Growing Hair After Chemo? These 5 Essentials Were My Lifesavers!

Growing Hair After Chemo: What Helped Me the Most

Losing my hair once was hard enough—losing it twice was even tougher. I quickly learned that hair regrowth after chemo is not just a physical process, but an emotional journey filled with challenges. From dealing with a sensitive scalp to navigating patchy regrowth and those awkward in-between stages, the experience can feel frustrating.

But with the right tools and products, the process of growing your hair after chemo becomes so much more manageable. Having the essentials to soothe your scalp, encourage healthy regrowth, and style your hair at every stage can make all the difference.

Here are the five must-have essentials that were absolute lifesavers during my post-chemo hair regrowth journey.

1. A Sensitive Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner

One of the first things I noticed as my hair began to grow back was just how sensitive my scalp had become. Similar to my hair loss journey, the regrowth process triggered folliculitis once again. While it wasn’t as intense as before, the discomfort lasted much longer as my scalp worked to rebalance its microbiome. Chemotherapy can leave your scalp feeling tender and prone to irritation, so finding a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for sensitive scalps is crucial during the regrowth phase.

When selecting products, it's important to avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, as they can further irritate your delicate skin. Instead, look for formulas with natural, soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, or oatmeal. These components provide hydration and promote a healthy environment for hair regrowth without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Pairing a gentle shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner will help your new hair grow in soft and manageable.

The best solution I found for minimizing scalp discomfort and itchiness was Jupiter. Their shampoo, conditioner, and scalp serum made a huge difference in reducing the irritation I was experiencing. I actually stumbled upon the brand during a late-night Google search, desperate for relief. Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations—but wow, was I wrong. This stuff was an absolute game-changer!

Switching to Jupiter brought immediate relief from the tightness and dryness that had been bothering me. It also significantly reduced the itchiness that often accompanies hair regrowth, making Jupiter an essential part of my post-cancer hair care routine. I still rotate Jupiter in my hair care routine and frequently use the scalp serum.

2. A Calming Scalp Oil

For those days when your scalp feels extra dry or irritated, a calming scalp oil can be a game-changer. Not only does it provide relief from itching and discomfort, but it also nourishes the scalp to create a healthier foundation for new hair growth.

Look for scalp oils that contain ingredients like jojoba oil, tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender. These natural oils have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe your scalp, reduce flakiness, and even improve blood circulation, which is crucial for hair regrowth. Tea tree oil, in particular, has been known to promote healthier hair follicles by unclogging hair follicles and removing build-up.

Incorporating a scalp oil into my routine helped me tremendously, especially on days when my scalp felt irritated or inflamed. The cooling sensation combined with the nourishment really supported my overall hair health and made my scalp feel less reactive.

3. A Scalp Massager

Increasing blood flow to the scalp is one of the most effective ways to promote hair growth, and using a scalp massager makes this both simple and relaxing. Whether you use it while shampooing or applying scalp oil, a scalp massager stimulates hair follicles, improves circulation, and helps distribute your products more evenly across the scalp.

Available in a range of styles, from handheld silicone brushes to electric massagers, all types share the same goal—enhancing blood flow to support healthy hair regrowth. The massaging action also exfoliates the scalp, clearing away dead skin cells and product buildup, creating an optimal environment for hair to flourish.

Personally, I used a scalp massager every time I washed my hair. Not only was it incredibly soothing, but it made my scalp feel noticeably healthier. My hair grew in stronger, and I felt like I was actively supporting the regrowth process. When I’m not washing my hair, I like a good jade comb for massaging my scalp.

4. Headbands and accessories for Unruly Hair Days

Let’s be honest—there will be plenty of awkward phases as your hair grows back, and some days your hair just won’t cooperate. When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I joked that I didn’t have “short hair” hair—my hair was thick and curly, and managing regrowth was a challenge. In my opinion, growing back coarse, curly hair can be a bit more difficult than dealing with finer textures. During those tough hair days, headbands became my lifesaver. Between the 6-12 month mark, they were often the only way I could manage my hair. I even started making fun headbands with big knots and embellishments, turning an awkward situation into something creative and uplifting. Co-workers and friends would wait to see what I’d wear next. Sometimes, when life gives you lemons, you’ve just got to make lemonade!

When my hair was between ear and chin length, I found myself relying heavily on barrettes. My hair was just too thick to keep a headband in place—it would constantly push it off. While most people won’t run into this issue, if your hair has a similar texture to mine, you’ll likely hit a barrette phase too!

5. Hair Wraps to Keep Short Hair from Moving Around at Night

One thing I quickly discovered with short hair is how much it shifts while you sleep, often leaving you with a matted, messy look in the morning. Hair wraps became a game changer for me, keeping my hair in place overnight. As a bonus, they also reduced the puffiness in my naturally thick hair. After my hair grew back curlier than ever, the wrap gave it a pin-curl-like effect that made styling easier during the day.

I experimented with different fabrics. When my hair was shorter, I used stretchy, athletic-like materials to keep it firmly in place. As my hair grew longer, I switched to silk wraps. While I prefer silk for its natural benefits, it can be a bit tricky to secure with short hair.

This headband from Amazon was my favorite. It’s super stretchy and extra wide, so it covered a decent portion of the head.

Look, It’s a Journey

The journey of regrowing hair after cancer can be filled with emotional highs and lows. The process is slow, and it’s easy to feel frustrated as you wait for your hair to grow back to its full length and health. But with the right tools and a little self-care, you can make the journey much more bearable.

If you’re on your own regrowth journey, I highly recommend incorporating these essentials into your routine. It’s about more than just hair—it’s about feeling like yourself again, caring for your body, and embracing each step of the process with as much ease and comfort as possible.