Cutting Your Hair Short — Before It Falls

Most people notice thinning or shedding around two to four weeks after starting chemotherapy, though this varies by which drugs are used and by individual response. It rarely falls out all at once — the usual pattern is gradual thinning followed by more noticeable shedding over one to two weeks. Your oncology team can tell you what to expect from your specific regimen and roughly when to expect it.

For the vast majority of people whose hair falls out due to chemotherapy, hair does return after treatment ends. Regrowth usually begins within weeks to months of finishing. At first the texture or colour may be different — sometimes softer or curlier than before. What it looks like in the longer term is harder to predict, and your team will tell you if there are any clinical reasons why regrowth may be slower or less complete in your particular case.

There is no clinical reason to prefer one over the other. Cutting short first means a more gradual visual change and makes the shedding phase easier to manage. Shaving means there is nothing left to fall out and a cleaner scalp to look after during treatment. Many people cut short first, then shave once shedding begins in earnest. Choose what feels right for you — this decision belongs entirely to you.

A bare scalp is more sensitive to sun, cold, and friction than you are used to. Outdoors, a soft cotton or bamboo hat or scarf protects it. Keep the scalp clean and gently moisturised. Avoid strongly fragranced products until you know how your skin reacts. If you notice sores, unusual redness, or significant dryness, mention it to your nurse — the scalp can sometimes be affected by chemotherapy beyond the hair loss itself.

Scalp cooling reduces blood flow to the scalp during infusions, aiming to limit drug exposure at the follicle. It helps some people keep more of their hair, though it does not work for everyone and is not suitable for all cancer types or regimens. Your oncologist will tell you whether it is an option for your specific treatment. If it is not offered, there is usually a clinical reason. Ask your team directly if you are not sure whether it was considered.

Some hospitals and cancer support organisations in India offer wigs on loan or at reduced cost for people undergoing treatment. It is worth asking the social worker or counsellor attached to your oncology team, as schemes vary by centre. CION's teams can point you to what is available at your centre. Cost for wigs and head coverings is not standardised and varies widely — synthetic wigs are generally less expensive than human-hair ones.