Using Hair Dye After Chemotherapy

In April, 2007 my wife completed chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkins Lymphpoma (R-CHOP Protocal) Her hair began to grow back after her 4th of 6 treatments and was coming in well. Once she had enough hair to color she went to a hair salon to have it colored. Realizing it was ridiculous to pay for the coloring for such little hair, she decided to use a store bought permanent color. She has done it twice since and after the last coloring her hair began falling out. She has spoken to the medical staff at her oncologist’s office and was told NOT to use “permanent” coloring but “temporary”. They acted as though she was nuts but no one ever told her not to. Anyway,she was also told it would come back.

Have you ever come across this situation before? Will it come back at a normal pace?

Thanks

We have answered similar questions in the past regarding hair dye causing hair loss, although not specifically about dying hair regrown after chemotherapy. The reality is that dye can cause hair loss by itself, as it can make the hair fragile. These substances can burn the skin and they can work their way through the follicle from the skin pore and burn each and every follicle causing damage. That is why professional hair dyes in the hands of professionals are the best way to have the process done. As your wife’s hair is in ‘recovery mode’ you must be extra careful. Your wife needs to wait a few months and should grow her hair back if there is no other condition causing her hair loss.