Dyeing hair after chemo....

alanatoday

Hi, I'm looking for first hand information about dyeing my hair after a course of chemotherapy.
I finished chemo last september and my specialist oncology nurse advised me not to use hair dye's containing ammonia or peroxide for apx one year. I want to find out has anyone in my situation dyed their hair before that time frame??
The reason I ask is that I'm a bridesmaid in june and I want to dye my hair for the big day! I have a few grey hairs (not many though, I'm only 26!!) and I want to have my hair looking fabulous!!

Jules

you might get a better response here.


Jules

alanatoday

Thanks, I'm new to this so the info is appreciated

CathyMoran

Personally I would trust the oncology nurses, its not worth the risk, I have highlights and did not have them again until at least 18 months after my hair grew back...another thing for me was that my hair did not get back to its normalish length for at least that time...I did have great fun getting it back though...

Not having highlights again but for another reason...am heavily pregnant and again would not risk it.

Edit...oh, I got married 2 weeks after chemo but used my wig for the wedding...

sean_17

I was told 6 months before I could dye my hair again, I dyed it after about 10 months and haven't looked back since, no reactions, no problems etc...

That was just my personal time frame so maybe you should listen to your oncology nurse

taram

There's a few brands out there with no ammonia or peroxide, you'd also be best off going for a semi/temp dye which will have lower amounts of chemicals, but also watch out for P-Phenylenediamine (sometimes written at PPD on packs) which can cause allergic reactions/problems. Also apply it lightly to your greys only, leave on for the minimum time, keep it off the scalp etc. Make sure to do a skin patch test at least 48 hours in advance also.

What colour do you need to cover with? You won't be able to lighten your greys without harsh chemicals at all. Depending on the colour you might be able to get away with a coloured hair spray, hair mascara, even using a marker just to touch away some colour for the day.

alanatoday

taram wrote: »

There's a few brands out there with no ammonia or peroxide, you'd also be best off going for a semi/temp dye which will have lower amounts of chemicals, but also watch out for P-Phenylenediamine (sometimes written at PPD on packs) which can cause allergic reactions/problems. Also apply it lightly to your greys only, leave on for the minimum time, keep it off the scalp etc. Make sure to do a skin patch test at least 48 hours in advance also.

What colour do you need to cover with? You won't be able to lighten your greys without harsh chemicals at all. Depending on the colour you might be able to get away with a coloured hair spray, hair mascara, even using a marker just to touch away some colour for the day.

I've tried a natural hair dye but it didnt take to my hair. I think I'll do more research into different makes of hairs dyes. Or failing that i'll try some of your suggestions, coloured hair spray etc.
You seem to know quite a bit, are you a hairdresser?

alanatoday

sean_17 wrote: »

I was told 6 months before I could dye my hair again, I dyed it after about 10 months and haven't looked back since, no reactions, no problems etc...

That was just my personal time frame so maybe you should listen to your oncology nurse

I wonder is the 12months time frame I was given on the upper end of the time scale! I asked my hairdresser what condition my hair was in and she said it was thick, healthty and normal looking. But I'll definitely take my oncology nurse's opionion as number one (only because I dont want to take to chance of having another baldy head :D:D)

taram

alanatoday wrote: »

I've tried a natural hair dye but it didnt take to my hair. I think I'll do more research into different makes of hairs dyes. Or failing that i'll try some of your suggestions, coloured hair spray etc.
You seem to know quite a bit, are you a hairdresser?

Hehe no, just someone who ends up playing hairdresser a lot! Both my sister and I are sensitive to a lot of different things so constantly testing and reading packs

alanatoday

taram wrote: »

Hehe no, just someone who ends up playing hairdresser a lot! Both my sister and I are sensitive to a lot of different things so constantly testing and reading packs

:) Your sensitivity has helped me, so thanks
Definitely gonna try out a few different things.

alanatoday

Update- going to a hairdresser in limerick this week. They have a Product called Loreal Symbio hair colour which has no ammonia, peroxide or PPD which is exactly what I need! Apparently it only last for 6-8 washes but if it takes to my hair it will do for what I need.
Fingers crossed I'll have no grey hair by the end of the week

goulders

Hi, Have u tried bluerosewaterford, they have a 100% chemical free hair colour.
www.bluerosewaterford.com