The time it takes for hair to grow back after chemotherapy can feel like an eternity. “What do you do if your hair is not coming back after chemo?” asked one member of MyBCTeam. “It has been over a year now, and my hair on top is barely there.”

Although hair loss from the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel (Taxol) is usually temporary, there’s a small chance of permanent hair loss. In some cases, when hair does grow back, it may have a different texture or color than before.

“I did 12 rounds of Taxol and lost my hair after the third infusion,” shared a MyBCTeam member. “My last infusion was in December, and my hair started to grow back at the beginning of February. I didn’t shed my wig till July. It’s a very slow grow-back process.”

The member went on to explain, “I did, however, get a really nice head of new hair that started out super curly but has tamed down to how my hair used to be. It’s been one year of growth, and it’s getting close to the length I used to have.”

If you’re eager to regrow your natural hair after using the breast cancer treatment paclitaxel, here are some things you can do to support the process.

1. Get Enough Protein

Eating adequate protein during chemotherapy can be a challenge. Chemo can reduce your appetite, alter how food tastes, and make you nauseated. However, protein deficiency can contribute to hair thinning and loss. If you had trouble eating well during treatment, now is a good time to replenish your body’s depleted nutrient stores.

Eating excessive protein won’t magically cause hair to grow. But not getting enough will hinder the process. Most adult women need about five to six servings — equivalent to 5 to 6 ounces — of protein per day, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and most adult males need around six to seven servings.

Examples of one protein serving include:

• An ounce of cooked fish, poultry, or meat
• One egg
• 1/2 ounce of nuts or seeds
• 1/4 cup of cooked beans
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter

Other good sources of protein include whole grains such as quinoa and wild rice, as well as dairy sources, like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and string cheese. You can also try protein supplement shakes and bars if needed.

Depending on your cancer stage and type, past cancer treatments, and other health conditions, you may need more protein than the usual recommendation. Ask to meet with an oncology dietitian to see if you’re getting enough and learn strategies to ensure adequate intake.

2. Don’t Take Too Many Supplements

There’s no shortage of dietary supplements that promise to boost hair growth. However, although adequate nutrition is essential for hair, supplements aren’t always beneficial. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements with the same rigor that it regulates drugs, so you can never be sure if you’re actually getting what’s written on the label. In addition, some vitamins and minerals cause toxicities and hair loss when taken in high doses, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium.

If you’re considering a supplement, ask your doctor first. Your best bet may be a multivitamin that has all the basics, like B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin D. Aim for a multivitamin with dosages close to the recommended daily values (and no excessively high levels of any single micronutrient).

It’s important to make sure that anything you take over the counter won’t interfere with your prescription medications or cancer treatments. You can also get tested for deficiencies to find out if you need a supplement. For instance, an iron supplement or prescription could prevent iron deficiency from inhibiting hair growth if you’re anemic.

3. Ask About Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a blood pressure medication originally developed in the 1960s. A decade later, doctors reformulated minoxidil into a topical solution called Rogaine after observing its ability to stimulate hair growth. Although health experts are still unsure exactly how minoxidil promotes hair growth, it seems to increase blood flow to the hair follicles and extend the hair’s anagen (growth) phase.

More recently, dermatologists have considered prescribing a low dose of oral minoxidil to support hair thickness and volume in all hair diseases. Research shows that the drug has minimal effect on lowering blood pressure in people without hypertension (high blood pressure), making it a relatively safe and effective option for hair growth.

Additionally, a 2022 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology concluded that oral minoxidil may benefit certain types of late-stage alopecia (baldness) after cancer treatment. Almost 80 percent of the 216 study participants had a history of breast cancer. After a median of 105 days, nearly 75 percent of all participants saw improvement. of study participants

You can discuss minoxidil with your health care provider to see if it’s safe for hair regrowth among people taking Taxol. You can also find minoxidil as an active ingredient in shampoos and serums marketed for hair growth.

One member of MyBCTeam reported positive effects after trying hair products from Nioxin that contain minoxidil, along with some additional vitamins and ingredients. “My hair also grew back much thinner, and I still have a few bald spots. I am trying the Nioxin system, and it seems to be helping my hair to grow back in, especially the bald spots. I was told about Nioxin from another cancer patient who said Nioxin worked for her. It’s worth a try!” they shared.

4. Protect New Growth

As your hair slowly starts to grow back, be gentle with it to protect against breakage. Some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology include:

• Avoid hot tools, like curling irons and straighteners.
• Brush hair only when it’s dry.
• Let your hair air-dry. Avoid blow drying or rubbing it with a towel.
• Gently massage shampoo into your scalp only.
• Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle wet hair.
• Use conditioner every time you shampoo.
• Wear a hat or scarves to protect your hair from the sun.

To avoid breakage, it’s probably best to avoid chemical straighteners, perms, or bleach. But some members of MyBCTeam haven’t had issues dyeing their hair after breast cancer treatment.

“I’m a two-year survivor that had 12 Taxol treatments plus other chemotherapy drugs. My hair began the slow return after about four months from the last chemo. … I use a mild shampoo with no sulfates,” said a MyBCTeam member. “I’ve had no problem with coloring. My stylist started with a natural ingredients rinse, and now we’ve moved back to the original colorant.”

Another member said, “I did not have any issues with the salon coloring it. It is definitely a journey!”

Going to your hairdresser for regular trims will even out hair that comes in at different rates and help you find short hairstyles as it grows out. “It didn’t occur to me that it would be like growing out layers. It seemed to take a while. My stylist kept cutting the ends until the layers evened out,” explained another member.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyBCTeam is the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones. On MyBCTeam, more than 63,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their tips with others who understand life with breast cancer.

Did you experience hair loss as a side effect of Taxol or other chemotherapy drugs? Do you have any tips for regrowing healthy hair? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.