Hair Help! Coloring after chemo?

GenjiC

I finished my chemo 5 months ago. My hair is slowly growing back, approaching one inch now. Instead of my brown straight hair, it is coming in curly/wavy but I would say about 70% white and 30% gray (not salt and pepper but random spots).

I have read to wait 6 months before coloring it. But it is starting to show white "sideburns" when wearing my brown wig. I would love to color it. Because of studies linking permanent hair color to cancer, my MO recommends semi permanent hair color. However, most at home hair coloring products say the semi permanent won't be strong enough to cover gray/white hair. So my solution was going to be to use henna until my hair is stronger and can handle something harsher. But now I learned hair colored with henna can't be colored with the chemical products. So I feel like I ran out of options!

Has anyone had luck coloring white or gray hair themselves with any type of safe product? Or advice for this "in between" stage?

Thanks!

ruthbru

I went to somebody who was an expert in coloring post-chemo hair. I didn't want to mess it up right when it came back. That's what I would recommend for the first couple times anyway.

el7277

I could use advice and would like to hear about experiences as well.

I finished TCH in March 2019 and Kadcyla March of this year. My hair is difficult in texture and has a lot of gray. It is depressing. I have an appointment on July 5 and am nervous but I need to ditch the wig for good

ruthbru

Your hair stylist will be able to direct you. If they've been around awhile, they've seen just about everything.

el7277

Ruthbru that is a good point. I am not thrilled with the idea of making it shorter but I know it is what it needs to continue healthy growth. Hopefully the color will take. Thanks.

ruthbru

Put yourself in good hands and have fun the curly look while you have it. I was SO happy to ditch the wig!