Can I Dye My Hair Before Surgery? Tips and Precautions

If you’re scheduled for surgery, you may be wondering if you can color your hair beforehand. As a hair stylist, I’m often asked if it’s safe to dye hair prior to medical procedures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the risks, timing considerations, tips to safely color your hair before surgery, and how to care for dyed hair post-operation.

Why Hair Dye May Be a Concern Before Surgery

While coloring your hair seems harmless, there are a few potential issues doctors worry about:

• Chemical irritation from dye sensitizing the scalp if surgery involves the head or neck area.

• Increased bleeding risk due to ingredients that thin the blood, like aspirin.

• Skin staining if dye gets on surgical areas.

• Drug interactions between anesthetic agents and chemicals in some dyes.

• Infection risk if proper hygiene isn’t followed when applying dye.

However, with some precautions taken, these risks can be minimized.

How Long Before Surgery Can You Dye Your Hair?

Many surgeons recommend avoiding hair dye for 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. However, the timeline depends on:

• What type of procedure you’re having.
• Where on your body the surgery will be.
• Your hair color formula and ingredients.

Below are some general guidelines on when to stop dyeing before common operations:

• 1 week – For head/neck procedures, surgeries near dyed areas, minor outpatient operations.

• 2+ weeks – For major inpatient procedures, if you have dye allergies.

• No need to stop – For procedures below the neck/away from colored hair.

Talk to your surgeon about when you should stop coloring your hair before your specific surgery.

Tips for Safely Dyeing Your Hair Before Surgery

If your surgeon says it’s okay, you can safely color your hair beforehand by:

✔️ Doing a strand test for any potential allergies to new formulas or brands.

✔️ Choosing semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes instead of permanent color.

✔️ Using an ammonia-free formula that’s gentle on the scalp and skin.

✔️ Applying petroleum jelly on skin around the hairline to prevent skin staining.

✔️ Wearing gloves during application to avoid skin irritation or infection.

✔️ Doing the treatment well before scheduled pre-op appointments in case of reactions.

✔️ Using a familiar brand and shade you’ve colored with before without issues.

Caring for Dyed Hair After Surgery

Once your procedure is done, you’ll need to babysn your colored locks. Here are some tips:

• Wait the recommended time before washing hair or using products.

• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

• Apply products just to mid-lengths and ends, not on incisions or healing areas of the scalp.

• Avoid heat styling tools for 2+ weeks after surgery. Let hair air dry instead.

• Use a soft bristle brush and comb hair gently, especially around incisions.

• Sleep on a satin pillowcase to minimize friction on incision sites.

• Use color-protecting hair products like leave-ins, masks and heat protectants.

• Wait 6 weeks for permanent root touch ups or overall color. Semi-permanent is okay at 4 weeks.

Be extra gentle when caring for post-op hair and consult your surgeon if you have any concerns about irritation from dye or proper healing.

What About Eyebrow and Eyelash Dye Before Surgery?

Facial procedures like blepharoplasty commonly raise questions on brow and lash tinting before surgery. Here are tips for each:

• Eyebrow tint – Avoid for 2 weeks before surgery involving the forehead, brow bone or eyelids.

• Eyelash tint – Don’t get lashes tinted for at least 1 week prior to any eye surgery. Be careful of stinging or dye getting in your eyes before procedures.

Since these treatments involve chemicals so close to the eyes, pause them well in advance. You can resume once healing is complete.

Can You Color Your Hair After Surgery? How Long to Wait

Once recovered from your procedure, how long should you wait before coloring your hair again? Timelines vary but in general:

• Permanent dye – Wait 6 weeks. See if roots need touchup first since color washes out faster during healing.

• Semi, Demi & Temp Dyes – May be used starting 4 weeks after surgery in most cases. Do a strand test.

• Hair Bleach – Wait a full 3 months before lightening to prevent chemical scalp burns.

Discuss when you can resume coloring with your surgeon. They may recommend waiting longer depending on your procedure and recovery. Safety should be the priority.

The Takeaway

Dyeing your hair before routine procedures is usually fine but it’s best to check with your surgeon. Stop coloring 1-2 weeks in advance. Stick to semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes. Carefully treat and style colored hair during recovery. Once healed, permanent dye can be done after 6 weeks. With some precautions, you can maintain your fabulous hair color before and after surgery.