Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but if you know your planned chemotherapy drug will cause hair loss, there are things you can do to prepare. Preparing for it before treatment begins can help, especially because it’s one less thing you need to do when you start treatment and may not feel like your best self.Hair loss can be emotionally challenging besides the physical effects of cancer and chemotherapy. However, early preparation can help with coping and adjusting to any changes.Here are some tips that might be helpful when thinking about how to prepare for chemotherapy-induced hair loss.1Buy a WigRob Atkins / Getty ImagesIf you plan on wearing a wig after you lose your hair to chemotherapy, try to buy onebeforeyour hair begins to fall out. Purchasing a wig before hair loss is ideal because it allows you to choose a wig that matches your hair color best,andyou’ll have it on hand when hair loss starts.You may want to consider buying at least two wigs. That way, one can be worn while the other is being washed or styled. Manyinsurance companies will cover the wigcost, so check with your healthcare provider before investing.2Cut Your Hair Before TreatmentLinda Raymond / Getty ImagesManypeople choose to cut their hair short or shave their heads entirely before hair starts to fall out. This is because it’s much less shocking to have short clumps of hair fall out in the shower or your hands rather than a handful of long strands. Plus, hair tends to come out in uneven patches, and short hair can help temporarily mask this.Best of all, short hair is in style.3Get Some Head CoveringsKrzysztof Dydynski / Getty ImagesEven if you buy a wig, you will need some type of head covering for when you are not wearing your wig, especially during chilly weather. Your scalp will most likely be sensitive when not covered, not to mention cold. Hats also provide excellent protection against the sun and wind when outdoors. If you’re feeling crafty, you might even want to learn how to knit a hat.You may also want to wrap your head with a scarf or a turban. Many techniques and fabrics are available that may add some color to your wardrobe and be a fun accessory.4Stock Up on SunscreenImage Source / Getty ImagesIf you venture outdoors without covering your head after your hair has fallen out, you must wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn.An already-sensitive scalp, combined with a sunburn, can beextremelyuncomfortable. Learnhow to apply sunscreen properly—yes, there is a right way—andhow to choose the best sunscreen for your skin.5See a CosmetologistTEK IMAGE / Getty ImagesBecause chemotherapy can cause hair lossall overthe body, some people consult with a cosmetologist about what to do when eyebrows and eyelashes are gone.A lesson with an experienced cosmetologist will teach you how to pencil in eyebrows and apply false eyelashes.6Find a Support GroupSteve Debenport / Getty ImagesMost people are not as emotionally prepared to lose their hair as they thoughtbeforechemotherapy.This is why having someone to turn to who has experienced chemotherapy-induced hair loss is helpful.Support groupsfor those undergoing chemotherapy are ideal places to learn how to cope with hair loss during chemotherapy.SummaryIf it’s likely that you’ll lose your hair during chemotherapy, this can be a big change, both emotionally and physically. Preparing for hair loss can help you steel yourself emotionally and also get ready on a practical level for protecting your head from the elements and figuring out what you want to do, appearance-wise. There are many options to choose from, which can also be an empowering part of your cancer journey.A Word From VeryWellHair loss isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and psychological. If you’re having a challenging time adjusting, tell your treatment team. Find a counselor or a support group that can help you through this. This is no small thing, and your feelings are valid. Having social support and peers who know what you’re going through can be helpful.Frequently Asked QuestionsThe scalp can become itchy, sensitive, or tender when the hair is falling out. If someone has a sensitive scalp to begin with, this might be experienced as a bit of scalp pain.No, it will not. Cutting hair does not affect the hair growth cycle.
Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but if you know your planned chemotherapy drug will cause hair loss, there are things you can do to prepare. Preparing for it before treatment begins can help, especially because it’s one less thing you need to do when you start treatment and may not feel like your best self.Hair loss can be emotionally challenging besides the physical effects of cancer and chemotherapy. However, early preparation can help with coping and adjusting to any changes.Here are some tips that might be helpful when thinking about how to prepare for chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but if you know your planned chemotherapy drug will cause hair loss, there are things you can do to prepare. Preparing for it before treatment begins can help, especially because it’s one less thing you need to do when you start treatment and may not feel like your best self.
Hair loss can be emotionally challenging besides the physical effects of cancer and chemotherapy. However, early preparation can help with coping and adjusting to any changes.
Here are some tips that might be helpful when thinking about how to prepare for chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
1Buy a WigRob Atkins / Getty ImagesIf you plan on wearing a wig after you lose your hair to chemotherapy, try to buy onebeforeyour hair begins to fall out. Purchasing a wig before hair loss is ideal because it allows you to choose a wig that matches your hair color best,andyou’ll have it on hand when hair loss starts.You may want to consider buying at least two wigs. That way, one can be worn while the other is being washed or styled. Manyinsurance companies will cover the wigcost, so check with your healthcare provider before investing.2Cut Your Hair Before TreatmentLinda Raymond / Getty ImagesManypeople choose to cut their hair short or shave their heads entirely before hair starts to fall out. This is because it’s much less shocking to have short clumps of hair fall out in the shower or your hands rather than a handful of long strands. Plus, hair tends to come out in uneven patches, and short hair can help temporarily mask this.Best of all, short hair is in style.3Get Some Head CoveringsKrzysztof Dydynski / Getty ImagesEven if you buy a wig, you will need some type of head covering for when you are not wearing your wig, especially during chilly weather. Your scalp will most likely be sensitive when not covered, not to mention cold. Hats also provide excellent protection against the sun and wind when outdoors. If you’re feeling crafty, you might even want to learn how to knit a hat.You may also want to wrap your head with a scarf or a turban. Many techniques and fabrics are available that may add some color to your wardrobe and be a fun accessory.4Stock Up on SunscreenImage Source / Getty ImagesIf you venture outdoors without covering your head after your hair has fallen out, you must wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn.An already-sensitive scalp, combined with a sunburn, can beextremelyuncomfortable. Learnhow to apply sunscreen properly—yes, there is a right way—andhow to choose the best sunscreen for your skin.5See a CosmetologistTEK IMAGE / Getty ImagesBecause chemotherapy can cause hair lossall overthe body, some people consult with a cosmetologist about what to do when eyebrows and eyelashes are gone.A lesson with an experienced cosmetologist will teach you how to pencil in eyebrows and apply false eyelashes.6Find a Support GroupSteve Debenport / Getty ImagesMost people are not as emotionally prepared to lose their hair as they thoughtbeforechemotherapy.This is why having someone to turn to who has experienced chemotherapy-induced hair loss is helpful.Support groupsfor those undergoing chemotherapy are ideal places to learn how to cope with hair loss during chemotherapy.
1Buy a WigRob Atkins / Getty ImagesIf you plan on wearing a wig after you lose your hair to chemotherapy, try to buy onebeforeyour hair begins to fall out. Purchasing a wig before hair loss is ideal because it allows you to choose a wig that matches your hair color best,andyou’ll have it on hand when hair loss starts.You may want to consider buying at least two wigs. That way, one can be worn while the other is being washed or styled. Manyinsurance companies will cover the wigcost, so check with your healthcare provider before investing.
1
Buy a WigRob Atkins / Getty ImagesIf you plan on wearing a wig after you lose your hair to chemotherapy, try to buy onebeforeyour hair begins to fall out. Purchasing a wig before hair loss is ideal because it allows you to choose a wig that matches your hair color best,andyou’ll have it on hand when hair loss starts.You may want to consider buying at least two wigs. That way, one can be worn while the other is being washed or styled. Manyinsurance companies will cover the wigcost, so check with your healthcare provider before investing.
Buy a Wig
Rob Atkins / Getty Images
If you plan on wearing a wig after you lose your hair to chemotherapy, try to buy onebeforeyour hair begins to fall out. Purchasing a wig before hair loss is ideal because it allows you to choose a wig that matches your hair color best,andyou’ll have it on hand when hair loss starts.
You may want to consider buying at least two wigs. That way, one can be worn while the other is being washed or styled. Manyinsurance companies will cover the wigcost, so check with your healthcare provider before investing.
2Cut Your Hair Before TreatmentLinda Raymond / Getty ImagesManypeople choose to cut their hair short or shave their heads entirely before hair starts to fall out. This is because it’s much less shocking to have short clumps of hair fall out in the shower or your hands rather than a handful of long strands. Plus, hair tends to come out in uneven patches, and short hair can help temporarily mask this.Best of all, short hair is in style.
2
Cut Your Hair Before TreatmentLinda Raymond / Getty ImagesManypeople choose to cut their hair short or shave their heads entirely before hair starts to fall out. This is because it’s much less shocking to have short clumps of hair fall out in the shower or your hands rather than a handful of long strands. Plus, hair tends to come out in uneven patches, and short hair can help temporarily mask this.Best of all, short hair is in style.
Cut Your Hair Before Treatment
Linda Raymond / Getty Images
Manypeople choose to cut their hair short or shave their heads entirely before hair starts to fall out. This is because it’s much less shocking to have short clumps of hair fall out in the shower or your hands rather than a handful of long strands. Plus, hair tends to come out in uneven patches, and short hair can help temporarily mask this.
Best of all, short hair is in style.
3Get Some Head CoveringsKrzysztof Dydynski / Getty ImagesEven if you buy a wig, you will need some type of head covering for when you are not wearing your wig, especially during chilly weather. Your scalp will most likely be sensitive when not covered, not to mention cold. Hats also provide excellent protection against the sun and wind when outdoors. If you’re feeling crafty, you might even want to learn how to knit a hat.You may also want to wrap your head with a scarf or a turban. Many techniques and fabrics are available that may add some color to your wardrobe and be a fun accessory.
3
Get Some Head CoveringsKrzysztof Dydynski / Getty ImagesEven if you buy a wig, you will need some type of head covering for when you are not wearing your wig, especially during chilly weather. Your scalp will most likely be sensitive when not covered, not to mention cold. Hats also provide excellent protection against the sun and wind when outdoors. If you’re feeling crafty, you might even want to learn how to knit a hat.You may also want to wrap your head with a scarf or a turban. Many techniques and fabrics are available that may add some color to your wardrobe and be a fun accessory.
Get Some Head Coverings
Krzysztof Dydynski / Getty Images
Even if you buy a wig, you will need some type of head covering for when you are not wearing your wig, especially during chilly weather. Your scalp will most likely be sensitive when not covered, not to mention cold. Hats also provide excellent protection against the sun and wind when outdoors. If you’re feeling crafty, you might even want to learn how to knit a hat.
You may also want to wrap your head with a scarf or a turban. Many techniques and fabrics are available that may add some color to your wardrobe and be a fun accessory.
4Stock Up on SunscreenImage Source / Getty ImagesIf you venture outdoors without covering your head after your hair has fallen out, you must wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn.An already-sensitive scalp, combined with a sunburn, can beextremelyuncomfortable. Learnhow to apply sunscreen properly—yes, there is a right way—andhow to choose the best sunscreen for your skin.
4
Stock Up on SunscreenImage Source / Getty ImagesIf you venture outdoors without covering your head after your hair has fallen out, you must wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn.An already-sensitive scalp, combined with a sunburn, can beextremelyuncomfortable. Learnhow to apply sunscreen properly—yes, there is a right way—andhow to choose the best sunscreen for your skin.
Stock Up on Sunscreen
Image Source / Getty Images
If you venture outdoors without covering your head after your hair has fallen out, you must wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn.An already-sensitive scalp, combined with a sunburn, can beextremelyuncomfortable. Learnhow to apply sunscreen properly—yes, there is a right way—andhow to choose the best sunscreen for your skin.
5See a CosmetologistTEK IMAGE / Getty ImagesBecause chemotherapy can cause hair lossall overthe body, some people consult with a cosmetologist about what to do when eyebrows and eyelashes are gone.A lesson with an experienced cosmetologist will teach you how to pencil in eyebrows and apply false eyelashes.
5
See a CosmetologistTEK IMAGE / Getty ImagesBecause chemotherapy can cause hair lossall overthe body, some people consult with a cosmetologist about what to do when eyebrows and eyelashes are gone.A lesson with an experienced cosmetologist will teach you how to pencil in eyebrows and apply false eyelashes.
See a Cosmetologist
TEK IMAGE / Getty Images
Because chemotherapy can cause hair lossall overthe body, some people consult with a cosmetologist about what to do when eyebrows and eyelashes are gone.A lesson with an experienced cosmetologist will teach you how to pencil in eyebrows and apply false eyelashes.
6Find a Support GroupSteve Debenport / Getty ImagesMost people are not as emotionally prepared to lose their hair as they thoughtbeforechemotherapy.This is why having someone to turn to who has experienced chemotherapy-induced hair loss is helpful.Support groupsfor those undergoing chemotherapy are ideal places to learn how to cope with hair loss during chemotherapy.
6
Find a Support GroupSteve Debenport / Getty ImagesMost people are not as emotionally prepared to lose their hair as they thoughtbeforechemotherapy.This is why having someone to turn to who has experienced chemotherapy-induced hair loss is helpful.Support groupsfor those undergoing chemotherapy are ideal places to learn how to cope with hair loss during chemotherapy.
Find a Support Group
Steve Debenport / Getty Images
Most people are not as emotionally prepared to lose their hair as they thoughtbeforechemotherapy.This is why having someone to turn to who has experienced chemotherapy-induced hair loss is helpful.Support groupsfor those undergoing chemotherapy are ideal places to learn how to cope with hair loss during chemotherapy.
SummaryIf it’s likely that you’ll lose your hair during chemotherapy, this can be a big change, both emotionally and physically. Preparing for hair loss can help you steel yourself emotionally and also get ready on a practical level for protecting your head from the elements and figuring out what you want to do, appearance-wise. There are many options to choose from, which can also be an empowering part of your cancer journey.A Word From VeryWellHair loss isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and psychological. If you’re having a challenging time adjusting, tell your treatment team. Find a counselor or a support group that can help you through this. This is no small thing, and your feelings are valid. Having social support and peers who know what you’re going through can be helpful.Frequently Asked QuestionsThe scalp can become itchy, sensitive, or tender when the hair is falling out. If someone has a sensitive scalp to begin with, this might be experienced as a bit of scalp pain.No, it will not. Cutting hair does not affect the hair growth cycle.
Summary
If it’s likely that you’ll lose your hair during chemotherapy, this can be a big change, both emotionally and physically. Preparing for hair loss can help you steel yourself emotionally and also get ready on a practical level for protecting your head from the elements and figuring out what you want to do, appearance-wise. There are many options to choose from, which can also be an empowering part of your cancer journey.
A Word From VeryWell
Hair loss isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and psychological. If you’re having a challenging time adjusting, tell your treatment team. Find a counselor or a support group that can help you through this. This is no small thing, and your feelings are valid. Having social support and peers who know what you’re going through can be helpful.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe scalp can become itchy, sensitive, or tender when the hair is falling out. If someone has a sensitive scalp to begin with, this might be experienced as a bit of scalp pain.No, it will not. Cutting hair does not affect the hair growth cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
The scalp can become itchy, sensitive, or tender when the hair is falling out. If someone has a sensitive scalp to begin with, this might be experienced as a bit of scalp pain.
No, it will not. Cutting hair does not affect the hair growth cycle.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Breastcancer.org.Wigs.Qi J, Garza LA.An overview of alopecias.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(3):a013615. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a013615Watanabe T, Yagata H, Saito M, et al.A multicenter survey of temporal changes in chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients.PLoS One. 2019;14(1):e0208118. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208118Suwankhong D, Liamputtong P.Physical and emotional experiences of chemotherapy: a qualitative study among women with breast cancer in Southern Thailand.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(2):521–528. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.521Additional ReadingAmerican Cancer Society.Caring for the patient with cancer at home: a guide for patients and families.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Breastcancer.org.Wigs.Qi J, Garza LA.An overview of alopecias.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(3):a013615. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a013615Watanabe T, Yagata H, Saito M, et al.A multicenter survey of temporal changes in chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients.PLoS One. 2019;14(1):e0208118. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208118Suwankhong D, Liamputtong P.Physical and emotional experiences of chemotherapy: a qualitative study among women with breast cancer in Southern Thailand.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(2):521–528. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.521Additional ReadingAmerican Cancer Society.Caring for the patient with cancer at home: a guide for patients and families.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Breastcancer.org.Wigs.Qi J, Garza LA.An overview of alopecias.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(3):a013615. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a013615Watanabe T, Yagata H, Saito M, et al.A multicenter survey of temporal changes in chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients.PLoS One. 2019;14(1):e0208118. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208118Suwankhong D, Liamputtong P.Physical and emotional experiences of chemotherapy: a qualitative study among women with breast cancer in Southern Thailand.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(2):521–528. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.521
Breastcancer.org.Wigs.
Qi J, Garza LA.An overview of alopecias.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(3):a013615. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a013615
Watanabe T, Yagata H, Saito M, et al.A multicenter survey of temporal changes in chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients.PLoS One. 2019;14(1):e0208118. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208118
Suwankhong D, Liamputtong P.Physical and emotional experiences of chemotherapy: a qualitative study among women with breast cancer in Southern Thailand.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(2):521–528. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.2.521
American Cancer Society.Caring for the patient with cancer at home: a guide for patients and families.
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