hair loss
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free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:03 am

I am trying to find something to help my daughter (23 years old) with hair loss .. She has very thin hair to start with and now she seems that she is loosing even more Sad

as she is going through a stressful period
Please help me with any suggestion : a good brush, vitamins, natural treatments, supplements, conditioners masks ....Everything will be much appreciated

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:43 am

I have dealt with hair loss most of my adult life.

Viviscal definitely works and is easy, but can be pricey. Shedding stops in about 3 weeks.

Folligen for Blondes from SkinBiology also works, but is messy and must be massaged into your scalp 2-3x a week. I do NOT recommend the other Folligen versions because they are copper based (meaning blue/green) and totally screwed up my hair color.

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 12:30 pm

I personally think brushes are the devil. I think a fine-toothed seamless comb would be a better option.

I did have a bout of hair loss which I treated with a mixture of essential oils and massage. I share my photos in a discussion on that mixture at this link:

http://healthyskin.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1990018252/m/9170088235

You may also find this link useful:

http://www.add-hair.com/

My hair loss may have been triggered by stress but I also found that after I ate food, my scalp itched in the bald areas. I am a believer that food can heal as well as kill so whenever my health is below par, I turn first to food to see if I may be able to find the culprit and therefore solution in my diet. So it was no surprise that the foods that were my staple at the time were actually foods I'd developed sensitivities too. (Something I found out by getting a bloodprint done bywww.immunolabs.com) Cutting out the offending foods from my diet stopped the itching. The essential oils mixture though worked like a charm and the wonderful thing is i didn't have to continue using it once my hair grew in.

While researching hair loss remedies, I avoided anything with minoxidil because while it will regrow a finer crop of hair, you must use it for the rest of your life or you'll lose the mane you just grew. I didn't want to be a slave to any product. I wanted something that would work once and for all and that concoction of essential oils did.

The other thing I learned was that bald people have very tight scalps. So keeping your scalp supple and flexible, with massage of the scalp exercise Tom Hagerty shares on his face exercise website (Exercise #5) www.shapeyourface.com and also on his hairloss reversible website www.hairloss-reversible.com can help. (BTW, I consider itching a bad sign as most people who go bald seem to experience some sort of symptoms on their scalp that precedes the hair loss, eg tenderness, itchiness, etc.) Massaging your scalp when you get an unusual sensation is a good idea as the improved circulation can help bring nutrients to your follicles and take away toxins and hopefully address whatever problems your follicles might have been starting to have.

You may find Dr Pickart's info on hair loss useful too: http://www.reverseskinaging.com/femalehairloss.html

One last thing to remember is any junk food or empty calories she eats take up the space that would be better filled by more nutritious and helpful foods. So for instance, sugar is pretty useless and doesn't really do much. She would do better to eat complex carbs and let her glucose come from their digestion instead. The idea is to fill her blood with nutrients that will bring healing and health to all her cells, including her hair follicles. Alkaline forming foods are good healing foods to choose from: http://rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm If her diet isn't that great a hair, nails & skin supplement or just a hair one might be a good idea to take.

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:28 pm

I have been dealing with severe hairloss since I was in my late 30's. I used to have hair like Cindy Crawford's; I've probably lost 3/4 of my hair volume. For sure I've lost 2/3. If I didn't have such a lot of hair to begin with I'd be well and truly screwed right now.

As it is, I'm still not comfortable wearing my hair down without hairspray. It's that thin, and my scalp can show on the vertex. I still cry about it sometimes, too. But overall my hair is doing much better than it was five years ago. More body, thicker strands, and some small amount of regrowth.

I've tried *everything* for hairloss.

The things that helped me most were good diet (animal protein, fruit, and veggies, cutting omega 6 oils and transfats, no grain or processed carbs), brushing, massage, and using a high frequency wand on my scalp.

I also had a Hairmaxx laser comb that seemed to work well, but it got taken from me by TSA when flying. So I didn't get to use it that long.

Another thing that has been helping my shedding lately is transvaginal progresterone. Basically vaginal suppositories of progesterone. Doing HRT vaginally gets around the problems that can sometimes occur with topical application of hormones to the skin. Topical application can sometimes allow for the inappropriate build-up of the hormone in fat stores, which over time can cause problems. Progesterone is supposed to be hair protective and although I have only done it for one cycle so far my shedding has really decreased. I need to do it for a few more months to ensure this is a real result from progesterone and not just a big coincidence.

I did not have much results with copper peptides on my hair, but I really like them for my face and know a lot of people like Bethany say they've worked for hair. Same with Viviscal...it didn't significantly help my hair but I think it can be a valuable adjunct, and may help someone else more than it helped me.

My advice for your daughter:

1) Find the right diet for her. For me it was basically fruit and meat with no omega 6 oils; for other people, it might be something different. It's a safe bet that refined carbohydrates and transfats are really bad for everyone. She should stick to her ideal diet as much as possible. For many of us, this kidn of discipline is the biggest problem we have in conquering our health issues like hair loss.

2) Take care of it now! Don't let her mess around with this problem. She's only 23, there's a good chance she can get the better of this trend of loss. The longer you let it go, the harder it gets with hairloss. I realize now I was losing hair for several years before I ever noticed the loss. If I'd attacked the problem earlier I probably be doing much better now.

3) Get her a thorough hormone check. Rule out causes like polycystic ovary syndrome, extreme estrogen dominance, etc. Correct what can be corrected with bioidentical HRT or other natural measures supervised by a good physician. Synthetic hormones are not good, however.

4) Get her a complete thyroid panel (T3/T4, reverse T3, all other thyroid hormones, DO NOT rely only TSH level as thyroid diagnostic) to rule out thyroid as a cause. Many believe that all hairloss is related to the thyroid in some way, and that thyroid issues (overt or "subclinical" issues) are the root cause of all hormone imbalances and hairloss. Immortalhair.org has a good forum to go to for information about natural hairloss cures. There's some weird info (i.e., not mainstream) but it is also a good forum to learn about the science of hairloss and what your blood values should be for healthy thyroid function, etc.

5) Get the scalp relaxed and loosened. I agree with Nonie that tight scalp is a big factor in hair loss. But I don't agree that brushes are the devil. *How* we brush can be the devil, however. If you use a bad brush and/or don't brush right you will pull hair out. But I like brushing with a high-quality boar bristle paddle brush, straight down from the part on the vertex/crown to hair ends, firmly but gently. Don't brush from front of scalp to back! That pulls out hair. Brushing feels good and has done a lot to help the condition of my hair.

Massaging is good, too. Tom Hagerty has a good reputation, and if you google "scalp massage" and search the forum at immortalhair.org for massage and "manual methods" you'll find good info. It's a lot of personal preference.

6) Some light/energy therapy like lasers (Hairmaxx comb) or high-frequency wand (violet ray) on scalp. These devices can be a little pricey but for hairloss are IMO worth the money.

If she can do at least diet, manuals, and addressing hormone imbalances consistently for at least three months, I'd be willing to bet a significant sum of money she will see good results with her hair. Some laser or violet ray would be gravy, but highly recommended if you can afford one of them. I recommend Hairmaxx if so. I do love my violet ray, however, and if she has other issues like zits or whatever, that may be a good thing to get as the violet ray can do other things but hairmaxx is only for hair regrowth.

It takes a lot of work and research to get the right mix of strategies for the individual. I wish you and she the best of luck in your endeavor. With her being so young, like I said, I think there's a good chance you can lick it! Very Happy

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:28 pm

In addition to the fantastic info you've already been given, have her iron levels checked. It's not sufficient, imo, to simply check for iron deficiency anemia, because hair loss can start long before you're actually anemic. Thankfully this is becoming a bit better known now ...
Had I known this years ago, I could have saved myself a lot of heartache. And a lot of hair!

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:35 pm

bacchus wrote:

In addition to the fantastic info you've already been given, have her iron levels checked. It's not sufficient, imo, to simply check for iron deficiency anemia, because hair loss can start long before you're actually anemic. Thankfully this is becoming a bit better known now ...
Had I known this years ago, I could have saved myself a lot of heartache. And a lot of hair!

Second that.

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:41 pm

I have been on oral progesterone for a couple of years, and unfortunately it has done nothing for my hair. Sad

But it has done wonders for my hot flashes!

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:48 pm

Thank you so much ladies! She is on birth control since she was 14 as she had a very bad acne that has been solved now . She took a break from Marvelon for a couple of months and she didn't have period back Sad

I also know that she had an episode of pcos... so yes probably is hormonal ..That was very very helpful .. and yes it is a great idea to have her tested for everything you suggested

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:58 pm

bethany wrote:

I have been on oral progesterone for a couple of years, and unfortunately it has done nothing for my hair. Sad

But it has done wonders for my hot flashes!

Progesterone never seemed to do anything for my hair, either...I've tried topical and oral. Thankfully I don't really get flashes but know there are other problems lack of progesterone is likely causing me. But TV delivery method may be a keeper. If this decrease in shedding keeps up I will be ecstatic. It will be a few months before I can be sure, but right now I'm mightily encouraged. I'll update if the situation warrants.

tatyla wrote:

Thank you so much ladies! She is on birth control since she was 14 as she had a very bad acne that has been solved now . She took a break from Marvelon for a couple of months and she didn't have period back Sad I also know that she had an episode of pcos... so yes probably is hormonal ..That was very very helpful .. and yes it is a great idea to have her tested for everything you suggested

tatyla, keep us posted. I truly hate to hear of someone so young having this problem. Well, any woman, really, but especially one so young. Again, good luck!

Nonie wrote:

So it was no surprise that the foods that were my staple at the time were actually foods I'd developed sensitivities too. (Something I found out by getting a bloodprint done bywww.immunolabs.com)

Nonie, do you do blood type diet?

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:57 pm

Yubs wrote:

Nonie wrote:

So it was no surprise that the foods that were my staple at the time were actually foods I'd developed sensitivities too. (Something I found out by getting a bloodprint done bywww.immunolabs.com)

Nonie, do you do blood type diet?

No, I have never done it. Truth be told, I didn't know my blood type till last week when it occurred to me to ask my doc Shock

and cease to be the only adult without a clue.

I just glanced at a blood type diet chart and it does look like I do eat and like a lot of the foods encouraged or considered OK but many of those listed as highly beneficial make me ill.

My food sensitivities seem to change as I vary my diet more. Giving up the offending foods for a year usually makes me able to tolerate them the following year. There are some foods my body has not been OK with since 2003 but the blood type diet declares them highly beneficial. Go figure. But of those the chart gives a thumbs up, I will make an effort to treat myself to them more often. Thanks for reminding me that my newfound knowledge about my blood type can be put to good use!

free skin care · Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:26 pm

I'd add a few more things in addition to the great advice the other ladies on this board have given you:
Get a full blood work up checking vitamin/mineral/thyroid levels. Besides low B vitamins & iron, low D can also affect hair health.
Take a good multivitamin and take extra B vitamins, biotin, silica and/or Biosil.
Massage tea tree oil into the scalp. I've also read that many people swear by castor oil. I'm currently experimenting with a mix of the two.
I really love Alterna's Caviar Clinical Daily Root & Scalp Stimulator. I massage it into my scalp when my hair is dry. I also love Pantene's Age Defy Serum, also used on dry hair.
I also agree with using the HairMax as it is scientifically proven and FDA approved. QVC sells it and sometimes you can get it on easy pay. A less expensive option that uses the same technology is HairPro. I bought mine through the Time For Me catalog I think, or you can order through their website: http://hairprolaserbrush.com/technology.htm
If stress is the cause, your daughter should try meditation to de-stress. There's some wonderful meditation music on Youtube. She should spend 20 minutes a day listening to music & meditating to de-stress and relax.
Best wishes to your daughter.

free skin care · Wed Sep 04, 2013 7:04 am

Boar bristle brushing daily.
Not hot water on scalp.
Massage 2 days with olive oil at night and cover with the plastic thingy they have at hairdressers(i dont know the english word)
Do the same the next 2 days with castor oil.The next 2 with wheat germ oil.At 7 th do nothing.Repeat.At morning wash the scalp with biodegradeable soap .

free skin care · Thu Sep 05, 2013 1:25 am

There's a lot of things that can cause hair loss.I suggest that you can find what's the reason. Perhaps it's medical problem.It's also can be cause by foods.

free skin care · Thu Sep 05, 2013 2:52 am

I've been reading Donna Gates and she talks about Kombucha and that's quite high in B vitamins but a lot of women who drink it say it helps their hair too!

free skin care · Thu Sep 05, 2013 9:16 am

I think Iron is very important also!

Ferritin specifically needs to be at least over 50 to stop hair loss & preferably over 70 to grow new hair.

For those of you taking "high" doses of Iodine be sure to ck this also as this can increase your Iron requirements.

Also I personally have found that taking Liposomal C with the Iron (I like Iron-bisglycinate) is VERY effective in getting your level up FAST!

free skin care · Sun Sep 15, 2013 5:40 pm

I'm also experieince increase shedding and what may help your daughteris garlic shampoo/conditioner, aloe vera gel massage, tea rinse. I also heard that it can be homoronal related as well. Licourice tea may help

Tue Oct 22, 2013 6:08 am

Hair loss can be attributed to so many things. In general good nutrition is vital, vitamins designed for hair health is recommended, and then using the right hair products will help. My "go to" website is Hair-Caretips.

Thu Oct 24, 2013 3:40 pm

Well i will recommend to include green vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet, It is the best source of nutrition and vitamins.

free skin care · Thu Oct 24, 2013 6:26 pm

Is your daughter taking any meds?

A few years ago I was put on one of the newer antidepressants (you say she is having a stressful time) and within weeks my hair was thinning... although apparently an uncommon side effect it had been documented. Possibly other meds could cause hair loss also?

Sat Oct 26, 2013 4:21 am

You may also want to try Theradome. It is FDA cleared for hair loss. Just out on the market. It is currently on special I think, before price goes up.

The great thing is that they say that it can reverse the miniurization of the hair follicle, so thin hair can be thickened. Might be of use.

http://www.theradome.com/

*dream*

free skin care · Sat Oct 26, 2013 6:33 am

I remember when i had hair loss months back when i ate really bad and extreme dryness what helped with the issue to resolve most of the dandruff was
derma roller on the scalp to bring the blood.

You can do the same with a boar bristle brush.

Awfull diet causes acidic body and dry skin.
Fruit juices resolve the issue.

Also i switched from the bleach called head and shoulders to aloe and lavender shampoo.

free skin care · Sat Oct 26, 2013 2:35 pm

I'm 38 and started having bad hairloss in my 20's. I pretended there wasn't a problem until I lost 2/3's of my hair. I'm now using Rogaine for men and scalp massage. It's helped. It's not that it's grown back as much as it's not shedding anymore.

Here's the info on the massage if you want to check it out.

http://www.prevention.com/beauty/beauty/essential-oils-thinning-hair

Sun Oct 27, 2013 12:45 am

I've had success with the following: Hair Skin & Nails vitamins from GNC, Biotin, Black Currant Oil capsules (recommended by Dr Oz for hair loss). Thyroid support capsules (Amazon). ViA hair cream for hair growth (Amazon). I also recommend Joan Rivers Hair Powder to camouflage bald areas, or a product called Caboki, which is offering a free online sample, just pay shipping.

Just to be sure your daughter's condition is not due to a fungal infection, I would recommend she do apple cider vinegar hair rinses when she washes her hair.

free skin care · Sun Oct 27, 2013 12:51 am

I have hair loss too.
I tried 3 products which, i think, works.
1. shampoo bar named "NEW!" from Lush
2. BIOTIN B-COMPLEX THERAPY Thickening Shampoo from Avalon Organics
3. Hair Energizing Complex from Shiseido

They all works for hair loss, but the last is my favorite: it not only reduce hair loss but also eliminate the dandruff problem. The only imperfect is the price.

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