Hi, Kathleen Anna ~
I'm delighted to learn that you've found the ANA discussions forums helpful.
As all the previous posts indicate, the days of shaving a big swatch of hair off to perform skull-based surgery is long gone. So, if you really need an excuse to get a short, short haircut, I'm afraid the AN surgery won't quite suffice.
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
FYI: my wife has had a 'short, short' haircut for decades and loves it. Fortunately, I love it too. I've always thought it gave her a youthful, unique look. Besides, she isn't the slightest bit vain and has no patience for fussing with long hair. However, a woman's hair is usually important to her and cutting it 'short short' is a big decision for most...and a very personal one - for which I have absolutely no opinion to offer. I wouldn't have a clue about the advisability of coloring your hair, post-op, but fortunately, some of our AN ladies answered your question. Apparently, coloring your hair poses no problem.
Your head will definitely be bandaged. 'Turban' is good description (
mine was tight, hot and uncomfortable) and the doctor decides when it comes off, which is usually, just as
Jan (
'leapyrtwins') stated, two or three days. I complained about the head bandage, somewhat vociferously, and my neurosurgeon cut it off on my third morning post-op. I was very grateful.
Don't feel embarrassed about being concerned with your post-op appearance and your grooming. These are legitimate questions to think about prior to the surgery. They may not be of monumental importance in the larger scheme of things, but they're important to your peace of mind, which makes them relevant. I'm glad our members were able to reassure you.
Jim