Anagen Effluvium is the sudden loss of hair as a result of powerful chemicals or radiation suddenly halting the hair growth cycle. There is no 3-4 month transition to a resting stage, as with telegenic effluvium. Anagen effluvium is most commonly experienced after chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment for cancer. Within just 1-3 weeks after treatment, some or all of a patient’s hair falls out, often in uneven patches.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are intended to kill the rapidly dividing cells that characterize cancer.
A common side effect of chemotherapy is the destruction or injury of other reproducing cells, including those in the hair follicle that grow hair. The result is the shutdown of the hair follicle and shedding of the hair. Some hair follicles may produce thinner and weaker hair shafts, rather than shut down. As the hair grows out, these weakened shafts may break off, further contributing to anlagen effluvium hair loss.
Delicate New Hairs
Anagen effluvium is usually a temporary condition, although regrowth following chemo or radiation therapy may take 6-12 months. The new hair that first grows in may be colorless or lighter than the normal hair, and it also may be thinner and more easily broken. These delicate new hairs are very susceptible to damage from styling treatments and chemicals.
Harsh permanent hair dyes, bleach, permanent wave curling solutions, and excessive heat from curling irons and blow dryers should all be avoided. The new hairs should be shampooed infrequently, and only with a mild shampoo, followed by a conditioner. If the hair is to be colored, mild semi-permanent dyes should be used. Eventually the hair follicles recover, and new hair grows in
with normal thickness, strength, and color.
Hairpiece Prescription
It helps to plan for the hair loss effects of radiation or chemotherapy in advance. Cancer treatment patients are advised to assume they will lose all their scalp hair.
Some patients will choose to have a custom hairpiece made in advance, which may take 6-12 weeks. Some health insurance plans will cover the full cost of a hairpiece, especially if a medical doctor writes a prescription for one.
Shaved Head Look
Some cancer treatment patients choose to shave their heads immediately after treatment to control their appearance and to avoid the embarrassment of shedding clumps of hair. Many men find that having a totally bald head looks healthier than having a look of patchy hair loss. A shaved head also allows the use of hairpieces which may be secured with a secured with a vacuum-fit base or the use of very mild temporary adhesives.