Colouring hair after chemo?

I coloured mine about a month after chemo, 11 years ago - not quite sure why you’re supposed to wait 6 months. 

Hi I'm not sure but I think sometimes your hair can be brittle after chemo.

I've gone really short cut and 'au naturale' lol, mainly cos it's so expensive as well, unless you colour it yourself.

But I know what you mean it makes you feel better. I'm quite pleased with my salt and pepper look thank goodness. 

This probably hasn't helped you to make a decision but I think it's one of the reasons. Everyone is different.

Good luck x

Hi

Don't do a home colour; go to a reputable salon for a consultation with  a senior colourist. He/she will check your hair taking into account how recently you have had the chemo. If you get the go-ahead you should also be asked to do a 48 hour patch test on the skin behind your ear to make sure you will not react adversely to the colour (standard procedure not chemo related but more relevant post chemo when immune system still compromised).

If you don't normally go to a salon then treat yourself; after chemo and surgery you deserve it!

Kegsy x

HI Cathy,  I think I read the same thing on this site about waiting 6 months.  Only half my hair fell out so it looked awful.  After chemo the first few inches began to thicken a little which left the longer hair looking much worse.  It was very ageing so I kept wearing hats. I love hats and have a great collection, well, I think they are great.  I eventually asked the lovely lady who does my hair to do whatever she wanted so she cut it off leaving it quite short but very funky.  I had no idea what my natural colour would end up being but it is very very very dark brown and silvery white.  I cried when I first looked in the mirror as it seemed like yet another loss of something I used to have but I love it now.  I haven't mastered the mousse or gel yet but it is getting better and have had so many compliments since getting it done.  I think I will keep it like this from now on and may even get the tips coloured for a bit of fun.  Your own self image is very important and you are not being shallow at all.

I had two lots of surgery on my leg for a malignant melanoma 13 years ago,  I didn’t have chemo and am now clear.  However I got really scared about colouring my hair and decided to cut it really short and just leave it to its natural colour.  Now, at 74.5 it is short, spiky and white!!  I love it.  I realise this can be a personal fear, but I was just more comfortable with the ‘au naturel’ !  I definitely agree that appearance can help with confidence so I would say do whatever feels right for you, Judyx