Who would’ve thought I’d be writing about hair, the very thing that slipped through my fingers, quite literally, during my treatment for breast cancer. Those undergoing chemotherapy, or who are familiar with the treatment, may already know about chemo curls. But, for those who don’t, chemo curls are curls that can grow post-chemotherapy, even in people who had straight hair pre-chemo.
Journeying together, let’s explore five things you may not know about chemo curls.
Timeframe for hair regrowth
People often ask when their hair will begin to grow back after chemotherapy—everyone is different. For me, it took about 2.5 months after finishing chemo for my hair to start growing. Initially, it sprouted as super soft and straight, akin to a duck’s fluff, and later on, as it grew more, I found myself the new owner of chemo curls.
Altered Texture
A sharp change in texture is also typical. I was informed my hair might return with a different texture, thickness, or pattern than before, and even potentially different in color.
Chemo Curl Stimulation
There isn’t a definitive explanation for why chemo curls happen; research points to how chemotherapy drugs can influence hair follicles and disrupt growth patterns. Personally, I used a scalp massager and a castor oil formulation to keep the blood flow stimulated. You can check out more hair and beauty tips here.
Color Shift
Grey, Blonde, or Auburn. You don’t get to pick your surprise. That’s right, hair can come back grey, or another color. My hair came back as a pleasantly surprising salt and pepper, but the grey isn’t intensely pronounced.
Emotional Impact
Last but not least, expect the emotional roller coaster. The hair loss phase marked the start of my journey into becoming more authentic with myself. Acknowledging my baldness, embracing the chemo curls that grew, and finally accepting my salt-and-pepper hair, it has been an experience of self-acceptance and self love.
Each individual’s experience will vary, and it may be a different journey altogether. Chemotherapy is definitely an intimidating process, and chemo curls are just one part of the narrative. As you explore the changes in your hair post-treatment, remember, every curl, every hair strand, marks a step forward in your journey. It is a testament to your resilience.
Hair loss was a defining point in my cancer journey, an expected yet still shocking event. My once long, shoulder-length “brown” locks fell at a touch of my hand—a party trick that eventually lost its charm, leading me to ‘call in the sheep shearer.’
Life post-chemo can sometimes seem like you’re in an Alice in Wonderland world—everything is changed, and you’re not quite sure what to make of all of it. But there is beauty to be found even in these transformations. After all, chemo curls aren’t just a hair phenotype; they are an emblem of your perseverance.
Check out this quick YouTube video where I show you my quick and easy haircare routine using my favorite curly hair product LusBrands.
