Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. The type of chemotherapy regimen and doses prescribed will affect your chances of hair loss. Radiation therapy only causes hair loss in the area being treated. Hair loss typically starts 2-4 weeks after your treatments have started. You may experience thinning of the hair or complete hair loss.
Hair loss caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy is temporary.
Regrowth of hair may start 6-8 weeks after completion of radiation therapy or after several cycles of chemotherapy. Your physician will inform you of your chances for hair loss before your treatments begin. The best way to deal with hair loss is to prepare for it before it happens. Get a short, stylish haircut before beginning your treatments. This will prepare you for the change in your appearance due to hair loss.