Minimizing Hair Loss During Chemotherapy: Is It Possible?

Hair loss is commonly associated with having cancer, but it’s actually a side effect of chemotherapy, not the cancer itself. Still, losing your hair during chemotherapy is an emotional topic for many patients, who may feel like their hair loss is a visible marker of their cancer to the rest of the world.

“Hair loss can be very anxiety-provoking for patients,” says Ashish Saxena, MD, oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. “It’s something that everyone sees. It also has a lot to do with how a person feels about themselves.”

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Dr. Schwarz is board eligible Sleep Medicine and board certified Family Medicine physician. She is a member of the AASM and ABFM.

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