Hi I have had radiochemotherapy which included 2 rounds of chemo. The chemotherapy drugs I had were 5FC, Mitomycin c and the most recent one, one month ago was Raltitrexed. I was lucky and did not lose my hair, it has just thinned. I have read that it is ok to use herbal hair dyes ( I will do a skin test). I was just wanting to check that is correct information? Thankyou.
Hi Tophat
My name is Sarah, one of the Cancer information Nurses on the Macmillan support line
Chemotherapy drugs can affect your hair, it’s good to hear you haven’t lost any hair that it has just thinned.
There are varying opinions about colouring hair after chemotherapy. Both Cancer Hair care and Macmillan have information about safe ways to colour your hair. Both recommend sensitivity tests and ensuring your scalp and hair are in good condition first.
If you are being cautious then using natural hair dyes will be gentler on your hair as it will be more fragile because of the chemotherapy.
You may wish to talk this through with others affected by chemotherapy, treatment and side effects through our chemotherapy forum for support.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
Best wishes,
Sarah
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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