Most chemo patients adjust gracefully to their baldness. You’ve experimented with wigs, scarves, hats and probably even joked about your new look. You know for a fact that your hair will grow back, and accept it as a given. The day our chemo stops, you start dreaming of Alice bands, funky hair clips, hair gel, hi-lights, low-lights and wind through your hair…. Three weeks later you stare at yourself in a mirror – astounded by the most ugly ‘fuzz’ imaginable. Now what?

Chemotherapy destroys rapidly growing cells like cancer cells - and hair follicles. (That’s why faster growing hairs fell out first.) The chemo altered the cell division in your hair follicles, and although hair follicles can repair itself and revert, it’s a good idea to stimulate the existing stem cells in your scalp. Depending on the type-and-duration, there is a set duration of hair growth after chemotherapy you can go by. Two-to-three weeks after chemo ends, you can expect fuzz growing. This fuzz can be straight, thick and curly or nearly the same as your natural hair. Most patients also note that the colour is often different in the beginning. (Bear in mind that colouring your hair for years before your treatment could make you ‘forget’ your true hair colour!)

After a month your ‘own’ hair will start to appear. Two months later you can expect an inch (2.5cm) of length. The texture might still be slightly altered to your ‘normal’ hair, but there is a lot of pampering you can do to help. One very important tip is to NOT colour treat your hair for at least 6 months after chemotherapy. You should also stray away from using hairdryers and straighteners. Air dry your hair whenever possible. Use very gentle shampoo and conditioners, and wash it less often. Think of your head as that of a baby, and treat it as such. Stimulating your scalp by gently massaging it whilst shampooing/conditioning will also aid in hair growth. Do not use soap based shampoos, and never use shampoo with sodium laurel sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate in it. Spoil your hair with a hot oil treatment once a month. It is also advisable to sleep on a satin pillowcase.

You also want to stimulate blood flow and nutrient supplies to the follicles. There are many products on the market that can help for this. To name a few – Dr. Lewenberg’s Formulas, Rogaine, Propecia, ReGrow Massage Oil, Provillus, Hair Re-Growth RX and Profillica are popular products. If you experience hormonal changes after chemo, DHT-blockers (although not a stimulant) can also be used. Be advised that these products should NOT be used during chemotherapy! There are also natural products that can do wonders – ylang-ylang, West Indian bay and rosemary oils should become a must in your bathroom. For optimal results, use topical (formulas) stimulants in conjunction with systemically (oral) product/s.

During your ‘hair growing phase’ keep in mind that your hair is malnourished due to drugs and need vitamins. Make sure to take biotin, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin C and amino acids. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) found in fresh fruit and vegetables is obviously also very important, and lots of it!

You have now established ‘Anagen’ (growth) and ‘Catagen’ (transition stage). ‘Telogen’ (rest, followed by natural loss) will follow as before chemotherapy. When you can feel the wind in your hair again (three to six months after chemo) – make sure not to wear tight ponytails – your new hair won’t like it!!