Shunt Life: Hairdos and Hair-don'ts

When I first got a VP Shunt, I had no idea how much it would help alleviate my chronic symptoms like migraines and fatigue. However, what I didn't anticipate was the effects of a shunt on a person with long hair. Yikes! Read more to learn about hairdos and hair-don'ts of a life with a shunt.

After my first brain surgery - an ETV - I learned pretty quickly that recovery wasn't the only time period in which a major neurological surgery like that affects your head. Scar tissue can itch for months or even years afterwards and some medications (such as Midodrine used for blood pressure control) can make that itching scalp-wide. But more that that is the overall sensitivity that I have experienced as a result. 

My husband can attest to the fact that pulling my hair, even one strand of it, can be impossibly painful after my second surgery - a VP shunt. That said, I have found that it is very difficult for me personally to tolerate a number of hairstyles and head coverings that I once took for granted. So, here is a list of items to consider if you are thinking about placing a shunt. 

Hairdos:

• Wear it down and let those locks go wild!
• Experiment with a variety of bands, clips, and hats. See what works for you and go for it! For instance, I can tolerate a low bun at the nape of my neck, but get a headache with anything that pulls up higher on the head. 
• Keep it clean! Dirty hair can make the scalp extra sensitive and fresh hair can help soothe an already temperamental noggin.
• Braids are friends! I have found that a simple side braid - on the opposite side of my shunt - tends to be my go to style when I'm feeling fancy. 
• Have a backup plan! If we are going out, I try to keep in mind that I might have to take my hair down at some point to avoid a worsening headache. I also keep a running supply of Tylenol in my purse in case I have to keep a more professional looking hairdo in place. 
• Clips can be less painful than tight hairbands. I find that I can tolerate a big clip holding my hair on top of my head for a lot longer than I can handle a ponytail in the same location.
• Stock up on bigger hats or borrow them from your husband! Looser fitting hats are a lot more comfortable now. The once-tight-fitting hats that I used to wear on a regular basis no longer fit comfortably so I put in a good finger or two on the band of all my hats these days to make sure nothing important gets squeezed. (I have not tried safety helmets of any kind yet, but have heard that you can cut a small hole in the padding to accommodate a shunt.)
• Brush often or keep it short! Try a Wetbrush or other brand of hairbrush specifically designed to avoid pulling tangles. Even use baby detangler if you get rats-nests like I do while you sleep or braid it in a side braid before you hit the pillow. It can be uncomfortable to lay on top of a braid in the back, but a side one seems to work for me and keep most of the tangles out while I toss-and-turn.

Hairdon'ts: 

• Pulling hair is nearly intolerable and I would certainly fold to torture by hairbrush. Combs are even worse and those hard points make me cringe. Manage those tangles before you end up crying just trying to brush out your hair on a windy day. 
• Ponytails are another form of torture altogether. I have found that any kind of bun or half-ponytails is likewise hard to tolerate. Anything really that adds weight to pull on that delicate scalp is a no-go for me. 
• Tight hats no longer fit. Gone are the days of snug headbands or anything else that squeezes your head. Try a cloth headband if you are really desperate so that you can control the fit. 
• Dirty hair days are no longer so carefree.

I hope you enjoyed this little list. Had I known ahead of time, I would have done some research into alternative hairstyles and such. Alas, I am learning the hard way after the fact. However, I hope some of these suggestions help and I look forward to y'all sharing any tips and tricks you have learned with your own locks! Hopefully, we can all discover cute new ways to resume our fancy hairdos post shunt placement!

Happy hair days to you all, 
Danielle

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-Author-

Danielle E. S. Watson created Dani's Dabbles as an outlet to share the journey, struggles, and triumphs of life with chronic illness. "Continually broadening our perspectives is one of the best endeavors that we can have, and growing pains are often easier to handle when we can learn from the life stories of others. We are never alone!"

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**Please note that all advice and experiences listed on the Dani's Dabbles website and corresponding blog is NOT to be substituted for professional medical advice. Please consult your own doctors before making any decisions that might impact your health. Our site is meant as a way for patients to become more knowledgeable about shared conditions so that they can better advocate for themselves. Keep researching and be responsible for your health in a way that is both safe and healthy!**

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