How Medications Can Mess With Your Hair Color
That new prescription might be affecting more than you realize — including how your hair holds color.
The Connection Most People Don't Know About
Here's something they don't tell you at the pharmacy: what you put IN your body affects what happens ON your body — including your hair. Medications can alter hair texture, growth patterns, and yes, how color processes and holds.
This is why I always ask clients about medications during consultations. It's not being nosy — it's being thorough. A medication change can explain why your color suddenly isn't behaving the way it used to.
Important Note
I'm a hair colorist, not a doctor. Never stop or change medications because of hair concerns without talking to your healthcare provider. This information is to help you understand potential connections — not medical advice.
Medications That Can Affect Hair Color
Thyroid Medications
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect hair texture and porosity. When thyroid levels are off, hair often becomes more porous, dry, and brittle — which means color absorbs unevenly and fades faster. Once thyroid levels stabilize, hair health typically improves.
Hormone Treatments & Birth Control
Hormonal changes affect everything about hair — growth rate, texture, oiliness, and how it holds color. Starting or stopping birth control, HRT, or other hormone treatments can shift your hair's behavior. You might notice color processing differently or fading faster during these transitions.
Blood Pressure Medications
Some blood pressure medications can affect hair texture and occasionally trigger changes in natural pigmentation. Beta-blockers, in particular, have been linked to hair texture changes in some people.
Antidepressants & Anti-Anxiety Medications
SSRIs and other psychiatric medications can affect hair in various ways. Some people experience texture changes, increased dryness, or shifts in how their scalp produces oil — all of which can impact color results.
Chemotherapy
This is a big one. Chemo attacks rapidly dividing cells — including hair follicles. Hair that regrows after chemo is often completely different: different texture, different curl pattern, sometimes even different natural color. If you're coloring post-chemo hair, it's a whole new ballgame. Go slow and gentle.
Accutane (Isotretinoin)
This acne medication dramatically reduces oil production — everywhere, including your scalp. Dry hair is more porous, which means color can grab unevenly or fade faster. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding chemical services during Accutane treatment.
What You Can Do
- ✓Tell your stylist about medication changes — we can adjust our approach
- ✓Do a strand test if you're unsure how your hair will react
- ✓Be patient during transitions — your hair may need time to stabilize
- ✓Increase conditioning if medications are drying out your hair
- ✓Consider gentler services like glosses over permanent color during unstable periods
The Bottom Line
Your body is a system, and everything is connected. Medications that help one thing might affect another — including your hair. The more information your stylist has, the better results we can achieve. Don't be embarrassed to share; we've heard it all, and we just want to help your hair look its best.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered, medical advice. I am not a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medications and their effects. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Janine
Hair Color Specialist • 15 years experience