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Many patients are surprised to find that their hair looks different when it grows back after chemotherapy. Hair that was once straight may come back curly, a phenomenon sometimes called ¡°chemo curls.¡± Changes in hair texture or even color are common after treatment, but they¡¯re usually temporary.

We talked to breast medical oncologist , to understand why this happens and what you can expect during hair regrowth after chemotherapy.

How chemotherapy affects hair growth

Chemotherapy works by targeting cells that divide rapidly. While this approach is effective at killing cancer cells, it also affects healthy cells, including those in the hair follicles. 

Damage to the follicles can temporarily disrupt your hair¡¯s normal growth process, leading to changes in texture or color.

¡°Chemo can linger in the hair follicles and alter the way hair grows,¡± says Iheme. ¡°That¡¯s why patients sometimes notice their hair coming back curlier, finer or even in a different color.¡±

Hair growth depends on a process called hair shaft synthesis. When chemotherapy disrupts this process, it can cause new hair to grow differently than before. Texture changes are one of the most common side effects, but you might also notice that your hair feels thinner, more fragile or grows in uneven patches at first.

As chemotherapy leaves your body and the hair follicles recover, in most cases, hair should eventually return to its original texture and color.

Chemotherapy may cause your hair color to change 

Along with texture, patients sometimes experience changes in hair color after chemotherapy. If you once had brunette hair, for instance, you may notice reddish or lighter hues when your hair regrows.

The exact reasons for these color changes are not fully understood. Iheme says that genetics, age and gender may all influence how hair grows back. ¡°We don't know the full biology behind it, but we do know that changes in hair color are possible after chemotherapy,¡± she says.

Fortunately, like texture changes, hair color changes are usually temporary. As your body heals, you may find that your hair gradually returns to its pre-treatment color.

Interestingly, while scalp hair may change color or texture, other body hair ¡ª such as eyebrows and eyelashes ¡ª typically regrows with little to no noticeable change.