Nafisa Ali Goes Bald Amid Stage 4 Cancer Treatment; Here’s Why Cancer Patients Lose Hair

Actress Nafisa Ali Sodhi has shared her pictures after she went bald amid her treatment for stage 4 peritoneal cancer. Beginning chemotherapy for the cancer that occurs in the peritoneum - membrane lining

the abdomen, Nafisa says she remains determined to face it with courage. Sharing a smiling selfie on Instagram, the 69-year-old captioned it “Positive power." Earlier last month, Nafisa had informed her followers she had a relapse of peritoneal and ovarian cancer, which first occurred back in November 2018.

Why do cancer patients lose hair?

Cancer patients – when they start treatment – begin to lose their hair in a big way. Treating methods like chemotherapy use powerful medicines that attack fast-growing cancer cells and also hurt other fast-growing cells in your body, which include cells in your hair roots. According to experts, chemotherapy causes hair loss all over your body - not just on your scalp. Sometimes your eyelash, eyebrows, armpit, pubic, and other body hair also falls out. Some chemotherapy medicines – depending on the dosage - are more likely than others to cause hair loss.

How long does it take to lose your hair during chemotherapy?

Doctors say hair fall usually begins two to four weeks after you begin your treatment. While it could fall out very quickly in clumps or gradually, the scalp begins to feel tender, and you may also notice chunks of hair on your pillow, hairbrush, or comb.

Can you prevent hair loss during chemotherapy?

According to experts, no such treatment exists as of now that guarantees your hair will not fall out during or after chemotherapy. Several treatments have been investigated as possible ways to prevent hair loss. However, none have been completely effective.

Easy ways to care for your hair during cancer treatment

While you may not be able to prevent hair loss, it can be easily managed. Consider the following actions to help you cope with hair loss during treatment.

Be gentle to your hair

If you are undergoing cancer treatment, make sure not to bleach or colour hair or use heating treatments, which can weaken the strands and roots. Stop using a hair dryer and air-dry them as much as possible.

Cut your hair

Make sure to get a short haircut done since it can be distressing to see long strands of hair everywhere. The transition is also easy if you decide to go bald.

Keep your head covered

You can put on a scarf or a hat during the treatment.

Focus on a gentle hair care routine.

Continue to take care of your hair and scalp by oiling and using hair masks along with a gentle, chemical-free shampoo.