Many chemotherapy patients experience hair loss after treatment.

Minoxidil Can Promote Hair Regrowth but What are Its Alternatives?

Your detailed guide into the in’s and out’s of hair loss prevention and hair regrowth during chemotherapy.

For any cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy, there’s a long list of medications you’re likely to become familiar with, and one of those is Minoxidil. Minoxidil, which can be found under many brand names, and most commonly, Rogaine, is an antihypertensive vasodilator medication used to treat hair loss, or alopecia, before, during, or after chemotherapy treatment. While it is unknown exactly how Minoxidil prevents hair loss, some research suggests that Minoxidil can help reduce the amount of time it takes for hair regrowth to occur if taken after chemotherapy treatment. On the contrary, many studies have also shown that Minoxidil cannot prevent hair loss if taken before chemotherapy treatment. To break this down we must first look what’s behind Minoxidil and how it is used to treat hair loss and hair regrowth in chemotherapy patients, as well as other alternatives to the drug.

While hair loss is common, hair regrowth is also prevalent

As a Surgical Oncologist and General Surgeon, I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing chemotherapy patients from all different walks of life in my time as Executive Director at the El Camino Hospital Cancer Center. I know firsthand that the fear of hair loss is prevalent in many people looking to undergo chemotherapy and can even lead some to forgo chemotherapy altogether. The good news is that even though chemotherapy does often times cause hair loss in both male and female patients within two to four weeks after starting treatment, hair regrowth can occur as soon as several weeks after chemotherapy treatment.

Minoxidil can be effective, but only in certain cases

The effectiveness of Minoxidil is achieved by improving the blood flow to the area in which it’s applied on the scalp. Once Minoxidil is applied to the scalp it can potentially supply a healthy dose of nutrients and blood to hair follicles which can lead to improved hair density and an increase in hair regrowth. Minoxidil can be used both as a solution and as a foam. While one should always dry their scalp area before applying any medication, you may also apply this medication to hair that is dampened. In any case, only apply Minoxidil to the scalp and no other parts of the body as this can send harmful chemicals into the bloodstream that may be dangerous.

Fortunately, there are other healthier options to Minoxidil

In my experience as a Surgical Oncologist and General Surgeon, I’ve witnessed and documented the different effects of Minoxidil on a wide array of chemotherapy patients and have seen outcomes that are both positive and varying. As the only FDA approved drug used to prevent hair loss, many people are led to believe that Minoxidil is the only solution for preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth in chemotherapy patients but as a surgical oncologist with over twenty years of experience I have seen firsthand that there are other options for the treatment of hair loss prevention and regrowth for chemotherapy patients.

Certain shampoos can also promote hair regrowth

Since a compromised immune system as a result of chemotherapy or radiation may result in the loss of hair, a sensitive scalp will need all the attention it can get. Unlike regular washing, those with alopecia will need to be very gentle when caring for and conditioning their scalp so that the skin will be soothed and hair can return to it’s natural, healthy state and this is why I recommend Cleure Replenishing Conditioner to condition the scalp and hair. Fortunately, there are other healthier alternatives to Minoxidil. Once hair growth begins I would suggest using Cleure Volumizing Shampoo to promote hair regrowth in both male and female chemotherapy patients.

Scalp cooling has also shown remarkable results

There is also the possibility of using a scalp cooler, sometimes referred to as scalp hypothermia. Scalp cooling works by inducing vasoconstriction and reduction of metabolism. Vasoconstriction which can constrict the blood vessels in the scalp which reduces blood flow to the area during the chemotherapy preventing the chemo treatments from targeting healthy cells in your hair follicles which can lead to the prevention of hair loss.

Whatever the option there are ways to get your hair back after cancer treatment

As in any case, the designated treatment plan for each patient should be determined by the specific patient's case (ie. what type of chemotherapy treatment are they undergoing) and the goal of each patient. While Minoxidil, commonly found under the brand name Rogaine, has been proven in certain circumstances to prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth there are other options as well such as special shampoos and cooling caps that can also you get your healthy head of hair back that you had before chemotherapy treatment. So check out our line of shampoo and cooling products from Hope & Beauty and get your scalp and hair back to its natural state, starting today.