When undergoing chemotherapy treatment, your hair enters its resting phase. This is a natural part of the growth cycle, but ordinarily only a small proportion of your hair is in the resting phase. When undergoing chemotherapy, it may all enter this phase simultaneously and this is why hair is lost.
The hair will remain dormant until the chemotherapy is completed. At this point, hair will once again begin to grow. Initially, it will be very fine ‘vellous’ hair, but within 4-6 weeks you will usually see thicker hair of your normal colour starting to develop. However, it will take around 12 months for hair to reach about six inches in length, so it may be necessary to use certain management techniques in the meantime.
Choosing a wig can take time as you will want to get your choice right. It is advisable to see a wig supplier before you have actually lost your hair, so that you are ready when the time comes. The NHS will provide wigs, but you can also have bespoke wigs made and this will often include a programme of fitting and cleaning each month.