When it comes to enviable hair, few can rival the effortlessly flawless locks of Catherine, the Princess of Wales. Whether she's posing for official portraits, attending royal engagements, or interacting with the public, her hair always looks picture-perfect. Despite undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, Catherine's hair remained so healthy that it sparked a frenzy of reactions online. Some people were in awe of her strength and beauty, while others were curious about how her hair remained so stunning during such a difficult time.
There are a few common myths about the princess's hair, and it's important to address the rumors surrounding her supposed baldness. Last week, Catherine made an emotional visit to the hospital where she had received treatment. During the visit, she met with doctors and patients, including a woman named Catherine Field, who was undergoing chemotherapy and wearing a cold cap — a device designed to minimize hair loss. While Catherine’s hair appeared as gorgeous as ever in her birthday portrait taken last summer, eagle-eyed royal fans noticed that it seemed a bit different, with more curls than usual.
According to expert Nicole Petty from Tops Salon Milk and Blush, this change could be due to the effects of chemotherapy, which can cause hair to change in texture. While the royal mother of three seems to be embracing her new curls, it’s important to note that these changes might not be permanent. On October 2nd, 2024, during a deeply moving moment at Windsor Castle, Princess Catherine embraced 16-year-old Liz Hatton, a young photographer bravely battling a rare and aggressive tumor. Liz’s short hair, a result of her intense treatment, stood in sharp contrast to Catherine’s healthy-looking locks, which did not go unnoticed by social media. Comments flooded in, with some questioning how Catherine’s hair remained so full despite chemotherapy, while others sarcastically remarked on the difference between her hair and that of "real cancer patients."
However, it's essential to remember that media images can be misleading. Often, photos are influenced by lighting angles or editing, and they might not reflect the hair’s true state. Thankfully, medical experts reassure us that not all chemotherapy treatments lead to hair loss. While some chemotherapy medications are notorious for causing significant hair thinning or loss, others have much milder side effects.
Interestingly, hair loss is one of the most feared side effects of chemotherapy, with up to 14% of women reportedly refusing chemotherapy due to the potential of losing their hair. Chemotherapy drugs target fast-growing cancer cells but unfortunately also damage other fast-growing cells, including those of the hair. Field, who spoke about her experience, recalled her surprise visit from Princess Catherine and shared how Catherine spoke to her about her cold cap. The Princess revealed that she didn’t use one herself, as she wasn’t particularly concerned about losing her hair.
Catherine has mostly kept details about her illness and treatment private over the past year. In fact, the specifics of the type of cancer she battled have not been publicly disclosed. But her candid conversation with Field was a rare and unexpected moment of openness. This wasn’t the first time Catherine had shared insights into her healing journey. Now that she and Prince William are royal patrons of the hospital where she received treatment, it’s likely that Kate will speak more frequently about her experience in the future.
It's also important to note that changes in hair texture and color are common side effects of cancer treatment. While not everyone experiences this, some people’s hair can change in surprising ways, such as going from straight to curly — a phenomenon known as "chemo curls." This occurs because chemotherapy chemicals not only target cancer cells but also affect the hair follicle cells, altering their growth patterns. These changes are usually temporary, with hair generally returning to its original texture within 6 to 12 months. However, for some, the new texture may remain permanently.
