PERM LOTION

[Nancygirl]

I want to have my hair permed , will the lotion have an affect on my breathing, I use to have my hair permed regularly but dont know what to do about it now I have COPD.

[Hidden]

Hi

interesting question, most sprays can irratate your condition, including hair spray,ask hair dresser do any of the products have to be used in well ventilated areas. shampoos in general don't appear to raise issues.

[Jo_BLFHelpline British Lung Foundation]

Hi Nancygirl

I think it will depend on what makes your condition worse - some people will have difficulties with aerosol sparys such as deoderants, air fresheners and perfumes.

A discussion on here yesterday was about paint fumes. The main ingredient of perming lotion is ammonia - this chemical can be strong. Have you ever had any effect from perming lotion before?

It's probably worth having a think if other irritants have made your condition worse.

Cheers

Jo

[Nancygirl in reply to Jo_BLFHelpline]

Thank you for your reply, no I have not had a problem with perm lotion before at the hairdressers but that was when I did not know that I had COPD and like everything else when you know you have something you tend to re-act differently, I also dont seem to have a problem with aerosol sprays or perfume at the moment so would you say its alright to continue having, at regular intervals, my hair permed?

[maruth in reply to Nancygirl]

hi Nancygirl ,i have had difficulties with perming, but now i have a really good hand held fan, i use it to blow the fumes away from me.it works for me,and the stylist,cos they get anxious too.

hope you get on ok, M.

[Nancygirl in reply to maruth]

Thanks so much Maruth that sounds like a great idea I shall try it I have an appointment for tuesday so I shall go to town and get a small fan tomorrow. thank you again

[maruth in reply to Nancygirl]

all the best for Tuesday,i found it difficult before using the fan,you might find it useful to have something to cover nose and mouth,as well,...stay comfy xxxx

[Nancygirl in reply to maruth]

Yes Maruth I also thought about taking a large mans hankie with me and putting it over my nose and mouth,my husband also thought it would be a good idea, cant make out if he was joking or not ha ha.I have my small fan ready and will take it with me on tuesday. Thanks again xx

[maruth in reply to Nancygirl]

ps, i would also have some spare batteries at the ready,i do hope it all works out.well.i have a hospital app on tuesday,will be out all day,but will be thinking of you.xx

[Nancygirl in reply to maruth]

Thank you, I will also be thinking of you, is this a routine appointment at the hospital? I have my batteries at the ready cant wait to get in there and get myself tidied up I have let myself go just lately been having a "is it worth it" phase but I am out of it now thanks to hubby and a good telling off. its a beautiful Sunday morning here in Cambridge so we are going for a short walk with the dog, will have to wrap up though because its quite cold. Good luck for tuesday xxx

[maruth in reply to Nancygirl]

hey,that's good,and well done.so glad you have good support,,hope you enjoyed your walk,

its nice here too ,i live fairly near to Bristol,i am living in an "extra care" home,which means i live independantly in my own flat, but care is always available , should i need it. my appointment is my 4 monthly consultant check up.

we can catch up later in the day,for good reports !!,xxx

[Nancygirl in reply to maruth]

Yes I would like that, your home sounds very nice Ieal for living on your own with help always there. We live in Cambridgeshire in a little village called Doddington, we live in a bungalow and have a dog called Arnie and a cockatiel called Benny they keep us busy or should I say it keeps my hubby busy as I cant do much but I help when I can. Anyway let me know how you get on and I will let you now how my hair turns out. Take care xxx

[Hidden]

HI Nancygirl, I would have a word with the hairdresser and see if there is a perm lotion that is less "smelly" - that might help. Take your inhalers and let the hairdresser know you have breathing problems. As you are not having problems with aerosols etc. I "think" you should be ok. AND it is so important to have your hair done. What about looking up on the internet and see if there are any new perm products? Good luck and hope your hair looks fab. TAD x

[Nancygirl]

Thank you Tad, yes it is important that I have my hair done its a realy mess at the moment and it will make me feel better after its done I have had some advice from another person to get my self a hand fan to blow away the fumes so I will buy one over the weekend ready for Tuesday when I go to have my perm. I just wondered if it would damage my lungs more even if it does not affect me at the time, thats why I think the fan will be a good idea to blow it all away anyway thanks for taking the time out to answer me x

[grandma3]

I found going to an hairdressing salon had me feeling very uncomfortable with the various chemicals being used on other people. In the end a mobile hairdresser was the best solution.

[Nancygirl]

Yes I have thought of that but dont know of anyone around our village at the moment but I think I shall see how I get on this time and then go from there. Thank you for your comment it was very helpful I will look out for a home hairdresser because I think as time goes on it will get more difficult for me.