It's great that you've completed your radiotherapy! Noticing hair loss after treatment ends can definitely be unsettling, especially when it wasn't happening during treatment itself.
Radiation therapy can affect the skin and tissue in the treated area, and some hair shedding can occur after treatment concludes — sometimes Show Full Answer
It's great that you've completed your radiotherapy! Noticing hair loss after treatment ends can definitely be unsettling, especially when it wasn't happening during treatment itself.
Radiation therapy can affect the skin and tissue in the treated area, and some hair shedding can occur after treatment concludes — sometimes with a delay. This is because radiation affects cells that divide quickly, including hair follicles. Here are a few things worth knowing:
- Hair loss from radiation is typically localized to the area that was treated
- It can sometimes appear or worsen after treatment ends, not just during it
- For many people, this is temporary, though recovery timelines vary
- Texture and thickness changes are also possible during regrowth
The most important step right now is to mention this to your care team. They can assess whether what you're experiencing is an expected post-treatment response and advise on next steps.
Being gentle with your hair in the meantime — avoiding heat styling and harsh products — is generally a good idea while things settle.
September 21