

What to track and discuss

Discuss gentle scalp care and comfortable options such as hats or wigs.[1]

When to get help promptly

Report scalp sores, marked pain or signs of infection.[1]

Questions for your care team

  • What hair changes and support options should I expect?

Sources and scope

Source documents are in English.

Entries summarize and translate linked official public sources. The source-check date records when those sources were checked; it does not indicate a clinician’s review.

  1. NCI · Hair Loss and Cancer Treatment (opens in a new tab)

General information based on official public sources. This is not a complete list of uses or side effects. Individual treatment decisions require your care team and current source documents. US-source uses do not establish local approval or reimbursement.

Related entries

Treatment-related hair loss | Cancer Encyclopedia | My Chemo Diary