- Hotline: 852+ 2891 9689
- Whatsapp: 852+ 9146 8426
- [email protected]
- 6/F 29 Austin Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Hair Transplant After Chemotherapy & Radiation
Sudden, dramatic hair loss caused when the active hair growth phase is violently interrupted.
Primary Cause: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Mechanism: Treatments target rapidly dividing cells—both cancerous and hair follicle cells.
Onset: Hair falls out in days or weeks, not months.
Scope: Often affects 80-90% of scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.
Usually Temporary: Follicles are typically stunned, not destroyed. Full regrowth is expected when treatment ends.
Sara’s CommentCan you get a hair transplant after chemotherapy or radiation?
Rarely, and only after a long waiting period. Anagen effluvium (treatment-induced hair loss) is usually temporary. Transplanting too soon wastes grafts. Surgery may be considered only in cases of proven, permanent follicular damage after 1-2 years of no regrowth.
While cancer therapy is most common, other causes include:
Heavy metal poisoning (e.g., thallium, arsenic).
Severe protein or calorie malnutrition.
Certain toxic medications (e.g., colchicine overdose).
Immune attack (as seen in acute Alopecia Areata).
For most patients, the best treatment is time.
Regrowth begins 1-3 months after treatment ends.
Full cosmetic recovery can take 6-12 months.
Texture/color changes (“chemo curls”) are common but often temporary.
The “No Regret” Rule: We must allow the body’s full natural healing cycle to complete before assessing any permanent damage. Rushing to surgery is a common cause of regret.
During and immediately after cancer therapy, focus on support:
Scalp Care: Use gentle, fragrance-free shampoos. Avoid heat, dyes, and tight styles.
Cold Cap Therapy: Discuss with your oncologist. Scalp cooling during some chemo can reduce hair loss.
Nutrition: Ensure adequate protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins to support regrowth.
Medical Therapies: After oncology clearance, treatments like Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or topical Minoxidil may support recovery. Always consult your doctors first.
Emotional Support: Wigs, scarves, and counseling can be invaluable. Hair loss is emotionally significant.
Transplantation is not for temporary shedding. It is a last resort for verified permanent damage.
You may be a candidate only if ALL these conditions are met:
Permanent Damage Confirmed: Loss is due to high-dose radiation (>50-60 Gy) to the scalp, which can destroy follicles, or an extremely rare, documented case of chemotherapy-induced permanent alopecia.
Long Waiting Period: It has been 12-24 months since treatment ended with no meaningful regrowth.
Oncology Clearance: Your oncologist provides written confirmation that your cancer is in remission and no further cytotoxic therapy is planned.
Scalp Health: The recipient area has adequate blood supply (a special concern after radiation).
Realistic Expectations: Understanding that results may differ from a standard transplant, with possible lower density.
If surgery is appropriate, it requires extreme caution:
Altered Scalp: Post-radiation skin may have reduced blood flow and flexibility.
Conservative Approach: Fewer grafts per session may be necessary to ensure survival.
Lifetime Planning: Protecting your finite donor supply is paramount.
Anagen effluvium from cancer therapy is usually temporary. Full regrowth often occurs within 6-12 months of treatment ending.
Hair transplant is contraindicated during active treatment or early recovery. The waiting period is at least 12 months to assess for natural regrowth.
Surgery is a last resort for confirmed permanent follicular damage, most often from high-dose radiation, not standard chemotherapy.
The priority is supportive care first: scalp health, nutrition, and emotional well-being while your body heals.
A successful candidate requires oncology clearance, proven stability, and realistic expectations about outcomes.
🔍 Recovering from treatment and concerned about permanent hair loss?
If it has been over a year since your therapy ended with no regrowth, send your details and treatment history for a free preliminary medical review. We can help assess if your case involves permanent damage and discuss if a surgical consultation is appropriate.
Images & Information shown are for reference only
Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. It is not intended to promote our service or imply superiority over another.
Individual results in hair restoration vary significantly and no outcome can be guaranteed. The before-and-after images shown represent possible results — not promises. We recommend seeking independent medical advice to discuss your options … Read More
Pre-Consultation Review
If you want to get a personalized answer from our medical team, you can reach us using this form here. We will cantact you as soon as possible.
At Dr. Bertram Hair Transplant, we only offer what aligns with natural results, minimal risk, and realistic expectations. Since 2009, our FUE protocols are in strict accordance with evidence-based guidelines from ISHRS and WFI. Every procedure is internally audited against ABHRS surgical benchmarks.
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the leading global medical association that establishes international practice standards and patient safety protocols.
The American Board of Hair restoration Surgery represents the highest standard. To maintain rigorous certification requirements the physician must demonstrate surgical expertise.
Worls FUE InstituteI serves as the premier educational body focused exclusively on Follicular Unit Extraction methodology. The institute ensures consistent application of safe FUE.
