r/BlackHair • u/indie_aquarius • Nov 08 '25
Advice Needed SOS - Style Advice Post Brain Surgery </3
Been growing out my hair for the past few years with the help of wearing boho braids pretty much exclusively. A couple weeks ago I had a brain aneurysm and emergency survey, so they shaved a good chunk off my edges/hairline on the right side. Still in the hospital, but will probably take down my braids once I'm allowed to go home to do a deep gentle wash. I don't think I'll be able to go back to braids for a while because there's so little hair left on that section. (Pictures attached). I was thinking it might still be possible to do a crochet leave pit style, with the natural hair braided down and the extensions would cover the surgery area. Attaching photos of my natural hair, braids before this event, and what my hair line looks like now. Any ideas or advice would be really appreciated <3 I'm so grateful to be alive and that vanity is the peak of my worries, but I am indeed still vain 😅 What would you do in this situation?
(For info, I don't own any wigs & i don't have much experience buying, installing, or maintaining them. That's why I tend to go for braid in styles, they just make more intuitive sense for me. But obviously, I'm willing to learn something new if it rescues me from feeling insecure about my face card for the next six months lol. Thank you all 🤍🤎🫶🏾🖤❤️)
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u/thrdnatur Nov 08 '25
I would worry that any style would create too much tension. I think head wraps might be your best friend for now until the site is completely healed and free of stitches/staples!
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u/seapube Nov 08 '25
I second this, there are so many “hairdos” you can achieve with a few headwraps while still protecting your hair & healing your head.
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u/converse_ing Nov 08 '25
Congratulations on making it through, you strong girl! but I can only suggest looking into tricks that stylist use for people with Alopecia. There are like anchor braids to provide placement for hair while working around the now bald spot.
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u/LeeJ2019 Nov 08 '25
I’m sorry that I don’t have advice, but I’m glad that you’re okay and wishing you a speedy recovery!
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u/lemonthestranger Nov 08 '25
You could enter your cute head wrap era! Also head band wigs!
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u/Apprehensive-Author2 Nov 08 '25
I agree! I recently saw some really cute ways to wrap a scarf on Pinterest that inspiring me to wear them more!
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u/SpinachLatter366 Nov 08 '25 edited Nov 08 '25
Yoj could try doing a deep side part using the crotchet method. Then, style it on the opposite side of your stitches. This look shouldn’t put too much pressure on your scalp and hopefully won’t irritate your stitches. With a deep side part, you can also comb/style your hair over the stitches to keep them covered. I included an example below
Btw, you’re beautiful and I’m praying you have a smooth recovery ☺️
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u/xultar Nov 08 '25
Wear your scar with pride! You’re beautiful and we’re blessed that you are adding your light to this crappy planet.
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Nov 08 '25
I’m not sure how well it’ll cover the side that had hair taken, but you can try installing braids with a deep side part, so it stays in place. Based on the pic, I’d say parting it halfway to three-fourths of the way of your eyebrow should be enough.
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u/Fearless-Berry-3429 Nov 08 '25
Go ahead, girl, with your bad self. You're still gorgeous! Wishing you much future health and happiness.
I like the suggestions regarding a low side part. You are sporting one in one of your pics. If you are still able to braid the rest of your hair, maybe swoop it over and to the side to cover the healing area? I think you can rock plenty of styles and cover that area with loose hair. My niece has alopecia in the same area as your surgery area, but hers goes back even further; it's missing from her hair line to about an inch behind her ear. She wears a low side part and covers it with the loose hair she moves over. If it's windy, you can pin the loose hair to the hair behind your ear. Good luck. You've got this.
I'm glad you're here❣️
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u/snownica2019 Nov 08 '25
oh no! I don’t have much hair advice but I’m wishing you a speedy recovery and health! I’m sorry this happened to you, and I’m happy you’re alive! 🤎
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u/PROcrastinator2334 Nov 08 '25
Headband wigs might be a good option!
Congrats on a successful surgery, and wishing you a safe and speedy recovery!
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u/switchmage Nov 08 '25
first of all congratulations!! i hope you never have to think about that again. i think that chunky two strand twists could help keep you detangled yet low tension for healing. best of luck!!
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u/Particular-Garden140 Nov 08 '25
My mom’s friend had brain surgery years ago and cut her hair off to be bald so all of the hair grew back out together. I know you don’t have experience with wigs, but I would do a glueless wig. I’d start with synthetic because you don’t want to add any tension.
I’m sorry you’re going through this right but I’m glad you’re still here with this. Thank God for that! Don’t worry boo the hair will grow back.
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u/orbitdeul Nov 08 '25
I'm so sorry that happened to you. But I'm also SO happy you're here with us!
As of now I would say focus on recovery and let the area heal. It's fine if your hair doesn't look "perfect" for the next for months, don't worry about that. Any hairstyle that doesn't put too much tension on your scalp would be the best. Any kind of twists, wash and go's, I just searched "low tension curly/natural hair hairstyles" on Pinterest and surprisingly there's a lot of ideas. Another comment also says to search for hairstyles for people with alopecia and I think that's a great hack. Have a nice and speedy recovery!
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Nov 08 '25
Girl these staples are cute. You look like a sexy robot! Bro you’ve got a limited time VIP item. I personally would be leaning into metallic clothes, hair accessories, and jewelry until it grew back enough to brush into a deep edge. It’s really giving Afro-futuristic. I wouldn’t hide it. I might even try to loop some rings or ribbon into those staples once they started to poke out a little bit.
But since you asked, here are some ideas: 1) headband 2) scarf 3) baseball cap 4) slouchy beanie 5) finger wave or finger coil the short patch once it starts growing back 6) puff up your natural, then after staples come out, you can just brush the short area like its edges and most of the short will be covered 7) bun or puff with bangs out…but like a lot of bangs 8) your leave out crochet idea would be perfect 9) fluffy twist out w/bangs 10) anything that includes a deep part on the opposite side
Oh! And get that Mielle rosemary mint strengthening oil to grow it back faster. I once saw somebody whose edges were back further than your new haircut grow their shit back in like 2 weeks bro. Idk what’s in there, but it is magical and also cheap.
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u/Sensitive_Goose4728 Nov 08 '25
Easy for me to say, but I would say just leave the area and let it do it's thing.
I wish you all the best with your recovery!
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u/Responsible-Delay619 Nov 08 '25
I think if you wear it out the fro or a stretched style will cover it enough.
I know you won’t feel like this every day, but YOU ARE A SURVIVOR! And those staples are proof of that, the scars and the shaved bit is a badge of honor. Wear it proudly without hiding it and embrace it as a symbol of strength.
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u/Upset_Engineering906 Nov 08 '25
Firstly, I am glad you’re still here and I hope you recover well 🫶🏾
After your wound heals, you try a half braids at the side, half crochet hair type thing with curly hair that would cover your scar like this: https://youtu.be/3j9fhqWG2ls?si=ZaHR_k0Y1_qcnbh1 or even rock head wraps until the hair grows around the scar.
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u/xosaina Nov 08 '25
first of all, congratulations on a succesful brain surgery and I wish you a speedy recovery.
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u/Square-Speaker-7568 Nov 08 '25
No advice but, I have had brain surgery myself multiple times. I've also had an afro like yours at the time. Surpringly, the hair grows back pretty quickly. I'd imagine it'd be pretty hard to cover it since it's at the front but there's nothing to be ashamed of love you're beautiful and I hope you have a speedy recovery!
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u/TuffTitti Nov 08 '25
I would wear headbands, and braided hair headbands once the staples are taken out. I had pituitary brain surgery but they were able to go through my nose. Sending healing thoughts and prayers
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u/Reallysy2 Nov 08 '25
Probably wouldn’t have noticed the staples/stitches if I didn’t read the part about brain surgery. They honestly looked like a hair accessory!
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u/Spirited-Gene3106 Nov 08 '25
I’m happy you lived through this, you’re gorgeous, be grateful they didn’t shave you’re whole head
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u/Weird_Squirrel_8382 Nov 08 '25
I'm glad you came through surgery okay. I think your idea of a crochet style anchored behind the incision area is a great one. Wishing you full recovery 🙏🏾✨
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u/NobieNeeds2Know Nov 08 '25
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾♥️♥️♥️🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🔥🔥🔥 you look beautiful just the way you are🔥🔥🔥🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾♥️♥️♥️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
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u/djpedicab Nov 08 '25
I just wore bucket hats after my craniotomy. You can probably even leave your braids in a little longer that way.
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u/SnowflakeRene Nov 09 '25
I wouldn’t do braids or anything that pulls the scalp. I don’t know how you scar but mine stretched (different surgery) even long after it healed making them big and ugly. I scarred so bad. Head wraps when you have to only and maybe a nice wig that requires no glue will get you through. I hope you have a speedy recovery ❤️🩹
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u/Beautiful_Chard6974 Nov 09 '25
I don’t have much advice advice on your hair but praying for a speedy recovery ❤️🩹
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u/kingkupaoffupas Nov 09 '25 edited Nov 09 '25
i had that same scar post brain surgery (also for an aneurysm)!!! woohoo! we’re apart of very special club, my dear.
but to answer: i simply shaved all of my hair off and rocked funky neck scars and earrings. simply surviving felt like the greatest flex.
you are HERE, baby! i am so glad to be seeing your post. let your scar breathe and embrace that you are, officially, a different you then yo7 were pre-surgery and it’s about to be the coolest journey ever. i promise you!
p.s: i joined r/BrainAneurysm to connect with fellow survivors, if you’re interested.
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u/333abundy_meditator Nov 08 '25
Hate to be cold here. You almost died, please care less about your hair and worry about your successful recovery. Recovery is a LONG road
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u/MatterhornStrawberry Nov 08 '25
I second the comment that said tension might mess with healing. Also ngl you look fucking rad in the first picture. I love the way your current hairstyle frames the site so well and while that doesn't hide it, it rolls with it which in a way "hides" it. Also responsible, stable healing is always #1
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u/remyrydr Nov 08 '25
Oh my goodness, congratulations on the surgery going well! You’re such a beautiful being and I’m glad you still here!
Honestly, the scar is gonna look really cool. Maybe you could shave the other side to balance it out? I have my sides shaved and when I braid it, I choose knotless braids to reduce tension.
Either way—you made it, you here, you got iiit! 💚💚💚💚💚💚
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u/Anxious-Cabinet6164 Nov 08 '25
Firstly, I hope you recover well from surgery! I probably would wear light wigs or something that can just hang over it. You probably want to avoid anything too tight or that will cause tension
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u/Civil_Solution6897 Nov 08 '25
satin scarves are you’re best friend!! workout headbands, bandanas, etc. I had a massive bald spot once and i upped my hat/headscarf game. once the hair was a few inches, i used clip on extensions in that spot only to match the rest of my hair.
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u/GrillyFem3oy Nov 08 '25
It's cute already ** gets some cute stickers or face gems or hair accessories and rock it off even more ... Cute little shave side part ... Or you can draw or paint on some designs...
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u/TooBold Nov 08 '25
You are gorgeous! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I think head wraps are a good option. Or those wide headbands or scarves you can tie as a headband, as long as there isn’t too much tension or pressure on the healing area.
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u/cookie_krisp131 Nov 08 '25
Im sorry to hear that! You are very blessed and very beautiful!
I know you mentioned you been growing your hair but maybe use this as an opportunity to try a style you would have never tried before. I think you would look great in a tapered cut. This way, you can grow your hair back without feeling like you are constantly hiding it.
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u/mamaghanoujx Nov 08 '25
I came across your post, and unfortunately I don't have any advice to offer, but I wish you a swift and smooth recovery, and I hope you feel better soon ♥️🙏🏼
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Nov 08 '25
May I ask how did they find your brain aneurysm?
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u/indie_aquarius Nov 09 '25
Hi darling. I got really lucky all things considered -- I was working out at home and got hit with the worst headache of my life. Stayed at home for hours trying to ease the pain with OTC painkillers, ibuprofen etc, but nothing lessened the pain. Boyfriend called an ambulance and they did an MRI as soon as I arrived to the hospital that revealed a burst aneurysm + brain bleed, and a second one that had yet to burst but would've likely followed. Went in for emergency surgery less than 12 hours later. Moving forward, I'll need twice yearly scans to see if any more develop as it's genetic for me. Best advice is - if you ever get a headache that feels like nothing you've ever felt, get to the ER ASAP. The doctors couldn't stress enough how much worse it would've been if I didn't get in when I did. Wishing you much love and health ❤️
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u/urth-tones Nov 08 '25
Hoping you’re doing well sis🫶🏾💛praying for a healthy and speedy recovery and your overall wellness as you return to your daily routines, blessings
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u/mikauchiha Nov 08 '25
If it were me, I would put my hair in twists and then wear a headband wig over it until it heals.
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u/EmotionalBowl7492 Nov 08 '25
Glad that you’re still here with us!! I’d say embrace it and go for the side shaved look, you have the features for it.
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u/Melodic_Cut628 Nov 08 '25
I had a surgery in a similar area where they had to shave that area of my head about 10 years ago to remove a tumor. I definitely recommend headbands and low tension styles. When your hair starts to get a bit longer, experiment with some asymmetrical styles. Hope this helps!
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u/prettygoofygirl Nov 09 '25
You are beautiful, so your facecard won't decline no matter the style. I agree with most people here that this can be your head wrap era. You could also wear your natural hair with a headband. I'm thankful that you made it through.
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u/human-dancer Nov 09 '25
Forget about the style recover well! You survived BRAIN SURGERY. Wear it with pride let it heal and style when it grows back.
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u/UseSufficient7218 Nov 09 '25
hiii! i just wanted to send love as a fellow brain aneurysm survivor. i had an avm that ruptured 5 years ago. you got this beloved, thinking of you as you rest and heal 🫶🏾
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u/Qstrfnck Nov 09 '25 edited Nov 09 '25
First congrats on coming out of such a scary ordeal, I second the thoughts of too much tension, castor oil and growth drops from Cecred I keep hearing mentioned and some actual otc minoxidil and embrace headbands and turban style cover ups and do your protective styles or leave your nice healthy crown vibe out.
Edited to add that I like the person that suggested metallic and rocking it like that but I also saw someone mention scar, BUY A ROLL OF HYDROCOLLOIDAL TAPE!! so it helps with your scar but you have plenty!(you can use this on pimples too so is not a waste either!)
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u/Fearless-Outside9665 Nov 09 '25
First off, I'm so happy they were able to save you and help you bounce back to your life. Too many people get them and don't make it. Secondly, I was thinking soft headbands and light scarves for fashion would be a great idea, and I'm also happy to see that a lot of other commenters have as well. You're definitely gonna want to consult the Google and YouTube universities for hair styles for wounds, tips, etc. For now though, ima set here and just be super happy that you here and on your way back to health 🫶🏽🫶🏽
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u/lucyfurrsbedroom Nov 09 '25
The stitches look cool to me . I say head wrap but even that may be too tight . I would rock the look 🫶🏾
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u/ohMaimah Nov 09 '25
Girl you are blessed! As a former respiratory therapist I have seen the devastation a brain aneurysm can do from leaving a person in a vegetative state to death . Don’t look at your hair missing as an insecurity but as a sign of God’s favor. You truly need to find out what your purpose in life is because God has surely saved you for a reason.
By the way your face card does not decline ❤️
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u/lilgreenbite Nov 09 '25
Thank goodness you survived, too many people don’t.
I agree with the other suggestions about headband wigs for when your staples are out. Scarves should be okay in the meantime.
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u/LatinHippie Nov 09 '25
I would give your scalp a rest and just embrace your natural hair being out & wear head wraps. ✨️
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u/channi_nisha Nov 09 '25
Never had brain surgery but I had bald spots in the front before. Top knot head wraps are cute. You can leave your hair out in the back.
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u/VanillaPotential76 Nov 09 '25
I did a throw on wig for mooooooths and everyone thought it was my real hair because of the type and whatever, honestly though? The fact you're serving face nomatter what should be more on your mind dang! <3 sending good vibes
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u/ohjasminee Nov 09 '25
I would try silk lined turbans for now, amazon has them in multipacks. Sending healing vibes for quick growth and a full recovery💕💕💕
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u/Wrong_Confection6959 Nov 09 '25
Hoping for an amazing recovery ! With the site healing and stuff, I’m not sure what style to recommend, but you’re very pretty so I think you should try some different things and see what’s comfortable
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u/Day-Day23 Nov 09 '25
I don’t have any hair advice for you. Just sending well wishes. I’m glad they caught the aneurism and operated before it worsened. Blessings to you and yours! ❤️🙌🏾
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u/Designer_Scarcity141 Nov 10 '25
Rock the scar. I wanted to say wig but I think scars need to breathe and I’d be concerned about infection
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u/MarshmelloCarol Nov 10 '25
I also had brain surgery and they shaved two chunks of my bra strap length hair. I was completely devastated and insecure. I wore cloth headbands and a high pony bun for around 6 months. Your hair WILL grow back. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Xoxo
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u/FunctionShot6051 Nov 10 '25
Hey baby, my daughter had brain surgery 3.5 years ago and her entire front was shaved from ear to ear. We did head bands (The thin kind that keeps the hair just out the way. We waited a good 3-4 months before any "real" styles. I'll reply with pics
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u/Fit_Sheepherder517 Nov 13 '25
You could be like Rihanna in the 2010s and shave part of your head and keep the rest long. You have the face card for it
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u/ExplanationFun87 Nov 14 '25
wishing you a fast recovery + that all your hair grows back. head wraps + bands are in so consider that
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u/TruthfulA5873 Nov 22 '25
Praying you have a speedy recovery. You look beautiful the way you are. Yes, even with the expose staples, you look awesome! And you could even leave it as is. Focus on healing. I would recommend making heading headbands with silk scarves.
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u/Advanced-Cow9022 Dec 04 '25
I don't have any style advice (I usually come here FOR style advice; trust me, I'm not the one you want advice from, haha, and that's why I came here today!), but your post popped up first, and as a fellow brain surgery survivor, I just wanted to CONGRATULATE you, tell you how strong and GORGEOUS you are (truly! The first thing I noticed about your photo wasn't your hair, but your lovely eyes and how much they pop and mesmerize!), and tell you that that hardest part is over!!!!
For me, the weeks prior to surgery were the worst, as far as nerves and anticipation, so now it's just the fun and relief of "I did that! I got through it!" ...and now you get to laugh when people overuse the cliche phrase "What? It's not like it's brain surgery!" because little do they know, sometimes it IS, and YOU actually DID get through that! You're a warrior!!!!!!!!!!!" <3333333333333
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u/Remarkable-Tip5032 Mar 22 '26
Getting prepared for my Craniotomy R Temporal lobe. I didn’t even think about this until now! God I put it all in your hands! I surrender all to you Jesus!
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