Yes, you can wash your hair before an MRI, but it might not be a good idea.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses strong magnets and radio waves to take pictures of inside your body. Metal can interfere with these pictures, so you need to be careful.
Doctors ask you to follow some rules before an MRI:
- Take off all jewelry, piercings, and accessories.
- Remove makeup, nail polish, and nail art.
- Don’t use deodorant or antiperspirant.
- If you have metal implants like dental fillings, joint plates, pacemakers, or ear implants, you might need a different scan.
Doctors also suggest not washing your hair right before an MRI. Here’s why:
- Wet hair has water that can affect the MRI images.
- The magnets in MRI can react with water and might cause hair loss after the scan.
- Hair products like shampoo or hair dye may contain metals that can spoil the MRI images.
- Some metal in hair products can cause burns on your scalp during the scan.
Most hair products contain metal compounds such as aluminum, copper, magnesium, zinc, and others. These include shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, hairspray, hair dye, oils, and more.
Can you have an MRI if your hair is dyed? Yes, but it’s better if the dye has faded. If you need an urgent MRI, tell your doctor. Hair dye can clog hair pores with metal, which might affect the MRI images
Can you wear a wig during an MRI? Yes, but make sure the wig has no metal clips, pins, or straps because metal can interfere with the MRI. Metal clips can even be pulled off by the magnets and hurt people nearby
In summary, it’s best not to wash your hair just before an MRI. If you do, avoid hair products, and dry your hair completely before the scan.