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How do I Promote Hair Growth After Chemotherapy?

By Patti Kate
Updated May 17, 2024
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The best way to promote hair growth after chemotherapy is by consuming a well- balanced diet. Proper nutrition, which includes the essential vitamins and nutrients found in healthy foods, will help the process of hair regrowth. Nutritional supplements such as hair growth vitamins can be used, as can certain herbs. In addition, there are hair growth treatments that may be recommended by a qualified hair stylist. Hair growth can be encouraged after chemotherapy with specially formulated shampoos as well.

Individuals who have completed extensive chemotherapy treatments will find that hair regrowth will typically take several weeks to a few months. This will depend on several factors, such as age and even genetics. There are ways to expedite the process of hair growth after chemotherapy, many of which are natural remedies. One measure you should take is to avoid washing and rinsing your hair in extremely hot water, which is damaging to hair follicles. Warm water is acceptable, but cool water is considered the best choice.

A widely used remedy for hair growth after chemotherapy involves an ingredient that can be found in most kitchens. Try warming up some olive oil. It can also be used straight from the bottle. Take a capful or two and massage the oil directly into the scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This is known to stimulate the hair follicles and promote regrowth of healthy hair.

Warm coconut oil may be used in this way as well. Some individuals use caster oil for hair regrowth treatments, as this can be a healthy alternative. Natural aloe juice extracted from the plant or from a pure organic gel may also be used directly on the scalp. Massage the gel into your scalp and allow the cooling effects to penetrate your hair follicles for 45 minutes to an hour.

Eating a balanced diet is essential for healthy growth of hair that has been compromised by chemotherapy. In addition, you might want to supplement your diet with a vitamin B complex formula. Amino acids are also an essential aspect of growing healthy hair, so look for these and other botanicals in shampoo.

The next step in your efforts to promote hair growth after chemotherapy is finding a competent hair stylist. A qualified professional hair stylist can offer advice and help you find solutions for your specific hair type. She can also tell you which style will look best on you. She will also recommend products to regrow your hair and restore its natural luster and volume.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By rachelsjulia — On Apr 19, 2013

Take vitamins for hair loss and eat healthy food and a good diet.

By serenesurface — On May 29, 2012

@turkay1-- Mine started growing back after a month. But I've heard of instances where it took a month and a half to start growing again. So yours is probably just about to start, or will start growing in the following weeks. It will definitely come through, don't worry!

Do you have anemia or any other vitamin deficiency? Sometimes that can slow hair growth too. If you have an iron deficiency, a multivitamin won't be enough. You can get a blood test to check your levels if you don't know.

Otherwise, hair growth is genetically determined. Some people's hair grow faster than others. Make sure that you don't have a nutrition deficiency, stop worrying and it will start growing.

By candyquilt — On May 28, 2012

@ysmina-- How long did it take for you to start growing hair again?

It's been a month since my last chemotherapy session and I'm still completely bald. Losing my hair has been one of the hardest things for me during chemotherapy. I loved my hair and I can't wait to get it back.

Is it normal that there is still nothing after a month? I eat well and take vitamins too. I'll try the oil treatment, but I'm not sure it will work. Is there anything else I can do for faster hair growth?

By ysmina — On May 28, 2012

I used vitamins for hair growth after chemotherapy was over. I don't remember every single ingredient, but there were many vitamins, especially vitamin A, E and biotin in it. I think biotin is a substance naturally found in hair, so it promotes hair growth. The supplements helped a lot and they're available in most pharmacies and natural food stores.

I also agree with the article about coconut oil. I used coconut oil as a treatment for my scalp several times a week when I had absolutely no hair. New hair started coming out in a week. I do think the coconut oil helped because I had been taking the supplements for longer.

What I did was I warmed the bottle of coconut oil in a cup of hot water. Then I held my head down to promote blood flow to my scalp. I applied the oil and slowly massaged it in circular movements. I would do this for like fifteen minutes and then let it sit on my scalp for five to ten minutes and then shower.

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