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Originally Posted by Lightsped
Justin mentioned that his hair will probably fall out. Even though this is a minor issue, how long will it be before it grows back?
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Chemo works by killing fast-growing cells, which include the bad cells you want to get rid of, but also some good cells like those in hair follicles. Once chemo is over, hair starts growing again, but slowly at first. Typically it takes 2 to 3 weeks to get a fuzzy cover of hair. By a month after the chemo, hair growth returns to the normal rate, and by 2 months it will be about an inch long.
Hair on the top of your head is the most likely to fall out. Sometimes eyebrow hair falls out too, and it's a little slower to grow back than scalp hair.
Some patients prefer to shave their head before chemo begins, rather than have their hair turn thin and fall out. It can be less traumatic to cut it off yourself. Many male sports stars and movie stars have shaved heads (would LL Cool J be bald if it wasn't cool?) so it's an acceptable style for men, but it's harder for women to lose their hair.
You'll notice men wearing caps and women wearing scarves at a typical treatment center, not just for vanity but because your head gets cold when you're used to having hair!