October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, share knowledge, and stand alongside those affected by breast cancer. At Luisa Krayem Permanent Makeup in Tetbury, we work closely with women at every stage of their cancer journey. From preparing for treatment, through recovery, and beyond, our focus is always on providing compassionate care and helping clients feel more confident in themselves.
One of the questions we hear most often from clients preparing for chemotherapy is: “Why does treatment cause hair loss?” Let’s look at the reasons behind it — and how we can help you through this part of your journey.
Why Chemotherapy Affects Hair
Chemotherapy drugs are designed to destroy fast-growing cancer cells. But because they travel throughout the body, they also affect other fast-growing cells, including the ones in your hair follicles.
When these follicles are damaged, hair may become weak, shed, and eventually fall out. This is why hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy.
When to Expect Hair Loss
Most people notice thinning or shedding around two to three weeks after their first chemotherapy session. It’s not just the hair on your head that can be affected — eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair can also fall out.
The amount of hair loss varies from person to person, depending on the type of drugs and your body’s individual response.
Will the Hair Grow Back?
Yes — in almost all cases, chemotherapy-related hair loss is temporary. After treatment ends, hair follicles recover and begin to produce new growth. Sometimes this hair looks or feels different to begin with (perhaps curlier, finer, or a different colour), but it usually settles over time.
Coping With the Emotional Impact
Hair loss during cancer treatment isn’t just physical — it can deeply affect how you feel about yourself. That’s why it’s important to have supportive options:
- Wigs, scarves, and headwear can help you feel comfortable day to day.
- Permanent makeup for brows and eyeliner, carried out before treatment begins, helps keep facial features defined when natural hair is lost.
- Gentle scalp care can protect the skin and ease sensitivity.
How We Support You
At our Tetbury clinic, we see many women before they begin chemotherapy. Brow and eyeliner tattooing can be carried out a few days before treatment starts, giving the skin time to heal. This means that even if hair loss happens, you’ll still look in the mirror and see familiar features.
We also welcome women back after treatment, whether it’s for eyebrow restoration, scalp, nipple and areola tattooing, or simply to restore their confidence.
Standing Together This October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than raising awareness — it’s about showing care and support. At Luisa Krayem Permanent Makeup, we’re here to help you navigate every stage of your journey with compassion, professionalism, and understanding.
