Hair Growth after Chemo: Timeline with Monthly Pictures
So, you’re looking for pictures of hair growth after chemo to get a visual timeline of what you can expect. While I was in the middle of treatment, I loved looking at pictures of other women growing hair after chemotherapy. It really gave me inspiration and something to look forward to!
Call me crazy (or vain), but I couldn’t bring myself to take full selfies of my barely there hair. I’m not really into selfies anyway, but I also was never one to “embrace” my baldness. So, below you will see shots of half of my head, but hopefully you will get the gist of what each month looked like.
Also, I want to note that I did not use any products or supplements to help my hair grow faster. This was a personal decision for me, and you can discuss with your doctor what works for you.
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Before Chemotherapy Hair Loss
I had such a hard time finding a decent photo of myself to show my hair before cancer. Like most moms I always seem to be the one taking the picture, so I’m never actually in the photo.
I finally found this one so you can see the color and style I had before chemotherapy. This was taken at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville in 2018 (about 9 months before my breast cancer diagnosis).
Right after my diagnosis, my doctor scheduled a double mastectomy that included breast reconstruction with tissue expanders. After learning that I would need chemo, I had my hairdresser cut my hair into a short bob to prepare for losing it. This photo was taken at my first chemo session.
A couple weeks after this AC chemo treatment, I ended up shaving off my hair. It started itching and almost even stinging, which felt really annoying. My scalp also started hurting. It felt like times when you wear a tight ponytail all day long. Then when you take it down at the end of the day, it’s kind of sore and uncomfortable.
So, one day I called my husband at work, told him I couldn’t take it anymore, and shaved it all off. I felt like such a weight had been lifted off my shoulders once I accepted the inevitable and got rid of my hair.
Don’t get me wrong, I sobbed as I did it; but, once it was done I didn’t feel terrified of it any longer. As emotional as the act of shaving it off was, it was sort of comical too. I took scissors to my hair first and just started cutting random spots. It got to a point where I looked so incredibly ridiculous I couldn’t stop laughing.
Hair Growth 1 Week after Chemo
I’m going to document my 1 year post chemo hair growth below. I wrote this in a diary form, so you’ll read about some of the other cancer related things happening during each step of the timeline.
I finished Taxol chemotherapy this week! Yay! I am so ready to move on and to start feeling like myself again. I have been really excited that my hair is coming in AND that it looks blonde. This euphoria was short lived when I realized it’s actually not blonde, it’s gray!
Oh well, I’m so happy to have hair I don’t care if it’s green. I can always dye it eventually anyway. I know my eye looks kind of creepy in the shot above. Ha! I wanted to show that my eyebrows and eyelashes are still intact. They aren’t as full as they usually are, but I do still have some!
Hair Growth 5 Weeks after Chemo
There’s not a big change between my last photos and these. It’s only been a few weeks though. I am sad to say that ALL of my eyebrows and eyelashes did end up falling out. It’s weird that they survived 6 months of chemotherapy, and then they fell out a month after it was over.
Also, I’m sure you can tell that my hair is really filling in on the sides. The back is also pretty full. I’m not sure when the top of my head is going to decide to catch up though!
Month 2 Pictures
My eyebrows and eyelashes are back! They literally started coming back in within a few days of falling out. I think I had a full set two weeks after they were gone.
You can also tell that the top of my hair is finally starting to fill in. There’s some brown color mixing in with the grey as well. Growing hair after chemo is a slow process, but I’m so thankful to have hair again!
Hair Regrowth 3 Months after Chemo
This is the month I started noticing a big difference in my hair. I would estimate that I have about two inches of length throughout. I also finished radiation this month, which is super exciting! You can see that I have some length growing down the nape of my neck and beside my ears. It even shows when I wear a hat with no wig, which is really exciting!
The color is so blah though. It’s a dull, mousy brown color with streaks of gray. Even though I REALLY want to dye it, I’m trying to wait six months like my oncologist suggested. After finally gaining some fullness, I would hate for it to dry out and fall off because of hair dye.
Photos from Month 4
I didn’t really think I noticed a big difference in my hair this month until I looked at the photos from last month. It has definitely filled in and become thicker. I have started wearing a ball cap at times without my wig underneath. This is a big deal for me because I feel super exposed without my wig.
With a hat on, it looks like I have a short hair cut though. The top is still too short for me to feel comfortable without a hat. I’m hoping within the next month or two that changes. So, I did decide to dye my hair this month too. I was going back and forth on the idea of doing it. My hair had so much gray I wanted covered, but I didn’t want the chemicals from the hair dye to make it fall out again.
I ended up buying this natural hair dye (Amazon Affiliate Link) off of Amazon to try it out. My hair is still no where near the blonde I used to have, but the gray is gone. And my hair is still intact, which is the most important thing! I’m going to try to wait a couple more months before having it professionally done.
Month 5 Pictures of Hair Growth after Chemo
This month I decided to completely lose the wig! It has been so hot and humid here that I just can’t bear to put it on and go outside. Plus, I’m still getting hot flashes from Tamoxifen, so I’m even extra hot. I still typically wear a ball cap to cover the super short top of my head, but it is slowly growing some length too.
On another note, my eyebrows and eyelashes seem to be thinning a bit. I’m assuming the Tamoxifen is to blame. I still have my eyebrows and eyelashes; but, they are just shorter than what I’m used to. Has anyone else experienced that with Tamoxifen?
Hair Growth after Chemo Month 6
This month I finally went to my hairdresser for a professional color and cut. It was such an exciting time! My oncology nurse had told me to try to wait six months before coloring my hair so that I didn’t damage and break off what I had worked so hard to grow. So, five and a half months later my hair seemed strong enough, and I was so ready for a change!
My hairdresser lightened it up quite a bit; although, it’s still not back to the blonde it once was. She said it would be a gradual process but that I would get there. She also cut off a TON of my hair even though it was super short to begin with. It had grown back really unevenly, and I basically had a mullet.
My hairdresser cut it to where the sides and back looked more evenly proportioned to the short hairs on the top of my head. She said it should grow out in a more uniform way now. It was really hard to lose what little length that I had. When I put on a hat, it actually looked like I had a decent amount of hair at the bottom.
After my haircut, though, it’s definitely more of a pixie style. It’s also super curly so I feel like I look like Justin Timberlake if I let it go the naturally curly route. Ha! Hopefully it will grow quickly. On another note, my eyelashes and eyebrows are back to normal. I’m not sure why they had thinned out so much last month, but it’s nice to have them back!
Growing Hair after Chemo Month 8
These pictures are from month 8 of growing hair after Taxol. I had my hair highlighted again last week. The color is slowly getting blonder with each visit to the salon.
My hair is also gaining some length, which is nice! I have found that a 1 inch curling iron works best for it at this length because it grips it better than the flat iron.
Month 9 of Hair Growth after Chemo
It feels great to be nine months out from chemo! I have to admit that it’s getting more difficult to remember to take these pictures. I think that’s a really good thing though. It means my thoughts are no longer consumed with cancer and hair loss!
The color and length are both getting better each month, and I continue to feel so grateful for what I have. This month I bought a new flat iron to help tame the curls. My fourteen year old niece received this flat iron as a Christmas gift, and she let me borrow it. (Amazon Affiliate Link) It’s really thin and is good at clamping down on even the shortest of hair. My hair dresser uses this same one in her salon, and she said it’s a great flat iron for long hair too!
1 Year Post Chemo Hair
Well, it’s almost been one year since I finished Taxol. It’s crazy to see how much I’ve changed in eleven months time. I’m still loving my new flat iron, and I now need to section off my hair when styling it because there’s so much of it!
The length is also getting to the point where I can tuck it behind my ear. I’m really grateful that I can now go without a hat or head covering, especially since it’s already getting hot here!
Head Coverings
I spent a ridiculous amount of money on wigs, scarves, and hats prior to shaving my head. Most of these completely went to waste once I was bald. My head was really sensitive and itched when I wore most of the beanies that I had bought. And I looked like I was wearing a swim cap in half of them, which I didn’t like.
About mid-way through my chemo treatment, I found a few head piece options that I really, really loved and stuck with those. I also continued to wear them until I was comfortable with the regrowth of my hair. The ironic thing is that these were the most inexpensive products I bought. The pricier things were the uncomfortable ones. Go figure!
Below, I’ll share my favorite head coverings that I loved during chemo and while growing my hair out:
Wigs
Hat Magic Hair (Amazon Affiliate Link)- This is the wig I wore whenever I went in public. It doesn’t have a top to it – instead it has an adjustable strap that goes around your head. The hair is on the sides and back only, so you obviously have to wear a hat (not included) with it. I liked this much better than my expensive wig because it didn’t itch.
This is a picture of me wearing the wig. Just a heads up, the hair is SUPER LONG when you get it. But, I cut it myself to be about shoulder length. The picture above is of me on my last day of chemo (yay!!!) with this wig on. I believe the American Cancer Society may also provide free wigs for cancer patients. You can check out their site here.
Hats
Women’s Cap (Amazon Affiliate Link)- This is the cap I’m wearing in the photo above. You can wear a cap you already own with the wig, so don’t feel like you need to buy a new one. I just wanted a solid color that went with almost anything I wore. And it’s super cheap!
Scarves
Pre-tied Scarf (Amazon Affiliate Link)- I wore this turban whenever I was just hanging out at home. It is super soft and not too tight, which I loved. I liked that it has the “tails” on it because it looks less like a swim cap on me. I bought two of these so I could always have one available while the other was in the washing machine.
Final Thoughts on Post Chemo Hair Growth Timeline
Losing your hair due to chemo is undoubtedly a traumatic experience. The journey of growing hair back after treatment is a super slow process, but it’s also an exciting one. With each bit of hair that appears, you become more and more hopeful for what the future holds.
I am currently two years out from when I started my very first chemo treatment, and as I read through this post I realized I missed a couple months in my timeline. I’m really thankful that those two months must have been so busy and positive that I wasn’t dwelling on my hair growth. I want to leave you with my final photo in this hair growth journey.
I officially have a ponytail! Words cannot express how exciting this is. Only those who have struggled through this journey will understand. I took this photo 15 months after finishing chemo. What a difference a year makes! I wish you all the best in your cancer and hair growth journey!
For more inspiration on managing a breast cancer diagnosis, you can check out my post on positive breast cancer quotes! I hope you found these pictures of hair growth after chemo helpful! Feel free to comment below to share your own experiences!
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Hello ladies,
I finished my chemotherapy on 13th of June and radiotherapy on 31st of July 2023. My hair started growing back a few weeks before my chemo ended but very slow. The colour is between blond and grey (natural hair colour was red). I never wash my hair with shampoos since chemo started, instead I use bay leave soap.I wish everyone good health and a long happy life.
Hi Lamya,
Thank you for sharing your experience with caring for your hair after chemo. I hope you are feeling well after completing treatment. 🙂
Hello Ladies,
I was just diagnosed and had a complete hysterectomy last Friday. I have to wait for that to heal before I start my series of 6 treatments for 6 hours each over an 18 week period. I would appreciate any information that can help prepare me for what all of you beautiful ladies have conquered!!
Love, hugs & kisses,
AJ
Hi AJ,
I’m going through a similiar experience. I had a hysterectomy (emergency) in September and my ovaries were removed at the beginning of November. I began chemotherapy (taxol and carboplatin) in December. My treatments are supposed to be six hours but are typically seven to eight hours as I’ve been having an allergic reaction to Taxol. I’m a week past my second treatment and I’m preparing to have my hair shaved. It’s a scary thought but, it will grow back.
Thanks for sharing pictures of your hair growth Shari.
AN
Thank you Lamya, for sharing your experience. I hope you are feeling much better now! My name is Yvonne and I’m just starting the process. I was diagnosed with ductile carcinoma with hers 2. Having a lumpdectomy and recontrictive surgery on the 19th of December, then chemo starting in January wanting to know what was your choice for head coverings? thank you for
Thanks so much for sharing the pics of your post chemo hair. I finished chemo in March and my hair is coming in, although, not quite as quickly as yours did, and definitely not my prior color. I had heard that almost everyone’s hair will come in looking like squirrel hair…well they were right …mine does resemble a squirrel for sure. I’m lucky to have a wig that I’m used to and really looks like my real hair did, but as soon as I’m home, that thing comes right off….I can’t wait to be able to go without a wig or baseball cap!!!
Thanks again for such a great helpful post.
Mary M
Hi Mary,
I’m so happy to hear that you are seeing some hair regrowth after completing chemo. I have never heard the squirrel hair reference, but it’s so true!! I’m sure your hair will continue to make progress and be back to your liking in no time!
Hi! Thank you so much for posting this timeline. I finished Taxol on April 20. I used the cold cap during treatment and so I have kept some of my hair ( a little bit) but it is about an inch long now. It has come back gray, nothing color can’t hide when my 6 months is up. Fuzzy on top and just hard to recognize the person in the mirror. I wear a cap 99% of the time as my wig can get hot and itchy. Can’t wait for my 1st salon visit. I have surgery this week, not sure about radiation yet. Congratulations on your progress!
Hey Diane,
Congrats on finishing Taxol! I’m sure you’re so relieved to be done. Glad to hear your hair is coming back in, and I totally understand wearing a cap. Wigs can be be a pain, especially as the weather gets warmer. Good luck with your surgery and remaining treatment. And thanks for taking the time to share.
Hi Sheri
I finished my treatment april 12th , indidn4 rounds of red devil chemo and 12 of taxol. I didn’t loose of my hair because I used the cold cap . I got a very short hair cut because was overwhelming seeing chunks of black long hair falling everywhere. Than I decided to use henna to cover my greys. Now I am having a hard time letting it gro because I’m getting lots of new hair but still very short comparing with the Jaír I didn’t loose . 😩 . And I lost my brows and lashes after taxol was over . Thank goodness I didn’t have other side effects except for the hair that’s been shocking for me . The fight is not over yet, I am going trough 6 weeks of radiation and I’ll need to take chemo pill after for two years, plus IV and shots to book hormones . Hopefully one day I can say that I beat it .
Hi Irma,
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with cold capping! It makes sense that you have hair of different lengths, but I didn’t even consider that until reading your comment. It sounds like you had very similar treatment plans to mine. I’m happy to hear that your only chemo side effect was hair loss. Although, I know that’s a devastating thing to experience. I wish you all the best as you complete radiation and your remaining treatments. I’m on year three of my pill with minimal side effects, so hopefully yours will be mild as well.
Thanks so much for having the courage to post your experiences. I had one chemo session and lost all my hair and had a really bad reaction and ended up in the ER, so I stopped chemo and am now taking Tamoxifen. I am now almost 7 months out from my chemo session and my hair growth is at the stage yours was at about 3 months, although I have more really thick hair on top. But it is growing around my head from a cowlick at the crown and I cannot part it or make sense of any kind of style so am still wearing a wig (which gives me headaches) when out and knit caps at home. I’m 75 years old so perhaps the hair growth is a bit slower because of age, but I am planning to try some paraben-dea-sulfate-free shampoos as mentioned by Alfred above. Perhaps that will help some. Not sure about supplements but I may try those as well. Your post, however, is very encouraging and I know I’ll eventually have my hair back…but I definitely won’t complain about “bad hair days” anymore. I’ll just be happy to have hair!
Hi Penny,
I’m so sorry to hear that you had such a tough time with chemo. Hopefully you are handling the Tamoxifen well. I’m sure you’re relieved to have some hair growth after finishing treatment. And I agree that it seems silly to think I once complained about bad hair days! Ha! I wish you all the best in your continued recovery and regrowth process! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Thank you for sharing! I am currently going through AC-T as well as on the taxol portion…hair is definitely the most stressful because it keeps shedding. I hope I can finish the taxol with a little hair on my scalp…I look forward to the growth. Thank you for posting pictures!
Hi T,
Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you are feeling well as you complete your chemo treatment plan. Hair loss is certainly a stressful part of the treatment. Hopefully yours will be back to normal soon and you can continue on your journey to recovery!
Shari,
Thanks so much for sharing your helpful timeline. I just finished chemo for ovarian cancer mid December and have been anticipating hair regrowth. I kept my eyebrows and eyelashes until the last two treatments. You’re right…losing hair was very traumatic. I’m wearing a wig. I have found no head coverings I feel comfortable wearing. Like you the look like swim caps. I am interested to know which ones you found that you really loved. Again thanks so much for your post.
Hi Pam,
Congratulations on completing chemo. I hope your side effects are improving each day! To answer your question, the only head coverings I found comfortable were the scarves I talked about in the post. That being said, I didn’t wear them in public. When leaving the house, I wore the Hat Magic Hair that I mentioned above. It’s a partial wig that covers the sides and back of your hair. So, you would have to wear a hat on top of it. I LOVED that wig, but it has been sold out on Amazon for months now. There may be other similar options available, but I haven’t personally used them. Hope that helps, and I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Oh, and yes, my brows and lashes disappeared toward the end of TAXOL, too!
Patiently waiting for their return!
God bless
Hi Lulu,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with chemo. I’m sure other readers will find your comments so helpful! Congratulations of completing Taxol, and I know you’re looking forward to your own hair growth. I wish you all the best with radiation and recovery. You’ll be feeling amazing before you know it! Take care!
How wonderful… you seem to have recovered well, with your beautiful hair back! Congratulations!
I also had AC, then TAXOL.. my hair started sprouting after I started the weekly Taxol.. I am now finished with the 12 weeks, with radiation scheduled for next month! … my hair is growing slowly but still fuzzy! But I have the top of my head, which is taking its happy time! After I saw your comments, I feel encouraged that yes, even the top will all be covered with hair soon. Thank you
(Also, I felt sore muscles around my stomach and legs, these past few weeks, too…)
Again, thank you for sharing your journey.. we women all need to support each other!
God bless
Thanks so much for sharing your journey. Like you I had taxol (12 weeks) and my hair began to betray me after week 5. I finished 7 weeks ago and also lost my eyebrows and eyelashes after. I work in education and my dad is in memory care unaware of my cancer so I opted for a wig. All that said I have some fuzz coming back and can see my brows and lashes coming back in. Losing my hair stinks but I know all could be worse. Take care and blessings to you and your family.
Hi Meredith,
Congratulations on completing Taxol!!! I’m so happy to hear that your hair is starting to return. That’s so exciting! It will all be back before you know it! Take care!
I’m 2.5 months post chemo and hair is slowly growing. I’m 66 so it’s mostly grey in. I’m taking biotin and using keratin topically but…did you use any product to help hasten regrowth?
Hi Stephanie,
I’m so happy to hear that your hair is growing out after chemo! I hope you are feeling strong and healthy too! I did not take biotin or keratin to help with the growth, but I’m interested to know if either works. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Hi Shari – I found your post on pinterest today. I feel very anxious and afraid of recurrence. Its been a rough few years. My dear husband passed away unexpectedly March 2017 due to complications of the flu. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer October 2021. I had 2 lumpectomies, ac chemo (had very harsh side efftects) and Aug. 24, 2022 completed 21 radiation treatments then on the way home that day my van engine caught on fire! It was so scary. Total loss on the van. My hair is growing back but so, so slowly. I’m 64 and my hair is gray and i can’t wait to color it. I am uncomfortable with my wigs and don’t really want anyone but my daughters to see me. I wanted to say your post and comments have helped me. Thank you. -Jacki-
Hey Jacki,
I am so sorry to hear about your recent loss and diagnosis. Hopefully you are starting to recover and feel better after treatment. I think the feelings of fear and anxiety are completely normal. I’m not sure if you’re a religious person or not, but the devotional book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young REALLY helped improve my mindset and worries. Hang in there with your hair as it’s a really slow process, but it gets better. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Best wishes to you!
I am still undergoing chemotherapy, Taxol and carboplatinum as well as immuno therapy. I am about to have my eighth treatment and my hair has started to grow back very fuzzy. It’s been growing a lot recently. I’ve been taking MSM supplement powder for an entire week and I believe it’s really helping. It’s also really helps my energy levels.
Has anyone experienced having headaches with hair regrowth? I’ve been struggling with this
Hi Amanda,
I don’t think I had headaches during regrowth. Hopefully another reader will comment and be more helpful than me!
I am about to have my 6th round of R-CHOP for Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma and my hair is starting to grow back I kept my eyebrows and lashes so far. So glad to see that it might be in by summer or at least not looking like Charlie Brown.
I am so glad I came across your pin. I am pretty much going through the same thing as you. I am a little over a month after my final taxol treatment. My hair is growing back in pretty good, but last week I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes and was very shocked. I am still waiting for them to start growing again. My other issue I have ended up having is joint pain from my shoulder all the way down to my feet. I have had a hard time getting up and walking after sitting or sleeping for a long time. Did you have the same issues? Your pin has made me feel a lot better about what is going on with my body right now. Thank you for pinning this.
Hi Trish,
I’m so happy to hear that you have completed your chemo treatment! I bet your eyebrows and eyelashes will return soon and you’ll start feeling better. I had TERRIBLE joint pain after finishing Taxol, especially when I woke up in the morning. This eventually went away, but I do remember that it took a while….maybe even a full year. Hopefully your muscles and joints will recover quickly! Thanks so much for reaching out and I wish you all the best!
You previously mentioned you took collagen pills to help with hair regrowth. May I ask the brand and whether they were over the counter or prescription? Thanks for sharing your story!
Hi Carlene,
Thank you for reaching out. I did not take collagen or biotin to promote hair growth after chemo. You could ask your oncologist for a recommendation on a certain brand. He/she may be able to tell you of a kind that worked well for other patients. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help, but I wish you all the best!
Thank you for posting your pictures. I go back to your blog frequently to remind myself it will get better. There is “another side to this.” I lost my hair (ended up shaving like you) 2 weeks into my chemo in February. I can’t believe the cancer patient looking back at me in the mirror. I feel so ugly. But coming back to your blog gives me hope. Again, thank you for sharing your journey. Means a lot.
Hey Christie,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I think your words completely represent what so many of us feel during treatment. I felt so ugly as well, and it takes a while before you feel confident and secure again. You will get there! I wish you all the best in your journey. Thanks again for sharing. 🙂
Most people I talk to are not aware that scalp therapy shampoos for fast hair growth (of course with no sulfates, no parabens or DEA) even exist. Individuals can now attain longer hair and experience more possibilities. Definitely worth searching. If you’re assessing alopecia, hair damage, preventing skin disorders, fast hair growth, hair health more often than not, very similar principles actualize. In general, you should try to steer clear of hair treatments and products that contain chemicals like parabens, DEA or sulfates. What’s healthy for your hair is beneficial for your skin also. Obviously your content here is so accurate for multiple reasons. It stays away from the common errors and pitfalls so many fall into- purchasing ineffective alternatives. Greatly appreciated!
Hi Alfred,
Thanks so much for sharing. You raise some great points. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I am even more aware of what’s in the products I use on my skin and hair. Paraben free hair products are my go-to now. It’s amazing what you will find inside some products if you really look into them! Best wishes to you and thanks again for commenting.
Hi, Shari.
I found your blog because I am going through chemo for ovarian cancer. I am struggling with it because I have had to have a dose reduction and delay due to my blood counts. I am actually worried about my hair starting to grow back during a delay because it makes me worry that the cancer will start growing, too. It terrifies me because ovarian cancer has such a high recurrence rate.
I have been going bald the entire time for the most part. I don’t mind my bald head. (My husband says K look like a beautiful Egyptian woman.) I just want my eyelashes and brows back!
Thank you for showing us your progress. May God bless you with a cancer free future.
Hi Jen,
I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis with ovarian cancer, and I completely undertand your struggles. I remember feeling terrified when chemo ended because I was so afraid that the cancer cells were going to grow again. Time is the only thing that really heals these thoughts, and unfortunately it doesn’t take them completely away. In regards to your hair growth, your eyelashes and brows should return fairly quickly. It sounds like you have more patience with your bald head than I did. And, your husband sounds like a keeper! I will keep you and your family in my prayers for physical and emotional strength through your journey. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for posting your story. I was diagnosed with TNBC on May 26th. And started chemotherapy on June 18th. I have 3 Taxol treatments left. December 2nd is my double mastectomy, praying all goes well 🙏. Surprisingly, my hair started growing in. It’s grayish white with a brown strand hear and there. Taking one day at a time and trying to be patient.
Hi Louisa,
I’m so happy to hear you have almost completed your Taxol treatments. I bet you feel so relieved to have them completed before the holidays! My hair started growing in during Taxol as well. And it was also gray and brown. Yours should continue to gain some more color as it comes in. It sounds like you have a really positive attitude about it and patience is definitely key! I wish you all the best and congratulations, once again, for finishing treatment! Yay!!
I was told today my chemo is ending from taxol. I was having to many side effects but my hair started to grow on my chin the sides and back of my head. It looks blonde but it maybe grey I looking to be a red head, either way I will keep watching!
Anyone who reads this post keep your head up and you will get your hair back! 😇
Hi Candice,
Thank you for sharing your story. I”m sorry to hear you experienced so many negative side effects from Taxol. Hopefully you are starting to feel better now that your chemo has ended. I’m sure you’re so happy to start seeing hair growth again. It may gain more color as it continues to come in, but I had to finally dye mine to get the shade I was looking for. I wish you all the best in your journey, and thanks again for your positive words!
December 27 2020
I have 2 more treatments on Taxol. I had to skip treatments because of the effects it had on my body. My hair has started to grow back and it’s gray. It’s so encouraging to know we are in this together. Blessings to each of you during this time.
Hi Aurora,
Thank you for sharing! I’m so happy to hear you have almost completed your Taxol treatments. I am sure you feel so relieved to finally finish chemo. Best wishes to you as your hair grows back and as you continue to recover from treatment!
Hello! I am 44 with 3 kids and I just had my world rocked when my dr called telling me it’s cancerous, while cautiously saying the lymph node biopsy is benign. This happened on Wednesday, It’s now Saturday, and I have finally stopped shaking from anxiety. It’s such a relief to read your story and the comments of all the lovely brave ladies who have gone on this journey, successfully coming out of it. I have found my hope again. Thank you!!
Hey Allison,
I am so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. I totally know the “world rocked” feeling and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Everything seems to move really fast after a breast cancer diagnosis, and I know it can all be a blur. It will calm down though and you will get through this! I wish you and your family all the best as you set out on this journey.
im currently 7 1/2 months off chemo so getting close to that 8 month. i had severe allergic reactions my 1st 3 rounds of taxol and they ended up using taxotere the next 3 rounds. its really depressing on me cuz i had really long thick hair & now being almost 8 months post chemo my hair is about where yours was at month 4. and my bangs are hardly growing back you can still see my scalp. i wanna cry every time i look in the mirror. and i refuse to leave the house without either a wig or a hat. i have friends that went through chemo as well and had a full head of hair like you did month by month grew back beautifully. i might have to go see a specialist cuz after this long i should have enough hair to at least come over. your hair looks beautiful by the way. thanks for your post.
Hi Arie,
Goodness it sounds like chemo was not fun at all for you! I’m sorry that your hair isn’t exactly as long as you were hoping it would be. I know that it can be so disheartening to look in the mirror and remember what once was. It will get there though! I was much happier with mine after a full year had passed. My hair still isn’t where I want it to be, but I am hoping it gets there soon. Thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best!
Hi Shari, did you lose every bit of your hair during the taxotere treatment, or did you have stubs?
Hi Friend!
I lost all of my hair during Adriamycin and Cytoxan chemo. I started Taxol AFTER I had completed Adriamycin and Cytoxan, and all of my hair was already gone. WHILE I was on Taxol, I did not lose any additional hair (except my eyelashes and eyebrows at the VERY end of treatment). If you are starting Taxol with your hair intact, I’m not sure if it stays or if it thins. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. Maybe someone reading this can chime in and give their experience! Best wishes to you!
My nails after my last chemo Treatment in September 2021 are terribly ruined. Brown colored and feel like they are going to pop off with the slightest bump. What can I use if anything to help heal them faster. My hair is slowly growing back, eye brows and lashes. Hair color has so much gray now when I had Brown hair with some Grey.
Hi Dolores,
I’m so happy to hear your hair is growing out after your chemo treatment. It’s a slow process for sure! As far as your nails go, I used OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener while I was going through Taxol. A friend of mine said that it helped prevent her fingernails from falling off during treatment. I’m not sure if it would help if they are already brown and fragile though. Could you ask your oncology nurse if he/she recommends anything? Maybe another reader will also have some ideas. Thanks for reaching out!
Hello Arie,
I’m going a month and a half since my last chemo treatment and had alopecia before starting treatment. I also lost my eyebrows and lashes after treatment. The hair regrowth is going very slow for me too. I have a mix of fuzz and some hair stubble now. I think it will be a couple of years for me to have what most have in a year. I began using Rogaine to help boost regrowth since I used to apply it before I was diagnosed. I also take vitamins, I’m willing to try anything to help it grow back, good luck!
Thanks for the heads up ( no pun intended) about your hair lost. I’m only 2 weeks into growing my hair back.
You showed me I must be patience.. I hope I can drop a note to you in a few months with even a little result.
I’m holding on tight. Thanks so much again
Hi Lynda,
I’m so happy to hear that you are growing hair again after chemo. That’s so exciting! Definitely let me know how it’s going in a few months. I’m almost two years out from my hair loss, and it’s almost hard to even remember myself without hair. It’s a slow process but continue to be patient because you will get there! Best wishes to you!
This was SO helpful! I am 6 months post Taxol and almost 2 months post radiation. I am trying to be patient and grateful for any hair growth, but I would love for it to get some length on it. Mine has not grown back as fully or quickly as yours. I am at about 1.5 inches on top. But I am embracing it and going out without scarf or wig and dressing in my heels and dresses like I did before. BC treatment has brought far more blessings into my life than challenges. I absolutely adore my treatment center at Sumner Station in Gallatin, TN (it looks like you may be from Tennessee as well ?) From Imaging to oncology office to radiation oncology office to physical therapy, they made me look forward to every visit and make so many wonderful friendships. Thank you so much for your pictures and post – gives me hope of what will eventually get here!
Hi Katherine,
I’m so glad you found my photos helpful. Your hair will get there so just continue to be patient. It’s a slow process, but you seem to have a really positive attitude about it. I live in East Tennessee now, but my sister actually lives near Gallatin. Small world! I wish you all the best in your continued recovery and hair growth. Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad I found this site!!! I had a lumpectomy on June 10th…cancelled 4 times because of the virus…and was sure all I would need was radiation. But 5 of the 8 lymph nodes removed were cancerous so I have to do chemo. I was shocked but o were the doctors. We knew one lymph node was funky but 5 just blew me out of the water. I am 68, have never been sick, this was my first surgery so I am just all over the place in terms of feelings. Thank you for your journey and for all the wonderful women who have also posted. I find out on Tuesday what the deal will be with chemo. I will let you know. Again…thank you.
Hey Kate, Thank you for sharing your story! I hope your appointment went well and that you are happy with your treatment plan. Chemo is tough, but you will feel like yourself again before you know it!
Hi! I loved your post about hair growing after chemo. When I first left the hospital I went straight and bought 3 wigs. I hated wearing them and I was going bald everywhere. Now I’m 9 months after chemo and I want to go and get a haircut! Thank you so much for posting this pictures!
Hi Andreea,
I’m so glad you liked my post and pictures of hair regrowth. Like you, I found the wigs really uncomfortable to wear. I’m happy to hear you are now experiencing hair growth! Thank you for sharing, and I wish you continued health!
Shari, I just read your other blog and commented, and now I’ll comment on this one too. Another great explanation with visuals regarding regrowth of hair after chemo treatment! I haven’t done my treatment yet, but will start on Tuesday. My summer will not be so much fun, but getting ideas from you and those who commented will be so helpful for me to know what to expect. Thank you for all the valuable tips, pictures, and encouraging words!
Janna,
I’m so glad you found the pictures and information useful. You may have a rough summer but keep looking forward to the fall and winter. It does get better! Good luck to you and thank you again for taking the time to share. 🙂
Thank you so much for this! Your story sounds so similar to mine. I hated wigs, and stuck to scarves. After my hair fell out wigs hurt; my head was always sensitive. I thought once I finished chemo I’d be good to wear wigs as my hair grows, but I find them to be itchy and painful. I hated my bald head (I never got used to it), but this poky, prickly phase is just as annoying in its own right. I have found that boho style headbands are my best friend right now. Thank you for sharing! As strange as it sounds, just knowing someone understands how I felt/feel makes me feel like I’ll get through this!
Hey JJ,
Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m glad you found my post helpful. I wanted to love my wigs so much, but I just couldn’t get comfortable in them! It sounds like you have finished chemo, so your hair should really start growing now! So exciting!!! Good luck with your recovery. 🙂
I have 2 treatments left. I have done great through the whole process and will have a double mastectomy after I finish treatment. The hard part in all of this is now that we are in the pandemic, I have to sit at treatment alone. I will ring the bell in 2 weeks without my crew there. I will have surgery without the support of family or friends. They will be there when I get home, but no one will be at the hospital with me! I can do it and I will but I’m not going to like it very much. I am lucky that my kids are teens and help with everything because my husband works a lot.
Cary,
Throughout this entire Coronavirus pandemic, I have been thinking about those going through treatment. I can’t imagine the added stress it adds to an already nerve-racking situation! I’m so glad to hear you are finishing your chemo treatments. You must feel so relieved! I hope your surgery and recovery go well and that you are able to be up and about soon!
Cary, I did surgery first alone and chemo. I have 2 more. You will be amazed at how strong you are. It is crazy being alone through it. You are a warrior
I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I am halfway through my chemo treatments (8 down, 8 to go!) and I’m looking forward to getting my hair back. It’s good to see the progress, I wish hair grew back faster!
Hey Danielle,
Thanks for commenting! You’ll be finished with chemo before you know it! Wouldn’t it be nice if hair grew faster?! I’m glad I took photos of my hair regrowth because there were some months I didn’t think it had grown at all! Good luck with your last few chemo treatments!!
I finished chemo end of November 2018 and radiation end of January 2019. In one year I lost my eyebrows and lashes 3 times! That was difficult. The hair has been a huge struggle. In a years time it’s still short, I’ve cut it a couple times to look a little “stylish” didn’t want a mop! I found cute scarves on amazon that were loose fitting and looked like a pre tied, had elastic at the base. It is definitely a long journey. But healthy today!
Hi Debbie,
Hair loss from chemo was one of the worst parts of all of this for me. I know so many people who embraced it, but I’m just not that girl. So I completely understand your struggle! I’m happy to hear you are healthy again. Take care and thanks for sharing your story!
Thank you for sharing your pics.
I have 9 more taxol chemo to do ( did 4 rounds of AC and already 3 of the taxol) , and my hair has already started to grow a bit . Thin and fluffy but it’s encouraging . Can’t wait for it to get long enough to even brush again! 😊
Hi Mandy,
I’m so glad to hear your hair has started coming back. I know how exciting that is! Once you finish Taxol, it should start growing even faster. You’ll have hair you can brush before you know it. Stay positive and take care!
Thank you for encouraging me. I finished chemo on January 6th.
My natural hair hair is thick and curly I’m really curious how it’s going to come back. Right now the top just stands straight up.
I’m going to keep it shaved for a couple of months until some of the chemo gets out of my system.
Take care and thank you once again
Tammie,
Congratulations on finishing chemo!!! It may take a few months, but you will eventually start feeling like your old self again. My hair is really thick and curly too. The curls seem tighter now, but that may just be because my hair is so short. Growing hair after chemo is a slow process, but it’s getting there. I wish you all the best and congrats again on completing chemo!!
I am a two year breast cancer survivor! I too did not realize how vain I was about my hair! I chose to get a free wig from the cancer agency, which I was very grateful for. I was able to sub teach on my good days after chemo and travel to Hawaii after my six months of chemo , before my 16 radiation treatments. My one regret was that I did not buy a really expensive wig, as my insurance would have covered it!
Hi Lillian,
Thank you for commenting! I’m so happy to hear that you are a two year survivor. A trip to Hawaii sounds like a perfect end to chemo too! That’s funny that you regret NOT buying an expensive wig because my big regret is buying one! My insurance didn’t cover my wig at all, but I was sure I would wear it regularly. I’ve literally worn it one time. Ha! Take care and thanks again for reaching out!
I just finished chemo 8/21/19. It’s been a month and I really don’t see anything yet. I had 6 chemo and 3 internal radiation. I thank God every day that I am cancer free but I must be honest.
Having no hair is a constant reminder every day. I know it will take months and I’m trying to take one day at a time🙏 God Bless all the cancer survivors🙏
Hi Julie,
Congratulations on finishing chemo!!!! I hope you are starting to feel like yourself again now that it’s finally over. Taking it one day at a time is key; although, some days are definitely easier than others. Your hair will start coming in soon, and you will feel like you’re healing. Like everything else it’s a process, but it will get better! I wish you all the best!
Mari – thank you so much for sharing your story. I am experiencing the same side effects from Taxol. I just had my 4th of 6 treatments of a very toxic cocktail of Carboplatin/Taxol. Your hair regrowth photos are so encouraging. It’s ridiculous that through all the bone/muscle aches, nausea, neuropathy and sleepless nights that my focus is hair regrowth. I opted to purchase a beautiful but very expensive wig instead of doing Cold Caps to save my hair. The thought of switching out cold caps during chemo stressed me out. My wig looks very much like my own hair, but it is hot and itchy. I literally bought a variety of bandanas ($1) and wore these with my baseball cap. Let’s be honest, nothing screams cancer patient like a bald head. I have been documenting my journey privately, but you have inspired me to consider sharing my story publicly when I’m done. Can’t wait to be done with this chapter of my life. Prayers to you and your family.
Hi Robin,
I know it’s crazy that some of us focus so much on hair regrowth when we have so many other tough side effects to deal with. I always felt better focusing on the vain things though because I could laugh at them. And they seemed like something I could (kind of) control. My biggest regret in all of this was spending sooo much money on a wig that I have literally worn in public once. I was so sure I would wear it all the time though. Ha! You should totally share your story if you want to! It’s really therapeutic, but it’s also nice to “talk” to other people who are going through the same thing. I really appreciate your prayers and will keep you in my prayers as well! Thanks for reaching out!
Your hair looks beautiful to me, 3 months after chemo and I think I only have one inch of new growth my salt and pepper color must be the original color so I don’t complain my problem is itching if you have any hints??
Thanks and God bless
Thank you Mari! Hair growth after chemo is a slow process, but I’m thankful for every bit of it. My head itched a little as the hair came in too, but it got better as it grew. I continue to keep it conditioned because it seems less itchy the more moisturized it is. If you find another trick, let me know! Best of luck to you!!
Hi! Congratulations on finishing the chemo treatment. I finished mine in January. At the very beginning all my hair was gray but with time it has darkened partially and now it looks like if I had highlights (or should I call them moonlights?)
It is a great feeling to have hair again, and the itchiness disappears over time, in my case I enjoyed it because it just made me think that it was growing back.
Now I use some bobby pins to style my new curls so it won’t get too messy, and always try to focus on how great it is to have hair! =)
Hi Gali,
Congratulations to YOU on finishing chemo in January! Isn’t it the best feeling?! I love the term “moonlights” and know exactly what you mean. Thank you for your words of encouragement. The itching has already started to get better. Also, I need to try bobby pins to tame the curls. That’s such a great tip! Hope you are doing well and thank you for commenting!
Hi Shari! I needed to see this today. Thank you for taking so much time to put this together. It’s the best thing about my cancer that I have read. My hair was straight before chemo and at month 6 it is curly just like yours was. I have to know…is it still curly?
Bless you girl. Thank you! So much.
Hey Heidi,
Thanks so much for reaching out. I’m happy to hear your hair is growing back after chemo! You must be so excited to see the progress! So, my hair has always been naturally curly. After chemo, I *think* it was curlier than usual, but it returned to its regular curl after maybe a year. Hope that helps, and I wish you all the best as you continue to recover.