Coloring hair during Chemo

[dianne052506]

I colored my hair every month (very short pixie style) throughout my 3 1/2 years of FOLFOX. NO major problems, but I could tell my scalp was more sensitive. When I was trying to get it to "take" more, the beautician but a cap on my head during the coloring. The chemicals, plus the built-in heat, caused my head to burn a little.

Wasn't thinking clearly, and had my hair colored the first week after FOLFIRI. Started loosing my hair the end of week 2. The hair color didn't cause the hair loss, irinotecan did; I just hate I was stupid and wasted my money.
Dianne

[Surroundedbylove]

My scalp was VERY sensitive during XELOX - couldn't have colored it if I had wanted to and my onc said not to.

[KarMel]

So... when the oncologists say don't color your hair, are they saying that because of worry about our sensitive skin?

Or, is there some type of potential negative effect on the cancer?

Or, maybe they just don't really know, so they tell us not to do it for CYA reasons?

I think it is CYA, personally.
Just my two cents, I have not reasearched or googled this.


Peace

[Gloria]

My Onc said because your scalp may be sensitive. I have colored mine 2 times since I started without any problems.

[cynthia_b]

Thank you for this discussion even though it is now dated. Still relevant for me. I have a very public job and (must be) vain enough to worry about this. Always wondered what I would like naturally at this point. Maybe a very short haircut and let my gray/white shine through. Hope you are all well.
Cynthia

[dianetavegia]

HI Cynthiab, When I was about to start chemo, the nurses said that to prevent hair concerns to not scrub your scalp, but wash gently. They said to not wear bands or anything that pulls on the hair. Silk pillowcases were also suggested. They also said that since hair is damaged by chemo, that I should avoid hair coloring. I did as they said and my hair thinned but the ENDS were like straw by the end of 6 months (I'd been coloring it prior) and my beautician cut that all off, up to below my chin, leaving me with white hair! It takes a while for your hair to get healthy again and your nails will have ridges for at least 6 months. One doctor told me he could tell how many months someone was off chemo by looking at their nails. He guessed mine exactly!