Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment
A plain-language guide to hair loss during cancer treatment—why it happens, how to care for your scalp, and when hair usually grows back—based on National Cancer Institute resources.
Source: National Cancer Institute · NCI reviewed 2020-01-15 · Verified 2026-07-02
The 30-second version
Some types of chemotherapy make the hair on your head and body fall out, and radiation therapy can cause hair loss in the treated area. Hair loss is called alopecia. It's usually temporary—hair often grows back a few months after treatment ends. Gentle hair care and talking about your feelings can help you cope.
Key takeaways
- Hair loss is called alopecia; some chemotherapy causes it, and radiation can cause it in the treated area.
- Ask your team whether the treatment you'll receive is likely to cause hair loss.
- Treat your hair and scalp gently, and protect your scalp from sun and cold.
- After chemotherapy, hair often grows back in 2 to 3 months; after radiation, in 3 to 6 months.
- Regrown hair may be a different texture or color at first.
- Many people feel angry, sad, or embarrassed—sharing these feelings can help.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Some types of chemotherapy cause the hair on your head and other parts of your body to fall out. Radiation therapy can also cause hair loss on the part of the body being treated. Hair loss is called alopecia.
Not everyone with cancer loses their hair. Whether it happens depends on the specific treatment. Talk with your health care team to learn if the treatment you will be receiving causes hair loss. Your doctor or nurse can share strategies that have helped others.
Ways to manage hair loss
- Treat your hair gently. Use a soft-bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb. Avoid hair dryers, irons, and products like gels or clips that may hurt your scalp. Wash your hair less often with a mild shampoo, be very gentle, and pat it dry with a soft towel.
- You have choices. Some people cut their hair short to make it easier to deal with when it starts to fall out. Others shave their head—if you do, use an electric shaver so you won't cut yourself. If you plan to buy a wig, get one while you still have hair so you can match the color. If wigs feel itchy and hot, try a comfortable scarf or turban.
- Protect and care for your scalp. Use sunscreen or wear a hat outside. Choose a comfortable scarf or hat that keeps your head warm. If your scalp itches or feels tender, lotions and conditioners can help.
- Talk about your feelings. Many people feel angry, depressed, or embarrassed about hair loss. It can help to share these feelings with someone who understands, including others who have lost their hair during treatment. Talking openly with your children and close family can help too—let them know you expect to lose your hair during treatment.
When your hair grows back
Hair loss is usually temporary.
- Be gentle. When your hair starts to grow back, avoid too much brushing, curling, and blow-drying, and you may not want to wash it as often.
- After chemotherapy. Hair often grows back in 2 to 3 months after treatment has ended. Your new hair will be very fine at first, and it can be curlier, straighter, or even a different color. In time, it may go back to how it was before.
- After radiation therapy. Hair often grows back in 3 to 6 months after treatment ends. If you received a very high dose of radiation, your hair may grow back thinner, or not at all, on the part of your body that received radiation.
Preparing to talk with your team
Making a list of questions before your visit can help you feel more prepared. You might ask whether treatment is likely to cause hair loss, how to protect and care for your head, where to get a wig or hairpiece, what support groups might help, and when your hair will grow back.
Watch instead
Animated lessons are in production. Here’s the planned video slate for this topic — each one will be based on the same NCI-sourced explanation you’re reading.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment: the quick overview
A one-breath explanation you can watch before an appointment.
Coming soonHair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment, explained simply
The core ideas with friendly animation and plain language.
Coming soonUnderstanding hair loss (alopecia) and cancer treatment — full lesson
A deeper walkthrough covering the key takeaways and common questions.
Coming soonVideo transcript▾
A full, readable transcript will appear here when the video is published — so the lesson is accessible whether you prefer to watch, listen, or read. For now, the article above is the complete text version.
Suggested animation storyboard▾
- 1Open on a calm title card: "Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment" with the Cancer Explained mark.
- 2Narrator reads the 30-second summary while a soft animated diagram builds on screen: "Some types of chemotherapy make the hair on your head and body fall out, and radiation therapy can cause hair loss in the treated area. Hair loss is called alopecia. It's usually temporary—hair often grows back a few months after treatment ends. Gentle hair care and talking about your feelings can help you cope."
- 3Scene 2: illustrate the idea — "Hair loss is called alopecia; some chemotherapy causes it, and radiation can cause it in the treated area."
- 4Scene 3: illustrate the idea — "Ask your team whether the treatment you'll receive is likely to cause hair loss."
- 5Scene 4: illustrate the idea — "Treat your hair and scalp gently, and protect your scalp from sun and cold."
- 6Close on a reminder card: this is educational only; talk with your healthcare team, and a link to the NCI source.
Words to know
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Quick knowledge check
According to this article, what is the medical word for hair loss?
Frequently asked questions
▸Does all cancer treatment cause hair loss?
No. Some types of chemotherapy cause hair loss, and radiation therapy can cause it on the part of the body being treated. Talk with your health care team to learn if the specific treatment you will receive causes hair loss.
▸Will my hair grow back after treatment?
Usually, yes. After chemotherapy, hair often grows back in 2 to 3 months after treatment ends. After radiation therapy, it often grows back in 3 to 6 months. With a very high dose of radiation, hair may grow back thinner or not at all in the treated area.
▸Will my hair look the same when it grows back?
It may be different at first. Your new hair will be very fine when it starts to grow back, and it can be curlier, straighter, or even a different color. In time, it may go back to how it was before treatment.
▸How should I care for my scalp during hair loss?
Use sunscreen or wear a hat outside, and choose a comfortable scarf or hat to keep your head warm. If your scalp itches or feels tender, lotions and conditioners can help it feel better.
▸Should I get a wig before or after I lose my hair?
If you plan to buy a wig, get one while you still have hair so you can match it to your hair's color. If you find wigs itchy and hot, a comfortable scarf or turban is another option.
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Questions to ask your healthcare team
Consider bringing these questions to your next appointment.
- Is my treatment likely to cause my hair to fall out?
- How should I protect and care for my head? Are there products you recommend or ones I should avoid?
- Where can I get a wig or hairpiece?
- What support groups could I meet with that might help?
- When will my hair grow back?
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