Chemotherapy hair loss — the London guide to preservation, wigs and regrowth
Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is different from every other kind — faster, more complete, and with a predictable regrowth timeline you can build a plan around.
Dr. Amara Okafor
Consultant Trichologist · Harley Street
In short
- Anagen effluvium starts 1–3 weeks after chemo, not months.
- Cold-cap therapy reduces loss in 50–70% of patients with taxane regimens.
- Medical wigs available on the NHS for cancer patients in London.
- Regrowth begins 4–6 weeks post-treatment; full return by 12 months.
Anagen effluvium is hair loss caused by damage to actively-growing follicles — most commonly by chemotherapy. Unlike telogen effluvium, it happens fast, is often complete, and needs practical planning long before treatment starts.
Cold-cap therapy in London
Scalp cooling reduces blood flow to follicles during infusion, limiting drug uptake. Effectiveness depends on regimen — 50–70% with taxanes, 30–50% with anthracyclines. Available at most major London oncology units (UCLH, Royal Marsden, Guy's) and privately (Paxman, Dignicap systems).
Medical wigs
The NHS provides medical wigs to cancer patients — an entitlement many patients don't know about. In London, referral goes through your oncology CNS. Private wig-makers in Marylebone and Notting Hill offer bespoke medical-grade systems (£800–£2,500) with same-week fitting.
The regrowth timeline
- Weeks 2–6 post-chemo: soft fuzz appears
- Months 3–4: 2–3cm of hair, often curlier or different colour
- Months 6–9: 5–10cm; usual haircuts possible
- Month 12: full return; texture may take 18–24 months to stabilise
Chemo hair loss ends. Chemo hair returns. It just doesn't ask permission about what it looks like when it comes back.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Will my hair come back the same?+
Often different at first — curlier, greyer, coarser. Usually returns to baseline within 24 months.
When can I dye or perm regrown hair?+
Wait 6 months post-final chemo before chemical services; the new follicle is fragile.
Does cold cap work for all chemo drugs?+
No — best with taxanes and anthracyclines; less effective with some targeted therapies.
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