Female hair loss.

I haven't read all the comments but I appreciate how traumatic hair loss might be , I would be devastated if it were to happen to me. i have commented before about hair products but they are probably not suitable for such a serious condition. For anyone considering the wig solution, I would advise you to speak to your hairdresser. When a dear friend of mine lost her lovely long hair through chemotherapy, my daughter visited her at home and cut her nhs wig to suit her as an individual. She has also seen women in the salon when it has been closed to others in order to offer a private wig cutting service. I think she could almost do this full time! I suspect wigs are not a solution for everyone, I think they probably do get hot and irritating. I look awful in hats so I wouldn't want that either but if you are unfortunate enough to suffer hair loss, it takes a brave soul to go bald - as someone else has said, others assume you have/have had cancer and that alters the whole dynamic of the conversation. If hair loss is anxiety related, and it can be for some, I thoroughly recommend hypnotherapy.
Good luck ladies in your search for a solution and remember what you see is not what others see and a beautiful smile works wonders.

I phoned up my hairdresser on Tuesday and made an appointment to have it cut shorter on Wednesday; then phoned her up to cancel it. She said to come in and have a chat and throw some ideas around. Result, she's cut it shorter [but I can still tie it up at the back] and she's cut my fringe back [I was trying to grow it out to give me more hair at the front]. Said that, although it had got terribly thin since she last saw me there was some hair growing back through. I feel soo much better [but still going to go to a wig shop to see what they have that could help]. She did agree when she saw me that I was sporting the 'Wild Woman of Borneo' look . I'd gone for a walk one day wearing a hat and, even though I was far too hot I couldn't face taking the hat off and everyone seeing my hair; I think that's what made me phone her.

Oh, and I think the Argan Oil I've been using has strengthened my hair. I bought it and didn't use it for ages, then tried it on my nails which have become very brittle and they started to grow better, so I put it on my hair. Trouble is I can only put it on if I'm not really going anywhere [although a small amount might not be a problem, as it's just like a serum really]. I'm using it on my toenails as well, which had started to look very peculiar.

Tegan - that all sounds good. The people who provide my hair system recommend washing it in Argan Oil shampoo.

I bought lots of coconut oil shampoo and conditioner recently which didn't do much good; I wish I'd bought Argan Oil instead [they were both on the same shelf]. The reason I didn't use it at first was that it seemed very perfumed, and I'm quite allergic to perfumed products. My collection of different shampoos is catching up, numbers wise, with my collection of hats!

Both coconut and argan are currently massively hyped in internet marketing. Along with Acai berries. None of these are going to cure anything, or prevent anything either. Can't blame people who own crappy land in crappy climates for trying it on. Can blame the people who make all kinds of iffy claims for them and sell them at huge markups.
Coconut oil is a nice lubricant/massage oil that has the convenient melting point somewhere between room and skin.

I will admit to being bald JO8.Not ashamed as this is an illness!! I have suffered from this for 35 years and was only 35 at the time.I wear a wig but have always made sure it is not too dark for my age.I am happy to wear my"hair" but would love my eyelashes and brows back
I do realise you ladies are not talking about Alopecia but I am a founder of our local group and we welcome and have got many members who have thinning hair.They have all got such a lot of help and support attending our bimonthly meetings.

My hair was always very thick until I had to start taking warfarin.

Although I haven't used it myself, a friend did use the shampoo produced by Boots and had excellent results. I gather it is quite expensive.

We are, however, luckier than our parents who would never have dreamt of wearing wigs. The quality of wigs has also vastly improved.

However it does concern me that we have become so vain and that we feel society expects us to be skinny and wrinkle free.

After watching some of Children in
Need last night and seeing children accepting their disabilities with such fortitude. How they can laugh and play is heartwarming and for someone who rarely cries have to admit I sobbed throughout the Bbc1 part and then switched off.

I feel ashamed having a conversation regarding my hair

It's all relative, Nellie; if something is making you miserable you're miserable, no matter how much you tell yourself you should count your blessings etc etc. And, being miserable has a knock on effect on the rest of your life, health, relationships etc etc. I agree about the wrinkle free/size zero society we live in, though; it's bad enough that the young are under so much pressure all the time, we could at least chill out when we're getting older. I can't believe how we always follow America in these things. I mean, who wants to look like Joan Rivers?

Tigerfangran - Yes I am talking about alopecia. Alopecia is what I have got but I still have my eyeleashes eyebrows. You are very brave to say outright that you are bald - I am almost bald also. And Tegan I agree, it's all relative. I too watched Children in Need and felt bad whingeing about alopecia but it has still had a detrimental effect on my life.

or eyelashes even !

Just had a visit from my daughter and she told me that her husband [who picked up my grandson from my house last week] had actually mentioned to her how much healthier 'grannies hair' was looking since the last time he saw me; I'm so chuffed about that. I've used lots of serums but I swear the Argan Oil nourishes the hair and makes it shine far more than anything else I've ever used [and it's a lot cheaper than some as well]. Might try it on my eyebrows as well. And castor oil on my eyelashes. I'm certainly going to be well lubricated if nothing else!

That's lovely Tegan. I hope it continues to improve.

I seem to have come in on this discussion rather late in the day, but hopefully someone may be able to take (or make) something of my contribution!

I too GrannyMilly, have been lured by the marketing and advertising of the Plantur 39 Shampoo, and I'm also using the Plantur Tonic alongside it......I have to say with quite encouraging results (so far). How are you doing with it?

Like many contributors on here I have always had very fine hair, but a reasonable amount of it. I went through Chemo just about a year ago, and was told at the time that I would most likely not loose my hair with the type I had, but it could well thin out! Well, some nine months down the line this has most definitley happened with a vengance! Plughole in shower with a distressing amount of hair each time I washed it, comb full of hair each time I combed it, and pillow full of hair each time I sleep on it!! I'm fully aware that being in my early seventies is not helping my problem by any stretch!
My GP was hardly interested, in fact no one was interested - except for me! who having fought my way along a lonely frightening road, and then being able to say "things are looking good" (in as far as the Cancer is concerened) - I always use a capital letter for Cancer as I think it needs to be treated with respect!! Whoops, getting off the track! I then have to deal with the well known horrors of my thinish hair starting to get one whole lot thinner by the day!

My recipe at the moment is, as mentioned, that I use the Plantur Shampoo about twice a week. The recommended usage is virtually every day, but I (a) really dont have the time, or the inclination! and (b) it would dry my hair out way too much... I leave it on my scalp for about 3-4 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly. It does tend to dry the hair out somewhat so I use a very small amount of my own conditioner, just on the ends making sure it does not touch the scalp and possibly interfere with the workings of the shampoo. Plantur do do their own conditioner, but when I decided to go down this road I decided to invest in the shampoo and the tonic as opposed to the 3 items available.
On the days inbetween shampooing, I use the tonic which only needs a small amount as it covers the scalp well, and massage it in all over. Not to be rinsed out. I personally find that on my 'tonic' days, my hair looks as good as it gets right now, and is pretty easy to comb into some sort of style. Apparently the active ingredient in the Plantur stays active for 24 hrs. so it is important to replenish via shampoo or tonic within that time!

I have been following my 'regime' for about 6-7 weeks now, and I have to say that the amount of hair in the plughole is definitley less than half it was, the comb now contains even less, and sometimes actually none at all!!
All the instructions say that it takes around 3 months for the treatment to take affect, so to say I am thrilled to be where I am at this point, is the understatement of the century.

The final step I took to help myself is a very old tried and tested one! I'm not sure if it has been mentioned in this thread yet! I found a reasonabley priced Silk pillow case on Amazon, invested in it and I really have to say there is no doubt it is protecting my fine dry hair from being pulled about (and out!) when I sleep.

Thank you all you Gransnetters for being there and discussing, arguing, agreeing, disagreeing, being helpful, being unhelpful, but above all being there to listen to and to communicate with. Although I'm not a regular contributor, over the past year I have found great comfort, had many smiles (and tears) being able to join in, in the doings and happenings of my fellow Gransnetters! Thank you for being there.

I think I mentioned silk pillowcases [but it might have been on another thread about something else] but hadn't realised how expensive they were. I must say, I would like one. I'll check out Plantur [is it similar to Nourkrin, which I have started using again; I've got some of their hair tonic which I must admit I've had for ages but stopped using it and found there's still a bit left in the bottle]. Did you see the mention for Batiste? I can't believe how much it can thicken hair [although I don't use it all the time as it's a but drying and perfumed].
postscript; I've decided I am going to get a silk pillowcase !

I have to say that even though the silk pillowcases are rather scarily expensive, I found one that is silk on one side, and I think cotton on the other! (a) the cost is about half of the full silk ones, and (b) I find it does not slip around at all. It even improve's my nights sleep! (not sure how tho'). For me, I dont think I will ever sleep on anything else now! Well! as long as I can get another one at the price I have just paid.

I cant say if the Plantur is similar to Nourkin, as I have never heard of it before looking at this thread, where it is mentioned often. All I know is, that the regime I have devised is not the one advised my the Dr. who put the Plantur treatment together, because I found it too intensive. I can always use it more often if I feel the need, but right now I'm really chuffed at my results in such a short time!

I think we need to remember (hard tho' it is!) That there is no overnight miracle to our problem, sometimes no miacle at all! So when we get any results its worth hanging on in there.

Thanks Tegan, yes I did see the mention of Batiste! (oh how many memories that brings back!) I have tried it in my currant situation, but for me it was a no no, as it mad my hair feel just dreadful. Really dry and sticky up lifeless!

It was interesting to see your mention of Argan Oil! I'm glad it is helping you....I have used it on and off for many years for my brittle nails, its also brilliant for your face as well. I do often use whats left on my hands afterwards to do a little massage on my scalp, and it puts a fabulous shine on whats left of my hair. Less being the rule here tho'!!

Whoops, should have re-read before posting! That should have read 'made' my hair (re the Baptiste), but on reflection, it did make me look a bit 'mad', all whitish - even after brushing it out, dry and 'orrible.

I see what you mean; it works for me cause I've let my hair go white and I tie it up at the back because it's so fine and fly away. Then I spray the Batiste over the top and it seems to fill out the bits where the hair is getting scarce. I was thinking about having my hairdresser put of few gold low lights back into my hair, but I have to pay as much as people that have masses of hair and it was one of my 'cut backs' when I retired. But I tried a Batiste with a bit of colour added and I'm quite impressed with the result. Although my hair has always been fine my nails used to grow really long and strong until a couple of years ago, so I've started putting Argan oil on them and they are loads better. I cut them straight at the end because that's where the ridges cause them to break off, put Argan oil round the cuticles and nail strengthener Just at the tip to stop them breaking. Also started taking Omega 3 and Cod Liver Oil again. Years ago I did the Rosemary Conley diet and, with it being almost fat free, my hair and nails really suffered, so I thought I'd add an extra bit of oil to my diet. Mind you, the improvement of hair and nails could just be the fact that I'm winding down from what had become a really stressful job, and you could just be feeling the effect of your recovery; but if it's working for us, what the heck! I haven't tried Argan Oil on my face as it's a bit perfumed, but it's supposed to be good for lips.

How lucky you are that you CAN let your hair go white Tegan....If I left my hair uncoloured it would be an aging salt and pepper colour! Not growing old gracefully I'm afraid!

Yes, I cut my nails straight at the ends as well, as that seems to be the vulnerable area. I have always found the Argan oil to help with them..Strangley like your hair has always been fine (as has mine), but your nails would grow really long and strong, I have always had 'iffy' nails as well, except, when I was indergoing my treatment, and every part of me was falling apart, my nails grew like tallons!!! Duh!

I also like you take Omega 3 every day. I take 3000mg which I know is a lot, but I take quite a lot of other stuff too (all natural) but it is part of my Cancer fighting regime.

Actually Tegan, my Argan Oil has a pretty putrid smell!! I would hesitate to call it perfumed...but there again! I find it not only helps moisturise but really does help with those tiny lines that pop up in unwanted quantities all over the place.. I only use it once a day (at night in my case) on hands & nails, plus face.

As you so rightly say, If it's working for us! What the heck! We'll just keep fighting the good fight....

PS. Let me know how you come on in your quest to find a silk pillowcase....I can almost guarantee you wont regret whatever you pay! Sooooo many benifits. 'Every head should have one.'

Tegan have you thought of trying your local Hairdressing Training College for low lights at a reasonable cost?

My scalp gets quite sore and the hairdresser I use does the 'plastic bag over scalp and pull hair through' tecnique which doesn't make my scalp sore which [I think; she disagrees] breaks my hair. She's quite cheap compared to most hairdressers though. I went to her years ago after letting someone else do it which resulted in my having strange stripes at the front . I think Argan Oil smells a bit of patchouli; I might try it on my face tonight.

Just had a little smile to myself Tegan, and it brings home how different we all are!

Your description of Argan oil smelling a bit like Patchouli!! Try as i might I just cannot link the two as I sit here with my little wax melt in my oil burner giving off the most delightful smell. Inbetween times I am sniffing the bottle of Argan oil of which some is on my head working its wonders. Yuk! Maybe if I tried putting the Argan oil into my burner I might get a different result - just a thought!

I would think you are most likely right in thinking that the 'plastic bag' method may well break your hair! Its quite a severe trauma for our vulnerable hair having it yonked through those tiny holes.

Just to get back onto the thread re thinning hair! I got a little derailed me thinks!!
I have just been chatting with someone I met during my travels on my Cancer journey.....She too has had her thin dramatically due to the Chemo treatment. Not now!
Our conversation duly got round to our 'problem', and it seems she has also been on the Plantur 39! Like me very pleased with the results so far, although she has been on it a little longer than I have. She got quite frustrated (dont we all!) at the time it was taking (although it was showing pretty good results). She started to use 5-6 drops of Argan Oil with the Plantur shampoo. Massaged it all in but left it on for almost 15 minutes each time. She has been totally amazed at the fact she now has virtually no falling hair at all, and her hair is in really good condition, looking thicker and shiney as well. (and no conditioner needed.) It would obviously counteract the drying properties of the shampoo on its own! I would have thought it was a possiblity that the oil may interfere with the workings of the shamoo - but most obviously not in this case!
I am most certainly going to be giving it a go on my next shampoo day!

I think it was GrannyMilly, please forgive me if I am wrong, who mentioned New Image in Newcastle on Tyne as being fantastic for wigs.....Well while talking to the lady I have mentioned, she has been there and now has the most gorgeous wig (for special occasions). It has been styled in a short bob, and one would never ever guess it was a wig. I for one certainly didn't as I complimented her on her fabulous hair!! It was not hugely expensive she said (I did not ask more!) but the girls there were so great and understanding, she said she felt totally at ease. She also met another 3 of our Cancer Compatriots while she was there......So Tegan, if you are visiting Newcastle, New Image may well be worth a call.......by the time you have visited all the recommended places in Newcastle, I'm sure you will be an expert on which is the best.

PS. GrannyMilly, please accept my apologies - getting my Grannies mixed up! It was actually Granniefae who posted re New Image back in October.