A few weeks ago I got my hair cut in a hair salon for the first time since before MCS got severe in 2004!
It felt like a huge milestone on my healing journey. No mask of course. :-)
Here's a picture I took before going in:
I brought my own shampoo and conditioner but other than that, I made no accommodations at all to MCS.
There were people around me getting highlights and it was wonderful to be able to just relax, knowing that my body can handle that kind of exposure now, with no ill effects.
My appointment took 1 hour and 15 minutes because my hair is very thick and long.
I wore their cape, sat in their chair, was surrounded by the products used by the salon... and I was just fine. :-) No reactions while there or afterward!
It was so exciting to feel so 'normal' and be able to do a positive, self-esteem boosting thing like getting a nice hair cut.
For those who are not at this stage yet, and want a hair cut, many towns have hairdressers who make house calls for people who are less mobile. It generally isn't advertised. I have found that service by calling various hair dressers or seniors residences and asking if anyone has heard of someone who gives cuts at your house. If you have a yard or balcony, they should be able to do the cut outside so that you don't need to bring them into your home (if you would react to scents on them).
If you are lucky enough to live in a city that has an eco-friendly or chemical-free hair salon, they may be an option for you. Check out this great article about that type of salon on Planet Thrive here: Less Toxic Hair Salons
