People often think that having chemotherapy always means that they will lose their hair. In fact with many types of chemotherapy there is little or no hair loss throughout the course of treatment. However the chemotherapy can still damage and weaken the hair even if it does not cause actual hair loss.

If your chemotherapy causes hair loss, your scalp can become scaly and your hair may be finer and break more easily when it begins to grow back. Your hair may take a while to get back to its normal condition. Once it is long enough you can tint or perm your hair, if your hair and scalp are in good condition.

Do not use any chemicals such as perms or tints on your hair if:

• your scalp is scaly, sore, or irritated
• your hair is drier than usual
• your hair is rough to the touch
• your hair is lighter in colour than before your treatment
• your hair appears to be breaking or not growing normally.

If you want to colour your hair you can ask your hairdresser for advice on natural products such as henna or vegetable-based colourants. It is best to try any colourant on a small, hidden area of hair first to make sure that it will not damage your hair.