Coping With Cancer Side Effects, Dipika Kakar Shares Her Hair Fall Struggles: What Helps Hair Growth After Chemo?

Television actress Dipika Kakar has also been sharing her experience with stage 2 liver cancer that she was diagnosed with in May 2025. After a massive 14-hour operation and ongoing targeted treatment, Dipika has just shared the story of one of the most awful side effects of her treatment, severe hair fall. Although she has been able to cope with numerous problems, the actress confessed that it has been emotionally draining to see her hair fall off. Her open posts have touched the hearts of many and brought to light the true difficulties cancer patients go through after the primary diagnosis.

Dipika Kakar Opens Up About Her Hair Fall Struggles

Dipika was seen as honest in one of her recent vlogs posted on her YouTube channel about the impact of the loss of hair on her. She said, "I have rested the whole day today because I was very low. The side effects are there, but I have become very used to it now. Just the hairfall is very scary. Bahoot zayada baal gir rahe hain. Main jab nahake aati hun, main 10-15 min chup rehti hun, kisi se baat nahi karti, because hairfall is a lot. That is very fearful for me." Her words highlighted how difficult it is to cope with this visible and emotional change.

Dipika’s husband, actor Shoaib Ibrahim, has also been supportive and candid, sharing glimpses of their family life as they navigate these challenges. She too has complained that the targeted therapy has led to the development of body rashes, ulcers and general anxiety about attending follow-ups. One of these side effects is the loss of hair.

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What Helps Hair Growth After Chemo / Targeted Therapy

Hair can be regrown following chemotherapy or any other form of treatment, but it is a gradual and delicate procedure. According to Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital, Noida, “Your scalp and new hair will most likely be more sensitive than they were before. Consider this as a brand-new beginning for your follicles, and handle them with care,”. 

Here are things that help, drawn from expert advice and recent guidance:

• Apply soft, gentle products: Select sulphate and fragrance-free shampoos. Seek calming and natural products such as aloe vera, chamomile or oatmeal.
• Warm water and mild cleaning: Hot water or harsh scrubbing may be a threat to sensitive scalp skin. Massage using fingertips and not nails.
• Condition with a lot of care: Light but hydrating conditioners. Focus on the ends. Do not apply severe chemicals or thick and sticky products around the head when it is extremely sensitive.
• Mirror minimise the harm of styling: Do not use heat styling equipment (blow-dry, straighteners, curling irons). Use low settings if needed. Loose styles are better.
• Blow-dry hair: Pat or dry with a soft towel; do not rub. Air dry when possible. When a dryer is required, cool or the lowest heat settings are to be used.
• Apply non-comedogenic or natural scalp oils or creams over the face in case it is dry or itchy.
• Fend off the sun with a hat or scalp-friendly SPF in the sun.
• New hair might also be of various textures or colours. It may grow more slowly. Celebrate small growth. The recovery process does not occur within weeks or months.
• See your doctor: Use new hair care products, change your diet, or have treatments, before you do. Namely, including nutritional supplements. Get personalised guidance.

Why This Matters for Patients Like Dipika

Hair loss due to treatment may strike a person psychologically, as hair is part of one's identity. In addition, scalp sensitivity and delicacy ensure that the hair is easily damaged by new hair. Caring is not only a matter of appearance; it is one that helps in the healing process. The correct hair treatment can minimise the breakage, enhance scalp condition, and increase comfort.

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Conclusion

Dipika Kakar’s honesty about her hair fall after cancer treatment reminds us that side effects are real and tough. Still, recovery is not impossible. With kind care, patience, the right products, and expert advice, new hair can grow back stronger. Every small step, like a gentle wash, a soft brush, and scalp protection, makes a difference in healing your hair and regaining confidence.