Question:
Can you have your hair colored right before or after surgery?

I am 7 weeks pre-op and have heard that you shouldn't plan on coloring your hair for several months after the surgery. Why? Will I be able to color my hair 2 months post op? What if I have it done the week before surgery...will it take?    — RJ E. (posted on May 24, 2001)

May 24, 2001
I am ten weeks out and I have had my hair colored and highlighted since my surgery. I probably will not have any more chemical treatments ddone for a while because it is coming up on the three month period where post-ops typically lose hair. I would not advise having any chemical treatments during the three to six to nine month period and I plan to treat my hair very gently during this time period.
   — Beth E.

May 24, 2001
I had my usual cut and color just prior to surgery. Had it again 7 weeks later. I discussed possible hair loss at 3 mos. with my hairdresser. While she was not familiar with the effects of WLS, she did suggest that when washing, not to massage scalp with any intensity. But when towel drying, that would be the time to rub well to promote scalp growth. I plan to give this a try.
   — danirat

May 24, 2001
I had my hair cut and colored 2 days before my surgery. My hair looked and felt good. I am now at 7 weeks post-op and I am planning to do it again. If I get some hair loss in the next couple of weeks, oh well. What's left will look good! God Bless you as you continue this fantastic trip.
   — bek4901

May 24, 2001
Hi, I had my hair colored and cut the day before surgery. I am just 16 days post op now. I am glad I had it done before surgery. Hope this helps.
   — Mary B.

May 24, 2001
I'm 3 months post-op, and I'm losing handfuls of hair a day!!! I had my hair cut and highlighted 4 weeks post-op and I will be having it done again in 2 weeks. I've been doing protein treatments to my hair for the past couple of weeks to keep it as healthy as possible, and I've stopped brushing out my hair while I'm drying it so I'm not pulling on it. What I've decided is that, if it's gonna fall out it's gonna fall out and I'm going to try to make myself look my best while it's happening - I am blessed with having a lot of hair so if I lose alot it probably won't be as noticeable. Talk with your hairstylist so they can tell you based on the condition of your hair what will be the best for you to do! Good luck...and maybe we should all start investing in a wig company! :)
   — DolcezzaVT

May 24, 2001
My answer is based on what I do to keep as much of my hair as possible. I have hair that reaches about mid-way down my back and it tangles easily. If I distress it by trying to get it untangled without this process, more pulls out than is acceptable to me. I plan to continue dying my hair up to and post-op without any real change. But, I use black dye and it has no peroxide like the lighter colors do. I'm not sure if there's dye without peroxide (other than black), but being a former blonde and redhead, I know that peroxide does some damage to normal hair (usually very mild effects, but it is easy to over-process your hair if you are using peroxide and other chemicals). Check the labels or check with your hairdresser. To detangle my mop, I first run my fingers through and get all the knots out. Then I use a hair pick, followed by a gentle brushing. I do this several times a day and I always do it before washing my hair. When I shampoo, I run my fingers through my scalp and try not to twist my hair into any tangle. Children's no-tangle shampoo or a shampoo with conditioner built in are a bit helpful. After rinsing, I put a good amount of conditioner on all my hair, especially the top, and run a pick through it to remove any tangles. Then I rinse and squeeze out any extra wetness as much as possible before rolling in a towel to dry. Note that I don't rub it with a towel. After a few minutes, I turn the towel around and roll it up again. This works well for me and helps minimize hair loss. I also don't use a blowdryer much; if I do, it's usually just for my bangs. Just treat your hair more gentle and you will lose less.
   — Diahna M.

May 25, 2001
as a former hairdresser..(not enough money) I can tell you a few things...hair is made up of keratin...PROTEIN and when you body is lacking something..ie. pregnant women getting bad teeth due to lack od calcium...your body will get it from someplace that isn't essential..your hair. Keep up your protein levels as a way to ward off this. I would suggest that you get your hair done just before sugery, you will feel better about yourself. Usually you need a touch up every 4 to 6 weeks, go ahead if this is what you want, take good care of you hair, if you are lightning it use a good conditioner/reconstructor. Paul Mitchel has a good one as well as Matrix. Do not use hot oil treatments...you might as well put vegetable oil in your hair and the same with 2 in 1 shampoos...they are loaded with wax that will dull and fade your hair out and well as dry it out. Spend the money on good product, it is worth it, you don't use as much and you will have beautiful hair. when using a leave in conditioner, start at the ends and work your way up, your scalp produces oil and the hair at the scalp is the healthiest. the farther away from your head, the worse the condition..every notice people with brown hair and light ends??? that is why. be gentle with your hair, if you notice hair loss..(normal hair loss is between 50 -100 hairs a day...as well as we all go through shedding cycles about twice a year) try and stay away from heavy lightning of your hair, semi permantents are great, add wonderful shine and will not hurt your hair. Good luch and I hope this helps...
   — [Anonymous]