If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor and told you need surgery, you might have some concerns. Does this mean your entire head will be shaven? If so, can you wear a wig to hide it? And, how soon can you get a haircut so the bald spot is less noticeable, if only a portion of your head is shaved? 

Read on for the answers to these questions and more. 

Most brain surgeries involve some hair removal 

Most brain surgeries will involve some hair removal. So, if you’re having brain surgery, you should expect to find at least part of your head shaved when you wake up from the procedure. We shave head hair before brain surgery for two reasons: 

1. To get it out of the way  
2. To reduce the risk of infection  

We need a clear visual field both when we are making a surgical incision and when we are closing it back up.  

And, many of our patients are already immunocompromised, whether it’s due to chemotherapy, steroids, radiation therapy or some other reason. We want to reduce their risk of complications as much as possible. One of the simplest ways to do that is by getting — and keeping — their hair out of the way. 

Brain surgeons only shave what’s necessary

Every surgeon has their own preferences about how much of a patient’s hair to remove before brain surgery. But generally speaking, we only shave what’s necessary: enough to get the job done.  

So, don’t panic if you meet another patient who had to have their entire head shaved for brain surgery. That doesn’t mean you’ll need the same thing. How much hair is removed during your procedure will depend on your particular situation:  

• where the tumor is located, and  
• how large of an incision is needed.  

We won’t shave your entire head unless you need scalp reconstruction. But if you need a very complex procedure that requires plastic surgery, we might have to shave more than we otherwise would. Still, each patient’s haircut is tailored to their particular needs, so no two will ever be exactly the same. 

Scars are usually hidden when hair grows back

We do our best to make surgical incisions behind the hairline, so once your hair grows back, the scar isn’t visible unless you’re actively looking for it. We also try to shave areas strategically, so if you have long hair, you might be able to hide the scar just by parting it a different way or doing a temporary comb-over. 

We know patients are worried, though. That’s understandable. So, if you have concerns, please bring them up to your care team.  

Our primary concern, of course, is getting the tumor out. But we do keep patients’ concerns in mind. And surgeons usually know exactly where they’re going to cut; that is not a game-day decision. So, feel free to ask us. That way, you’ll know what to expect. 

Please wait to wear a wig

It might be tempting to wear a wig after brain surgery to avoid awkward stares or unwelcome questions. But please, resist the urge.  

If you’re too self-conscious to run to the pharmacy or grocery store without something on, you can cover your head with a soft cap or scarf. As long as it’s clean and doesn’t rub the incision, it should be fine, at least for a few minutes. But it’s generally best to keep the incision uncovered. Let it heal in the open air, with nothing touching it. 

If you want to get a haircut to even up the length or try out a new style that will make the bald area less noticeable, that’s fine, too. Just wait until the stitches come out, which is usually 10-14 days after surgery.  

And remember: this is only temporary. Your hair will grow back. 

Sherise Ferguson, M.D., is a neurosurgeon specializing in primary and metastatic brain tumors.  

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.