A year and a half ago I underwent a hysterectomy.  Since then I have had much trouble with my hair.  I take estrogen and a c*cktail of vitamins to counteract the symptoms of menoupause.  I am only 37, so my body was in much shock after the surgery.  My hair has been dry since my recovery and color has not taken so well.  I use biolage hydrating shampoo and conditioner with Sebastian potion #9 leave in treatment (I was told that biolage was color safe as well).  It feels dry to the touch.   I recently had several surgeries due to gallbladder troubles and this past coloring was only noticable for 3 days.  It is now faded.   My hair dresser says that anesthesia can play a role in how well your hair's health is.  She is blaming the anesthesia on my color not taking.  I had several surgeries in years past and never had trouble with color taking.  Those were prior to my hysterectomy though.  I am at a loss.  My hair feels dry, it looks dull and I am not resolved to not having my hair colored.  I have a great deal of gray and need highlights.  I am naturally sandy brown.  Any suggestions would be great.   I eat right.  I am a healthy overall.  I am ready to shave my head.  Help!

Hi

I know exactly what you are going through. I had an hysterectomy too when I was 37 due to cervical cancer. It didn't stop there unfortunetly...I needed a bladder repair due to bladder damage that was caused when the tumour was removed, I then had extensive Radiotherapy which caused a bowel obstruction for which I needed further surgery ( all this in under 10 months ). As you can imagine, it took its toll on my hair. My hair was and still can be extremely dry and brittle and very difficult to colour.  Menopause causes many changes in your body and particularly your hair. I have never heard of anesthesia having an impact on the hairs condition but thats not to say that it doesn't. All I know is that the menopause alone is enough to change the structure of the hair ( as it has with me) I also lost quite a bit of hair due to my treatment and when it grew back it was like it was someone elses hair, it has never been the same since. Having said that, I am able to control its condition using good quality products and treatments although its quite expensive. I find that farouk biosilk really helps my hair as does Lanza magic bullet. Also a good weekly treatment is advisable.  Your hair will improve as time goes by but you do need to care for it extremely well. I do still colour my hair but usually I go to a good salon to have anything done. Don't shave your head, things will improve. HRT helps the condition of the hair too, and I wouldn't be without it. Good Luck.

I had problems with my haircolor coming out darker after having surgery.  My colorist had me come back it and reformulated the color to lighten it up a bit.  I had been going to this colorist for years.  The only thing we could figure out was that the anesthesia had something to do with the color not lifting as it had before. 

Beware of continuing to use the reformulation.  My body adjusted and then the color was too light.  We went back to the original formula.

I use a small amount of safflower oil on my hair after shampooing.  And I have been using Paves Shampoo and Conditioners for dry damaged hair (Walgreens).  I also use Aquelle Aqualust Marine Therapy System Lusterizer, you can get it at Sally's beauty supply.  It provides shime, adds moisture and body, provides heat protection and a UVB absorber to protect against sun damage.  I apply a small amount of this before blow drying and a small amount to finish my style. I prefer it over biosilk.