Coloring Hair During Your Period

Woman with long, bleached hair
Photo: Ruslan Guzov/Shutterstock
Q: Can I bleach or color my hair during my period?
 
A: Certainly. There is no medical or scientific reason to avoid bleaching or coloring your hair during your period. Many people have heard the old myth that hair color or bleach won't take properly during your period, but there is no scientific evidence to support this belief.
 
Menstruation itself does not alter the structure of the hair shaft or prevent color and lightener from working as intended. The outcome of your service depends far more on the overall health of your hair, previous chemical treatments, the products being used, and the skill of your stylist than on where you are in your cycle.
 
While your hair itself doesn't change during your period, your scalp sensitivity might. Hormonal fluctuations (specifically drops in estrogen and progesterone) can lower your pain threshold and increase skin sensitivity right before and during your period. Because of this, chemical processing like bleach or permanent color may feel more intense, cause a stronger tingling sensation, or irritate a tender scalp.
 
Some women also experience a heightened sense of smell during their periods. For these women, the strong odors of salon chemicals like ammonia and bleach can feel unpleasant or even cause nausea.
 
But every person is different. Some women notice they feel more physically sensitive during their periods. If you're experiencing cramps, headaches, fatigue, or a sensitive scalp, sitting through a long, high-maintenance bleaching or coloring appointment might be less comfortable. If that's the case, rescheduling for a few days later is a matter of personal comfort.
 
If you're undergoing an intensive service like a full-head bleach or color correction, always let your stylist know about any recent health changes, new medications, pregnancy, or major hormonal shifts. These factors have a far greater impact on your hair's response than your monthly cycle.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Birth control pills and changes in the hair
 
Dye or bleach your hair during pregnancy
 
Should you get a perm during your menstruating cycle?