The time it takes for hair to grow back after chemotherapy for breast cancer can feel like an eternity. “What do you do if your hair isn’t coming back after chemo?” asked one member of MyBCTeam. “It’s been over a year now, and my hair on top is barely there.”

Although alopecia (hair loss) from the chemotherapy treatment drug paclitaxel (previously sold under the brand name Taxol) is a common side effect, it’s usually temporary. There’s a small chance of permanent hair loss. In some cases, when hair does grow back, it may have a different texture or color than before.

“I did 12 rounds of Taxol and lost my hair after the third infusion,” shared a MyBCTeam member. “My last infusion was in December, and my hair started to grow back at the beginning of February. I didn’t shed my wig till July. It’s a very slow grow-back process.”

If you’re eager to regrow your natural hair after using the breast cancer treatment paclitaxel, here are some tips to support the process.

Eating adequate protein during chemotherapy can be a challenge. Chemo can reduce your appetite, alter how food tastes, and make you nauseated. However, protein deficiency can contribute to hair thinning and loss. If you had trouble eating well during treatment, now’s a good time to reassess and make different food choices that support hair growth.

Eating excessive protein won’t magically cause hair to grow. But not getting enough will hinder the process.

Individual needs during cancer recovery vary based on a number of factors, including body size, nutritional status, kidney function, and treatment effects. Consider getting an individualized assessment by an oncology dietitian to make sure you’re getting enough protein.

Protein sources include not only meat and fish, but also nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, and nut butters. Other good sources of protein include whole grains such as quinoa and wild rice, as well as dairy sources, like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and string cheese. You can also try protein supplement shakes and bars to get to your daily protein goal.

Depending on your cancer stage and type, past cancer treatments, and other health conditions, you may need more protein than the usual recommendation. Ask to meet with an oncology dietitian to create a nutrition care plan and learn strategies to ensure adequate intake.

There’s no shortage of dietary supplements that promise to boost hair growth. But although adequate nutrition is essential for hair, supplements aren’t always the most beneficial way to get your nutrients. The best way to get your nutrients is always through food.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements with the same rigor it applies to prescription drugs. In addition, some vitamins and minerals cause toxicities and hair loss when taken in high doses, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium. If you’re considering a supplement, ask your doctor first.

“I’m a two-year survivor that had 12 Taxol treatments plus other chemotherapy drugs. My hair began the slow return after about four months from the last chemo.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Supplements are typically recommended for a diagnosed deficiency or inadequate intake of nutrients. You can also get tested for deficiencies to find out if you need a supplement. There’s currently no evidence that taking routine supplements improves Taxol-related hair regrowth.

It’s also important to make sure that anything you take over the counter won’t interfere with your prescription medications or cancer treatments. For example, if an iron deficiency is confirmed, an iron supplement or prescription could help prevent iron deficiency from inhibiting hair growth. However, anemia has several causes, and iron won’t help — and may cause harm — if anemia isn’t due to iron deficiency.

Minoxidil is a blood pressure medication originally developed in the 1960s. A decade later, doctors reformulated minoxidil into a topical solution called Rogaine after observing its ability to stimulate hair growth.

Health experts are still unsure exactly how minoxidil promotes hair growth. But it seems to increase blood flow to the hair follicles and extend the hair’s anagen (growth) phase.

Topical Minoxidil

FDA-approved topical minoxidil products are solutions or foams approved for pattern hair loss. They’re not intended to treat chemotherapy-related hair loss.

However, evidence suggests that topical minoxidil may be an effective off-label hair regrowth treatment after cancer treatment.

Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil

Some dermatologists prescribe a low dose of oral minoxidil as an off-label treatment to support hair thickness and volume. A clinical trial involving one person who had chemotherapy-induced hair loss taking low-dose minoxidil showed an improvement in hair count and length after one year.

Some limited research has shown a minimal effect on lowering blood pressure in people without hypertension (high blood pressure). But it can cause unwanted side effects, such as excess hair growth, fluid retention, swelling, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and blood pressure changes.

“It didn’t occur to me that it would be like growing out layers. It seemed to take a while. My stylist kept cutting the ends until the layers evened out.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Consult with your physician for an individualized medical assessment. You can discuss minoxidil with your healthcare provider to see if it’s safe for hair regrowth among people taking Taxol.

One member of MyBCTeam reported positive effects after trying hair products from the Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment line that contain minoxidil, along with some additional vitamins and ingredients. “My hair also grew back much thinner, and I still have a few bald spots.”

They continued, “I am trying the Nioxin system, and it seems to be helping my hair to grow back in, especially the bald spots. I was told about Nioxin from another cancer patient who said Nioxin worked for her. It’s worth a try!”

As your hair starts to grow back, be gentle with it to protect against breakage. Some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology include:

• Avoid hot tools, like curling irons and straighteners.
• Let your hair air-dry. Avoid blow drying or rubbing it with a towel. However, microfiber towels are a good alternative.
• Gently massage shampoo into your scalp only.
• Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle wet hair.
• Use conditioner every time you shampoo.
• Wear hats, scarves, or turbans to protect your hair from the sun.

Recommended hair care varies based on the type of hair you have. If you have curly hair, textured hair, or tight coils, it’s generally safer to detangle your hair when it’s wet and conditioned, while fine or straight hair can be allowed to partially dry first.

Avoiding Hair Breakage

To avoid breakage, it’s probably best to avoid chemical straighteners, relaxers, perms, or bleach. But some members of MyBCTeam haven’t had issues dyeing their hair after breast cancer treatment.

“I’m a two-year survivor that had 12 Taxol treatments plus other chemotherapy drugs. My hair began the slow return after about four months from the last chemo. … I use a mild shampoo with no sulfates,” said a MyBCTeam member.

They continued, “I’ve had no problem with coloring. My stylist started with a natural ingredients rinse, and now we’ve moved back to the original colorant.”

Another member said, “I did not have any issues with the salon coloring it. It is definitely a journey!”

Going to your hairdresser for regular trims will even out hair that comes in at different rates and help you find a way to make your short hair stylish as it grows out.

“It didn’t occur to me that it would be like growing out layers. It seemed to take a while. My stylist kept cutting the ends until the layers evened out,” explained another member.