After chemotherapy for breast cancer, it’s a relief to see new hair growing back, and you may look forward to styling it. Because breast cancer treatment can also cause hair changes, you may have questions about how to color your new hair.

How safe is it to dye hair after chemo? And is one type of hair dye better than another?

If you’re thinking of dyeing your hair after chemo hair loss, keep reading to learn about recommendations from medical professionals and tips from MyBCTeam members.

Scalp Sensitivity After Chemotherapy

Alopecia (hair loss) and hair thinning are side effects of chemotherapy that can cause the scalp to become sensitive. Some people experience itchiness or irritation.

After chemotherapy, your scalp can be especially sensitive to sun exposure, heat, and cold. Your hair may grow back very slowly at first and will be very fragile.

Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells. It can also cause damage to skin cells, hair follicles, and hair roots that will generally heal over time.

How Long Should You Wait After Chemo To Dye Hair?

Hair growth usually starts three to five months after chemo. Using a hair dye too soon after chemotherapy may damage hair and irritate your scalp. Different organizations have different advice for when to dye your hair following chemotherapy.

Mayo Clinic recommends not using hair dye until your hair feels “strong.”

Cancer Research U.K., a British organization that funds cancer research, recommends waiting six months after chemotherapy before using permanent hair dyes (which last until hair grows out), semipermanent hair dyes (which wash out over time), or perms (chemical treatments to change hair texture).

Some people may choose to wait even longer. A MyBCTeam member shared their experience with new hair growth. “Had my 1.5 inches of hair colored. Felt so good to be at a salon again after nine months! Hair is no longer gray, rather reddish brown. Not back to my usual blonde, but so refreshing to not see gray! Progress. … Yahoo!”

As hair starts to come back after chemo, be gentle with your scalp and hair. Avoid hair dyes, bleaches, and hot styling devices. Some people use silk or satin pillowcases to keep their hair from becoming too brittle during this period.

Hair changes from chemotherapy may affect the color, texture, or thickness of hair. For instance, sometimes straight hair will become curly — called chemo curls — or even frizzy after chemotherapy. There’s also a small risk that hair may not grow back after chemotherapy.

Risks Associated With Hair Dye

Hair dyes contain a range of chemicals. Some of these chemicals may cause temporary issues, like skin irritation, eye irritation, or contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction that causes an itchy rash.

In addition, some ingredients in hair dye have been linked to serious health effects. These include impaired kidney function, cell damage, and cancer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a loose definition of safety for color additives in cosmetics. Color additives may be considered to have a “reasonable certainty of no harm.” That means they’re not guaranteed to be completely risk-free.

The FDA doesn’t always check other ingredients in hair dye before they’re sold on the shelves. It’s a good idea to consult with your oncologist before deciding which chemicals are safe to use.

Hair Dye and the Risk of Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, people who work in hair salons or barber shops have a slightly increased risk of bladder cancer. Studies of hair dye and the risk of leukemias, lymphomas, and breast cancer have mixed results.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has said dyeing your hair at home is considered “not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.” That means there’s not enough evidence to truly know the potential risks.

Likewise, the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) works with the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The NTP hasn’t said for sure whether hair dyes cause cancer. Instead, the agency has said it’s reasonable to expect that some of the chemicals in hair dye could be carcinogenic.

Cancer Medications and Hair Dye

Some MyBCTeam members report that their hair reacted differently while they were taking cancer medications.

One member wrote, “I want to have my hair colored to cover up all the gray I have now. I tried having it colored while on Perjeta, Herceptin, and Taxotere, and it was a disaster, turning my hair almost orange.”

If you’re taking maintenance medication to prevent a breast cancer relapse, ask your oncologist about the potential side effects of hair dye.

Vegetable Hair Dye Safety

Vegetable hair coloring — or plant-based hair coloring — such as henna is generally perceived as being safer than chemical hair dyes because it’s “natural.” Some hairdressers consider vegetable hair coloring more gentle.

“I’ve been using a brand called Herbatint. It’s supposed to be plant-based and not harsh on your hair. I like it a lot.”

— A MyBCTeam member

However, plant-based hair coloring may irritate some people. You can check ingredients to see if any chemical additives have been used in a plant-based hair dye, including fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Test a New Hair Dye Before Using It

It’s wise to do a patch test before starting any new hair dye by dabbing a small amount of dye on an area behind your ear. If you have a bad reaction to a hair dye, contact your doctor right away.

What Members Have To Say About Dyeing Their Hair

Hair dye is a common topic on MyBCTeam. “What kind of hair dye is safe to use after chemo?” asked one member. “My hair is just starting to grow. It’s just peach fuzz now, but I’ll want to dye it when it grows a bit more because it is white, lol.”

Another wrote, “I used to go to an Aveda salon before cancer because their products are milder. … I got tired of spending a lot of money on my very short hair. I’ve been using a brand called Herbatint. It's supposed to be plant-based and not harsh on your hair. I like it a lot.”

Professional Hair Dye

Some members prefer to go to a salon and have a stylist color their hair after chemo. “Feeling well enough to get my hair done! And my sweet hairstylist put me in the massage chair while I sat with color! Thankful for a good day!” a MyBCTeam member reported.

You may be able to find a hair salon with stylists who are familiar with caring for hair after chemotherapy. Just inform your hairstylist that you have experienced hair changes due to chemotherapy. If you prefer coloring your hair at home, they may be able to suggest gentler brands and products.

At-Home Hair Color

“I’ve only used what my stylist (who is familiar with chemo hair) said would be OK. She said L’Oreal Excellence was the best if I just wanted to color it at home,” one member offered.

Another said, “I’ve been using the type of hair dye that rinses out after so many washes. Clairol Natural Instincts. It’s ammonia-free. It’s done in 10 minutes and looks great, too.”

Ask Your Healthcare Team

If you have questions about dyeing your hair after chemotherapy, be sure to talk to your oncologist or oncology nurse. They can provide advice based on your medical history and current health status, let you know when it’s safe to dye your hair, and suggest products that are less likely to cause problems.

Join the Conversation

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How do you feel about hair dye after chemotherapy treatment? Let others know in the comments below.