Yes; hair usually starts to grow back 2 to 3 months after chemotherapy ends [1]. New hair is very fine at first and may be curlier, straighter or even a different colour, and over time it may return to how it was [1]. Even so, in some patients, especially after regimens containing a taxane, incomplete regrowth and lasting thinning have been reported [2].
Hair loss and regrowth with different treatments
| Type of treatment | Hair loss | Regrowth |
|---|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | Only with some drugs; may affect the scalp and other parts of the body [1] | Usually 2 to 3 months after treatment ends; fine at first and sometimes a different texture or colour [1] |
| Radiotherapy | Only in the area being treated [1] | Usually 3 to 6 months after treatment ends; after very high doses it may be thinner or not grow back [1] |
| Targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy | May cause hair problems, including hair loss and changes in hair colour or texture [5] | Variable; depends on the drug [5] |
Hair loss is not a sign that chemotherapy is working better or worse; side effects have nothing to do with how well treatment works [4].
When your hair grows back, be gentle with it: avoid a lot of brushing, curling and blow-drying, and you may want to wash it less often. Outdoors, protect your scalp with a hat or sunscreen [1].
Can hair loss be prevented?
The most effective method studied is scalp cooling with a special cap or device during the infusion:
- In a study of women with early breast cancer, after 4 cycles of chemotherapy, half of those who had scalp cooling lost less than half of their hair; in the group without cooling, no one achieved this. The device's side effects were all mild to moderate [3].
- In another study with other drugs, about two thirds of patients kept most of their hair with scalp cooling; without cooling, no one did; a few had a mild headache or stopped because of the cold [6].
This evidence comes mostly from breast cancer; talk to your treatment team about whether it suits your treatment.
Lasting hair loss
Hair loss from chemotherapy is usually temporary, but some patients have thinning for years after treatment. In a study of 61 women with breast cancer, about 4 in 10 still had lasting thinning up to 3 years later, mostly as incomplete regrowth, and mostly in those who had received drugs from the "taxane" group. The most common complaints were thinning hair, less volume, shedding and greying [2]. If you have this problem, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about treatment. Read more: Hair loss
Related questions
When should I get a wig?
If you plan to buy a wig, it is best to get it before your hair falls out so you can match it to your hair colour. If a wig is hot or itchy, a scarf or soft hat is a good option [1].
Will new hair be the same colour and texture as before?
At first it may be curlier, straighter or a different colour; over time it may return to how it was before treatment [1].
Does cutting or shaving my hair before it falls out help?
Some people cut their hair short so that losing it is easier to cope with, and some shave their head; if you shave your head, use an electric razor to avoid cuts [1].
Related cancer types
References
6 referencesShow all references, 4 with a study cardClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
- 1
- 2Permanent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia in Patients with Breast Cancer: A 3-Year Prospective Cohort Study
- 3Effect of a Scalp Cooling Device on Alopecia in Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
- 4Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
- 5Hair disorders in patients with cancer
- 6Association Between Use of a Scalp Cooling Device and Alopecia After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 28 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
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