SKINIPEDIA - Skin Encyclopedia: Chemotherapy & Hair Growth

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Chemotherapy and Hair Growth

Q: I recently underwent Chemotherapy and my eyelashes and eyebrows fell out! Will they grow back?
A: Yes! Hair grows in three cycles:

* The Anagen or active growth phase.
* The Catagen or transition phase, the hair loosens from the follicle.
* The Telogen or resting phase, the hair sheds and waits to regrow.



A: Yes! Hair grows in three cycles:


Hair Growth Cycle


Chemotheraphy activates the catagen phase. So what happens is that your hair loosens from the follicle, and will not begin to regrow until you halt treatment.

There is good news though! Different hairs on the body maintain different growth rates. Human eyelashes regrow every 90 days. So post chemotherapy, you will have a new set of eyelashes in 90 days of halting the treatment.

 


There is a medical solution to speed up this lash regrowth process that can be used by anyone wanting to increase the length and density of their eyelashes. LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough lashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker. LATISSE® is believed to affect the growth (anagen) phase of the eyelash hair cycle in two ways: first, it increases the length of this phase; and second, it increases the number of hairs in this growth phase. Many different types of doctors can prescribe LATISSE®, including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, OB/GYNs and primary care doctors. However, not all doctors may be familiar with it.

Another option is to have your lashes or eyebrows tinted as they grow back. A qualified professional can apply hair color solution to the eyebrows or eyelashes essentially darkening the vellus, or fine transparent hair. This can help improve the appearance of eyebrows and eyelashes during the regrowth phase.

Please consult with your doctor before undergoing any medical or esthetic treatment that could have interactions with your medical treatment protocols.


This article brought to you by Michelle Macomber, a San Diego based Aesthetician Par Excellence and the owner of the best facials in San Diego, Surface Esthetics.