Yes, you can usually wash your hair before an MRI, but avoid all hair products like hairspray, gel, mousse, or dry shampoo, as they can contain metals that distort images, especially for head MRIs. Do not use makeup, deodorant, or lotion on the area being scanned, and remove all metal jewelry, hair accessories (pins, clips), and extensions if possible to ensure clear, safe results.
Before an MRI, do not wear or bring metal (jewelry, pins, underwire bras, coins), skip cosmetics with metallic particles (mascara, glitter), avoid lotion/oils on the area, leave electronic devices at home, and always inform staff about implants, pregnancy, or kidney issues, as fasting and patch removal depend on the specific exam and contrast use, so follow your doctor's precise instructions.
Can I Shower Before an MRI? Yes! You can shower before your exam as you typically do, but avoid applying lotion, deodorant, or moisturizers that may contain microscopic bits of metal. As with your clothing, the metal in cosmetics can cause problems during your scan.
Can a subject wear deodorant for an MRI scan? It is recommended to refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and chest area prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the possibility of localized burns because these items may have metal in them.
Usually there is no special preparation for an MRI scan. You may eat and drink normally before and after the scan unless you have been told otherwise.
Objects that may interfere with image quality if close to the area under examination include:
Eating or drinking triggers processes in the body to digest what has just been ingested. This involves peristalsis - involuntary muscle contractions throughout the digestive tract to move the food through the digestive system. These muscle movements can cause smearing or anomalies in the MRI image (known as artifacts).
You Can Have Metal Fillings and Get an MRI!
MRI magnets don't attract every type of metal, so they won't attract any type of metal that isn't ferromagnetic. You only need to be concerned with things like nickel, iron, and cobalt.
Do not wear hairspray, hair wax, or hair gel (for brain MRIs) Do not wear hair extensions that cannot be removed (for brain MRIs) Do not wear colored contact lenses. Do not wear piercings.
(Diva cups, disposable maxi-pads and tampons won't affect the MRI machine and are okay to wear). MRI can damage their components. Some many manufacturers may offer a free replacement because of the medical need for an MRI. Please consult with your physician/health-care provider.
Be sure to wear clothing that does not have any metal in it (zippers, buttons, etc.). If your clothes do have metal in them, you'll be given a hospital gown to change into for your scan. Normally you can wear your underwear and socks during the scan, unless your radiologist is concerned about metal microfibers.
Increased movement can result in the images being blurred or of poorer quality but being in an enclosed space can cause some people to become stressed, and in some more extreme cases, cause panic attacks.
You should not have anything to eat or drink for three to four hours before the test. It is also a good idea to try using the bathroom to urinate (pass your water) just before you are taken into the scanning room. You will then be asked to change into a hospital gown.
As the MRI scanner uses strong magnetic fields, it's important to remove any metal objects from your body. These include: watches. jewellery, like earrings and necklaces.
In that light, here are some MRI claustrophobia tips to help you keep calm during an MRI.
Since the MRI machines are magnets, it is best to not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination. These items contain metals that might interfere with the magnetic field inside the MRI machine and cause you to have distorted images and wrong results.
Some cosmetics contain metals that can interact with MRI magnets, so on the day of the MRI don't wear makeup or nail polish. Also, minimize hair products and forgo antiperspirants and sunscreens, which contain metals, just to be safe.
Hair is not usually seen on MRI but in this case it is twisted into tight ringlets (dreads) with T1 hyperintensity consistent with grease.
Watches and belts will always have to be removed. For women, most exams require that the bra is removed because of the under wire and hooks. Sports bras are recommended. Pants or shorts with buttons and zippers have to be removed for most (not all) exams.
Some people report mild discomfort or sensitivity in their teeth during an MRI, but this is rare. The powerful magnetic field can slightly affect metal components in dental work, sometimes causing a sensation of warmth. However, this is not dangerous, and any discomfort usually disappears quickly after the scan.
Makeup and jewelry
Makeup is generally safe for an MRI, Navot says, but mascara and some false eyelashes have enough metal that they can distort the image on a scan of the head. For that reason, it's best to avoid makeup on the day of your appointment if your head is being scanned.
However, due to the use of the strong magnet, MRI cannot be performed on patients with:
Some MRIs require an injection of a contrast dye to highlight certain tissues and blood vessels. This dye can occasionally cause nausea as a side effect. Having an empty stomach helps reduce the risk of feeling sick or vomiting during the procedure.
How long is my MRI exam? The length of your exam will depend on what is ordered by your doctor, or the body part of interest. In general exams will take 45-60 minutes and up to 2 hours for specialty exams. On average, brain and spine exams may last about 45 minutes.
Bring a family member or friend with you if you need to wait for examination results. They can talk with you and be there to support you during and after the examination. They can also drive you home if you have sedative medicine during the examination. If you do take sedative medication, you cannot drive yourself.