Hair loss

I've only just caught up with this and thought my recent experience may help. Like most things, there are a variety of reasons for thinning hair and I plucked up courage to go to a Trichologist to see if something could be done about mine. It is getting noticeably worse and is in effect a receding from the front problem - I have also lost my eyebrows too so I don't share the experience of others who are suffering from excessive bodily hair growth! I had tried various things including Biotin to no avail. The person I saw diagnosed frontal fibrosing alopecia which is in effect an infection that causes hair roots to die. She said it was virtually unknown until a recent explosion and they are working to understand what causes it. One theory is it is linked to the menopause but also likely is the impact of SPF being put into make-up, sun tan creams etc. I was advised to steer clear of these and now look closely to see where it is added. So I guess that for some a shampoo/ vitamins etc work, depending on the diagnosis. She also said I have probably had it for 10 years or more but am only now noticing it and it could have been triggered by anything. I am trying to graciously accept what is happening as there seems to be little that can be done! I hope this helps

My sister suffered from a thyroid condition this made hair loss a problem she was recommended bay rum rubbed into her scalp I have no idea if you can still buy this as it was a long time ago but it certainly helped

Alopecia runs in my family, after a loss of hair it comes back unless the hair follicles die. A consultant once told me that products can stimulate the follicles, but nothing can cure baldness, otherwise there would be no bald men! Over the years I have had bouts of alopecia and the hair has grown back. I am now 70 and currently I have a good head of hair, but no body hair. I am assuming you have discussed things with your GP beacause there can be many causes for female baldness. Incidently female pattern baldness is much more common than you might think, have a look on the internet and see how other people have coped it may be helpful to you. Good luck!

I had the same when my DH was diagnosed with skin cancer. This all started back in Jan/Feb time this year. My DH has now had the all clear as luckily it was caught so early but has to go for checks for the next 5 years.
My hair began immediately to fall out, though luckily not in clumps, and stopped growing. It has resumed growing now, although not much just yet, but has stopped falling out excessively. These things do take time.
I had already started visiting a kinesiologist who worked at the same osteopathy practice I go to when my back plays up. He has been amazing throughout and has improved my overall health, physical and mental. No quick fixes but he is practically a god to all the people who work there too. They are all his clients and some of their partners too and all have great praise for him. And yes, my DH has been to see him too and has joined his fan club!
I found myself addressing all sorts of problems as, what is recognised now, the mind has great power over the body's health.
I would recommend going to visit a kinesiologist to anyone, it can be a real eye opener for those of us who have health issues.

Bastiste dry shampoo, the one which adds volume really helps. It makes your hair go grey when you apply as its a powder, but leave on for a few minutes, massage gently, then brush out, your hair feels thicker and is more managable too.

I had this happen about four months after an operation. I read it was something about the hair being damaged at the time of the trauma. It settled down after a while.

I kind of accepted I shed hair and get on with it. I won't have bushy hair again as I had when I was 20 but that's not the end of the world. When I first noticed I'd started loosing hair I panicked and thought about it all the time. I also spent loads of money on treatments, fasteride, minoxidil just to maintain the hair growth I'd had but in the long run it's just too expensive and very, very energy cosuming. Instead of enjoying my time with my grand children my whole world was about hair loss. I'd got tired of it eventually. My hair is not bushy anymore as I said but I use hair thickening spray every now and then when go to a restaurant, wedding (had one 2 weeks ago) or even a stroll in a park on Sunday. I've tried many brands Mane, Toppik, Nanogen etc and now use Volume Hair Plus as dark brown matches my natural colour best. One way or another I don't pay too much attention to it, if I can do something to improve my hair I will do it but I will never be tossed away by it and pay £10000 for a hair transplant. Just to reflect we are all born poor and naked and die poor and naked and that actually is a bit liberating for me . All this striving, trying, comparing is meaningless in the end...

Thank you for all the advice, I have very fine thinning hair on the crown of my head, made much worse by taking alendronic acid for osteoporosis. I'm going to try the shampoos mentioned. Toppik, hair building fibres have made a world of difference to my confidence. Quite expensive, about £20 but lasts for a long, long time. Also, instant root concealer. Both come in all hair colours. Hope this helps. ??

I am using TecTrich hair building fibres, which is similar to Toppik (which I haven't tried) but on special offer at the moment (50% off) so may be cheaper, and I think it's brilliant. It disguises patches of scalp showing through thinning hair and has made me feel much better about myself.

I had hair transplant in 2015 and many complications afterwards. Looking back now what they'd promised me and the results I would have never spent so much money on it if I'd only known. I'm back to hair thickeners and "hair make-up" if I can call it this way. In my experience all of fibres give dull effect at least on my hair and once you've used them and know how it works you can spot it on other people's hair which sometimes makes you think whether they are aware that you know . There is always an option of wearing wigs and I was in London last week and watched a presentation in my friends hair salon and I must say they look really well. They are very soft in touch and look natural, you just can't tell. Pricewise they are quite expensive and I'm not sure how comfortable they are in the long run, sweating and itchiness are issues I was told. As to concelaers they must be used with a decent hair spray to give you natural shine. I've been using Ouai ever since my hair dresser used it on my hair and it makes a difference. As to concealers my dermatologist advised me to use Volume Hair Plus and I've been using it since I had my transplant. I'd definetely recommend a good hair salon where you can see how a concealers is applied and you hair styled afterwards. Once you've seen it you will know how to do it yourself and will get great results.

Tammy

I've been looking for hairdressers who can help tammy but can't find them . Any clues as to what to look for... anyone?

Good info there. Can vouch for the fact that wigs are hot and itchy. I have two which look great but, thus far I've only worn them in the house in an attempt to get used to the itchiness. As for wearing them in hot weather, I wouldn't attempt it (although wondered if real hair wigs aren't as hot). A lot of hair thickeners seem to adhere to the hair in such a way that more of my hair falls out when I wash it out/comb my hair.Am currently giving minoxadil (sp) a go; hasn't caused an allergic reaction (yet)but not expecting it to work as we have a family history of female pattern baldness. Still, it's one thing I haven't tried and Boots do an own brand cheaper version. I'm annoyed with myself for getting so upset about my hair but, no matter how you dress, apply make up, keep fit and toned up, you'll never look good if you have your scalp showing through your hair!

I have worn wigs for years due to my own thinning hair and not had a problem with itchiness. I am 76 now.
I buy the Raquel W elsh designer ones from idealworld website, but even though my oh says it looks great Why should I feel so self conscious when wearing them. Most things false seem to be accepted in this modern world, ie nails eyelashes etc....why not hair pieces

Thyroid problems are causing my hair to thin rapidly. I hardly dare wash my hair because I can't bear to look at how much comes out. I can still get away with it, my friends say, but if it goes on I won't be able to. Is it likely to improve or not? I know of someone who has lost more or less all her hair through thyroid. It's not good for morale, but it's sort of comforting to know I'm not the only one.

Wigs aren't always hot and itchy. When my hair fell out during chemo treatment some years ago I wore one from April until December, putting it on first thing and not taking it off until bedtime. It was comfortable, even when I went to a wedding in Italy where the temperature was more than 30 degrees. It had a lace mesh base and was bought from a specialist wig shop. My hairdresser thinned it, as wigs often have too much hair. Never having a bad hair day was a bonus, as was being able to have exactly the style and colour of hair I'd always wanted.

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You need to consult a trichologist. Your hair loss might be result of stress, a certain underlying medical condition or side effect of medications that you are taking.