Protecting hair before/after brain surgery

**Hasse** · June 19th, 2019, 06:56 AM

So, in two weeks I'm having a minor brain surgery. I wanted to ask tips for how to manage my hair best around that time. I've gone through this a number of times, but previous times I wasn't into haircare as much as I am now.

Before the surgery I have to wash my hair with hibiscrub, which has a fair amount of chlorohexidine (an antiseptic) in it. Afterwards, my hair always feels dried out and roughed up. After washing with that stuff I'm not allowed to use any other products, but I was wondering if using conditioner in the lengths before washing would protect it and rinse out good enough. Maybe a cone free condish would do the trick?

Afterwards I'll either be up and running or, if the surgery will be more serious than expected, I'll have to take bedrest for a week. What hairstyles would prevent my hair from becoming a matted mess? It's too short for bunning, so maybe braids? Will the roots stay tangle free in that case?

**SwanFeathers** · June 19th, 2019, 10:45 AM

I would not risk putting anything in that would lessen the effectiveness of the antiseptic, but I would probably use a leave in conditioner after the surgery from CHIN- DOWN. Your hair may not be happy right away, but it's not worth the risk of an infection. Whenever you are cleared to wash it you can do a deep treatment.
P.s. double braids are great for bedrest situations.

**Begemot** · June 19th, 2019, 11:31 AM

Sorry to hear you have such surgery coming up. I hope everything goes smoothly and you will be up and running afterwards! Maybe two french braids as a style would be your best option?

**ExpectoPatronum** · June 19th, 2019, 11:50 AM

I second SwanFeathers. I wouldn't risk messing with the chlorhexidine. Your hair will recover as you recover. Braids are a good option if you're on bedrest. I hope your surgery goes smoothly and without complications!

**Deborah** · June 19th, 2019, 11:59 AM

I would not use any conditioner or anything other than the prescribed cleanser. The risk of infection is just too high. Once you are safely out of surgery and mostly recovered, you could probably use a spray on conditioner from chin down only. I don't think your hair will be permanently damaged by one harsh wash. It will probably look and feel dry, but that is easy to solve later on.

**blesseddamozel** · June 19th, 2019, 12:28 PM

Seconding that double braids are perfect for bedrest!! I had surgery that resulted in some complications that left me on total bedrest for about 4 days and I didn't have the ability to brush my hair at all during that time, but the braids protected it from any matting or tangles.

**lapushka** · June 19th, 2019, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by Hasse

So, in two weeks I'm having a minor brain surgery. I wanted to ask tips for how to manage my hair best around that time. I've gone through this a number of times, but previous times I wasn't into haircare as much as I am now.

Before the surgery I have to wash my hair with hibiscrub, which has a fair amount of chlorohexidine (an antiseptic) in it. Afterwards, my hair always feels dried out and roughed up. After washing with that stuff I'm not allowed to use any other products, but I was wondering if using conditioner in the lengths before washing would protect it and rinse out good enough. Maybe a cone free condish would do the trick?

Afterwards I'll either be up and running or, if the surgery will be more serious than expected, I'll have to take bedrest for a week. What hairstyles would prevent my hair from becoming a matted mess? It's too short for bunning, so maybe braids? Will the roots stay tangle free in that case?

I have 0 experience with this. When grandma underwent major brain surgery (tumor), they shaved her head, and boy (not wanting to scare you), the scar was... something all right.

I would NOT use conditioner or any other product that might interfere with the effectiveness of the wash. DO NOT DO IT!

I would just go through the motions. Afterwards you can pamper your hair all you want and catch up on things; but don't mess with this very intricate process, please.

Deborah said it all and said it well!

**GrowingGlory** · June 19th, 2019, 12:42 PM

Maybe you could just allow sebum to condition your hair well before washing with Hibiscrub.

**Hasse** · June 19th, 2019, 12:44 PM

Thanks all, for your input! I'll just let my hair get super sebumy before washing and skip the condish.

Lapushka, you won't scare me that easily :P , I had my fair share of scars and shaved patches that looked awful. I just hope they leave my hairline intact this time. Nothing worse than a bald patch you can't hide. And while I want to shave my whole head some day, it won't be that soon. So I hope I can style my way around the great haircut the surgeons give me.

**lapushka** · June 19th, 2019, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by Hasse

Thanks all, for your input! I'll just let my hair get super sebumy before washing and skip the condish.

Lapushka, you won't scare me that easily :P , I had my fair share of scars and shaved patches that looked awful. I just hope they leave my hairline intact this time. Nothing worse than a bald patch you can't hide. And while I want to shave my whole head some day, it won't be that soon. So I hope I can style my way around the great haircut the surgeons give me.

A good sense of humor: priceless!

Hang in there, and good luck for your upcoming surgery.
Keep us posted!