Can Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy Cause Hair Thinning?
Cancer treatment has changed a lot over the years. Many people now receive newer treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy instead of traditional chemotherapy. These treatments are often described as “gentler,” but patients still have questions about side effects, especially regarding hair changes.
You’ll learn what immunotherapy and targeted therapy are and whether they can cause hair thinning during cancer treatment in this post.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s own immune system fight cancer. Instead of directly attacking cancer cells, immunotherapy boosts or guides the immune system to better recognize and destroy abnormal cells.
There are different types of immunotherapy. Some treatments block signals that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer. Others stimulate immune cells to become more active. Although many people choose immunotherapy because it changes how the immune system works, it can still cause physical changes, including to the skin, scalp, and hair.
What is targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy is another modern cancer treatment that works differently from chemotherapy. It focuses on specific genes, proteins, or signals that help cancer cells grow and survive.
Cancer cells often have certain features that normal cells do not. Targeted therapy is designed to recognize and attack those features. This makes the treatment more precise and can reduce damage to healthy cells.
Even though targeted therapy is more focused, it can still affect normal cells, especially those involved in skin and hair growth. Because of this, some people experience hair thinning or changes in hair texture during treatment.
Does immunotherapy cause hair thinning?
Hair thinning is not the most common side effect of immunotherapy, but it can happen. The experience is different for everyone. Some people notice no hair changes at all, while others may experience mild to moderate thinning.
With immunotherapy, hair changes often happen because the immune system becomes more active. In some cases, the immune system may affect hair follicles, which are responsible for hair growth. This can slow down hair production or cause hair to shed more easily.
Patients may notice hair becoming thinner over time rather than falling out in large amounts. The scalp may also feel dry, itchy, or sensitive. Some people experience patchy hair loss, including eyebrows or eyelashes, although this is less common.
It is important to know that immunotherapy-related hair thinning is often temporary. Hair may begin to grow back once the body adjusts to treatment or after treatment ends. However, the timing and extent of regrowth can vary.
Can targeted therapy lead to hair thinning or hair changes?
Targeted therapy is more likely than immunotherapy to cause hair changes, although complete hair loss is still uncommon. Instead, many patients experience gradual thinning, slower hair growth, or changes in hair texture.
Hair may become dry, brittle, or finer than usual. Some people notice that their hair breaks more easily or does not grow as quickly as before. Changes may also affect eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.
The degree of hair thinning depends on the specific drug, the dose, and how an individual’s body responds. Some people have very mild changes, while others find the thinning more noticeable.
Like immunotherapy, hair changes from targeted therapy are often manageable and may improve over time. Still, they can affect self-esteem and emotional well-being, especially when treatment lasts for many months.
Why does hair thinning happen with some cancer treatments?
Hair grows in cycles. Each hair strand goes through a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase. Cancer treatments can disrupt this natural cycle. With chemotherapy, hair follicles are damaged quickly, leading to sudden hair loss.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy usually work more slowly, which is why hair thinning tends to be gradual instead of sudden. Inflammation, changes in immune response, and stress on the body can all play a role. Cancer itself, along with fatigue, poor appetite, and emotional stress, can also affect hair health.
The scalp may become more sensitive during treatment. Dryness, irritation, or reduced blood flow to the scalp can weaken hair strands and make them fall out more easily. None of these is a sign that treatment is failing; it is simply one of the ways the body responds to therapy.
How to care for thinning hair during cancer treatment
Small changes in daily routines can help protect the hair and scalp during cancer treatment. Using mild, fragrance-free shampoos can reduce irritation. Washing hair less often and using lukewarm water instead of hot water may also help. After washing, gently pat hair instead of rubbing it with a towel.
Avoid tight hairstyles, heavy extensions, or styles that pull on the scalp. Loose styles reduce tension on hair follicles and help prevent breakage. If possible, limit the use of heat tools such as straighteners and blow dryers.
The scalp needs care, too. Moisturizing the scalp with gentle oils or creams can help reduce dryness and itching. Always choose products that are suitable for sensitive skin.
Nutrition also plays a role. Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated can support overall hair health, even during treatment. Rest and stress management are equally important, as stress can worsen hair thinning.
For many people, covering thinning hair provides comfort and confidence. Headscarves, turbans, and cranial prosthetics can help patients feel more like themselves during treatment.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love is starting immunotherapy or targeted therapy, it is normal to wonder whether these treatments can affect your hair. Hair thinning from these treatments is usually gradual and temporary, but it can still feel emotionally challenging.
Understanding what to expect and how to care for your hair can make the experience less overwhelming. Whether you are experiencing slight thinning or patchy loss, a medical-grade braids wig can provide the comfort and confidence you need to focus on your healing.
Express Wig Braids offers high-quality medical-grade wigs made with comfort and styles in mind. Visit Express Wig Braids today to explore medical-grade wigs and find your perfect match.