Hi Everyone, I had my last chemo on 21st July. Just wondering from those who know, what to expect with hair growing back. I'm normally dark brown, but currently have light coloured extremely short Velcro type fluff appearing on my head. My eyebrows are sparse and fair now, so I do the Edith Piaf look with drawing my eyebrows on. I have 1 eyelash on my right eye, and about 3 on my left eye. I guess that my hair will just do its own thing. Do I need to do anything special to care for it while it grows ? Would be lovely to hear from someone who knows. Thanks in anticipation, Tracey B ????

Hi Tracey my hair grew back silver grey and really curly. I have always had dead straight hair so it was a huge shock when it grew back curly. It has now settled and nearly back to what it was like before, if anything it is thicker and I keep it really short. The first time I coloured my hair I went blond didn't like it so have gone back to a reddish purple colour. I didn't do anything special I just let it grow, it was strange at first as I got quite used to not having any hair. My eyebrows are thinner and so are my eyelashes. Good luck because I think it can be a bit of a lucky dip.

Hi Tracey, everyone seems to have a different experience but for me, my hair came back in almost black (I'd been a practising blonde for many years!) so it was definitely a big change! It also was wavy and very fine, a huge change from having thick, straight hair. For the first 6 months or so I used baby shampoo as it was gentle on the hair and scalp. I'm now 2 years on from the end of active treatment and my hair is long again but still much finer than my original hair and it has lightened - with a bit of help from my hairdresser! It has also lost its curl. It grows much slower than previously which saves a bit on haircuts :-) I do however really miss my once thick eyebrows and lashes. Both are still quite sparse, so have become pretty good with the eyebrow pencil (thanks to the Look good feel better workshop) and use an eyeliner as well as my trusty Great Lash mascara to make the most of what's there. Most people think it looks natural & normal so I guess I'm doing something right! Best wishes, Jane xx

Thanks Rowdy, It's good to hear your experience. I'm actually a bit nervous about it. My sister in law is awesome, she shaved her hair at my crazy hair party, and has kept her hair at a number 2 until my hair starts to grow, so we can do it together. What an awesome support. I too have become accustomed yo my nude nut. Thanks and cuddles from Trace ??

Thanks Jane, my hair used to be wavy and sat my shoulders, so it has been a real change for me to lose my hair. Most join into a look good feel better workshop. Will also look for the great lash mascara once I get some eyelashes back. Thanks for your advice and support. Cuddles to you from Trace ????

Hi Tracey. It's exactly a year since my last chemo. My hair has grown back curley and frizzy! It's a bit of a challenge trying to keep it looking presentable and like other comments I think it grows slower particularly around the hairline and on top. I guess the curl and frizz will eventually be cut out of it. I have never had short hair but friends say it makes me look younger so that's a plus. My eyelashes are better than ever and eyebrows certainly don't need plucking but are pretty ok. I wore wigs until April then coloured my hair and had it shaped. That worked pretty well for me. You have plenty to look forward to not least no more chemo! Take care.

Hair growth after chemo | BCNA Online Network

18 Replies

KezzaB
Member
10 years ago
That's awesome Carol,

I gotta go get my first wax this week Hairy McClary not happy lol if I can say one thing about the toxic ride didn't mind saving on beauticians and hair appointments lol :) Guess Im putting my GF back into business in my local community lol :)
KezzaB
Member
10 years ago
Thanks Trace hugs right back at ya. I've been every hair colour previously except this one, so why not I say, anything goes now days. Ill update pics soon when I am ready to reveal the do. LOL. I'll be staying on the ride with you all. yes it is a different roller coaster that needs to be ridden so just easy to go with it and lean into the corners. I'm smiling as I write this as I have 3 Traceys in my life that have ridden my ride with me lol what's another one to confuse my kids lol :) Keep on doing what you do best....Rock this world....Thanks Trace loving your supportive up beat posts :)
Carol
Member
10 years ago
Mine came back and initially seemed lighter and striaght (i'd always had fine black wavy hair)

9 years on I still have extremely slow growing fine dark wavy hair with some salt in there. At almost 60 many are quite jealous of my natural hair colour when their grey or white hair has been dyed for years. I'll never have long hair again and i'd love to not have had a mo when all other hair was gone for months post chemo. Still havn't had to do anything about my eyebrows which look a bit sparser than the plucked pre surgery line. the hair did not grow back on my arms and hardly need to do anything in summer on the previously bushy bikini line or legs - just constant vigilence on chin and upper lip.

Carol
Anonymous
10 years ago
Hi Kezzab, you look like a pretty awesome person, and I think that white hair you would get away with quite well. Life is like a roller coaster ride, with all its dips and highs, as long as you stay in the carriage and prepare yourself for an exciting ride. I really appreciate your positive posts. Big cuddles from Trace ????
KezzaB
Member
10 years ago
AFraser

Thanks lol theres hope for me yet then. I used to be a brunette, lots of grey mind you and have died my hair for the last 20 years, Its grown back platinum white which doesn't look too bad lol look like my mum now :) will be interesting to see in months to come
Anonymous
10 years ago
Good grief, seems like there are so many different experiences for people. Sounds like it sorts itself out in the end. Have been and purchased some baby shampoo today. I met a lady today, who recommended silica vitamin tablets that support the growth of nails and hair. It can get a bit confusing, but I guess my hair will let me know the deal soon enough. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Trace ??????
Afraser
Member
10 years ago
Mine came back very sparse (it was really thick before), chalk white and like lambswool. The curls (very common!) were really frizzy and lasted almost 9 months. But it thickened and darkened over quite a long period - every hair cut (at first just to tidy things up) revealed new colour and a shifting texture. Was quite exciting. After almost 2 years, I was back to my original texture, almost normally straight and much less grey than it had been before chemo! A year further on though, I am getting some hair thinning. This may be just ageing (damn!!) but may be a combination of the effects of hormonal treatment over time and ageing as well. Not too dramatic, but keeping an eye on it and doing everything I can to counter it. Any one with a similar experience?
KezzaB
Member
10 years ago
lol eyebrows popped up from nowhere and others will be back quicker than you know but yes I totally understand the eyebrows n lashes we can laugh at it now, small things in like we love now lol love n light Trace
Anonymous
10 years ago
Thanks Kezzab, it gives me a bit of an idea of what I could expect. It would be nice to get the eyebrows and eyelashes back at the very least. Sounds like a bit of patience is required. Warm wishes, Trace ??
Anonymous
10 years ago
Thanks Robyn, I will get some baby shampoo in readiness for whatever happens. I certainly want to look after whatever hair grows, as I don't want to damage the new growth. Much appreciated, Trace ??