How long do you have to wear a wig after chemo?
MARCH 14, 2023
Possible Hair Loss
If you plan to venture into wig wearing while undergoing chemo treatments, you might be wondering how long afterward you’ll need to wear one. Chemotherapy is often accompanied by hair loss but don't worry - your locks will almost always come back with time. While it may take longer than usual, new growth will happen. On rare occasions though, after more intensive treatments, you might find some unusual changes in your mane or struggle to see any regrowth at all.
Hair Re-Growth Timeline
Hair growth isn't a one-size-fits all situation, but typically you’d see about half an inch of new hair every month or six inches over the year. However, when chemo is involved, things tend to slow down as follicles gradually recover and regrow visible hairs again.
After completing treatments, most people find the start of new hair growth around three to six weeks. Some people may see some growth before they even finish chemo. You might notice that your growth is initially uneven and patchy, with slower growth around the front hairline and crown. On average, it can take anywhere from three to eight months before your tresses are long enough to trim into a chic, short style.
Recovering
Some people transition from a wig to a hair topper to help give fullness in areas where their natural hair hasn’t quite filled in all the way. *Always be sure that the hair you’re clipping a topper into is healthy and strong enough to support the clips, otherwise you risk hair loss with all of that regrowth you worked so hard for.
If you’re worried that wearing a wig will affect the rate at which your hair regrows, don’t fret because this is highly unlikely. An exception might be a silicon or suction type of wig that requires the scalp to be bare in order for it to fit securely.
Hair loss is 100% frustrating, especially after dealing with chemo. Know that you’re not alone on this journey and our team is here to help in any way that we can.
