In a society where a woman’s hair is often her ‘crowning glory’, many cancer patients face a double burden: fighting for their lives while simultaneously grieving the loss of their hair and a core part of their identity. So, one medical expert is calling for greater attention to an often-overlooked aspect of cancer treatment and recovery: hair restoration.
This expert is Dr Kashmal Kalan, a globally renowned hair restoration specialist and medical director of the Alvi Armani hair transplant clinic in Sandton, Johannesburg. He worked with cancer patients in both the public and private sectors before entering the hair transplant field, and has since enjoyed the unique honour of assisting dozens of survivors – both male and female – in restoring their tresses and their confidence.
He notes that for women in particular, the thought of losing their hair can seem almost as daunting as the cancer diagnosis itself.
“Hair is closely connected to many women’s sense of self and their femininity. The prospect of seeing that hair fall out or adopting a completely shaved look can be very traumatic, especially if they’re used to having longer hair.
“I’ve seen patients come to their consultation with a wig, asking if they’ll be able to wear it after chemotherapy – before they’ve even started treatment. They’ve already thought about the entire process, and their hair is a specific point of anxiety.”
The link between cancer treatments and hair loss explained
To help those affected by cancer better understand what to expect in terms of their hair, Dr Kalan explains that treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation are typically the cause of any hair loss rather than the cancer itself.
Put simply, cancer consists of rapidly dividing cells, and chemotherapy works to eliminate the cancer by attacking these cells. However, the cells in hair follicles are also rapidly dividing, potentially becoming a target for the chemotherapy agents. But, just as there’s a multitude of cancer types, there are thousands of different chemotherapy agents, and not everyone undergoing chemotherapy will lose their hair.
Likewise, radiation is a more targeted treatment process that’s only likely to affect the hair if it’s applied to the head or neck region.
“The question of hair loss is specific to the type of cancer involved, the nature and duration of the cancer treatment, and the type of chemotherapy that may be used. Patients needn’t fear that if they undergo treatment, they’ll inevitably lose their hair, because that isn’t the case.”
When to seek professional help
Hair will generally begin to regrow naturally after the cancer treatment has ended, although the process can be slow. Furthermore, given the damage to hair follicles, the hair may grow back thin and brittle in the early phases, with a texture reminiscent of baby hair. In response, cancer patients often visit hair transplant clinics like Alvi Armani seeking solutions.
For those considering hair restoration, timing is critical. “We recommend waiting at least 12 months after completing chemotherapy before starting any hair restoration treatments. The patient must be in full remission, as starting any treatment too early or while still undergoing chemotherapy can be counterproductive. We also want patients to regain some of their health so that their follicles will be more responsive to treatment,” says Dr Kalan.
He stresses that patience is vital. “Our female patients, especially, often want a quick fix. However, we recommend a slow and steady approach. The scalp and hair follicles need time to recover before rushing into treatments.”
Hair restoration options
The good news is that professional intervention can speed the process of regaining healthy looking hair from years to months. The first step is usually non-surgical and preventative care measures to prevent further hair loss, restore the scalp’s health and revitalise the hair follicles. These may include prescription medications, high-vitamin drips, platelet-rich plasma therapy or mesotherapy.
Once the scalp is in a better state, Dr Kalan and his team can assess whether a hair transplant is necessary. “Chemotherapy can exacerbate or accelerate natural hair loss patterns, especially in women over 35 who might have been experiencing some thinning or recession along the hairline. If the follicles were already weak, they might not have survived the treatment process. Hair transplants can then be an effective solution for areas where the hair doesn’t grow back fully.”
He believes hair restoration should become an important part of broader discussions around cancer recovery between medical professionals and patients. “We should be having these conversations from the outset, during diagnosis and treatment planning. Women need to know that while they may lose their hair during treatment, there are options for getting it back afterward, which could provide them with some much-needed emotional comfort in their cancer journeys.”
For breast cancer and other cancer patients feeling overwhelmed or self-conscious about hair loss, Dr Kalan offers a final message of hope: “The important thing is to focus on what matters most – surviving the cancer. Once you’re in remission and in a healthy space again, we can start the hair restoration process. Rest assured that with the modalities of treatment available today, we can achieve the density and coverage you want, and we can reclaim your hair.”
Image credit: Freepik