Suresh Rao Suresh Rao Asked 9 months ago

Does immunotherapy cause hair loss?

My relative is undergoing immunotherapy treatment for cancer, and he's noticed a lot of hair fall lately. We're all wondering if this is a common side effect. Does immunotherapy typically cause hair loss?

8

8 answers

Kavita Pillai Kavita Pillai Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago
Most liked

Immunotherapy can sometimes affect your thyroid gland, which directly leads to hair thinning. I faced severe hair fall during my thyroid issues, so I highly recommend getting regular blood tests and thyroid panels done. Keep your doctor updated about any sudden hair loss.

Madhusudan Sen Madhusudan Sen Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

Please be very careful and do not ignore sudden changes. I had some severe immune-related side effects that started with minor symptoms like hair thinning and skin rashes. It is crucial to report this to your oncologist immediately so they can evaluate it safely.

Devansh Thapar Devansh Thapar Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Unlike chemotherapy, immunotherapy doesn't usually cause complete hair loss, though mild thinning can happen. Keeping your body active with light walks and eating a nutrient-dense diet with good proteins can really help maintain hair health during treatment.

Powered by

Consult a dermatologist

Siddharth Jain Siddharth Jain Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

My uncle went through immunotherapy last year. He lost a little bit of hair, but it was nothing like the complete hair loss people get from chemo. Don't stress too much, it is usually temporary.

Shanti Devi Shanti Devi Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Our bodies go through so much during healing, but have faith in the process. Keep your mind peaceful and take care of your spirit. Hair is temporary and will surely grow back once your body regains its balance.

Meera Saxena Meera Saxena Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

I totally get it, worrying about losing your hair on top of dealing with a major treatment is incredibly stressful. Just know that immunotherapy is much gentler on hair than chemo, and most people only experience mild thinning. Sending you lots of warmth and strength.

Related reads

All articles
Trisha Dutta Trisha Dutta Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I was also terrified of losing my hair before starting treatment. What helped me was using a very mild baby shampoo and avoiding all heat styling or tight hair ties. It really kept the shedding to a minimum, so give that a try!

Prakash Padukone Prakash Padukone Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I finished my immunotherapy cycle just three months ago. I noticed some thinning and patches on my beard and scalp, but it has already started growing back now. It is a very slow process but hang in there, your body is doing its job.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.