Question:
Is it ok to get my hair permed now?

Would like to get my hair permed and maybe highlighted. I am 7 1/2 months post op and have gone thru the hair loss. It is growing back now. I have long hair and would like to get it permed. Is it ok to do it now?    — Kim B. (posted on July 27, 2002)

July 26, 2002
Kim, it's been okay to get your hair permed all along. The only thing to remember is that perming does affect the condition of your hair. I've been coloring my hair all along, even through the hair loss, and have had no problems. Margie B
   — Marjorie B.

July 27, 2002
I think you can perm or color all along, it shouldnt affect the amount lost. I talked to a beautician about it, she said that it wont make it any worse. I personally waited until a year post op to perm my hair. I wanted to be sure the new growth was in and the condition of my hair was good before I permed it. I have long hair too, and it's very important to me to keep it that way, so I was perhaps a little too cautious. By the way, when I did perm my hair, I had no trouble--it took well just like before. Best of luck to you!
   — Cory F.

July 27, 2002
Kim, I will tell you what a beautician and a doc each told me. Anesthesia can take up to one full year to lose its total effect on your body (weird,huh?). She had seen people who had gotten a perm before surgery, and it completely fell out during surgery. She had also tried to perm hair at a couple months post op, and they would not take. At 7 1/2 months, you really shouldn't have a problem. Everyone's chemistry is so very different, but statistically I think there is a better success rate than failure. You can see that by the other posts. Good Luck.
   — Tina B.