Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a term describing drugs that are designed to slow or block cell growth. Chemotherapy is often used in the treatment of cancer. It can cause side effects including fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, and decreases in blood cells. Hair loss associated with chemotherapy mostly affects the hair on the scalp but can also affect the eyelashes, eyebrows, armpit hair, pubic hair, and hair on other areas of the body. Hair loss usually starts 1 to 4 weeks after starting chemotherapy. It is best to plan for the possibility of hair loss before starting chemotherapy.