Hair loss

[memoryfloodsin]

I'm currently going through health problems and either my hair is catching up with how ill I've been or my medication is making my hair fall out

Comments

[verrucaria]

How long is your hair currently? Is it curly, wavy, or straight? Just how much thinning have you noticed, and how thick was it to begin with? What types of hairstyles do you like?

I'm sorry that this is happening to you, and I hope that it's due to something non-permanent and something you can find ways of controlling/eliminating.

If this was happening to me, I think I would want to know whether the hair loss is actually due to your medication (which may or may not be reduced or changed, depending on a lot of factors), or if it's just due to a cycle in your scalp's life (I assume that common treatable conditions like hypothyroid have been ruled out). I think I would want to know how long lasting the hair loss is likely to be (based on the cause), and adjust my expectations based on that.

Ultimately, I think it's most important that you stay as healthy as possible, and that you take good care of yourself...

[memoryfloodsin]

It's just past my shoulder and very curly/ringletty. I've always had SERIOUSLY thick hair so it's about halved for me but looking at it it's still not noticeable to others.

I'm having more blood tests etc but I've no idea really at the moment.

[leftover_pizza]

I went through a period like this EXACTLY a few years ago and, like you, my hair was thick and people only noticed the thinning by noticing how I always had strands of hair on my back/clothes. It drove me crazy, though, and I was really scared it would be bad.

One thing I did that both helped my self esteem and made it seem like I was losing less was to cut it shorter, above shorter length. I don't know how long your hair is now (and you say you've been growing it out, so maybe this isn't a very appetizing solution to you). But shorter strands of hair are less annoying to lose and they just felt more prominent to me. I also feel like there is less of a tendency for your hair to get caught on things when it's shorter, plus it is less heavy this way.

I also tried using Nioxin shampoo/conditioner (the one for chemically thinning hair, I figured chemically because of the Meds). I honestly didn't notice a difference but I only used it for a month or two max before I had a health issue that kind of reset my body and made me healthy

[memoryfloodsin]

Yeah I was thinking about cutting it, but then I thought maybe that would make it more obvious. I don't know, I'm still losing quite a bit but I don't know whether it's sort of going to stay like this or get worse.

[javabean]

I am really sorry to hear you are going through this. I lost a fair amount of hair the first few years I had Lupus. Most of it grew back, but I remember how much it sucked to lose it even if not many other people noticed. One thing is to experiment with different types of scarves and headbands. They can distract from the thin spots, and can look really pretty. I really like knit caps, too. There is actually a fair amount of drug, laser, and surgical therapies that you could try. The downside with them is that a lot of them are expensive and can be minimally effective. A dermatologist would probably know the best in that respect.

[memoryfloodsin]

I was thinking of hairbands and scarves but I don't know where I can get fun ones, that are within my budget. Yeah, I just need to keep monitoring it to see how thin it gets etc, but it's just trying to stop worrying about it.

[xhollydayx]

I've definitely been there and it sucks. I have lupus and sometimes I go on meds that make my hair thin and fall out. I will say that in my experience, the majority of people did not notice unless I pointed it out. A long term boyfriend needed me to physically point out areas (and he was so uber understanding and kind). When I went through periods of hair thinning or loss, I would trim a bit. I tend to prefer my hair long (around my boobs or longer, if possible), but going to shoulders or a little past can help. Layers also help. Anything that can help with movement. Also, minimize washing if at all possible. I'm a huge fan of dry shampoo (I love TIGI's - when there are sales at Ulta, I stock up and even got two of my office mates into it). Dry Shampoo also helps my hair feel fuller. However, it does take away a bit of shine. On days I need an extra boost, dry shampoo is honestly better than any volumizer out ther that I've tried. Also play around with different ways to style it. I have a few thinner scarves that I fold and wear like

[memoryfloodsin]

I have minimised washing, I could previously wash every day now I'm down to every other day - otherwise it's horrifically greasy. I was wondering about dry shampoos, I like Batiste but I wasn't sure whether that'd make it worse.
Thanks for the help!

[tenderbloodrose]

Thanks for posting this..
I went through tremendious stress last year and noticed a huge change in my hair as well.
Ive heard good things about biotin..and take all your vitamins.
I feel your pain dear, hope something helps