Question:
Should I continue to get my hair permed?

I'm only 2 1/2 weeks post op, but I'm concerned about my hair care. I'm not losing hair yet. Have post-op AA been able to continue getting your hair permed?    — Faye M. (posted on September 26, 2002)

September 26, 2002
I wouldn't get your hair permed right now, being only almost 3 weeks post-op would I think put alot ofstress on your hair,I am almost 7 moths post-op and I am still a little leary of getting a perm, I used to wear my hair curly all the time, but since I have had my wls surgery,I kind of like it straighter. I'd wait awhile before getting your hair permed...
   — bikerchic

September 26, 2002
I am 6 months post op and I do still put perms in. My hair start failing out at 4 1/2 months and I put off putting a perm in for 1 1/2 and I just put it in Saturday and now when I comb it I have less hair in the comb. I have had friends who've had the surgery get micros or just where braids. Ask your hair dresser what would be best. Mine gives me deep conditioners plus I condition it at home too. So I think its all in who you ask. I also cut my hair up to my ear from the middle of my back 2 months after the surgery hoping that less weight would eliminate some falling out. Good Luck on your journey and God Bless.
   — Chris9672

September 26, 2002
My hair dresser told me not to put any type of perm in my hair until the hair loss stops. She said it damages it. God forbid you end up with a bad perm. It'll take forever to grow out.
   — Sarah K.

September 26, 2002
Hi, I am a hairdresser and I am 6 months post-op. My suggestion to you would be do not perm your hair. The next 6-8 months your body will be going through a lot of changes. You may not notice anything for quiet some time, but trust me metabolically it is happening in your body. These metabolic changes affect you hair, skin and nails. On a personal note concerning my own hair it has become extremely dry and brittle. It has always been sleek and shiny, but no more, especially over the last 3 months. The anesthetic does weird things to your system and just that in itself should be enough to keep one away from chemicals, especially perming. You can always have your hairdresser do a test strand for elasticity and check for the overall affect that the chemical could have on your hair such as melting, snaping and abiblity to take a wave pattern. Good luck on your journey.
   — Tracey W.

September 26, 2002
Hi Faye, I had a surgery a couple of years ago and tried to get a perm 2 months after that and the anestisia was still in my hair and the perm wouldn't take. So I went to my hair stylist and asked about getting one before the surgery and she said the anestisia (can't spell it) will pull the perm out. So looks like I will be waiting till next summer for a perm - ponytails here I come.
   — Dana R.

September 26, 2002
Faye...I am 12 wks out and I had a perm put in about 2 wks ago and I think it is one of the best perms I have gotten yet. I think it all has to do with you hair type and nutrition level. I say .....it is only hair, if it doesn't turn out it can be fixed or will grow back. Good Luck.
   — DRutherford