Post Cancer Hair Loss

Hair changes after cancer treatment can feel emotional and unpredictable. Our team helps patients understand the possible causes of post-cancer hair thinning and explore supportive options tailored to their recovery and long-term hair health.

Reclaim Your Life, Your Hair After Cancer

Experiencing hair loss after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation is common. In fact, between 30 and 40 percent of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation can have some degree of permanent hair loss. While we would never recommend stopping cancer treatment, we do offer a number of post cancer hair loss treatments for post-cancer hair loss that have been shown to regrow what has been lost from chemotherapy or radiation.

Causes of Post Cancer Related Hair Loss

Both chemotherapy and radiation are known to cause hair loss. Chemotherapy is most likely to cause hair loss as it targets rapidly growing cells in the body, which can damage the hair follicle and cause anagen effluvium. Radiation is less likely to cause hair loss unless it is targeting cancers in the head and neck.

Unfortunately, research has shown that up to 40% of chemotherapy patients had some amount of permanent hair loss where complete regrowth did not occur. Some post breast cancer hormone blockers are also known to negatively impact the hair.

Symptoms of Post Cancer Hair Loss

Tender scalp
More hair on your pillow, in your brush, or in your shower or sink drain
Hair that comes out in clumps or in strands gradually
Hair loss all over your body, such as eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, and pubic hair
Hair loss after a few weeks of chemo, with head hair usually going first, followed by other areas of the body.
Thin, patchy, discolored hair

Our Clinically Proven Treatments for Post Cancer Hair Loss

Fortunately, there are many clinically proven treatments available if you are experiencing post-cancer hair loss, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), oral or topical Minoxidil, and supplements. We offer these treatments in our many convenient locations. There are even some preventative measures you can take, such as scalp cooling devices.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP stimulates follicle activity by injecting platelets, stem cells and growth factors taken from your own blood into affected areas of your scalp.

Learn More about PRP Therapy

Optimal Platelet Concentration (OPC) Therapy

We have the ability to better deliver the optimal concentration of PRP solutions in a completely painless fashion -- without needles.

Learn More about OPC Therapy

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low level laser therapy has been shown to prolong the growth phase of the hair and increase blood flow to the hair follicles.

Learn More about Low Level Laser Therapy

Prescription Medications

Minoxidil, also known as "Rogaine for women", is one of the earliest hair loss medications and the active ingredient of Rogaine®. We offer both topical and oral versions.

Learn More about Medical Prescriptions

Supplements

We recommend a combination of Tresse Prebiotic, Tresse Revitalizer, and Tresse Fortifier to best treat aging related hair loss.

Learn More about Supplements

Post Cancer Hair Loss Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to start post cancer hair loss treatment?

You should ideally start treatment immediately after the chemo ends and remission is documented. That being said, we have had success treating a limited number of patients who have had chemotherapy or radiation several years before. As long as there are hair follicles present on trichoscopy during our evaluation, then treatment will likely help with some recovery.

How long does it take after chemo for hair to grow back naturally?

It can take several weeks after treatment for your hair to start to recover and grow again. Generally, this takes between three and six months after treatment ends.

Are there any preventive measures I can take to slow or prevent hair loss during chemo?

Yes, one such example is a scalp cooling device. This device is a cap with cold water running through it, and you wear it during the infusion of chemotherapy. This prevents the chemotherapy meds from reaching the hair follicle. In some studies, this treatment has reduced hair loss by up to 50%.

What are the best treatments you offer for post cancer hair loss?

Every patient is different, which is why we provide a consultation first. This will help us determine the ideal treatment for you. Our treatments for post cancer hair loss include topical and oral solutions, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, and supplements.

What if my hair never grows back?

Most people will regrow their hair. But studies show that 30 to 40% of patients undergoing chemotherapy can have some degree of permanent hair loss.

Contact Medi Tresse for Post Cancer Hair Loss Treatment

We welcome you to book a consultation today to discuss the best post chemotherapy hair loss treatment in Boston MA for you.