After you complete breast cancer chemotherapy, your hair can finally begin to grow back.

Unfortunately, some members report that regrowing hair following chemo can sometimes come with scalp discomfort or pain. “As my hair starts to grow back, my head is extremely sore. … Has anyone else experienced this?” one MyBCTeam member asked.

In this article, we’ll address common concerns about soreness during hair regrowth, explore how members of the MyBCTeam community describe this feeling, and offer practical tips for managing any discomfort.

Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs can cause alopecia (hair loss) and other side effects because these treatments damage cells that grow quickly, including cells in hair roots. Because chemo damages rapidly growing hair follicles, people can experience hair loss all over the body, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp.

Many people notice hair loss one to three weeks after starting chemotherapy. After chemo treatment has ended, hair often begins growing back within a few weeks.

For some people, hair may grow more slowly than before. New hair may also come back with a different color or texture, such as “chemo curls,” and these changes are usually temporary.

Sometimes, hair may not grow back as thick as it was before chemo. For a smaller number of people, hair thinning can last a long time or may not fully go away. If your hair isn’t coming back the way you expected, tell your cancer care team.

Does New Hair Growth Hurt?

MyBCTeam members commonly share experiences with scalp pain, tenderness, itching, or discomfort as their hair grows back following chemotherapy. These sensations can vary from person to person, and not everyone has scalp pain.

There’s not enough formal research on scalp pain during hair regrowth after chemotherapy, so more research is needed to understand why this occurs.

Duration of Scalp Discomfort

A study of 1,478 people who received chemotherapy for breast cancer found that hair regrowth began on average 3.3 months after the completion of chemotherapy. This study did not examine scalp discomfort or pain during the regrowth process.

However, members of MyBCTeam report scalp pain lasting a few weeks to several months as their hair slowly grows back post-chemo. New hair can be fragile at first, and hair often continues to thicken over time.

Managing Your Scalp Symptoms

While scalp discomfort during hair regrowth after chemotherapy is commonly reported by MyBCTeam members, there are several ways to manage and soothe these sensations. Here are some tips to try.

Use Gentle Hair and Skin Care Products

Use mild shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for sensitive skin. Gentle hair products, such as baby shampoo or products made for sensitive skin, may cause less irritation.

New hair growth is especially fragile. Avoid heat, such as from a blow-dryer, curling iron, or straightener. Also, avoid chemical processes, such as bleaching, coloring, relaxing, or perming your new hair, until it’s stronger. Use a soft brush or wide-toothed comb, and avoid vigorous brushing or combing.

To speed up or aid in regrowth, some people try products that contain chemicals approved for treating hair loss, like minoxidil. However, research on whether minoxidil can speed hair regrowth after cancer treatment is still limited. Talk to your oncology team before trying products to help your hair grow back quicker.

Moisturize Your Scalp

Keep your scalp clean and moisturized to help prevent skin problems. Apply a moisturizer or soothing lotion to the scalp to help with dryness and discomfort.

Look for products specifically formulated for sensitive or post-chemotherapy scalps. “Give yourself scalp massages with jojoba oil,” one member suggested.

Use moisturizers that are gentle and fragrance-free when you can. If a product makes your scalp burn, sting, or itch, stop using it and ask your care team what to try instead.

Massage Your Scalp

Some people find gentle scalp massage soothing. Cancer specialists and dermatologists sometimes recommend scalp massage as part of gentle hair care after chemotherapy.

Use your fingertips to apply light pressure in circular motions. Stop if the massage worsens pain, itching, or irritation.

Use a Protective Hairstyle

Opt for loose hairstyles that minimize pulling or tugging on the hair and scalp. New hair growth can be easily damaged, so avoid tight ponytails, braids, or hair accessories that cause discomfort while your hair is regrowing.

Wear Soft Headwear

“I found wearing a fleece hat during the day seemed to help, because it was so soft,” wrote one member.

Especially on cold days, warming the scalp with headwear made from a soothing material may help reduce discomfort associated with hair regrowth. Choose headwear that isn’t too tight or irritating.

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

During the early stages of hair regrowth, your scalp has less protection against sunlight. Protect your scalp with sunscreen or a head covering if your scalp is going to be exposed to the sun or cold air. Sunburn can worsen irritation to an already uncomfortable scalp.

When To Speak to Your Doctor

It’s common for MyBCTeam members to describe some pain or discomfort during hair regrowth after chemotherapy. Your scalp may also feel tender, sensitive, rough, or itchy during chemotherapy-related hair loss and regrowth.

If your scalp pain is severe, getting worse, or not improving over time, tell your oncologist. Call your doctor right away if you’re experiencing symptoms of cellulitis, a skin infection, or folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles:

• Warmth
• Swelling
• Pus-filled pimples
• Open sores or blisters
• Swollen rash
• Fever

These can be signs that you need medical care.

If very little hair has appeared after about 12 weeks, check in with your care team to make sure your hair regrowth is on track. Some other long-term treatments, like hormonal blocking therapies for breast and prostate cancer, can also cause hair loss. Talk to a healthcare professional if you don’t have hair regrowth after three months.

In some cases, chemo can lead to long-lasting thinning, and your doctor may suggest a checkup or a referral to a skin (dermatology) specialist.

Join the Conversation

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Has your scalp hurt while your hair is regrowing after chemo? Let others know in the comments below.