After the milestone of completing breast cancer chemotherapy, your hair can finally begin to grow back. Unfortunately, some members report that regrowing hair following chemo can sometimes come with scalp discomfort or pain. “As my hair starts to grow back, my head is extremely sore. … Has anyone else experienced this?” one MyBCTeam member asked.

In this article, we’ll address common concerns about soreness during hair regrowth, explore how members of the MyBCTeam community describe this feeling, and offer practical tips for managing any discomfort.

Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs can cause alopecia (hair loss) and other side effects, because these treatments work by killing both cancer cells and other cells that multiply quickly. Because chemo damages rapidly growing hair follicles, people can experience hair loss all over the body, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp.

Usually, after chemo treatment has ended, hair begins growing back within a few weeks. For some people, hair may grow more slowly than before, and straight hair may come back with “chemo curls.” You may even find you have a different hair color after chemo.

Does New Hair Growth Hurt?

MyBCTeam members commonly share experiences with scalp pain or discomfort as their hair grows back following chemotherapy. The sensations can vary from person to person, as well as how long they last. Additional research is needed to understand why, how, and when people experience scalp discomfort post-chemotherapy.

Duration of Scalp Discomfort

A study of 1,478 people who received chemotherapy for breast cancer found that hair regrowth began on average 3.3 months after the completion of chemotherapy. This study did not examine scalp discomfort or pain during the regrowth process.

However, members of MyBCTeam report scalp pain that lasts a few weeks to several months, as their hair slowly grows back post-chemo. It’s important to remember that these sensations are temporary and often improve over time as hair continues to grow.

MyBCTeam Members Describe Discomfort During Hair Regrowth

Members of MyBCTeam often discuss their experiences with pain or discomfort during hair regrowth after chemotherapy. Here are some sensations they’ve described:

• Soreness — Many individuals report experiencing a sore or tender scalp as new hair starts to grow. “I had soreness when my hair fell out and again when it started to grow back in,” one member explained. This sensation is often likened to the feeling of a mild sunburn or tension in the scalp.
• Tingling or itching — Some individuals describe a tingling or itching sensation in the scalp as the hair follicles become active. “My head was very itchy,” one member noted as their primary scalp symptom. This can be accompanied by a prickling or crawling sensation, similar to that of pins and needles.
• Sensitivity — The scalp may become more sensitive during hair regrowth, making it uncomfortable to touch or comb the hair. This sensitivity can range from mild to more pronounced discomfort.

Managing Your Scalp Symptoms

While discomfort during hair regrowth after chemotherapy is normal, there are several ways to manage and soothe these sensations. Here are some tips to try.

Use Gentle Hair and Skin Care Products

Use mild shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for sensitive skin. Avoid heat (such as from a blow-dryer) or products containing harsh chemicals in your hair care routine. Avoid vigorous brushing and combing as well. You may benefit from using a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles.

Chemotherapy and hair regrowth can both cause irritation and itchiness on the scalp. To speed up or aid in regrowth, some people try products that contain chemicals approved for treating hair loss, like minoxidil. These added ingredients may cause side effects that make hair growth even more itchy, painful, or uncomfortable. Talk to your oncology team before trying products to help your hair grow back quicker.

Moisturize Your Scalp

Apply a moisturizer or soothing lotion to the scalp to alleviate dryness and reduce discomfort. Look for products specifically formulated for sensitive or post-chemotherapy scalps. “Give yourself scalp massages with Jojoba oil,” one member suggested.

Moisturizing can help hydrate the skin and hair follicles, potentially preventing ingrown hair and relieving discomfort.

Try Cool Compresses

Applying a cool or cold compress to your scalp can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from discomfort.

Massage Your Scalp

Gently massaging the scalp can promote blood circulation and alleviate tension. Use your fingertips to apply light pressure in circular motions.

Use a Protective Hairstyle

Opt for loose hairstyles that minimize pulling or tugging on the hair and scalp. Avoid tight ponytails, braids, or hair accessories that may cause additional discomfort for the first year while your hair is regrowing.

Wear Soft Headwear

“I found wearing a fleece hat during the day seemed to help, because it was so soft,” wrote one member.

Especially on cold days, warming the scalp with headwear made from a soothing material can help reduce discomfort associated with hair regrowth.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

During the early stages of hair regrowth, your scalp has less protection against sunlight. No matter which head coverings you choose — whether it be scarves, hats, turbans, wigs, or just sunscreen — it is important to keep your head protected from direct sunlight. Sunburn can worsen irritation to an already uncomfortable scalp.

When To Speak to Your Doctor

It’s normal to experience some pain or discomfort during hair regrowth after chemotherapy. The sensations can vary, but they’re generally temporary and fade as the hair continues to grow. If your pain isn’t going away once your hair has grown back, or if very little hair has appeared after 12 weeks, talk to your oncologist to make sure you don’t have a hair-regrowth problem.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyBCTeam, the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones, more than 64,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their experiences with others who understand life with breast cancer.

Has your scalp hurt while your hair is regrowing? How did you manage your symptoms? Do you have tips for others going through this experience? Share your experience in the comments below or join the conversation on MyBCTeam.