I think my hair started falling out about two weeks after my first chemo treatment. There was some on my pillow - long strands and then in the shower it was coming out. I got out of the shower and had my husband finish the job with his hair clippers. It seemed easier to shave it all off at the same time instead of trying to preserve any of it. I have brown hair (with some gray and used a semi-permanent color on it at the time I was diagnosed) and when it came back in, it was almost black and very curly. It seems like the curl lasted about a year and about the time I was getting used to curls, it went back to being pretty straight. I was just thankful to have hair again. The advantage to hair loss is you lose most, if not all, of your body hair, too, so no more shaving your legs. My eyebrows didn't fall out either which I was grateful for. I had a little light blue jersey type material cap I wore that seemed comforting. I also got a wig from the American Cancer Society. My grandkids (4 years to 13 years) all seemed to handle it pretty well. When the four year old saw me with my wig for the first time, she said, "Look, Granma's hair has sprung back to life!"

thank you i didnt know how it would grow back. any info will help me get ready even if it doesnt happen to me.

Hi.. I had my head shaved when I started the chemo. I just felt it put me more in control of the situation and I wanted to avoid the shock of hair clumps on my pillow. I also had a wig, but never wore it, as I was more comfortable with a scarf. Since it was winter, I was able to wear sock caps most of the time. Then as my hair came back in, the weather was warm enough that I just went natural. My hair is gray and it came back in gray and curly. I have never had natural curly hair and I am really enjoying it. I hope it stays. I have had one hair trim, and plan to keep my hair short if it remains curly as it is so very easy to maintain.

I wish you the best. Gram

I started chemo in Nov and still had a decent head of hair at Christmas. Then my head started to hurt, not bad just sort of twingey and then hair everywhere. In the shower and in my brush and in my hand, so I shaved it. It was after my third course of chemo though. Hope that helps Hugs Cathy

Mine started about 2-3 weeks after my 1st chemo. I'd see it all over my clothes, it came out on the comb. I started washing it at night before bed and it was just coming out in chunks....then more on the comb. Now that I have less hair it's coming out more slowly.
I know some ppl choose to shave, or other rituals like letting each of their children cut some off.....I'm just letting it do its thing. I wear a wig now and the amt of hair I have in the back could fit into one of my daughter's little hair clips. Sometimes on weekends I might just want to wear a scarf, then I let the back of my hair show (just a little bit, but it's still there and it's still mine).

Mine started going at 3 weeks. My long Angel Barbie/Rapunzel hair. My husband cut off 26" inches of it after it matted. I feel like Walking Dead. My looks and how Bad I feel. I still have a few blond strands. Pity hair I think!? I hope you can deal with this! I have hair all over my pillows and everywhere. But see it as progress. Each strand I lose may it be closer to my cure for Cancer leaving my body. Yours too! wishing you the Best.

wow! there is a lot of variety with going bald. my doctor says i will definately lose the hair and now im tring to figure how to cut it before then.
thanks and keep the comments coming for those who follow.

When I had chemo in 84-84, I think it was a couple weeks when it started. At the end of the dau I had my brown wavy hair all over the back of my shirt, or all over the pillow in the morning. I eventually got a wig but would wear cotten caps around the house.
When it grew back, it was dark and very curly. 25 years later it is still curly, however, some areas have straightened out (the parts that fell out last). My hair dressers have always said most curly haired people have straighter areas.
This time, I am dredding losing my hair, just as much as when I was a teenager all those years ago. But on the bright side, when it grows back my straight areas will probably be curly again.

I found that there are new chemo drugs that you may not lose your hair! It does come out after a few treatments but now they have lesser evils so ask your doctor and if he/she does not know the answers, ask another one. There are many strengths from low to industrial strength depending on what stage you are. There are other options also . Call the Cancer treatment Centers at their 888 phone number. They are eonderful. bY the way, when you hair comes back, it is much better, shiny, and healthier and it comes back within months so if you have to do it, buy some hats and have fun with your new look but please ask for the types. Some just block cancer cells without comprimising your immune system.