It’s a common and often worrying image: someone undergoing medical treatment and losing their hair. This concern is deeply tied to the word “radiation,” but it’s important to know that not all radiation exposure is the same. The relationship between radiation and hair loss is specific, and understanding it can help ease some of the anxiety surrounding it.
So, can radiation cause hair loss? The simple answer is yes, but it depends entirely on the type, dose, and area being treated. The radiation used in medical therapies is the primary culprit for this specific side effect, not the low-level radiation we might encounter in our daily lives.
How Radiation Therapy Affects Your Hair
Radiation therapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is very effective for destroying cancer cells. Unfortunately, the cells in your hair follicles are also some of the fastest-growing cells in your body. When radiation is directed at a part of the body that has hair, like the head for a brain tumor, it can damage those follicles. This damage interrupts the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss specifically in the area being treated. You won’t lose hair from your head if you’re receiving radiation on your leg, for example.
What to Expect During Treatment
Hair loss from radiation typically begins two to three weeks after the first treatment session. It might start with a little extra hair in your brush or on your pillow, and can progress to more noticeable thinning or complete loss in the treated area. The sensation can be unusual, too, with many people reporting that their scalp feels tender or sensitive beforehand.
Caring for Your Scalp During This Time
Being gentle is key. Use a mild, fragrance-free shampoo and pat your scalp dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it. It’s also a good idea to protect your head from the sun with a soft hat or scarf, as the skin can be more sensitive. Many people find comfort in cutting their hair short before it starts to fall out, as this can make the process feel less dramatic.
Will Your Hair Grow Back?
This is one of the biggest questions, and the outlook is often hopeful. Whether your hair grows back depends on the radiation dose. With lower doses, hair follicles can recover and regrowth usually begins a few months after treatment ends. However, the hair might grow back with a different texture or color initially. With very high doses of radiation, there is a possibility of permanent hair loss in that specific area.
If you are facing radiation therapy, having an open conversation with your healthcare team is the best step you can take. They can give you a clear idea of what to expect for your specific situation and connect you with resources, from scalp-cooling caps to supportive communities, to help you through the process.