I've read that coloring your hair is safe to do with alopecia, and I am a hairdresser. However, I'm still curious about others with this issue, and their experiences with coloring their hair. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

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My dermatologist says it's safe and to go ahead but I haven't been able to bring myself to get it dyed. The last time I had it done was nine months ago, before I'd suffered any hair loss and the dying process burned like crazy - I almost told the hairdresser to stop and wash it out. I've been getting my hair died for decades and not experienced anything like that before. About two weeks later a TON of hair come out in my brush and shortly after that I discovered the huge bald spot at the back of my head. So, yeah, I'm wary. It could've been that the autoimmune process was already underway and that's why my scalp burned with the dye on it but I can't help but associate the incident with my hair loss. I really need to get my hair dyed, though, because it looks awful - so much gray coming in. I'm thinking of getting some root touch up and doing certain areas myself but not my whole head.

it was probably just coincidental. I have clients that experience some burning and or itching while the color is on their hair, but not to the point of needing it rinsed off. It happens on occasion, not every time they get it done. I have colored my hair the whole time since i found the alopecia, but was just curious to see if anyone had been told by a doctor, not to do it. I have way too much gray not to color my hair, so unless i have a bad reaction, i am going to continue to do it. So far, i can cover my bald spots up. If they continue to get larger, i won't be so lucky. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. 

Thanks, Angie, and you too! So you never experience any burning or anything while dying your hair? I'm probably going to dive in and do some root touch up myself in not too long - that way if I have a horrible burning sensation again I can just wash it off right away. I do have a lot of allergies and at the time vaguely wondered if the salon had changed products or something. I'm someone who always has to use gentle detergent, fabric softener and so on otherwise I'll get a rash but there wasn't one so that day so maybe just a coincidence, like you say. For several months after I discovered the hair loss I was so itchy I couldn't even wear a hat, though, so I think there was also some extra-sensitivity at play during that period. I'm still itchy but not as bad.

So far, I have gotten color 3 or 4 times since finding out i have alopecia. I haven't had any reaction to date while the color is on my hair. I do get itchy at times where my hair is missing, but not while coloring it. I have read that itching is normal, and maybe a tingling sensation in the areas where hair is lost. It sounds like a sensitivity issue to me also. Do you use the same hairstylist each time you have your hair done? If so, ask if she changed brands of color. I have used Redken color for over 20 years, and once in a while, a client will have a burning sensation, but it isn't severe, and goes away within a few minutes of application. 

That's good to hear, Angie. Thanks! Yeah, I've been using the same stylist and when I did check with her months later she said there'd been no change. Seems like the only thing that's changed is my head! Interestingly, when I had my reaction it seemed to get worse the longer the dye was on my scalp. For the first fifteen minutes or so it felt completely normal. I hope more people weight in with their experiences, but my dermatologist was very confident that colouring wouldn't cause more fallout.

probably your sensitivity. I would try it again and see how it does.

Actually, all hair color requires a 24 hour patch test on the arm before it is applied to the head. Allergies can happen quite quickly and they can be serious so I would NOT color if you experienced burning sensation. 

Having said that, it may be possible to have someone else apply the color very carefully and not let it touch the scalp. You would have roots still showing but that is better than a trip to the ER.

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