Dr. Griggs, thank you for acknowledging there is a possibly(though low) your hair may not grow in or be very thin..unfortunately my hair grew in very very thin on top and fine in other areas..after years what hair I have is more curly..I had dark hair..now it is mousy brown with gray..I wear a wig the majority of the time..which after 14 years is still uncomfortable. I had a bilateral mastectomies without reconstruction(which in the long run was the right decision from a surgery perspective!)..the prosthetic bra and wig sometimes are sad reminders what difficult surgeries and treatments I experienced. But I also try to think about how grateful I am to be alive and well..
Thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and your resilience is truly inspiring. Dealing with thin hair and the need for a wig can be tough, especially after so many years. It’s important to remember how far you’ve come and the strength you’ve shown. Your gratitude for being alive and well is a powerful reminder to all of us.
I was 61 when I finished chemo. A year later I still only have about 3 inches of hair. I had long thick hair all my life. Now it is fine and breaks easy. Still falls out. Possibly bc of taking verzenio and anastrozole. Eyebrows and eyelashes are normal and unfortunately chin hairs have returned 😂but I'm unhappy with the new hair on my head. Growing very slowly and curly on one side straight on the other. My hairdresser says be patient. It might take another year. 😢 being bald was the hardest thing for me and given the choice again not sure I would do chemo. It is really traumatic for some of us.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Hair loss and changes in texture can be incredibly challenging, especially after having long, thick hair for so long. It's understandable to feel frustrated with the slow regrowth and the new texture. Medications like Verzenio and Anastrozole can affect hair growth, making it more delicate and prone to breaking. It is more likely that the verzenio and anastrozole are causing the problems with your hair rather than the chemotherapy at this point. It would also be worth being evaluated for other things that can cause hair problems, such as thyroid problems. Your hairdresser is right; sometimes it can take a year or more for hair to start growing back as it used to. Meanwhile, focusing on gentle hair care can help minimize breakage. Using mild shampoos, conditioners, and avoiding heat styling might be beneficial. Wishing you strength and patience as you navigate this.
@yerbba I discontinued verzenio bc of liver toxicity and started kisqali. I'm not metastatic just high risk of recurrence. Doing something better on kisqali. Hair is growing and strength returning!!
In 2022 at age 62, I had Palotaxol, Carboplatan , Cytoxin and Adriamycin, 6 month schedule. I was always known for my thick head of naturally spiral-curly light red mane. Last chemo was July 13, 2022. My hair grew in an odd taupe color. As it grew, my natural light red color came in. BUT... texture: my previous hair strands were hardy, now the strands are really fine. I was excited to hear from every woman I spoke with complained of "chemo curls". My spiral curls were missing!! I barely have my curls back and it's been 2 years. I had to keep having my hair trimmed/shaped because it was growing at different speeds. I keep praying my hair I was born with will return to full glory hopefully by next July, which will be the beginning of 3 years out of chemo. But I remain grateful that I do have a head of hair.
It sounds like you’ve been on quite a journey with your hair, and it’s understandable to miss the texture and curls you once had. Hair changes after chemotherapy can be tough, and it can take time for the natural texture to return. You’re not alone-many people find that it can take a few years for hair to regain its fullness and original curl pattern. In the meantime, it’s great that you’re seeing growth, and we hope your beautiful curls continue to return.
Ugh. 7 months post chemo and my hair is barely an inch long. Nowhere near what is suggested as growth timing. It's fine, thin, you can still see through to the scalp. I'm not a happy camper about it. Haven't found a wig that looks even remotely normal on me.
We completely understand your frustration with slow hair growth post-chemotherapy. It can be really disheartening when your hair doesn’t grow back as expected and the way it does for the vast majority of people. No one wants to be an outlier! Finding the right wig can also be challenging. Remember, you're not alone in this, and it’s important to be kind to yourself during this time.
I am sorry for those who have issues with their hair growing back post chemo. I lost mine within 2 weeks of the start of chemo and within two weeks of stopping chemo, I had the fuzz start growing. It has all come back, within 12 months, curlier and with dark and grey highlights. ( as I call them). My hairdresser now has the job of helping me with new styles.
It’s encouraging to hear how quickly your hair started to come back and how you're embracing the new look. Your story offers hope to those struggling with slow regrowth. Enjoy experimenting with new styles and colors - your hairdresser must love the challenge!
Losing my hair was for me more traumatic than losing my breast. I used to have long golden shiny hair. Now, after 11months, i have fine, grey, curly hair that sticks out like ive had a shock. It is only 2 inches long. I hate the way i look and feel old and ugly. Taking letrozole isnt helping and im on that for ten years. Its relentlessly depressing.
We're so sorry to hear about your struggle with hair loss. It's understandable to feel this way, especially when your hair was such a big part of your identity. Thank you for sharing your story.
Greetings Dr Griggs ! Have a question to ask , would Henna be beneficial Since its not chemical and also Cocount oil to massage with some Helrbal plant leaf ...
There isn’t much research specifically indicating that henna or coconut oil are unsafe after chemotherapy. In general, we recommend being gentle with the scalp and hair after chemo. Henna is known for its conditioning properties, and coconut oil may help with scalp health and hydration. As we mentioned, occasional hair coloring is considered safe.
After reading some comments I feel more hopeful that eventually my hair will grow longer than an inch. 5 months after Paclitaxol I don't have to wear the wig, but growth is uneven ie I have a thick "mowhawk" from crown to start of front hairline that seems to have stopped growing. No sign of a fringe yet, and I have to trim the rest to blend in with the "short mowhawk". I know I should be grateful I'm alive and able to complain about all this!
Hair regrowth after chemo can be unpredictable, so it’s normal to feel frustrated with the uneven growth. You’re not alone in hoping for a full, even return to your natural hair pattern. Your scalp and hair may continue to adjust over the coming months. Thanks for watching.
Has anyone else experienced an extreme “receding hairline” when growing back? 1-1/2 yrs. & extremely thin/short on top with approx 6 inch growth in back. Coarse & lost all auburn color to varying shades of gray, salt & pepper.
Although uncommon, some people do experience a receding hairline when their hair grows back after treatment. Hair regrowth can be uneven and come back with a different texture or color. It sounds frustrating to deal with such thin hair on top while having more growth in the back. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi Dr. Griggs, I love your videos, I am taking anastrozole for 3 moths and notice a lot of hair loss, is it normal to lose all the hair with this medication? Thank you so much.
Hello and thank you for your kind words! Hair thinning is more common than hair loss with anastrozole and the other aromatase inhibitors. This can be a distressing side effect of anastrozole, but it usually doesn't cause complete hair loss like chemotherapy. It's important to be checked for other causes of hair thinning or loss, such as thyroid disease. We encourage you to watch our recent video where we discuss anastrozole: th-cam.com/video/YRFCXfO5U_0/w-d-xo.html
Taxotere caused me to have permanent hair loss, I was never warned this was a possibility or that there was an alternative. Cold cap was not an option at the time either. By far the worst effect of the diagnosis.
We're sorry to hear about your experience with Taxotere. It’s deeply frustrating not to have been warned about the possibility of permanent hair loss no matter how rare it is. The emotional impact of hair loss can be significant, and it's important to acknowledge that. Thank you for sharing your story, as it highlights the need for medical teams to have better communication about treatment side effects.
Thanks for your video. I lost all my hair. It used to be straight - quite fine but I had lots of it and it grew fast. My hair started growing back when I finished chemo but it’s very curly. It’s a bit coarser but I have lots of it. Will it go back to being straight?
My hair was blonde and wavy after chemo. It has been three years since remission and I have had only two hair cuts. It has always been blonde but it is straight again and a little darker shade of blonde. Don't worry, what will be will be! Stay happy! Remember that you are still beautiful both inside and out.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Many people notice that their hair grows back differently after chemo, often more curly or with a different texture. While it's possible that your hair may eventually return to its previous state, it's also possible that it might stay curly.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Hair loss and thinning can be really frustrating, especially on hormonal treatments like letrozole. These medications can affect hair growth, making it weaker and more prone to falling out. When you come off the letrozole, your hair should return to normal. It's also important to see your doctor to rule out other problems that can cause hair thinning and loss, such as thyroid problems.
It’s been about 18 months since I finished chemo. My hair is so different that I feel like I got someone else’s hair. I only have about half the hair I used to have. It’s thinner and less curly. It doesn’t grow fast at all. I was very matter-of-fact about the initial hair loss. But, now I really miss my hair, and long for the hair I used to have before diagnosis. I don’t know if there’s a chance it will eventually come back to the way it was, or if I am just stuck with this strange new hair. 😢
It's normal to be upset about the changes in your hair. If you are on endocrine therapy, it's likely that the changes in your hair are, at least in part, related to endocrine therapy. There are other causes of hair thinning, such as thyroid problems, that can occur and it's worth discussing your concerns about your hair with your primary doctor.
My hair grew back quite well but about 6 months after it was fully grown I started to lose it again and it’s thinner now than after the first year after chemo.
This can happen after chemotherapy and is likely due to endocrine therapy (especially the aromatase inhibitors) and can also be from other things, such as thyroid conditions.
Hi. My hair is starting to grow. It feels like baby kitten fur. This initial hair is sparse and growing fast. My inclination is to shave it in another couple weeks. Then hopefully more hair will be growing (not so sparse). Is it fine to shave the new hair off once or twice? Thank you!
If you have MBC are on the target drug pertuzumab/trastuzamab for life is it safe to have your hair dyed or colored? My hair feels healthy to me and I explained to my hair dresser that the drug only attacks cancer but she is hesitant. Are other patients on immune therapy type drugs successful? Are there any studies on this? I told her that it is not chemotherapy.
I have MBC and am on those same drugs. I watched the Yerbba video on safety of hair coloring after cancer, where they essentially say it's ok to do so. I color my hair about every 6 - 8 weeks. Hair growth is slow, perhaps due to letrazole as well, so I need coloring less frequently, I consider that a plus :) I've mentioned to my doctor that I've colored my hair, she had no concerns. You may want to ask your doctor. I'm one year post diagnosis and thus far doing ok.
@@MGSavoy Thank You. My health care team has confirmed that it is okay too and my explanation that I gave my hair dresser was right. So eventually I will highlight my hair as I did prior to cancer! As a blonde I figure it will help me to transition to gray someday. Have a wonderful 4th of July! People with MBC celebrate every day we get.
Thank you for sharing about your mom's treatment. We have a video on bisphosphonates that you may find interesting: th-cam.com/video/S2KJnxjKpJg/w-d-xo.html.
I cannot deal with losing my hair when that time comes. I know people will make fun at me. I dont know how to handle that. I look ulgy without my hair. I dont know what to do when people do make fun at me
Losing hair during treatment is incredibly hard, and your feelings are completely valid. To help, consider exploring wigs, hats, or scarves in advance to find something you feel good wearing. Cold caps, if available, can sometimes help reduce hair loss during chemo-ask your oncologist if they’re an option for you. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you, and try to focus on self-care during this time. If someone does make an unkind comment, remember that says more about them than you. Practice responses like, "I’m focusing on healing right now," or simply walk away-your energy is precious, and you deserve kindness and understanding. You're not alone in this, and seeking out support groups or communities can provide additional comfort and encouragement. There is also a possibility that people won't laugh at you. For example would you laugh at someone who lost their hair? There are probably other people out there who also would not.
I am asain chinese and chinese womens have very soft straight hair , after gone through chemo radiation and all treatemnt My hair has rough texture like a hay and also growing like slight curly
![สาวเมืองเพชร - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kEt7F9PvO3I/mqdefault.jpg)
Dr. Griggs, thank you for acknowledging there is a possibly(though low) your hair may not grow in or be very thin..unfortunately my hair grew in very very thin on top and fine in other areas..after years what hair I have is more curly..I had dark hair..now it is mousy brown with gray..I wear a wig the majority of the time..which after 14 years is still uncomfortable. I had a bilateral mastectomies without reconstruction(which in the long run was the right decision from a surgery perspective!)..the prosthetic bra and wig sometimes are sad reminders what difficult surgeries and treatments I experienced. But I also try to think about how grateful I am to be alive and well..
Thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and your resilience is truly inspiring. Dealing with thin hair and the need for a wig can be tough, especially after so many years. It’s important to remember how far you’ve come and the strength you’ve shown. Your gratitude for being alive and well is a powerful reminder to all of us.
I'm sorry its so hard. I take my hat off to you. I'm heading down the same path as you. Respect to you.
I was 61 when I finished chemo. A year later I still only have about 3 inches of hair. I had long thick hair all my life. Now it is fine and breaks easy. Still falls out. Possibly bc of taking verzenio and anastrozole. Eyebrows and eyelashes are normal and unfortunately chin hairs have returned 😂but I'm unhappy with the new hair on my head. Growing very slowly and curly on one side straight on the other. My hairdresser says be patient. It might take another year. 😢 being bald was the hardest thing for me and given the choice again not sure I would do chemo. It is really traumatic for some of us.
Same here.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Hair loss and changes in texture can be incredibly challenging, especially after having long, thick hair for so long. It's understandable to feel frustrated with the slow regrowth and the new texture. Medications like Verzenio and Anastrozole can affect hair growth, making it more delicate and prone to breaking.
It is more likely that the verzenio and anastrozole are causing the problems with your hair rather than the chemotherapy at this point. It would also be worth being evaluated for other things that can cause hair problems, such as thyroid problems. Your hairdresser is right; sometimes it can take a year or more for hair to start growing back as it used to. Meanwhile, focusing on gentle hair care can help minimize breakage. Using mild shampoos, conditioners, and avoiding heat styling might be beneficial. Wishing you strength and patience as you navigate this.
@@yerbba thank you.
@yerbba I discontinued verzenio bc of liver toxicity and started kisqali. I'm not metastatic just high risk of recurrence. Doing something better on kisqali. Hair is growing and strength returning!!
In 2022 at age 62, I had Palotaxol, Carboplatan , Cytoxin and Adriamycin, 6 month schedule. I was always known for my thick head of naturally spiral-curly light red mane. Last chemo was July 13, 2022. My hair grew in an odd taupe color. As it grew, my natural light red color came in. BUT... texture: my previous hair strands were hardy, now the strands are really fine. I was excited to hear from every woman I spoke with complained of "chemo curls". My spiral curls were missing!! I barely have my curls back and it's been 2 years. I had to keep having my hair trimmed/shaped because it was growing at different speeds. I keep praying my hair I was born with will return to full glory hopefully by next July, which will be the beginning of 3 years out of chemo. But I remain grateful that I do have a head of hair.
It sounds like you’ve been on quite a journey with your hair, and it’s understandable to miss the texture and curls you once had. Hair changes after chemotherapy can be tough, and it can take time for the natural texture to return. You’re not alone-many people find that it can take a few years for hair to regain its fullness and original curl pattern. In the meantime, it’s great that you’re seeing growth, and we hope your beautiful curls continue to return.
Thank you, dr. Griggs, for your informative medical advice regarding hair growth and regrowth after chemotherapy and hair care.
Thank you for being part of the Yerbba community!
Ugh. 7 months post chemo and my hair is barely an inch long. Nowhere near what is suggested as growth timing. It's fine, thin, you can still see through to the scalp. I'm not a happy camper about it. Haven't found a wig that looks even remotely normal on me.
We completely understand your frustration with slow hair growth post-chemotherapy. It can be really disheartening when your hair doesn’t grow back as expected and the way it does for the vast majority of people. No one wants to be an outlier! Finding the right wig can also be challenging. Remember, you're not alone in this, and it’s important to be kind to yourself during this time.
I am sorry for those who have issues with their hair growing back post chemo. I lost mine within 2 weeks of the start of chemo and within two weeks of stopping chemo, I had the fuzz start growing. It has all come back, within 12 months, curlier and with dark and grey highlights. ( as I call them). My hairdresser now has the job of helping me with new styles.
It’s encouraging to hear how quickly your hair started to come back and how you're embracing the new look. Your story offers hope to those struggling with slow regrowth. Enjoy experimenting with new styles and colors - your hairdresser must love the challenge!
Losing my hair was for me more traumatic than losing my breast. I used to have long golden shiny hair. Now, after 11months, i have fine, grey, curly hair that sticks out like ive had a shock. It is only 2 inches long. I hate the way i look and feel old and ugly. Taking letrozole isnt helping and im on that for ten years. Its relentlessly depressing.
🌺🙏✨✨
We're so sorry to hear about your struggle with hair loss. It's understandable to feel this way, especially when your hair was such a big part of your identity. Thank you for sharing your story.
Greetings Dr Griggs !
Have a question to ask , would Henna be beneficial Since its not chemical and also Cocount oil to massage with some Helrbal plant leaf ...
There isn’t much research specifically indicating that henna or coconut oil are unsafe after chemotherapy. In general, we recommend being gentle with the scalp and hair after chemo. Henna is known for its conditioning properties, and coconut oil may help with scalp health and hydration. As we mentioned, occasional hair coloring is considered safe.
@@yerbba THANKYOU DOCTOR ! FOR ALL THE IMP IMFORMATION ..
After reading some comments I feel more hopeful that eventually my hair will grow longer than an inch. 5 months after Paclitaxol I don't have to wear the wig, but growth is uneven ie I have a thick "mowhawk" from crown to start of front hairline that seems to have stopped growing. No sign of a fringe yet, and I have to trim the rest to blend in with the "short mowhawk". I know I should be grateful I'm alive and able to complain about all this!
Hair regrowth after chemo can be unpredictable, so it’s normal to feel frustrated with the uneven growth. You’re not alone in hoping for a full, even return to your natural hair pattern. Your scalp and hair may continue to adjust over the coming months. Thanks for watching.
Has anyone else experienced an extreme “receding hairline” when growing back? 1-1/2 yrs. & extremely thin/short on top with approx 6 inch growth in back. Coarse & lost all auburn color to varying shades of gray, salt & pepper.
Although uncommon, some people do experience a receding hairline when their hair grows back after treatment. Hair regrowth can be uneven and come back with a different texture or color. It sounds frustrating to deal with such thin hair on top while having more growth in the back. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi Dr. Griggs, I love your videos, I am taking anastrozole for 3 moths and notice a lot of hair loss, is it normal to lose all the hair with this medication? Thank you so much.
Hello and thank you for your kind words! Hair thinning is more common than hair loss with anastrozole and the other aromatase inhibitors. This can be a distressing side effect of anastrozole, but it usually doesn't cause complete hair loss like chemotherapy. It's important to be checked for other causes of hair thinning or loss, such as thyroid disease. We encourage you to watch our recent video where we discuss anastrozole: th-cam.com/video/YRFCXfO5U_0/w-d-xo.html
Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Taxotere caused me to have permanent hair loss, I was never warned this was a possibility or that there was an alternative. Cold cap was not an option at the time either. By far the worst effect of the diagnosis.
We're sorry to hear about your experience with Taxotere. It’s deeply frustrating not to have been warned about the possibility of permanent hair loss no matter how rare it is. The emotional impact of hair loss can be significant, and it's important to acknowledge that. Thank you for sharing your story, as it highlights the need for medical teams to have better communication about treatment side effects.
Thanks for your video. I lost all my hair. It used to be straight - quite fine but I had lots of it and it grew fast. My hair started growing back when I finished chemo but it’s very curly. It’s a bit coarser but I have lots of it. Will it go back to being straight?
My hair was blonde and wavy after chemo. It has been three years since remission and I have had only two hair cuts. It has always been blonde but it is straight again and a little darker shade of blonde. Don't worry, what will be will be! Stay happy! Remember that you are still beautiful both inside and out.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Many people notice that their hair grows back differently after chemo, often more curly or with a different texture. While it's possible that your hair may eventually return to its previous state, it's also possible that it might stay curly.
thanks for the video. Can pertuzumab/ trastuzumab for her2 positive breast cancer cause hair loss?
Since 2 years I find my treatment,now I'm hormonal medicine letrozole,why my hair still very weak, falling down and no growing long?
Am on letrozole and my hair is very thin i hope after hormonal therapy it gets back normal
Thank you for sharing your experience. Hair loss and thinning can be really frustrating, especially on hormonal treatments like letrozole. These medications can affect hair growth, making it weaker and more prone to falling out. When you come off the letrozole, your hair should return to normal. It's also important to see your doctor to rule out other problems that can cause hair thinning and loss, such as thyroid problems.
It’s been about 18 months since I finished chemo. My hair is so different that I feel like I got someone else’s hair. I only have about half the hair I used to have. It’s thinner and less curly. It doesn’t grow fast at all. I was very matter-of-fact about the initial hair loss. But, now I really miss my hair, and long for the hair I used to have before diagnosis. I don’t know if there’s a chance it will eventually come back to the way it was, or if I am just stuck with this strange new hair. 😢
After reading all the comments here, and your responses, it seems like my letrozole therapy might be playing a role. I suspected it might be.
It's normal to be upset about the changes in your hair. If you are on endocrine therapy, it's likely that the changes in your hair are, at least in part, related to endocrine therapy. There are other causes of hair thinning, such as thyroid problems, that can occur and it's worth discussing your concerns about your hair with your primary doctor.
My hair grew back quite well but about 6 months after it was fully grown I started to lose it again and it’s thinner now than after the first year after chemo.
This can happen after chemotherapy and is likely due to endocrine therapy (especially the aromatase inhibitors) and can also be from other things, such as thyroid conditions.
@@yerbba thank you
Hi. My hair is starting to grow. It feels like baby kitten fur. This initial hair is sparse and growing fast. My inclination is to shave it in another couple weeks. Then hopefully more hair will be growing (not so sparse). Is it fine to shave the new hair off once or twice? Thank you!
There is likely to be no benefit to shaving your hair. Shaving will not change the texture nor the rate of hair growth. Thank you for watching.
If you have MBC are on the target drug pertuzumab/trastuzamab for life is it safe to have your hair dyed or colored? My hair feels healthy to me and I explained to my hair dresser that the drug only attacks cancer but she is hesitant. Are other patients on immune therapy type drugs successful? Are there any studies on this? I told her that it is not chemotherapy.
I have MBC and am on those same drugs. I watched the Yerbba video on safety of hair coloring after cancer, where they essentially say it's ok to do so. I color my hair about every 6 - 8 weeks. Hair growth is slow, perhaps due to letrazole as well, so I need coloring less frequently, I consider that a plus :) I've mentioned to my doctor that I've colored my hair, she had no concerns. You may want to ask your doctor. I'm one year post diagnosis and thus far doing ok.
@@MGSavoy Thank You. My health care team has confirmed that it is okay too and my explanation that I gave my hair dresser was right. So eventually I will highlight my hair as I did prior to cancer! As a blonde I figure it will help me to transition to gray someday. Have a wonderful 4th of July! People with MBC celebrate every day we get.
There are no problems with coloring hair if you're on these drugs. We hope this is helpful!
@@yerbba Thank you. My oncology team confirmed it a again too. So now I may need a different hairdresser if and when I decide to do it.
My mom has taken zoladronic acid 4 mg every 28 days for 1 year now it's once every 3 month
Thank you for sharing about your mom's treatment. We have a video on bisphosphonates that you may find interesting: th-cam.com/video/S2KJnxjKpJg/w-d-xo.html.
I cannot deal with losing my hair when that time comes. I know people will make fun at me. I dont know how to handle that. I look ulgy without my hair. I dont know what to do when people do make fun at me
Losing hair during treatment is incredibly hard, and your feelings are completely valid. To help, consider exploring wigs, hats, or scarves in advance to find something you feel good wearing. Cold caps, if available, can sometimes help reduce hair loss during chemo-ask your oncologist if they’re an option for you. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you, and try to focus on self-care during this time. If someone does make an unkind comment, remember that says more about them than you. Practice responses like, "I’m focusing on healing right now," or simply walk away-your energy is precious, and you deserve kindness and understanding. You're not alone in this, and seeking out support groups or communities can provide additional comfort and encouragement. There is also a possibility that people won't laugh at you. For example would you laugh at someone who lost their hair? There are probably other people out there who also would not.
It didn't bother me losing my hair. Its grown back curley. It is what it is.
I am asain chinese and chinese womens have very soft straight hair , after gone through chemo radiation and all treatemnt My hair has rough texture like a hay and also growing like slight curly
Your attitude of acceptance is truly inspiring. Sometimes, embracing these changes can be empowering.