Depending on the age and sex of the child, this can be a very distressing side effect of chemotherapy. Younger children may not be bothered by hair loss, but the school-age child and teenager may be devastated. Hair loss usually occurs one to three weeks into treatment, depending on the specific agents being given. Once the hair begins to fall out, it will continue to be lost in large clumps. The child may be bald within a few days.
Hair usually begins to grow about six weeks after completion of treatment.
The hair may look different when it returns. The color or texture may be different than before treatment began. Minimize hair washing to every other day instead of every day. Wash hair with a gentle moisturizing shampoo. Avoid harsh chemicals in the hair such as coloring products.