You can shampoo your scalp and hair as often as you wish, however you should use a mild, fragrance-free soap such as Ivory soap, Basis or Neutrogena shampoo. You should not scrub your scalp. In addition, you must protect your scalp and radiation treatment areas from the sun. DO NOT use sun screen on affected areas during the six week period of your radiation therapy, but rather cover your head with a hat or scarf. Hair loss in the treatment area begins two to three weeks after your initial treatment.
Hair loss occurs because radiation affects cells that are dividing, which includes hair follicles.
Hair regrowth patterns vary. Hair may begin to regrow anywhere from three to twelve months following radiation therapy. Hair that grows back may come back in a thinner distribution than your normal hair, and it may even return a different color or texture. In some cases, depending on radiation dose, hair regrowth does not occur. There are a variety of resources for headwraps, turbans, and wigs offered through the UWMC Volunteer Services.