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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think I can go for a haircut after my C Section

93 replies

WindUpPenguin · 01/06/2023 14:37

I am booked in for a C section next week for my first baby. I have previously had abdominal surgery, and one thing that really sticks out from my recovery from that is not being able to get my wound wet, and the difficulty I had washing my hair comfortably, but also how much better I felt once I had managed to get it washed!

I'm thinking of trying to get a wash, cut and blow-dry at my local salon in the first few days after I get home, but I'm not sure I can make this work with a newborn!! My partner and my parents will be around, so I'm thinking they can have the baby in the cafe next door whilst I'm in the salon. Even if I need to abandon the cut and blow-dry I will still have clean hair at that point, which would be the main aim of the exercise. Has anyone done this? I could also ask if they'll just do a wash, but it does need a cut too, so it makes sense to try and get it all done at once if possible!

OP posts:
Applecrumbleyum · 01/06/2023 14:38

You can have a shower after a c section.

Daffodilsandbees · 01/06/2023 14:39

I had an elective c section a few months ago. They put a waterproof dressing on and I was told showers were fine, soap/shampoo running over it was fine, but baths/soaking was a no-no. So this May all be unnecessary, maybe ask your midwife

Linkstolondon · 01/06/2023 14:39

I would have thought the last thing you’d want to do with a newborn is try and get a hair cut. Why don’t you do it just before you have the baby then you can relax and enjoy a pamper.

purplecorkheart · 01/06/2023 14:39

I think I would try and arrange the cut before your baby is born and then just go and get it washed and blowdried post C section.

CrazyCatLady42 · 01/06/2023 14:39

It would make you feel better I think, but depends how you are lying back at the washing sink.
I'm always a bit strained and feel like I hold myself with my core, but you might be fine.
I'd honestly wait and see how you feel and see if you can get a walk in appt if you're up for it.

Beaniesmumsie · 01/06/2023 14:40

Hm… what? Have it before the baby comes!

also depends on how you’re getting to the hairdresser, if you’re driving/ being driven there it might still really hurt.

Sissynova · 01/06/2023 14:40

Why do you think it would be any more comfortable to sit in a salon chair and lean your head back into a bowl?

You can have a shower after a c section, although you will most likely find it sore to stretch your arms up to wash your hair immediately after.
Most people would find leaning back in a salon chair into the sink uncomfortable. I definitely would not have done this days after my section.

CrazyCatLady42 · 01/06/2023 14:40

Also, yes, I've had several abdominal surgeries, including a c section, and you can shower.

IWonderWhereThatDishDidGo · 01/06/2023 14:41

I had a c section five years ago and was able to shower a day later iirc

DappledOliveGroves · 01/06/2023 14:41

I had a section. Had no issues washing my hair. Showered as normal, just had to avoid a bath for a bit.

LuckyMoonstone · 01/06/2023 14:41

I was in the hairdressers exactly one week after my CS! DH dropped me right outside the door, went home with the baby (bottle fed so didn’t interfere with feeding) then picked me up again.

Lovetheplace · 01/06/2023 14:42

it might be better to get the haircut before your c section then of you find you struggle just get a wash and dry after

Wherewithout · 01/06/2023 14:43

To be honest I don’t think you’ll feel up to that a few days in - I had a c section and I don’t remember having any problems washing my hair in the shower. I don’t think I could have laid back in one of those salon chairs they use to wash your hair though! I would get it done beforehand.

ADHDDDDDDDBOOM · 01/06/2023 14:43

Sitting back into the bowl, your new wound won't thank you for that move.

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 01/06/2023 14:44

Everyone is different but I was in too much discomfort to do this. Even walking around the garden was too much. Everything shifts focus to the baby in the early days, it is a complete whirlwind.

You might have a longer hospital stay as well, my first was 3 days my second was 6.

Plus you are allowed a shower, you don’t need to keep it dry.

YouveGotAFastCar · 01/06/2023 14:44

You can shower after a C-section; and I managed to wash my hair fine.

You might not feel like sitting in a chair, though; or being separated from your baby...

mynameiscalypso · 01/06/2023 14:45

I wasn't allowed to be discharged from hospital until I'd had a shower and I definitely washed my hair/showered every day when I had a newborn. It was a bit longer until I was able to have a bath but not that long.

MRex · 01/06/2023 14:45

You can shower after a c-section. Go to the hairdresser if you want, but you might prefer to wait a couple of weeks until you settle into a routine with the baby.

Saschka · 01/06/2023 14:45

I had a shower the morning after mine (and every day afterwards). It really isn’t an issue. Going out for a haircut, on the other hand, is going to be a nightmare for the first few weeks as you get the hang of the baby (even if you aren’t breastfeeding, your boobs may be leaking, you’ll have lochia, etc).

Can’t your mum or partner wash your hair over the bath, if you are having difficulty? Seems much easier than trying to organise a trip out.

Hugasauras · 01/06/2023 14:45

You can shower in the hospital! I've showered from day 1 with both kids. I'd hate to be stuck in a chair - sitting in one position for too long is the only thing that gave me any real pain with either section.

Izzabird · 01/06/2023 14:45

Applecrumbleyum · 01/06/2023 14:38

You can have a shower after a c section.

But not if you only have a shower over a bath and have to step into it over the side -- this was one of the movements I found absolute agony for quite a while after mine, so I did what the OP is planning, and had my hair washed in a cheap little salon down the road.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 01/06/2023 14:45

It would be less painful to bend over the kitchen sink to wash your hair, bending back at the salon will hurt!

20 years ago I had a shower the next day so I doubt things have changed.

mynameiscalypso · 01/06/2023 14:46

I had an over-bath shower. It was infinitely easier getting in at after my c section than when I was 9 months pregnant.

LizzieSiddal · 01/06/2023 14:46

Is this your first baby by any chanceGrin

watermeloncougar · 01/06/2023 14:47

I was pretty much forced out of bed and into the shower the morning after my c section. The medical staff will be keen to get you up and moving asap as it's much better for recovery