Can Medication Affect Your Hair? What to Know Before Your Next Salon Visit
Can Medication Affect Your Hair? What to Know Before Your Salon Visit
Your hair reflects what is happening inside your body. What you eat, drink, and take as medication can all influence the health, texture, growth rate, and appearance of your hair. For guests who are starting a new medication or managing a health condition, it is worth understanding how certain drugs can affect the hair — and why telling your stylist matters before any chemical service.
How Medications Affect Hair Health
Hair is nourished through the blood supply at the scalp. When something changes in the body — including the introduction of a new medication — it can affect the quality and behavior of the hair. Some of the most common medication-related hair concerns include hair loss, changes in texture, and altered response to chemical services.
Blood thinners can cause hair loss because they can interfere with the normal nutrient supply to the hair follicle. When follicles are deprived of the nutrients they need, the hair may shed more than usual or grow back thinner.
Acne medications — particularly those containing high doses of vitamin A — can cause the follicle to temporarily shut down, leading to shedding or thinning. These medications can also affect the texture and pigment of the hair.
Medications that raise body temperature can cause chemical services like perms or relaxers to process faster than the designated time, which can lead to over-processing if the stylist isn’t informed.
Certain medications can also affect how well professional hair color absorbs into the hair strand. The result may be a discolored tint, uneven uptake, or a color that doesn’t lift or deposit as expected.
Why You Should Tell Your Stylist
Your stylist’s job is to give you a safe, effective, and enjoyable experience. Knowing about any medications you are taking allows them to adjust their approach — whether that means doing a strand test before a color service, adjusting processing times, or recommending a treatment to support the health of your hair during a period of medication-related stress. There is no need to go into medical detail — a general mention of what you are taking is enough for your stylist to make informed decisions.
At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists take a thorough approach to every consultation so that every guest leaves with results that are both beautiful and appropriate for their hair’s current condition. To learn more about our color services, visit our women’s hair coloring page or our women’s cut and styling page. View our full salon menu or call us to discuss your specific needs.
Call 732-303-0052 to book a consultation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.