If you have just been told your chemotherapy protocol will cause hair loss, the timeline feels overwhelming. This guide is written specifically for South Dakota patients — most commonly treated at Sanford, Avera, or Monument Health — and walks through what to expect week by week, and how to prepare before your first infusion.
Typical timeline of chemo-related hair loss
Hair loss usually begins 14 to 21 days after the first infusion. Most patients experience shedding first at the crown and along the part.
By week 3 to 4, hair often comes out in larger clumps. Many patients choose to shave at this point — it feels less traumatic than watching it fall out gradually.
Regrowth typically begins 4 to 8 weeks after the final treatment. Early regrowth is often finer and a different texture. Most patients see their pre-chemo texture return within 12 to 18 months.
Prepare before your first infusion
Come in for a consultation before treatment starts. We can color-match your current hair and record your natural style, so a wig or topper looks like the hair you already have.
Consider a shorter cut before your first infusion. It makes the shedding phase easier and helps your wig lie flat.
Ask your oncology team for a cranial prosthesis prescription. Bring it to your consultation — we build the paperwork you will need for insurance.
Wig and topper options during chemotherapy
For active treatment we typically recommend a monofilament or hand-tied cap for comfort against a sensitive scalp. Synthetic pieces are lightweight, hold their style, and are easier to care for during treatment weeks. Human-hair pieces feel most like your own hair but require more upkeep.
Some patients wear a wig only outside the home and rely on soft caps, turbans, or sleep caps otherwise. We stock all of these at the studio.
Scalp care during and after treatment
During treatment, the scalp is often tender. Use fragrance-free, sulfate-free shampoos and avoid heat styling. A silk or bamboo pillowcase reduces friction.
During regrowth, gentle scalp massage and a mild peptide serum can support the new hair. We can recommend clinically tested products that are safe to use post-treatment.
Local support in Sioux Falls
Babe Hair Solutions is located at 2111 W 49th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Consultations are private and complimentary. We work with the oncology social workers at Sanford and Avera on cranial prosthesis prescriptions and insurance paperwork.
Book online at babehairsolutions.com/book or call 605.413.9205.
Frequently asked
- When should I buy a wig if I am starting chemo?
- Ideally two to three weeks before your first infusion. This gives us time to color-match your current hair and record your style, so a wig looks like the hair you already have.
- Will my hair grow back after chemo?
- In most cases yes. Regrowth typically begins 4 to 8 weeks after your final treatment. New hair often comes in a different texture at first, then returns to close to its original texture over 12 to 18 months.
- Does insurance cover a wig for cancer patients in South Dakota?
- Many South Dakota insurance plans reimburse a cranial prosthesis when it is prescribed by an oncologist. We provide the coded receipt and letter of medical necessity you need to file the claim.
Talk with a specialist in Sioux Falls
Consultations are private and complimentary. We handle cranial-prosthesis paperwork and work with dermatology and oncology teams across South Dakota.