Not all anti-cancer medicines cause hair loss; your doctor or nurse can tell you whether you might be affected. Hair loss is often one of the more frustrating aspects of cancer treatment. When hair falls out, it can affect self-image and quality of life. But there are ways to cope with this side effect.

Everyone’s experience is different, so it’s important to talk with your doctor or nurse about how your particular treatment affects hair loss. Depending on the treatment, hair loss may start anywhere from seven to 21 days after the first chemotherapy session. Hair starts to grow back when you are finished with treatment. It may have a different texture or color, but these changes are usually not permanent.