Hair Loss
Hair loss from chemotherapy and radiation.
Many cancer treatments affect hair follicles. Knowing what to expect — and planning ahead — can make this period a little easier, with discreet, natural-looking options to help you feel like yourself.
Educational information, not a diagnosis. Updated October 2026.
Understanding it
About chemotherapy and radiation
Many chemotherapy medicines act on rapidly dividing cells, which include the cells of the hair follicle. Depending on the treatment, hair may thin or fall out, usually beginning a few weeks after the first sessions. Not every treatment causes hair loss; your oncology team can tell you what to expect.
After chemotherapy ends, hair commonly begins to regrow, and its texture or color may be different at first. Radiation therapy affects hair only in the area being treated; depending on the dose, hair loss in that area may be temporary or permanent.
Common causes
- Chemotherapy medicines that affect dividing cells
- Radiation therapy to the head or scalp
- Some targeted and hormonal therapies, which may cause thinning
Signs and symptoms
What you may notice.
- Thinning or shedding a few weeks after starting treatment
- A sensitive or tender scalp
- Loss of eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair with some treatments
- Regrowth with a different texture or color after treatment
Managing it
Approaches that may help.
Plan ahead
Many people prefer to explore options before or early in treatment, so there is time to choose calmly.
Ask about scalp cooling
For some chemotherapy regimens, scalp cooling during treatment may reduce hair loss. Your oncology team can tell you whether it suits your treatment.
Care for the scalp
Follow your oncology team's advice and use gentle products on a sensitive scalp.
Natural-looking coverage
A custom cranial prosthesis can restore your appearance discreetly during and after treatment.
When to see a physician
Please follow the advice of your oncology team about scalp care during treatment. When medical care is involved, we collaborate with your physician.
How CRLAB may help
Understand first. Then choose your care.
Recommended first step
CNC® Custom Cranial Prosthesis
Hair restoration, made entirely for you.
Complimentary CNC® ConsultationA confidential, one-on-one conversation with a CNC® specialist.
Learn moreTricoTest® Hair & Scalp Analysis
A private, guided appointment with a certified hair and scalp specialist.
TricoTest® $140Fully credited toward any Personalized Trichology Treatment Program.
Learn moreYour path at CRLAB
Private consultation
A one-on-one conversation in our discreet studio about your history and goals — without pressure.
Professional analysis
TricoTest® microcamera imaging and a hands-on assessment of your scalp and hair.
Personal guidance
A clear plan that may combine in-clinic care, home care or CNC® — and continued support.
Insurance
A complimentary benefits check.
For clients whose cranial prosthesis has been prescribed by a physician for medically related hair loss, we check your insurance benefits at no cost. Coverage depends on your individual policy, and reimbursement cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered.
We do not diagnose medical conditions; when medical care is involved, we collaborate with your physician.
Will my hair grow back after chemotherapy?
Hair commonly regrows after chemotherapy ends, though timing and texture vary. After radiation, regrowth depends on the area and dose treated.
When should I plan a consultation?
Many clients prefer to meet us before or early in treatment, so there is time to plan. A private consultation carries no obligation.
Is a CNC® only for permanent hair loss?
No. CNC® may be considered for hair loss related to chemotherapy or other medical treatments, whether temporary or long-term.
Can insurance help cover a cranial prosthesis?
For clients whose cranial prosthesis has been prescribed by a physician for medically related hair loss, we offer a complimentary insurance benefits check. Coverage depends on each client's individual policy, and reimbursement cannot be guaranteed.
Still have a question?
Call us, or book a private consultation and ask in person.
Your next step
Begin with a private consultation.
A confidential, one-on-one conversation with a CNC® specialist — no obligation.
- Hours
- Tuesday – Saturday · 9 AM – 5 PM
By appointment only - Private & no obligation
- Consultations take place one-to-one, in a private room.