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Hair loss on chemotherapy

Do You Lose Eyebrows and — Body Hair on Chemotherapy?

Most people are warned about scalp hair loss before treatment starts. Fewer are told about eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair — and many find the loss of brows and lashes harder, because it changes how the face looks in ways a wig cannot cover.

Medically reviewed by Dr. T. Raghavender Reddy, Medical Oncologist, MBBS · DM (Medical Oncology) · MD (Radiation Oncology) · Last reviewed September 2026

  • All body hair is at risk — Chemotherapy affects fast-growing cells throughout the body — eyebrows, eyelashes, underarm, leg, pubic, and nasal hair can all be affected.
  • Brows and lashes change the face most — Eyebrow and eyelash loss changes how expressions read and how the face looks — something a hat or wig cannot cover.
  • The timing differs — Scalp hair usually goes first. Eyebrows and eyelashes tend to follow a few weeks later.
  • Practical steps help a lot — Eyebrow pencils, brow stencils, and careful eye makeup can significantly reduce how visible the changes are.
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Yes. Chemotherapy affects fast-growing cells including hair follicles all over your body. You may lose eyebrows, eyelashes, arm and leg hair, underarm hair, and pubic hair — not just scalp hair. Eyebrow and eyelash loss follows scalp hair by a few weeks, and many people find it changes how the face looks more than scalp loss does.

Do eyebrows and eyelashes fall out on chemotherapy?

Yes. Chemotherapy drugs that cause scalp hair loss affect all hair follicles, including those that produce eyebrows, eyelashes, nasal hair, underarm hair, arm and leg hair, and pubic hair.

Which drugs you are receiving determines how much is lost and how quickly. Your oncologist can tell you what is typical for your specific regimen.

Body hair loss is often less complete than scalp hair loss. It tends to thin gradually rather than shed all at once.

What helps with eyebrow and eyelash loss?

  • Use an eyebrow pencil or powder with short, feathered strokes in the direction of hair growth — small strokes look more natural than a solid line.
  • Eyebrow stencils are available in pharmacies and beauty shops across India and help you match both sides evenly.
  • Apply sunscreen to bare brow skin when going outdoors — exposed skin around the eyes is more sensitive during treatment.
  • Avoid waterproof eye products that need hard rubbing to remove. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options are gentler on skin that is more reactive during treatment.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors when lashes are thinning — they protect eyes from wind and dust, and loose lashes can cause irritation if they fall in.
  • Talk to your care team before any semi-permanent makeup or microblading procedure during treatment, as skin can be more fragile.

When does hair loss happen during chemotherapy?

  1. Scalp hair first

    For most people, scalp hair starts to loosen within the first few weeks after treatment begins. Many notice it in the shower or on the pillow.

  2. Eyebrows and eyelashes follow

    Brow and lash thinning typically begins a few weeks after scalp hair loss and is usually gradual rather than sudden.

  3. Body hair thins during treatment

    Underarm, arm, leg, pubic, and nasal hair may thin progressively over the course of treatment, rather than falling all at once.

  4. Regrowth begins after treatment ends

    Most people see hair returning in the months after chemotherapy finishes. Scalp hair typically leads, with brows and lashes following.

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Why is eyebrow and eyelash loss harder than scalp hair loss?

Many people are warned about scalp hair loss before treatment. Eyebrow and eyelash loss is mentioned far less often — and many find it harder, because it changes how the face looks in a way a wig or scarf cannot cover.

Eyebrows shape how expressions read. Eyelashes frame the eyes. You see the change every time you look in a mirror, and others see it too.

If this is harder than you expected, that response is completely normal. Tell your care team. Most oncology centres can connect you with a counsellor or a look-good-feel-better programme if one is available.

What else do people ask about hair loss on chemotherapy?

Will my eyebrows and eyelashes grow back?

For most people, yes. Regrowth typically begins in the months after treatment ends. The texture and density when they first return may differ from before — this usually evens out over time. We do not yet know enough about individual variation to predict exactly what your regrowth will look like, so be cautious of any source that makes a confident promise about the outcome.

Will I lose all my pubic hair?

You may lose some or most of it, depending on your drugs. Pubic and underarm hair loss tends to be less complete than scalp hair loss in most regimens. Body hair generally returns after treatment ends, though timing varies. Your oncologist can tell you what is typical for your specific treatment.

My eyes keep watering. Is that from chemotherapy?

Quite possibly, yes — and the cause is often the lashes, not the drug itself. Eyelashes help channel moisture away from the eye surface. When they thin or fall out, tear drainage is disrupted and the eyes water or feel irritated. This usually settles as lashes regrow. Tell your team if watering is significant or if eyes become red or painful, since some chemotherapy drugs can also affect tear ducts directly.

Why do I have a constant runny nose?

Nasal hair filters air and retains moisture in the nose. When it thins during chemotherapy, a persistent drip or runny nose is common — and is almost never mentioned before treatment starts. Saline nasal rinses and soft tissues help. Tell your team if you notice blood, as the nasal lining can become dry and fragile during treatment.

Is it safe to use eye makeup during treatment?

For most people, yes, with some care. Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products and avoid anything that needs hard rubbing to remove. If a product your skin tolerated before now causes irritation, stop using it and mention it at your next visit. Ask your care team before using any hair dye on regrown hair, as the scalp may be more sensitive than before.

Does scalp cooling also prevent eyebrow and eyelash loss?

No. Scalp cooling devices are designed to reduce blood flow to scalp follicles and are used at some centres to try to limit scalp hair loss in certain regimens. They do not protect eyebrows or eyelashes, so brow and lash loss may still occur even when scalp cooling is used. Scalp cooling is not suitable for all cancer types or drug combinations. Your oncologist can advise whether it is an option for your treatment.

Did you know?

Eyelashes do more than frame the eyes — they act as a moisture-directing system. When they thin or fall out, tear drainage is disrupted and the eyes water constantly.

Many people assume watery eyes or a persistent runny nose during chemotherapy is a drug reaction. Both are often caused simply by the loss of eyelash and nasal hair.

Source: ASCO Patient Education: Hair Loss During Cancer Treatment

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Do eyebrows grow back after chemotherapy?

Yes, for most people. Regrowth typically begins in the months after treatment ends — scalp hair usually leads, with brows and lashes following. The first growth may look thinner, or different in texture or colour; this usually evens out over time. We do not know enough about individual variation to say exactly what your regrowth will look like, so be cautious of any source that makes a confident promise.

When do eyelashes fall out during chemotherapy?

Eyelash thinning typically begins a few weeks after scalp hair starts to shed. The loss is usually gradual — you may notice lashes on your cheek or pillow before you see a visible gap. Not everyone loses all their lashes; the extent depends on which drugs are in your regimen. Your oncologist can tell you what is typical for your treatment.

Why do my eyes keep watering on chemotherapy?

Thinning or loss of eyelashes disrupts normal tear drainage. Lashes help channel moisture away from the eye surface, and when they go, tears accumulate rather than drain properly. This is a very common but rarely mentioned effect. Some chemotherapy drugs can also affect the tear ducts directly. If watering is significant or your eyes become red or painful, tell your team so they can check the cause.

Will I lose my pubic hair on chemotherapy?

You may. Chemotherapy affects fast-growing cells throughout the body, including pubic hair follicles. How much loss occurs depends on your specific drugs — some regimens cause significant loss, others relatively little. Body hair loss is generally less complete than scalp hair loss and tends to return after treatment finishes. Ask your oncologist what is typical for your specific drugs.

Can I shave my legs or use hair removal cream during chemotherapy?

Shaving is generally lower-risk than waxing or hair removal creams, which can irritate skin that is more sensitive during treatment. Even shaving carries a small risk of cuts when blood counts are low, so ask your team about your current counts before shaving. Waxing and depilatory creams are best avoided during active treatment. Many oncology centres have a nurse or care advisor who can give you specific guidance.

Will losing body hair affect me in other ways, like a runny nose?

Yes. Nasal hair filters air and retains moisture inside the nose. When it thins during chemotherapy, a persistent drip or runny nose is very common — and is almost never mentioned to patients before treatment begins. Saline nasal rinses and soft tissues give some relief. Let your team know if it is distressing or if you notice any blood, since the nasal lining can become dry and fragile.

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