From straight to curly, thick to thin: Here’s how hormones and chemotherapy can change your hair

Our hair is an important part of our identity and appearance. It can be a reflection of our personality and style. However, various factors can cause changes in our hair, including hormones and chemotherapy.

Hormones and Hair

Hormones play a significant role in regulating hair growth and texture. During puberty, hormonal changes can cause hair to become thicker and sometimes curlier. This is due to an increase in androgen hormones, such as testosterone. On the other hand, hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can lead to hair thinning and loss.

Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer that involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs can also affect healthy cells, including hair follicles. As a result, many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience hair loss.

Understanding Hair Loss during Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells but also hair follicle cells. This can lead to hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body. The extent of hair loss varies from person to person and depends on the specific chemotherapy drugs used.

Managing Hair Changes

While hormonal changes and chemotherapy can cause significant hair changes, there are ways to manage and cope with these changes:

• Hairstyling: Experiment with different hairstyles, cuts, and accessories to embrace your new hair texture or cover hair loss.
• Wigs and Hairpieces: Consider using wigs or hairpieces to maintain your desired appearance during and after chemotherapy.
• Scalp Care: Take care of your scalp by using gentle shampoos, avoiding excessive heat styling, and protecting it from the sun.
• Healthy Habits: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress levels to support overall hair health.
• Consult Professionals: Seek advice from hairstylists, trichologists, or dermatologists who specialize in hair and scalp health.

Conclusion

Hormonal changes and chemotherapy can have a significant impact on our hair, causing it to change in texture, thickness, and even leading to hair loss. Understanding these effects and implementing appropriate hair care strategies can help individuals manage and embrace their changing hair during these challenging times.