Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with hairloss

If I could grow my hair through a Space Echo, the world would be a better place.

setanor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:19:35 -0800

Help me understand why I am losing hair! YANMD, of course, but I do wish you were. I'll start from the beginning. For reference, i'm a 25 year old male, moderately active (a lot of walking), social drinker, no smoking, no drug use, maybe 2 americanos a day, tops.

About 8 months ago, I was conditioning in the shower and noticed a whole bunch of hair had come out of my head and was all over my hands, something that had never really happened before. This was at the start of a 6 month transition period without health insurance, so I was more or less on my own... So, I was, for sure under a bit of stress at the time, not much more than before in my life, but around the start of this there were a few things that were particularly stressful.

For the next several months, if I were to run my hands through my hair, I would usually come out with 3 or 4 hairs in my hands at any given point. Showering, the amount of hairs coming out would be higher, as I imagine the water makes the hairs have traction on the hands and they stick much easier.

Because of this, I've been more or less terrified of showers for the past several months, being excessively gentle after a life of vigorous lathering, because seeing so much hair on my hands every time I shower is a sickening thing to deal with.

A month and a half ago, I was able to see a doctor, who ran through the possibilites: normal pattern baldness/hair loss, iron deficiency, dermatological malady, something stress related, or some combination of more than one of those. She ordered a blood test, and things went on as normal. I would say now that my hair is definitely noticeably thinner, but not to the point I would expect given the amount of hairs that have come out.

Yesterday, I returned to the doctor as I hadn't been made aware of the results of the blood test. The first thing the doctor said was "if it's a slight iron deficiency, that might be the easiest thing to fix" and then I found out that, in fact and in his words, the results were "normal, better than normal, really" whatever that might mean. It was at this point that he decided to look at my scalp.

What he found, apparently, was a lot of yellowish scaliness in some regard, not scaly as in hard and scaly, but... I don't know, I didn't see it. He didn't seem too taken aback. I mentioned that it might be that I had been showering so lightly over the past several months that my scalp hadn't been exfoliated, but he more or less dismissed this as a cause. I left with a prescription for Stieprox shampoo, a recommendation to get "Stress Tabs" or an equivalent and a follow-up appointment in a month.

So, I showered this morning with the Stieprox for the first time, and I made sure to be vigorous, which made me incredibly nervous, and sure enough, a bunch of hair came out - much more than normal, which I am sure was not helped by the fact I was so nervous about it...

What are my questions? I'm not sure. Should I keep using the Stieprox? I realize that these hairs in the shower that come out aren't coming out because of the shower - they were already loose enough/out of the roots that they would come out anyway, they just happen to depart all at once at that time. My original thought was that this was telogen effluvium, but I know that this usually resolves within 6 months or so, and the pace at which my hair comes out hasn't really seemed to have changed. At the same time, I've noticed that my hairline has sunken a bit over the temples, something which could otherwise be quite normal, if it weren't for the hair coming out everywhere else...

I don't know, really. What questions should I be asking? My priority, as I see it, is to worry about it little enough that it doesn't make me stressed or bothered, which I can do most of the time, save for when it's time for a shower, or when I hit my head or brush my hear on something and I fear it's all about to fall out like a tree in autumn.

Thanks for all your help.

Should I use Rogaine on my front hairline?

Anonymous — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:05:55 -0800

Should I use Rogaine on my front hairline? Right, so I understand the whole part about it not being officially approved from the hairline -- vertex only, etc. But my hair is thinning pretty rapidly up front and I would like to do something about it. I do not want to take any pills, so Rogaine seems like the best bet, even if it is an iffy bet. Has anyone here tried it on the front hairline? Success? Failure?

To the extent it matters, I have a lot of thick hair (Jew-fro) and it's only the front hairline that is starting to go. I'd like to stop it or slow it if nothing else.

Help save my hair!?!

gilsonal — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:24:35 -0800

Post-surgery hair loss? Anybody have experience with this? How long does it last? Does it grow back on its own? Do I need to see a doctor? I'm female, 25 years old. I had surgery about three months ago, and my hair has started falling out rapidly. To the point that I'm losing more hair in a day than I would naturally over the course of a couple weeks. My ponytail is already smaller. I don't see any spots, but I do have long hair.

My surgery removed part of my small intestine, but my vitamin levels are okay and I'm injecting those that I can no longer absorb naturally. So i don't think deficiencies are at fault. It appears that the stress from surgery can cause hair loss, and I'm pretty sure that is the case here. They say it happens 3 to 4 months after, and that's pretty much on schedule with what I'm experiencing.

I'd really love to hear some personal experiences about this. I'm trying not to worry or be too self-conscious, but I'm losing what seems like tons of hair and I'm starting to panic lol. What was your experience? How much hair did you lose? How long did it last and is there anything I can do to make it stop sooner? Is a doctor needed or is this just going to resolve on its own?

What were the results of your hairtransplant like?

Anonymous — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:05:19 -0800

Have you ever had a hair transplant procedure to treat male pattern baldness? The last time someone asked about this here in Ask Metafilter, everyone said, "Don't get plugs! Shave your head!", but there were no testimonials from guys who had actually experienced the surgery. If you've had the surgery, when did you have it, what sort of procedure did you have done, were the results reasonably natural, and would you recommend it? I'm a guy in my early 30s, whose hairline is starting to recede. I know the most popular opinion is that I should shave my head, but I'd just like to know if anyone has gone the other way, and what their thoughts are on the matter.

Throwaway email: donttellmetoshaveit@gmail.com

How to wear my lack of hair?

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:01:43 -0800

I'm in my mid-twenties, and have a substantially thinning crescent shaped area on the crown of my head, though my hairline at the front is fine. What should I do with my hair? Is a #1 buzz cut the only way forward? I've buzzed it very short in the past, and it almost highlights the loss, but at least feels "honest". I have strong but reasonably attractive features and usually dress professionally, if that's relevant.

Dealing with a sore tongue and hair loss: advice from the hive mind?

elfgirl — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:00:52 -0800

I'm coping with two different side effects from two different medications--hair loss and sore tongue/dry mouth. Any advice from the hive mind? Teal deer explanation and questions inside. I'm taking two medications for ADHD/Anxiety management: Strattera and Vyvanse. Both are causing side effects that, while tolerable, are annoying enough that I'd like to help counteract them if possible. Both side effects are fairly common for the types of meds they are, so I'm hoping others have had the same issues and have advice on helping alleviate them.

Hair loss: This is Strattera's fault. I know it's a common side effect of many SSRI/SSNRI/NRI type medications and I had it when I tried Wellbutrin several years ago. Right now, stopping the Strattera isn't an option. It's the best thing I've taken to help with my anxiety and has the added benefit of helping me focus, too. Frankly, as far as positive benefits from psychoactive medications, this is one of the best meds I've ever been on. The hair loss, though, is annoying as I have very fine, thin hair naturally. I've seen stories of people losing over half their hair, and I'd like to get a handle on it before it gets to that point.

Sore tongue/dry mouth: Vyvanse has gifted me with energy and motivation without depression--but a really, really dry mouth. The dry mouth (I think) has led to glossitis. Soreness that initially came and went is now pretty constant and occasionally affects my speech.

So, for either or both of these symptoms, my questions are:
Has anyone else dealt with these side effects from these types of medications?
Did they slow or stop over the course of taking the medication?
Did you find a solution or something that would help counteract the side effects (other than simply stopping the medication)?

Thanks!

How can I tell if my recent hair loss is natural or a medication side effect?

Anonymous — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:16:57 -0800

I'm a mid-20s male who recently noticed some hair loss around the time I stopped taking the anti-depressant Remeron. Some online research tells me that hair loss is a fairly rare but not unheard-of side effect of this medication. How can I tell if my hair loss is actually from the medication, and how long does it typically take to start seeing new hair growth after stopping such a medication? I was on Remeron (mirtazapine) for approximately one month, taking 30mg once per day. I stopped taking it altogether approximately two months ago. It was around that same time that I began to notice the hair loss, which seems isolated to the center-front part of my scalp. It appears to have gotten a little worse since then, and I haven't see any new growth as of today. It's probably not too noticeable to most people who see me, but I have to style it fairly carefully to achieve that.

Prior to this, I only had some fairly minor thinning on the back crown area of my scalp, which seems unchanged at this time.

As a result, I'm unsure if the hair loss in the front is due to the medication or the onset of male pattern baldness. Of course, I could wait another few months and see what happens, but I intend to be more proactive than that. And please, no suggestions of shaving it all off or just accepting it - that's not what I'm asking about at this time.

My main questions are:

1. Is it normal for medication to cause hair loss in one isolated area, rather than all over?

2. How long does it usually take to start seeing new growth after stopping a medication that caused hair loss?

Sudden mysterious spreading of old bald spot (scar)!?

debbie_ann — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:16:25 -0800

I'm a healthy 26 year old female, who suddenly has a spreading bald spot from an old chemical burn. I haven't found much googling and I'll see a dr. in about a month. About four years ago I got two chemical burns from a home perm. Both let to coin sized bald spots. The dime sized one grew back white, and the quarter sized one grew sparse white hairs. A year or two later I stopped taking birth control and the big spot on my cowlick fell out completely. A year after that I became pregnant and white hair filled the spot. After the baby's birth (I was on the mini-pill and nursing) the hair fell out again.

I stopped taking the mini-pill about two or three months ago. Today I looked in the mirror and noticed that since I looked a few months ago, the spot has TRIPLED in size. Why is it spreading? It makes sense that pregnancy hormones could cause new hair growth, and that the end of those hormones would make the new hair fall out. I can't imagine why it's spreading. A friend has suggested stress. I wonder if the edge hairs are being pulled out when I brush my hair, but that doesn't add up.

What can I do? The baby is almost one and I am considering weaning him so I can try rogaine. I've looked into surgery and that would cost at least $4000. Going back on the pill, or having another baby right now are off the table.

Any ideas?

What can cause very rapid thinning and receding hair other than genetics? Is this unusual for my age?

Askr — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:50:51 -0800

Did your balding/receding kick into high gear at some point after a lifetime of very very slow loss? Is this unusual? Is something other than genetics causing this rapid loss? I'm trying to figure out whether my particular balding/receding/thinning scenario is unusual or cause for concern because it has kicked into high gear this year and is going scary fast. The line has receded quickly, and more alarmingly has gotten so thin on the whole top so quickly.

I'm blond and look exactly like my dad and granddad, both of whom receded most of the way back but never went the male pattern baldness route (that stuff about maternal grandfathers is a myth, given my maternal grandfather's glorious head of hair in his 70s). So I've always known I wouldn't keep all of my hair. It's been receding at a glacial pace since high school, but so slowly that nobody would ever have noticed. Until February you'd have said I had a normal full head of hair.

Now I'm 35 suddenly it has gone turbo. Did you ever reach such a tipping point?

I moved to a new town this year for a new career. So there was stress involved in that and in getting up to speed. There was definitely some anxiety there. But I live at the beach now in a sleepy little town and work is great. So I'm actually less stressed now, so that wouldn't seem to be a cause for ongoing hair loss if indeed stress really has anything to do with it. When I got my first haircut here, the lady said something about "...because it's so much thinner up here than everywhere else." And I was like, "What?" Sure enough, she was right. That was definitely a new development. I could see my scalp! (when wet). And putting hand to head felt different, no padding.

My doctor was like a parrot, just saying brrrrock, genetics, brrrrrock, genetics. Yeah I get it, but this fast, this sudden? He did a blood test for thyroid function and that came out fine. He said that aside from thyroid, it really is genetics and very little else aside from some medications (I'm not on any). I've just never been aware that it could happen this fast and wonder if something might be exacerbating it. Are the Russians poisoning me? The Ukranians?

I made sure to exercise regularly to clear out any stress, got a filter for my shower because the water is hard here (just in case, who knows?), and am taking a multivitamin. And still it goes. I'm eating a mostly vegan diet 5 days per week now, backsliding to omnivore on the weekends, but I wasn't when this all started, so it wouldn't seem to be diet-related. Back then I was eating a pretty balanced omnivorous diet. Now I'm eating lots of healthy stuff including plenty of beans and soy for protein.

Ideas? Concerns? Your experience? I know it'll go eventually but I want to eliminate anything other than genetics that may be making it go faster.

How sick is my kitten?

starbaby — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:52:01 -0800

My kitten has a lump and hair loss. Do I need a vet visit? We adopted a kitten from a shelter about a month and half ago. He's probably not even six months old, and he was vaccinated and neutered while at the shelter. When we first brought him home, we noticed that he sheds a lot more than our other cat. He sheds a lot. Enough to cover furniture. We just assumed he was a shed-dy breed and thought nothing of it. About a week and a half ago I noticed a lump where his neck turns into his shoulder. It's about the size of a pea, and it moves and is somewhat squishy. I read around online, and it seemed to be a fatty cyst. I decided to watch it for changes in size or texture before a vet visit. Today, however, I noticed that my kitten's shedding has turned into hair loss. His hair is so thin on one side of his shoulders that I can see through to the skin.

The reason I have waited this long [other than being broke] is that I assumed they would have checked his health when they were vaccinating him. Is this an incorrect assumption? Does it vary by shelter? I would have thought they would just put down unhealthy animals instead of trying to adopt them out.

Do I need a vet visit or is there a reasonable explanation for this? I'm kind of freaking out, as it's a Friday afternoon and we're snowed in where I live.

Thanks in advance.

(I've checked around AskMe for similar questions, but none of the questions about kitty lumps mentioned hair loss. Sorry if this is a repeat.)

So many shampoos, so much confusion

stedman15 — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:40:07 -0800

I need to know the truth: How often should I be using shampoo and conditioner, and what sorts of shampoo and conditioner? Over the past few years, my hair has started thinning. I'm not bald, but I no longer the possess the luxuriant mane I had in college.

I get my hair cut at a hairstyling academy, and have been asking the stylists how I should shampoo. Their advice is making my head spin. Some told me to use organic shampoo, others told me to use shampoo without sulfates. Some told me I need to condition my hair often, others have said once a week is enough. I've been told to use volumizing conditioner by some to make my hair fuller, others say it doesn't matter.

So I ask MeFi: How should I be washing my hair, with what, and how often? If you can also let me know specific brands to use, it would be much appreciated.

I saw this earlier thread, but it doesn't seem to answer my questions.

Accutane killed my pride

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:36:25 -0800

Dealing with post-accutane hair loss. I am a male in my early 20's who finished five months of accutane treatment late last year... and I seem to have traded clear skin for about 50% of my hair! Even now, several months after I've finished, my hair seems to still be falling out in large amounts with no end in sight.

I've tried to do my homework on the subject, and I know that this is not unique - I'm sure the hive mind has horror stories (or success stories!) to share too with accutane. Google seems to find lots of people like me complaining and virtually no practical solutions. But my questions specifically are:

1 - Are there ways to reverse this? This could be genetic, but considering my age and the accutane, I doubt it's that big a coincidence. Are rogaine or propecia actually worth my time and money?

2 - Are there professionals that I can (or should) talk to about this? I just saw my doctor today for an unrelated reason and he wasn't much help... at all. Should I get another medical opinion or is that a waste of time?

I guess what I'd just like to know generally is.... should I be fighting back? If so, how? My pride is wounded and I'm feeling freaked out. This has just happened so fast.

Yes, I'm aware of the many "there's nothing you can do about it!" AskMe hair loss threads out there. I feel like my situation is unique enough to merit a new question.

Why is my girlfriend's hair breaking so easily?

Anthony84 — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:48:54 -0800

My girlfriend's hair comes out, too much! Every day she loses a small handful of it, and it won't grow past her shoulders very far. It's been this way for several years. What could be the cause of this? Since shortly after I met her 2 years ago, my girlfriend seems to drop off too much hair. When she showers, there is a noticeable gob of it after every one. When she straightens and combs it, she leaves another small gob, probably 30-50 strands of variable lengths. Throughout her scalp, short (3-6 inch) hairs stick out, leaving an odd look.

While her hair really doesn't look bad to me, it's clear to both of us that something is not right with it. We are both concerned. Her hair seems brittle and easy to break, and it is particularly wirey (sp). My best guess is that her hair has somehow become very fragile and is breaking off with normal care. Is there a likely explanation for why this is happening? Regardless, is there a way to minimize the breakage and strengthen her hair?

Hair care details: She's currently using not one, but three types of Garnier Fructis shampoo. She uses all three each time she washes her hair. She's using some Fructis conditioner along with that. She also straightens it daily (her hair is naturally very curly) with a high-quality straightening iron. I believe she uses a standard comb and brush as well.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Best treatment for hair thinning

toocan — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:19:53 -0800

Best treatment for hair thinning I’m in a male my mid 20's and notice my hair is thinning and falling out more over the past 6 months to the point where it is becoming visible.

I’m looking for some sort of treatment to minimise or even rewind the effects is this possible ?

There is no history of male pattern baldness in my family

Major Hair Loss probably from Liptor...please help

eve28 — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:55:27 -0800

Why is my mother losing so much of her hair when her hair was as thick as a horse's mane? Okay a few years back my mom found out she had high cholesterol. Her doctor put her on lipitor. she started noticing that her hair began falling out. after a couple of years she got off the stuff and her hair never grew back. now her high cholesterol is back so she found out she has to go back on it again. the thing is that the balding is only on the right and left side of her head, from the temples and it works its way back. it is going farther and farther back and the strange thing is that now it is growing a wee bit, however it only grows a few inches and stops. I am very worried about her and it makes her feel insecure. We have no medical insurance of any sort and basically we cannot afford it. My family has been struggling financially for a few years and my boyfriend said that majority of the people on this site are doctors,scientist,physists and everything else. please i am desperate for help and answers, but not as desperate as my mom. I want to help her and make her feel good again. I can not stand to watch her cry and need help from any one...please. I know stress can cause hair loss, but not like this and it eventually grows back.

On the one hand, my hair smells. On the other hand, I dont want to go bald trying to fix the problem...

GleepGlop — Sat, 07 Jan 2006 17:07:39 -0800

On the one hand, my hair smells (I think because I wash it everyday). On the other hand, I dont want to go bald trying to fix the problem (ie. stopping washing it everyday which I think is keeping my follicles from dying off). I wash my hair everyday because I swear it stopped my hairloss. My hairline started to recede in the 7th grade and stopped a few years later when I started to wash it everyday. (I also take Propecia now as an added safety).
I know that washing everyday is not recommended, and I read about someone else with the same washes hair everyday hair smells problem but cant remember where now. It smells basically like my hair is oily, even though thats impossible when I wash it so often. But my hair does seem to get oily quickly... Im unclear on whether scalp oilyness adjusts to your washing schedule... There are so many myths on this subject Im sure, so Im thoroughly confused at this point...
Has anyone expierienced smelly hair even when washing it regularly? Does anyone wash their hair regularly to avoid hair loss? I know theres a lot of new-age junk on the subject of what kind of crap to put in your hair, so please refrain unless you swear by vanilla extract and also happen to be a hard-assed scientist.

Reasons for Increased Hair Loss?

jojopizza — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 14:59:56 -0800

I just moved into a new house and am noticing my long hair is falling out much more quickly than before. We've checked on water quality (it's soft and no different than our previous home - just 2 miles away). What might be the reasons for this? It appears to be a combination of both the entire hair falling out and hair breakage. I don't believe it's stress as I have extended time off from work. My diet and exercise routine has not changed from before. I am also using exactly the same hair products as before. The house is older (28 years) compared to our last home (15 years). Could it be the pipes? Any other things to try? Thank you!

Fashion consultation needed for timid, unstylish 74 y.o. woman with severe hair loss (more inside)

Quietgal — Mon, 09 May 2005 11:39:12 -0800

Are there any places in New York City or Westchester County that can provide help with hats, scarves, hairpieces etc for an elderly woman with alopecia? It's genetic, not caused by chemotherapy. My Mom is extremely self-conscious about her hair loss and always wears a bandanna or kerchief to cover her head (tied in back, like you'd wear for painting the house). The problem is, she's embarassed to go anyplace nice in a bandanna and she's too timid to find a new "look" by herself. My parents' 50th anniversary is coming up and Dad wants to go to a really nice restaurant to celebrate. Is there any place that can help Mom find a nice-looking way to hide her hair loss?

Ideally, such a place would be private, supportive, and have a supply of hats and scarves on hand to play around with. No way would Mom ever go to a store and try on hats in public! Also, the consultant should be able to deal with clients who are both timid and resistant to change. Mom has worn a bandanna every day for at least 10 years and anything else looks wrong to her, but if a believable authority tells her "You look good in that style", she might accept something new. Books, websites and other DIY approahces won't work for the same reason - she needs someone to reassure her she looks good in a new style, and she won't believe Dad.

Thanks in advance for your help!