Medical Oncologist
Skin and hair effects
Hair Thinning, Curling and — Colour Change on Targeted Therapy
Hair changes are one of the most common cosmetic effects of targeted therapy. They are almost never a sign of danger, but a few specific patterns — especially changes to the scalp skin or eyelashes — do need your oncology team to know about them promptly.
Medically reviewed by Dr. T. Raghavender Reddy, Medical Oncologist, MBBS · DM (Medical Oncology) · MD (Radiation Oncology) · Last reviewed August 2026
- Not like chemotherapy — Targeted therapy rarely causes complete hair loss. Thinning, texture change and colour shift are more typical.
- Usually reversible — Most hair changes improve or return to normal after treatment ends, though it can take several months.
- Eyelashes need attention — Some targeted therapies cause eyelashes to grow long and curl inward, which can irritate or scratch the eye.
- Scalp sores are different — Painful or weeping sores on the scalp are not a cosmetic issue — they need same-day clinical review.
17+
Cancer Specialists
on Panel
on Panel
96.9%
Breast Cancer
Survival Rate*
Survival Rate*
15,000+
Patients
Treated
Treated
4.8★
Google Rating
(800+ reviews)
(800+ reviews)
Hair thinning, curling and colour changes are recognised side effects of several targeted therapies, including EGFR inhibitors and BRAF inhibitors. They are generally not dangerous and do not mean treatment is failing. The exceptions that need prompt attention are scalp infections and eyelashes that grow inward and touch the eye.
If a symptom below applies to you, do not wait for a callback. Call 1800-202-8726 or go to your nearest emergency department.
How do you tell an expected change from one that needs attention?
| Feature | Expected — manageable at home | Tell your team at next visit or sooner |
|---|---|---|
| Hair thinning | Gradual, diffuse thinning across the scalp | Rapid loss, patchy bald spots, or significant loss of eyebrows |
| Texture | Hair becomes wavy, curly or coarser than before | Sudden change within days, or scalp soreness alongside it |
| Colour | Gradual darkening or lightening of hair colour | Unusual change accompanied by scalp skin changes |
| Scalp skin | Slightly dry or flaky | Redness, pain, open sores, weeping or crusting |
| Eyelashes | Longer or thicker than before | Growing inward, touching the eye, or causing persistent irritation |
| Typically starts | Weeks to months after beginning treatment | Can appear at any point, including after treatment ends |
Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Book Free ConsultationBook an appointment with our specialist
Share your name and number — we'll call you back within 30 minutes to schedule your consultation.
You do not have to work this out alone
A 45-minute consultation with a specialist who treats this every week.
What is causing these hair changes and are they dangerous?
Targeted therapies block specific proteins that cancer cells depend on. Several of those proteins are also active in the hair follicle, which is why the hair changes.
EGFR inhibitors — used in lung, colorectal and head and neck cancers — are documented by ASCO and ESMO as commonly causing scalp hair thinning, increased facial and body hair, and eyelash overgrowth. BRAF and MEK inhibitors, used mainly in melanoma, are associated with hair curling and colour change.
None of these changes mean the treatment is not working. Treatment response is measured through scans and blood tests, not through what happens to your hair.
The changes that need clinical attention are on the scalp skin itself — sores or signs of infection — and in the eyelashes, where inward growth can physically damage the surface of the eye.
What you can do at home
- Use a mild, fragrance-free shampoo and a wide-tooth comb to reduce breakage.
- Avoid tight hairstyles, heat styling tools and chemical treatments while on treatment.
- Apply sunscreen or wear a hat if significant thinning has exposed the scalp — bare scalp burns easily.
- Keep fingernails short and avoid scratching the scalp; skin on targeted therapy is more fragile than usual.
- If eyelashes are growing longer, trim them gently — do not pull them out.
- Tell your team about any hair oils, herbal preparations or home treatments you are using, as some can irritate already-sensitive skin.
- Photograph any scalp changes when you first notice them — the picture helps your team assess whether things have worsened.
Questions people commonly ask about hair changes on targeted therapy
Will my hair go back to normal after treatment ends?
For most people, yes. Hair changes from targeted therapy are usually reversible once treatment ends or is paused. How quickly it returns to its previous state varies — texture and colour sometimes take several months to normalise, and a small number of people find some change persists longer. This is worth discussing with your oncologist rather than assuming either outcome, particularly if you are planning to be on treatment long-term.
My hair is curling even though it was always straight. Is that the drug?
Yes, and it is reported particularly with EGFR inhibitors and BRAF inhibitors. The change happens because the drug affects signalling in the hair follicle itself, altering the shape of the hair shaft as it grows. It is cosmetically disruptive for many people but is not a sign that something has gone wrong with your treatment. It tends to become more noticeable as more of the new-growth hair emerges over successive months on treatment.
Can I colour or chemically straighten my hair during targeted therapy?
Your scalp skin is more sensitive on targeted therapy than it normally would be, which increases the risk of a reaction to chemical treatments. This is a question to put directly to your oncologist or the nursing team before you try anything. If you do get the go-ahead, do a patch test first and consider a product formulated for sensitive scalps. The same caution applies to traditional herbal dye preparations and home colour kits.
I am using coconut oil and a herbal hair pack my family recommends. Is that safe?
Many traditional preparations are well tolerated, but some contain ingredients — such as certain essential oils, mustard, or astringent plant extracts — that can irritate skin already sensitised by targeted therapy. The right step is to tell your oncologist or nurse exactly what you are applying, including the brand or the preparation method. That conversation allows them to flag anything specific rather than giving a blanket refusal, and it means that if a skin reaction does develop, they have the full picture.
Is there any support available for hair loss during treatment?
Some state government cancer support schemes and NGOs in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh provide assistance with wigs or scalp coverings for people on active treatment. The CION social work team at your treating centre can tell you what you are currently eligible for and help with any applications or referrals. Ask at your next visit or at the nursing station — this kind of support is part of what the team is there for.
Explore 108 more Side Effects, Emergencies & Daily Living topics
Side Effects - Symptom-Specific Deep Dives
- Abdominal Pain on Targeted Therapy: When to Worry
- Acne-Like Rash on EGFR Inhibitors: Why It Happens and How to Treat It
- Anaemia and Low Haemoglobin During Targeted Therapy
- Blood Clots and Stroke Risk on Targeted Therapy
- Blurred Vision and Eye Problems on Cancer Drugs
- Brain Fog and Memory Problems During Treatment
- Breathlessness and Cough on Targeted Therapy: Ruling Out ILD
- Constipation During Targeted Therapy
- Diarrhoea on Targeted Therapy: How to Control It at Home
- Dry Eyes and Light Sensitivity During Treatment
- Extreme Fatigue on Targeted Therapy: Causes and What Helps
- Extremely Dry, Cracking Skin on Cancer Tablets
- Fever During Targeted Therapy: Home Care vs Emergency
- Hair Thinning, Curling and Colour Change on Targeted Therapy
- Hand-Foot Skin Reaction: Prevention and Relief
- Headaches and Dizziness on Targeted Therapy
- Heart Function Drop (Low Ejection Fraction) on Targeted Therapy
- High Blood Pressure Caused by Cancer Drugs
- High Blood Sugar on PI3K and mTOR Inhibitors
- Infusion Reactions: What Happens and How They're Managed
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): The Side Effect You Must Not Ignore
- Itching That Won't Stop on Targeted Therapy
- Kidney Function Changes on Targeted Therapy
- Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss During Targeted Therapy
- Low Magnesium and Electrolyte Problems on Anti-EGFR Antibodies
- Low Platelets on PARP Inhibitors and TKIs
- Low White Cells and Infection Risk on Targeted Therapy
- Mouth Ulcers and Mucositis: Practical Relief
- Muscle Cramps and Joint Pain on Cancer Drugs
- Nausea and Vomiting on Oral Cancer Drugs
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Prevention During Bone-Targeted Treatment
- Paronychia and Nail Changes on Targeted Therapy
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Tingling and Numbness in Hands and Feet
- Protein in Urine (Proteinuria) During Treatment
- QT Prolongation: What It Means on Your ECG Report
- Raised Liver Enzymes (SGPT/SGOT) on Targeted Therapy
- Secondary Cancers After Long-Term PARP Inhibitor Use
- Severe Rash With Fever or Blistering: A Medical Emergency
- Skin Darkening, Depigmentation and Pigment Changes
- Slow Heart Rate and Dizziness on Certain TKIs
- Sun Sensitivity and Photosensitivity on Cancer Drugs
- Swallowing Difficulty and Reflux on Cancer Tablets
- Swelling of Face, Legs and Around the Eyes
- Taste Changes and Metallic Mouth on Cancer Drugs
- Tumour Lysis Syndrome: A Rare but Serious Early Complication
- Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) Caused by Cancer Drugs
- Unusual Bleeding or Bruising on Cancer Drugs
- Voice Changes and Hoarseness on Targeted Therapy
- Weight Gain During Long-Term Targeted Therapy
- When Diarrhoea Becomes an Emergency: The Rule You Must Know
- Wound Healing Problems on Antiangiogenic Drugs
Daily Living & Adherence
- Can I Drink Alcohol on Targeted Therapy?
- Can I Drive While on Targeted Therapy?
- Can I Fast for Religious Reasons During Targeted Therapy?
- Can I Have Dental Treatment While on Targeted Therapy?
- Exercise During Targeted Therapy: How Much Is Safe?
- Haircuts, Waxing, Facials and Tattoos During Treatment
- How Should Family Members Handle Your Cancer Tablets Safely?
- I Accidentally Took a Double Dose: How Serious Is It?
- I Missed a Dose of My Targeted Therapy: What Should I Do?
- I Vomited Right After Taking My Tablet: Do I Repeat the Dose?
- Managing a Household Routine Around Your Dosing Schedule
- Pets, Gardening and Infection Precautions
- Running Out of Medicine: What to Do About Refills and Shortages
- Safe Disposal of Unused Cancer Medicines
- Sex and Intimacy While on Targeted Therapy: Safety Questions
- Sleep Problems on Targeted Therapy and What Actually Helps
- Smoking and Targeted Therapy: How It Changes Your Drug Levels
- Travelling With Cancer Tablets: Flights, Security and Storage
Emergency & Red-Flag Triage
- Chest Pain or Palpitations During Cancer Treatment
- Emergency Contact Card: What to Keep in Your Wallet
- Fever Above 100.4F on Cancer Treatment: The 1-Hour Rule
- Heavy Bleeding, Blood in Vomit or Black Stools
- Not Passing Urine or Sudden Swelling All Over
- Severe Rash Spreading Rapidly With Mouth or Eye Involvement
- Sudden Breathlessness on Cancer Tablets: Go to Emergency or Wait?
- Sudden Confusion, Seizure or Weakness on One Side
- Sudden Severe Abdominal Pain: Ruling Out Perforation
- Sudden Vision Loss or Double Vision: What to Do Right Now
- Swollen, Painful Leg: Recognising a Blood Clot
- Uncontrolled Diarrhoea: The 6-Stool Rule Every Patient Should Know
- What to Tell an ER Doctor Who Doesn't Know Your Cancer Drug
- Yellow Eyes, Dark Urine or Severe Right-Sided Pain
Food, Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Antacids and Acidity Tablets Can Block Your Cancer Drug
- Anti-Nausea and Anti-Acidity Drugs That Prolong QT
- Anti-TB Treatment and Targeted Therapy: A Dangerous Combination
- Antibiotics and Antifungals That Interfere With Cancer Drugs
- Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicines With Targeted Therapy: The Real Risks
- Blood Thinners and Targeted Therapy: Managing the Bleeding Risk
- Contraceptive Pills and Hormone Medicines With Cancer Drugs
- Diabetes and Blood Pressure Medicines With Targeted Therapy
- Grapefruit, Pomegranate and Starfruit: Why They're Banned on Many Cancer Drugs
- Green Tea, Coffee and Caffeine on Targeted Therapy
- Homeopathy Alongside Targeted Therapy: What You Should Know
- How to Check Any New Medicine Against Your Cancer Drug
- Painkillers: Which Ones Are Safe on Targeted Therapy?
- Protein Powders and Immunity Boosters: Helpful or Harmful?
- Statins and Cholesterol Medicines During Cancer Treatment
- The Complete Do-Not-Take List for Common Targeted Therapy Drugs
- Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Giloy and Wheatgrass During Cancer Treatment
- Vaccines and Antivirals During Targeted Therapy
- Vitamin, Calcium and Iron Supplements During Treatment
Side Effects - General & Timeline
- Are Side Effects a Sign That the Drug Is Working?
- Side Effect Timeline: What Happens in Week 1, Month 1 and Month 6
- Targeted Therapy Side Effects: The Complete List by Drug Class
- Understanding Side Effect Grades 1 to 4 (In Plain Language)
- When to Call Your Oncologist Immediately: The Red Flag List
- Will a Dose Reduction Make My Treatment Less Effective?
Next step
Still not sure what applies to you?
Send your reports across and a senior medical oncologist will go through what they mean, what is known, and what the options actually are.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does hair thinning on targeted therapy mean my cancer is getting worse?
No. Hair thinning is a side effect of the drug acting on the hair follicle — it tells you nothing about how the cancer is responding. Several targeted therapies affect proteins that are active in both cancer cells and hair follicles, so a hair change can actually reflect the drug reaching its target. Treatment response is assessed through scans and tumour markers, not through what happens to your hair. If you are worried about how your cancer is responding, that is a direct question for your oncologist at your next review.
How is this different from the hair loss people get on chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy-related hair loss tends to be complete or near-complete and happens within weeks, because chemotherapy affects all rapidly dividing cells including those in hair follicles throughout the body. Targeted therapy hair changes are usually partial — thinning, texture change or colour shift rather than complete loss — and tend to develop more gradually. You are also more likely to notice increased eyelash or facial hair growth with some targeted therapies, which is rare with chemotherapy.
Which targeted therapies are most likely to cause hair changes?
EGFR inhibitors — used in certain lung, colorectal and head and neck cancers — are strongly associated with scalp hair thinning, eyelash overgrowth and changes to facial and body hair. BRAF and MEK inhibitors, used mainly in melanoma, are associated with hair curling and colour change. CDK4/6 inhibitors used in breast cancer can also cause thinning. Your oncologist can tell you what to expect specifically for the drug you are on, as the pattern varies by treatment.
My eyelashes are growing very long. What should I do?
Trim them gently rather than pulling them out — pulling can damage the follicle and increase the chance of the next lash growing in the wrong direction. Let your oncologist or nurse know at your next appointment. They may refer you to an ophthalmologist to check whether any lashes are touching the eye surface. If you already have eye pain, redness, tearing, or any change in your vision, do not wait — contact your team the same day rather than leaving it to a routine appointment.
Is it safe to use hair growth treatments like minoxidil while on targeted therapy?
Do not start any over-the-counter hair growth treatment without checking with your oncology team first. Some products affect blood vessels or skin absorption in ways that interact unpredictably with targeted therapy. This applies to minoxidil and to marketed herbal hair regrowth preparations. Your team can tell you whether a specific product is safe for you — it is a quick question to ask at your next visit or by calling the nursing team.