Chemotherapy Induced Alopecia (CIA)

Last updated: 6 February 2026. Next review: 6 February 2027

What is chemotherapy-induced alopecia?

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is hair loss that occurs as a side effect of chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells as well as other fast-growing cells in the body — including hair follicle cells.

Hair loss usually begins 2–4 weeks after starting chemotherapy. The amount of hair lost depends on the specific chemotherapy drugs used, and some medications may cause little or no hair loss.

What does chemotherapy-induced alopecia look like?

Hair loss from chemotherapy can vary in pattern and severity:

Total scalp hair loss is most common.
You may also lose hair on other parts of the body including eyebrows, eyelashes, and nasal hair.
Some people experience patchy hair loss or general thinning.
Hair may fall out gradually or quickly in clumps.
The scalp may feel tender or sensitive.

Hair loss usually continues throughout treatment and may persist for a few weeks afterward. Some people may experience persistent chemotherapy-induced alopecia (pCIA), where hair does not return to the way it was before.

Is chemotherapy-induced alopecia permanent?

For most people, chemotherapy-induced hair loss is temporary:

Hair typically begins to regrow within a few weeks after treatment ends.
The new hair may initially have a different texture or colour.

Permanent hair loss is rare but may occur:

After treatment with taxane drugs used to treat breast cancer such as docetaxel
Following long-term use of targeted cancer drugs called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors

What causes chemotherapy-induced alopecia?

Chemotherapy drugs are designed to kill rapidly dividing cells. Because hair follicle cells grow quickly, they are particularly vulnerable, which is why hair falls out during chemotherapy.

Can chemotherapy-induced alopecia be prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy, some approaches may help reduce it:

Scalp cooling caps: A tightly fitted cap is chilled with liquid during chemotherapy infusions. This slows blood flow to the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy reaching hair follicles and helping preserve hair in some patients.
Using gentle hair care during treatment (soft brushes, mild shampoos).
Avoiding heat styling or harsh chemicals.
Early discussion with your oncology team about hair loss and preventive strategies.

Additional Information:

Cancer Research UK have some excellent information about chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

VISIT CANCER RESEARCH UK

Macmillan Cancer Support have information about hair loss as a result of chemotherapy treatments.

VISIT MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

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