Hair loss is one of the most well-known and recognisable side effects of cancer treatment. Both women and men can lose their hair, which can be distressing—a visual reminder of what you are going through. Not everyone experiences hair loss, and not everyone experiences full hair loss; some have mild thinning or partial hair loss.

The chemotherapy journey is difficult both physically and mentally. Waiting for hair regrowth adds another layer of difficulty. This makes the experience even more challenging.

Most people's hair grows back after treatment. However, it usually looks different. This offers a chance to experiment with new hairstyles and hair colours. At Corkin and Friends Christchurch city hair salon, we celebrate how your fabulous new hair brings an extraordinary boost to your confidence.

Post-chemo changes to hair texture

Chemotherapy affects hair follicles because it targets rapidly dividing cells. Once you finish treatment, some of the drugs may remain and alter the regrowing hair cells. In some cases, hair grows back a different colour and/or thickness, even with a ‘chemo curl’.

Curly hair needs different care and styling than straight hair. Book an appointment with our curly hair hairdresser experts in Christchurch. They will provide you with great advice and guidance.

When can I have my first haircut after chemo?

It's not uncommon for hair to grow at varying rates, resulting in some areas needing a trim more than others. This is especially true around the ears and hairline, where longer areas of hair can grow quicker and appear untidy.

It's okay to trim these areas yourself. If you're not confident, come to Corkin and Friends Hairdressers in Christchurch City for help. We'd be happy to discuss it with you. We can help you plan your new hairstyle.

If your hair feels dry, we recommend coming into the Christchurch hair salon. After a few inches of hair have regrown, have the ends trimmed to avoid split ends. This will prevent damage to the hair shaft and encourage further growth. Keeping your hair in tip-top condition is a priority, and a Wella Delux Treatment can help achieve this.