Faced with a disease such as cancer, there are significant challenges and fears, this condition being a solid physical, emotional, and psychological situation, both due to its cause and its treatment. Chemotherapy treatment is the most used to treat most cases of cancer; it is an intervention with a very aggressive impact on the body because, in its path, it also damages good cells.
One of its unwanted damages is reflected in the hair, which falls out in most people during their chemotherapy treatment processes because it blocks the function of the hair follicles. Faced with this disease, aesthetics are not as high a priority as other emergencies that are met, but once the therapeutic cycles are completed, being able to wear a new natural hair of your own is an essential joy for anyone. Learn in this FastlyHealarticle how to grow hair after chemotherapy.
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Does hair grow back naturally after chemotherapy?
One of the most common effects of chemotherapy is the loss of hair and hair throughout the body throughout the treatment process. Therefore, many people wonder when they will have hair again or if its growth will happen naturally, or what they should do about it. The answer is that s I, the hair grows naturally after chemo, but in many cases, strangers, recovery occurs naturally hair after the chemotherapy process. However, patience is necessary as it is not an immediate process.
To begin with, it is necessary to know that, from the last chemotherapy cycle until the appearance of the first hairs and hairs, it may be expected to wait 1 to 2 months on average. Usually, the hair is the first to recover.
This is because the chemicals in the drugs are not removed immediately, but it takes time for the body to rid itself of them and for the hair follicles to reactivate. The duration of this process will depend both on the drug, the time it takes for the entire chemotherapy process, and the conditions of the person’s body to detoxify.
Once this period has passed, when the chemicals no longer block follicular function, the most common is that some fuzz or fabulous hair begins to appear, especially on the scalp. Cutting may be preferred to give it more strength and make it easier for the hair to come out again in its standard shape. The following resources are considered to assist in this process.
Multivitamins and supplements to grow hair after chemotherapy
The consumption of vitamins in therapeutic doses is one of the primary resources, not only for the regeneration of hair but also for health in general after the terrible battle that the body fought against cancer and the same aggressive chemicals of the drugs. Some of the suggestions for multivitamins and vitamin supplements, which should be corroborated by a doctor in observation of the particular conditions of each patient, are:
- Multivitamins in capsules: prioritizing vitamins A, B, C, and especially D. For the activation of vitamin D, it is necessary to sunbathe. Depending on the person’s condition, you should follow this suggestion with a daily limit on the time or intensity of sunlight to which it is exposed.
- Omega 3 fatty acid capsules are necessary for the body to repair damage to various tissues, enhance the immune system’s activity, and repair internal damage. By achieving this task with the help of Omega 3 fatty acids, the body can more quickly dedicate resources to regrowing hair.
- Multivitamin and mineral shake: Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals for the recovery of the body and hair, along with the already mentioned vitamins, proteins, and other trace elements included in most of these shakes. It is best to use specialized shakes rather than generic ones or consult your GP about their recommendations.
Diet against chemotherapy alopecia
Taking the multivitamins mentioned is no excuse for neglecting your diet. Nor will it be enough, or its effectiveness will be seen if you do not accept these vitamins at the same time in your daily dishes. The following foods should be taken preferably, always following the indications of the specialist doctor:
- Foods rich in beta-carotene (which are transformed into vitamin A): such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers, chili peppers, squash (squash), cabbages, and bananas.
- Sources of Omega 3 EPA / DHA and vitamin D: fish, shellfish, organic eggs and algae.
- Diuretic foods and low sodium diet: papaya, pineapple, watermelon, and melon. It is essential to avoid fluid retention in salt, which is incredibly refined, so that the body keeps releasing accumulated toxins.
Learn about the other foods to strengthen hair in this other FastlyHealarticle.
Masks and shampoos to restore hair after chemotherapy
In addition to the practical methods mentioned, another way to grow hair after chemotherapy is to apply specific creams, masks, and shampoos to stimulate hair growth:
- There are special creams or masks for hair recovery after chemo. Look for those with aloe vera and beeswax if you want a reference.
- The shampoos should preferably be those particular for fragile and brittle hair.
- As additional nutrition for the hair, you can bathe it with olive oil 1 to 2 times a week.
- You can also massage the skin and scalp with natural and gentle moisturizers to stimulate the follicles and hydrate the skin.
- To help the recovery of the skin and the stimulation of the hair follicles, try chocolate therapy.
Hair will remain delicate for a while; take care of it!
The recovery of hair and hair requires patience; in some cases, it does not regularly grow everywhere; for example, it can grow in one eyebrow faster than in the other. It is widespread for hair to develop differently from what it was before chemotherapy. It can grow curly when straight before or of a different color tone.
The hair must be treated without much force when combing it, as it could fall quickly, and you also have to be delicate and careful with the scalp. Also, some wonder when they can dye their hair after chemotherapy. Regarding this question, to dye, it is recommended to wait about six months or that the hair grows at least 5 cm and the scalp is no longer irritated. If it is stained, use ammonia-free products. Avoid bathing in chlorine pools for several months, as it will reverse your skin and hair recovery.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to grow hair after chemotherapy, we recommend that you enter our Skin, Hair and Nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.