There are several lung cancer treatments that can affect your hair and result in hair loss. Chemotherapy is the cancer treatment that most commonly causes hair loss. However, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies can also cause your hair to thin or fall out.

The medical term for hair loss is “alopecia.” Alopecia from lung cancer therapy can vary based on the treatment type, dosage, and how long you receive the treatment. Hair loss can happen over a period of time or all at once. You may also lose hair in other areas of your body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.

Because hair is one way we express our identity, losing it can have an emotional impact. However, knowing what to expect and being prepared can help you adjust. Most hair loss from cancer treatment will begin to grow back when your treatment is complete. However, sometimes, the texture and color will be different from what it was before treatment.

Hair loss from lung cancer treatment tends to vary by individual and by treatment type. How long you receive treatment and how strong the treatment are also important factors.

Hair can thin gradually, or hair loss can occur over a short period. Most people with hair loss start to see it occurring about 2 weeks after beginning treatment, and it usually starts to regrow within 2 to 6 months after the end of treatment.

‍Chemotherapy works by killing fast-growing cells in the body, like cancer cells. Hair cells also grow and divide quickly, so chemotherapy can affect those, which can cause hair loss. Hair loss caused by chemotherapy tends to affect the entire body and is almost always temporary.

Radiation therapy can cause hair loss where the radiation beams contact the skin. The treatment destroys nearby cancer cells but also impacts the hair’s ability to grow. Hair loss from radiation therapy can sometimes be permanent.

Some types of targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs can also cause hair loss. With these therapies, hair can become thinner, or hair loss can occur gradually. Hair loss is often temporary, and will begin to regrow when your treatment cycle is complete.

Hair is one way we express ourselves and is a very personal part of our identity. The way we choose to manage and cope with hair loss is also personal. You may be most comfortable wearing a hat, a wig, a head scarf, or no head covering at all.

Suggestions to help with hair loss:

• Cut your hair before treatment begins, which may make its loss less stressful.
• Wash it gently with baby shampoo, use a soft brush, and avoid barrettes, clips, dyes, or styling with heat.
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a hair net so your hair isn’t pulled while you’re sleeping.
• Shave your head before you start losing your hair if watching it fall out is too upsetting (using an electric razor will help prevent cuts to your scalp.)
• Use scarves, hats, wigs, and other head coverings once you have lost your hair. These may be covered by health insurance or provided for free by advocacy organizations.
• Apply sunscreen when outdoors if you don’t cover your head, and use a moisturizer if your scalp gets dry or itchy.

Many people feel that the compassion and advice they receive from support groups is extremely valuable. People who’ve been through the treatment experience can be a great resource.