Hi Autumn, I used to color before DM. I had a cosmetology license. I used to cut, style, barber, color, and chemically treat hair. Our DMARDs can turn some shades (particularly blonde and lighter shades) to hues of purple or green. It take a good stylist to know how to fix colors that do not turn out as expected. I know our meds do cause hair to be brittle. Color can cause more damage and brittleness too. Some people do fine with coloring, but it depends on hair chemicals, texture of hair and condition of the scalp.

Today, I just keep a neat, short cut. I keep my hair well moisturized with a good salon quality shampoo & conditioner. I have not had many problems with my hair at this point. I have avoided coloring too. My hair is fine so that texture type is more susceptible to breakage.

I know you will love the short cut. A nice looking cut helps the health of hair. Have fun!

Hi TRPT. Thank you for your reply, right now I feel and look like my Granny but will just have to live with it for a while. Autumm.

While I was on prednisone my hair kept changing texture. My beautician asked me what medication I was taking. She claimed that prednisone was the second worst type of med for the hair. She told me to avoid any chemicals on my hair and suggested using a high quality moisturizer once a week. At the time I also had read that people with myositis (and other autoimmune diseases) should avoid chemicals and environmental toxins. So I quit perming my hair and didn't wash it daily anymore. I started cleaning my house with more natural products, such as baking soda, vinegar, etc. Because phosphates were classified as particularly bad, I changed dishwasher detergent to one that was phosphate-free. In addition, I now make my own deodorant from coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oils. It's better to look like our grandmothers than to destroy our hair and health. Best wishes.

Hi Nanny.mthank you for your good advice. I would rather be healthy than colour my hair. This Roseacea is very trying but I think I have it under control now by using face products which are virtually free of most chemicals.,best wishes. Autumm.

Hi Autumn. I also have roseacea but haven't had a problem with it for a long time. I was diagnosed with it years ago and had a few lazer light treatments on my face which helped a lot. I found that spicy foods and heat made it act up. Regarding dying hair, I get a colour put in my hair at the hair salon about every three months. My hair used to be thick but it has thinned out a lot since being on methotrexate and prednisone. I was wary of coloring it after what I read and went a while without colouring but the look of it was so depressing I decided to try it. My hairdresser uses an ammonia-free dye which doesn't bother my scalp and the softeners in it seem to make my hair healthier. I haven't lost any extra hair by coloring it. For myself it's worth it..I couldn't handle too many greys yet! Everyone is different though and grey does look really nice on many people. Just remember you are beautiful either way :)

Hi SammyW. So sorry you too have Roseacea. It can be difficult. I am hoping as my hair grows it will be grey and look really nice. I just can't do the colouring anymore. I am glad you have found a way to make it work for you.best wishes. Autumm

I color my hair. I go to an Aveda salon. Their products are supposed to be more natural and safe for you. I get my hair colored every 7 weeks (cover those grays) and have never had a problem with the color or having damaged hair. My hair is quite thin from the MTX.

I've had a problem with Rosecea when I was on Prednisone. It has not been a problem since I stopped Prednisone. I think the sunshine really exasperates Rosecea

Hi Lexis.mit is interesting how many of us have Roseacea. Thank you for replying. I do hope you are making a good recovery. Best wishes. Autumm

A friend of mine has rosacea, but not myositis. He found that soy and gluten both trigger rosacea flares for him. Maybe you should look for food triggers.

Thank you Nany. I have started to exclude some foods, I find anything spicy is a trigger. One does at times get absolutely fed up with all this, I am fed up right now but expect I will be fine tomorrow. Autumm

Hi Autumm, I have my hair coloured every 8 weeks but only the foil method which does not touch the scalp. My hair is quite grey at the front and sides so by using the foil technique my hairdresser can pick and choose how much grey to cover. It looks more like highlights but does not irritate my scalp.

Hi Amber and thank you. I think that is a great idea for when I have got rid of the old colour and it would enhance the grey and make it look lots better. Hope you are doing well. Autumm

I turned gray in my early 20s and have colored my hair every 4-5 weeks for 25 years. My New Years resolution is to let my natural white/gray color grow out. It is starting to get to an awkward "2 inches of white roots" stage. I am considering a temporary color to help with the transition and I m getting it cut a little shorter each time I get a hair cut. I am hoping to have it grown out enough to have the dyed hair all cut off by my 50th b-day in August. My dermatologist thought I had rosacea but biopsy showed dermatomyositis. The only things I put on my face are sunscreen and moisturizer.

Hi Joy. I think I am at the same stage as you. It's very boring but it will pass!!!! I am finding it very interesting that we ALL have hair dye in common. I wonder !!!!! Best wishes to all. Autumm