Keeping our hair on! Hair loss support thread!

[coffeecake]

Hi, as promised and based on a few Mumsnetters expressing a desire of a support thread for hair loss, here it is!
Feel free to ask any questions, share your experiences etc...

[littlebillie]

I've just lost mine through chemo and it's coming back slowly so any support would be great

[workshy44]

I’ve found MSM amazing for hair growth, it makes it grow super fast, over an inch a month. I use a hair mask too I make with that and fenugreek and a fenugreek water spray I make too. I really think the Waterman’s grow me shampoo is v good, it stopped the massive hair loss and shedding for me and I notice new hairs on my hairline but I am pretty diligent with it. For me my hair has been bad since kids but the extreme shedding and loss was down to low carbing before holidays. I also got a hair massager for to work in all my lotions abs potions !!

[Meera8]

Hi I know this is a long shot, but it's this forum still active?

I'm suffering from hairloss too and my scalp burns and itches. I'm 36 but I've gone into early menopause. I'm finding the hair loss really difficult.

Anyone in the same position? Or any success stories would really help to hear.

[Drom1987]

I used to adore my sister's hair. She had a very thick and long hair. She gave yellow and orange shades to it. It gave her a freaky look. She is a cancer patient and lost all her hair. But she is very strong. If I were in her position, I wouldn't have survived this situation. I wish I could do something for her. I have read an article about hair transplant after cancer treatment.
I am planning to take her for a hair restoration procedure in CHTC, Toronto.
chtc.ca/.header_menu/010~Hair%20Transplants/index.html

Hope the procedure is successful. Any thoughts?

[EnvyhairGail]

I own a salon in the UK and use Watermans Grow Me Shampoo as is Sulfate Free and works really well...

Here is the link
watermansgrowme.com

[Beare]

Hi. My hair has been shedding for a year due to medication. I would say about 50% has gone. My ferritin is also low at 9 so I have bought some ferrous sulphate over the counter. Get your bloods checked. Hormone levels, thyroid, ferritin, and vit d. Get the actual results from your gp not just the receptionist telling you they are all normal. Low side of normal is not enough for hair growth. Your iron needs to be at least 70. I've tried phyllia however it's so expensive and I'm really not sure it made any difference. My hair loss did stop for a few months and I had a lot of regrowth but it has started again. Not sure why. However I am feeling physically fit and well which I was not before and I try to keep my hairloss in perspective. I am positive that I won't lose all my hair. I'll just have to invest in hats and wigs! It is demoralising and depressing. Just take supplements and eat well and try not to stress. Hair can take years to recover. There is also a 3 month delay with hair. So whatever you do now will affect hair 3 months later. Xx

[Muckymoo71]

That's really interesting about ferritin levels, I'm early 40s and will try going to the docs in the mean time will get a hair suppl. Tried p Kingsley supplement last year and nioxin. The Nioxin helped as less was falling out when washing but didn't help hair growth. They have got a new product that you can buy from the hairdressers but it's about £40 a bottle, had mine for a year and it swells hair follicles, this is something I rate but use sparingly because of the cost.

[meltedmonterayjack]

It's a total sod I know. Mine has always been thin/fine but since taking HRT it really went mad - thinning, shedding, feeling like a cross between a brillo pad and knotted candy floss. It has been so brittle I can just snap it off.

In desperation went to the GP who referred me to a dermatologist. She said probably a mixture of age and side effects of the HRT (rare but it happens apparently). She took bloods and found I had ferritin levels of 35 which is the low side of normal but not high enough for hair growth. Also low Vit D. I started ferritin and Vit d supplements along with silica, biotin (1000mg) and Vit B12 which are just starting to help I think. I've been on them about 8 months. Over the last month or so it's been falling out less and feels ever so slightly less brittle. Still nothing to write home about but any improvement is nice. Am going to keep going on all these supps. Have to have bloods retaken this month but will ask to keep on with the ferritin and vit d.

Really agree that cut matters. I daredn't get mine coloured what with it being so brittle but if it was less delicate I definitely would.

[missmartha]

i have suffered from hair loss for the last two years, mainly at the front, a sort of receding hairline. I use Toppik hair fibre stuff to cover up any scalp that shows through and that works well.

Working with my hairdresser has helped too, he is very supportive and totally understands that I need a style that is both modern and that works to minimise the appearance of my hair loss. He does it very well.

I was embarrased when I started to loose my hair and thought no stylist would go near me/ laugh behind my back etc., but no, they are charming.

I have thinning hair, but it's well cut and coloured, that helps, I refuse to be beaten by hair.

[Naicecuppatea]

Sorry to hear that Bellydora. I'm in my late 30's and have been experiencing hair thinning for the last 2 years, it's very difficult. I have tried a few supplements/shampoos, but haven't found any that have helped. It may be worth getting some blood tests done by your GP to see if you have any deficiencies?

[Muckymoo71]

I know this is an old thread but would be also interested if anyone had any success with supplements for reducing hair loss?

[Bellydora77]

I've been loosing my hair now for over 18 months and its now so bad I feel like crying everytime I look in the mirror. I suffer with Lupus which is clearly contributing to this. My Rheumy has recommended the Forever Aloe Gel drink (its awful- I'm not continuing with it because it gives me acid reflux) and Floriscene. Only Just started with that though.

Its so confidence destroying. I've resorted to putting dark brown powder foundation on my scalp to disguise it. I'm so upset and there seems to be little I can do. I'm only 36 :(

[mindset]

Thanks Chipstick . Yes, that is also on my to do list. I think it's good to explore as many options as poss, but yes the integ systems are quite a financial worry.x

[Chipstick10]

mindset have you thought about a really good wig.? When it gets too much for me then that's the road I am going to have to go down. Fortunately my hairloss is quite mild and I am still under a trichologist but its expensive and I don't really see benefits and I don't know how bad it would be if I wasn't seeing him.
The hair mesh thing is ridiculously expensive isn't it! Although I understand the piece of mind you would get with it.

[LiquidCosh]

hi everyone another hair loss worrier here!
Mine started after the birth of DD3 and has carried on ever since. According to the midwife its more common for women with longer hair and also more noticeable unfortunately.
I just wanted to add that for those of you taking iron supplements be sure to take a decent one that's either prescribed by the doctor or from a health store. The reason I say this is when I was pregnant my iron levels were extremely low and I couldn't understand it as I was taking 2 pills a day! Turns out that the pills I had bought from the supermarket are very low strength despite saying they were 100% of the RDA.
I was prescribed iron pills from the doctor and started to notice a difference immediately. Proper iron pills will turn your poo almost black (sorry TMI) but seriously this is how you know their working!
I'm currently taking a strong multi vit and mineral which seems to be helping a little. xx

[mindset]

Hi, saw this thread whilst doing my usual internet trawl of all things hair related! Am 46 and always had fine but manageable hair but about 2 years ago started noticing how much thinner it felt and looked all over. I lose a lot of hair everytime I brush - really gently, and notice strands falling through the day. I've seen a doc and dermatologist, both said prob age related - menopause etc, but blood tests all ok so nothing they can do. Saw a really lovely trich in the summer who thought I should try minoxidil? and laser treatment to wake up the follicles but I'm a bit scared about all of that, even though he's a very experienced trich with a good rep.
In April, after lots of research decided to try hair ext. Visited Lucinda Ellery who was really lovely and helpful but opted for Mark Glenn in London . I feel better with the ext as at least they give me some hair to play with- it felt like candy floss before, but am aware that still shedding and hair on top can't be disguised with ext. Also use fibres to cover scalp. Whole hair issue dominates my life and I constantly worry about going out and avoid certain outdoor activities which really annoys me.
Currently looking into mesh/hair integration system as a way out of this constant worry cycle that ridiculously seems to have taken over my life! All comments welcome!

[PomBearArmy]

I have been using the Phyto botanical scalp treatment after a beauty vlogger I follow on YouTube said that after she and her friend used it they were both told by their hairdressers that they had a lot of regrowth coming through (I can't remember the specific video but the channel name is blusherandblogging).

My hair loss is definitely linked to my hypothyroidism. When my Free T3 and T4 results were good I had less hair loss.

[jamtoast12]

johnstewartmillions

I visited my local family planning clinic regarding hair loss and the mirena coil last year and she said she removes several mirenas a month purely due to hair loss....progesterone only pills have similar symptoms too in those susceptible.

If you go on you tube you can see and hear loads of women with similar stories so may be worth switching contraception. My dermatologist recommended cilest as its an antiandrogenic pill. Very few pills are and can add to hair loss.

I have thin hair which i think is chronic te. Constantly on iron! Never really thickens but the condition improves. My derm said AA thins whereas TE falls. Mine gone on over 15 years (I'm 36) but whilst not overly noticeable, I have lost say 40%. So annoying!

[juliedent43]

Cafenoir - i think it took about 12 weeks before I noticed any re growth so dont expect an immediate result.I did wonder if it was age related(43yrs old) and think have to accept age is likely to be part of it - hair seems to have changed in texture etc. Hairdresser reckons the new hair growth is growing at almost twice the average rate so that is positive! Take quite a few of the iron supplements to begin with anyway - you will soon know if you are taking too much as it will affect your stomach! I take double the normal amount and have had no nasty side effects so think my iron levels must have been low! Also feel more energetic too . I had no idea a low carb diet could have the effect of causing thinning hair - but there is quite a lot of comments on the net about this if you research it. I think it is probably ok if you jsut do it for a short period of time - i had been cutting down on carbs for nearly 2 yrs so have probably aggravated my hair quite badly!

[cafenoir]

That's great news Julie. So glad your hair is re-growing. I've started some iron supplements and stopped the low carb/strict diet and am hoping for similar results. I've always had v v fine hair so my thinning is v noticeable. I'm hoping mine isn't just age/menopause related and will respond to less rigid diet and the supplements. It's lovely to hear something positive so thanks for this.

[juliedent43]

I noticed my hair thinning - i had always had VERY thick hair, but after having a burst Appendix two years ago i lost quite a lot of hair - this recovered in a few months and I thought that was the problem sorted. Then at Easter this year i noticed it thinning quite a lot - lots of hair on the brush etc! I had blood tests - all normal, but decided to take Iron supplements and also bought some hair supplements called Hairvit. I had also been on a very strict low carb diet which i stopped after reading of links between low carb and hair loss. I am pleased to say i have LOTs of new hair growth, esp near the front and my hairdresser says i have new hair growing all over! The new hair is also growing at a rapid rate - as are my nails - I am hugely relieved and am convinced that the iron and the supplements have helped but would also say anyone who has thin hair should steer clear of any sort of strict diet.Hope this gives some positive hope.

[cafenoir]

Glad this thread has shown up. It's really useful and makes me realise I'm not the only one suffering. I've always had very fine and thin hair with a slightly see-through area at the front of my scalp. Since my late 40's it is shedding more though and I reckon it must be menopause related. Blood tests all came back 'normal'.

At the moment I'm trying castor oil applied to scalp and leaving it on for a few hours before shampooing off. Also coconut oil on the ends.
It's too soon to say whether this is having any effect though.

I'm taking ferroglobin supplements as well as cod liver oil and garlic tabs. Also too soon to know if they're helping.

In the meantime what is helping me confidence-wise the most is Mane Hair Thickening Spray which my hairdresser recommended as another client of hers mentioned it. You spray it on the thin areas and my word it covers the thin areas and thickens up what you have. It does have some downsides however:

1. coats the bathroom in a fine layer of colour (wipes off easily though)
   
2. coats pillow case as above.
   

On the plus side though it doesn't run even in this heat and only budges when you shampoo it out. It's very gentle. I don't bother with the fixing spray you can buy or the shine spray either.

The confidence it gives me though is enough to off-set the disadvantages. I've had far more success with this than Toppik/Nanogen fibre stuff which was like pouring black soot on my head!

[RosieLig]

Bumping this. A fellow sufferer.

I fear I may have hereditary hair loss as my mum was the same. I'm 40 and it's got worse the last few years, particularly if I'm stressed.

I've started taking Nutrihair iron supplements to see if it helps.

[mintchoc7]

Hi everyone,

Its comforting to see others are going through what i'm going through, and understand how depressing it is!

Like most of you, my hair is thinning at the top and hair line is receeding. It began during my final year at university (I am now 28) where I was on the pill (I have a hormone inbalance) my doctor at uni wouldnt prescribe me the pill and I was unable to see my home doctor to get any more. Due to this and exam stress, I lost a lot of my hair.

Since then it has been slowly shedding, even though I am back on the pill. I have taken iron tablets which did not help my head but i saw lots of hair growth everywhere else! Perfect.

I have started taking biotin, however after taking them for one week, my face broke out in spots, which I have now read is a normal reaction. However i'm not sure I want to take them anymore. I am now going to try sea kelp.

Shampoos do not seem to help much either, as soon as my hair became use to it, the shampoo was no longer helpful. At the moment I am using mane and tail shampoo - its designed for horses (i know!!) but humans can use it as well. I have noticed the length of my hair has grown very quickly, but im not sure about regroth. I am also using olive oil root simulator shampoo, which helps the the tangles (common with fine hair).

The only thing I can suggest to help restore everyones confidence is TOPPIK- it was suggested by a friend and has helped me a lot. Toppik comes in different shades and is built of tiny hair fibres which blend in with your hair. The product can only work if you have hair there already as it needs something to cling on to. It is ideal if you have a thinning patch or your parting needs attention.

The product is great, the only problem I have with it, is that it does such a good job of covering up whats missing, i sometimes forget how bad the situation it. However, I promise you it gives the confidence boost hair loss sufferers need. I buy Toppik from amazon - the website sometimes sends free samples.

I have decided to see a profesional as my GP is not taking my situation as seriously as I would like. has any one tried the laser therapy and if so, does it work?

Thanks.

[JohnStuartMillions]

Hello,
It's nice to hear from other people in a similar situation, I thought I was alone. I have been losing hair for about 4 months. I am 23 and have been on anti-depressants for 8 months, I have had the mirena coil for 20 months and I have a 2 1/2 year old ds.
I started to notice a thinning of my hair at the end of January 2013 and didn't worry about it too much. After a few more months of it thinning I decided to visit a doctor and was told, after blood tests that were all normal, it was probably due to 'dying' it. I stopped dying my hair anyway (I use only all natural stuff) at the first sign of thinning, after months of no dying and no significant hair growth I thought perhaps it wasn't hair dye. I have now seen another doctor who has said it may be due to my anti-depressants. I have stopped these.
I am into a week of a complete reduction of anti-depressants. My hair loss is worse. I am experiencing lots of hair fall (it is generally very thin all over) and 3 thumb size bald patches have appeared.
I have blonde curly hair so luckily it covers/blurs the bald patches if I avoid wind or bright light.
I miss my hair and it is hard getting over depression without significant hair loss.
Thanks for reading. I hope I can get somewhere and it can grow back!
I would love to hear if anyone has any success stories or advice.

xxx