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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be feeling so depressed over my hair loss?

35 replies

CrumpetStrumpet · 19/06/2022 11:59

I've always had very fine/thin hair. However a combination of pregnancy and premature menopause have now left it thinner than ever. There is a wide gap at my parting, you can see my scalp and my fringe is now almost none existent.

I've been wearing a hair system for the last few years but I just can't keep up with the cost. My last one just died (they dry up and fade eventually) and I just haven't got the £680 a new one would cost.

I feel like every day is a depressing battle with my hair. I want to cry every time I style it and I've taken to wearing a hat most days because I'm so self conscious. My family and friends try and tell me it's fine but they are just being nice. My hair dresser says I look better without the hair system but it's not true. I look bald!

Anyone else in the same situation and have they tried any solutions that actually work? I feel like I don't want to even leave the house.

OP posts:
JimmySaville69 · 19/06/2022 12:06

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
CrumpetStrumpet · 19/06/2022 12:13

@JimmySaville69 I might be bald but at least I'm not a cunt ;)

OP posts:
GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough · 19/06/2022 12:14

Ignore previous poster! Not sure if this would help you but it works for me

To be feeling so depressed over my hair loss?
theprincessofliechtenstein · 19/06/2022 12:16

CrumpetStrumpet · 19/06/2022 12:13

@JimmySaville69 I might be bald but at least I'm not a cunt ;)

Hear hear, OP

CourtneeLuv · 19/06/2022 12:16

Wtaf. Ignore cunty posters.

What is this hair system? I colour in my thin areas and parting with root powder and that's working at the moment.

Somethingsnappy · 19/06/2022 12:17

I've had bad post pregnancy hair loss too, OP, but it's slowly recovering. Could you get yourself a really nice wig? I know people who do this, not always just for necessity either. Just because they want to. I've considered cutting my hair very short, and experimenting with a wig too.

MrJi · 19/06/2022 12:19

Have you seen your GP or a trichologist OP ? Thyroid problems or low vitamin d can both really affect hair, as can iron levels.
There is a for women version of Rogaine that might help too.
Are you on HRT ?

Original poster
CrumpetStrumpet · 19/06/2022 12:23

@GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough I've not seen those. Do you put it on the roots? I've tried Toppick hair fibres but they end up on my scalp and go patchy!

@CourtneeLuv It's pretty much like a hairpiece but it's attached to your hair/scalp. I bit like a wig version of extensions I guess. You have to get them moved up every month or so though. They are good but the cost and maintainance is high.

@Somethingsnappy The hair loss is awful isint it? Glad yours is coming back :) My twins are nearly 4 though so I think this is it for me.
I was thinking about getting a really good quality hair topper and having it styled. It's just just parting and front I have an issue with. I've never had luscious locks so a full wig would probably be too obvious a change.

OP posts:
Youcansaythatagainandagain · 19/06/2022 12:23

Have you had blood tests OP?
I was in tears over my hair for the last couple of years.
i started taking iron tablets and biotin and a multivitamin including folic acid. After three to four months, I can see a big improvement.

Original poster
CrumpetStrumpet · 19/06/2022 12:26

@MrJi I'm on HRT but I've not seen anyone specifically for my hair loss. Perhaps I should. I've sort of just accepted it as inevitable but I probably shouldn't.

I've just been looking at Regaine. I might get some. I'll try anything at this point.

OP posts:
Original poster
CrumpetStrumpet · 19/06/2022 12:27

@Youcansaythatagainandagain I haven't but I think I will. Its never occurred to me to do it before now. I've always had fine hair so I've just thought it's a natural consequence of pregnancy and menopause.

So glad to hear you're hair has improved:)

OP posts:
MrJi · 19/06/2022 12:29

You should definitely get all relevant bloods done OP. There could well be a totally resolvable reason for the thinning.

TryThisItHelps · 19/06/2022 12:31

Hey OP, I had thinning areas just above my temples which were depressing the hell out of me but I tried this and it actually worked for me:

www.champohaircare.com/products/growth-serum

Rub a drop into the scalp in the affected areas once a day (although at first I did it twice a day). After about a month/six weeks I began to see regrowth and now I’m comfortable pulling my hair back into a bun etc, showing my hairline. The hair grew back (although not as thick).

I’ve named changed because I feel vulnerable around this issue (as I’m sure most women do) and I promise I don’t work for the company! It’s just over £30 for a small bottle but the bottle lasts a fair while. Maybe worth a try? Good luck.

Twiddledeedee · 19/06/2022 12:32

Op I have really really posy pregnancy gair loss and I've been using the ordinary hair serum for 2 months and I have baby hairs growing back in!
I dont think it's a cure and it takes a long time but this is the first thing that's ever worked for me, there's definitely new hair growth and I cant wait for it to get longer and blend in more.

lookthisway · 19/06/2022 12:32

You are definitely not being unreasonable. I got ill with covid quite badly and several months after I recovered, my hair started falling out in clumps. It was terrifying and upsetting. I too went down the path of Biotin and Iron and after about 3 months, it did start to grow back. I still take the supplements.

I am sending you a great big hug and lots of luck and positivity. I totally understand and really really hope things improve for you.

bluetongue · 19/06/2022 12:33

There is help OP. You need to see a dermatologist. If might not be cheap but they really can help. I’ve had significant regrowth after getting help. I feel so much more confident now.

You’d be shocked to know how common this issue is. You’re not alone.

EmeraldShamrock1 · 19/06/2022 12:34

@JimmySaville69 Judging by the username you're a sicko.

Yanbu OP.
I've thin hair too and will face the same problems.
There are thickening shampoos, one on amazon has great reviews, not sure if they're any good.

BloodT · 19/06/2022 12:36

I don't know what the deleted post said, but just wanted to say @CrumpetStrumpet that was a fucking great response. I like you Smile

I don't have any good advice, but just wanted to post in solidarity, I was properly sobbing in the shower yesterday (proper big gulpy sobs where I couldn't catch my breath) over my hair (or lack of). And I really don't care about my appearance normally, I can go a couple of days without even looking in a mirror Grin There is something about hair loss however that is so upsetting. I long for a vintage Hermès silk scarf. Not happening sadly.

I hope you get some answers and things get better Flowers

Snuffy28 · 19/06/2022 12:40

I think your diet could be one factor. My hair was thinning and I tried all sorts of expensive serums recommend by my hairdresser, and they did absolutely nothing.

I stopped going to the hairdresser during Covid as ND haven't been back since, and my hair has gradually got thicker. I wasn't doing it any good with all the styling.

Look up which foods are good for hair and make sure you are getting all the nutrients. It might make a difference.

Youcansaythatagainandagain · 19/06/2022 13:03

CrumpetStrumpet · 19/06/2022 12:27

@Youcansaythatagainandagain I haven't but I think I will. Its never occurred to me to do it before now. I've always had fine hair so I've just thought it's a natural consequence of pregnancy and menopause.

So glad to hear you're hair has improved:)

My (male) GP was very sympathetic when I spoke to him.
I was so hesitant to speak to him about it as he was so busy with covid patients. I held off for ages and was so glad I did it. He was lovely and took it seriously.

Nonbio46 · 19/06/2022 13:06

I totally get where you’re coming from. I have bad hair loss that I have sort of accepted. I use coloured dry shampoo to disguise the loss but I also have a hair topper from Perfect Fringe. I don’t really use my topper as I just feel too ‘wiggly’ in it but I have told myself to experiment more with it to build up my confidence. I don’t know about you but I can’t help being envious of people with lovely thick hair. Hair loss is so shit but I never really talk about it as I feel like because it’s not life threatening or causes physical pain it’s something I should just get on with. Writing this is making me feel very emotional though. Sending all you ladies who struggle a big hug. Xxx

LadySilence · 19/06/2022 13:38

Solidarity- am in the same boat. I started shedding nearly a year ago and it hasn't really stopped. Like you my hair was already fine but I had enough of it, now you can see so much scalp and what's left is fluffy and unmanageable. I really know how awful it makes you feel! I saw one of the UK's top hair loss consultants and he confirmed my view that all these lotions and potions are just snake oil. I've been prescribed oral minoxidil but am hesitant to take it due to side effects. I can't say any vitamins etc have made a difference, sorry! Worth seeing a dermatologist if you can as they can get a detailed look at your hair and scalp and give you some ideas

MrJi · 19/06/2022 16:26

Nice to read that some GPS have been sympathetic. My (female)GP said “well, what do you expect me to do about that ?” When i said that my hair was falling out. Such a terrible response.
I agree that it is such an emotional thing, and saps confidence.

PuppyFeet · 19/06/2022 16:47

I have a similar problem due to steroid use to counteract cancer treatment side effects. In a slightly random act I walked into a barbers one day and said shave it all off… it felt odd to start with but when it started to regrow I went to my usual wonderful hairdresser and he said he would cut it into a pixie cut and then If I brushed it forward and put a small amount of hair clay in to keep its shape it would hide the glowing pink scalp where my hair had either thinned or fallen out… and he was absolutely right!! It’s taken a bit of bravery because I’ve always had long thick blonde hair, but I looked so awful that it needed something drastic! I’m quite liking the short cut and whilst I have quite a round face, it looks ok. Now I just have to solve the colour problem.. the cancer treatment has made my hair go either dark black, grey or white… I look like a skunk with a dna problem!! 😱