My hair :(

xAdrianax
xAdrianax Posts: 269 Member
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
Ok well since i have been loosing weight my poor hair is suffering.

My mum has mentioned it a couple of times and i have noticed too.

Its a mixture of major weight loss (for me - not been this light since i was about 12) and washing my hair too much since exercising frequently (sweaty hair = ick!)

Now i know all about dry shampoo - thats great and taking multi-vitamins (have started doing that now)

My question is what else can i do to get the oomph/thickness back?

Many Thanks! Hoping to hear some weird and wacky suggestions!
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Replies

  • cloneme_losehalf
    cloneme_losehalf Posts: 356 Member
    biotin capsules ..... make sure you are getting plenty of protein and vitamin b.... gelatin capsule strength hair
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    make sure you caloric deficit is not to large (not getting adequate nutrition can lead to hair loss) and also make sure you have enough fat in your diet (20-30% of total calories should come from fat)
  • monocot
    monocot Posts: 475 Member
    I used to have thick beautiful hair and now it's thin but my dr assures me it's because I've lost so Much weight in such a little time.
    And that it will go back to its normal self when a person starts to maintain or just lose a lb or two in a month
  • BonnieRose513
    BonnieRose513 Posts: 6
    As a gastric bypass patient, and a heavy loser of weight in the past 8 months, I take this stuff and LOVE IT! It is formulated for GB patients, but we all need these nutrients and I think it will help you too!
    http://shop.bariatriceating.com/Journey-Essentials-HAIR-BALANCE-CAPSULES--Nutrient-Boost-for-Hair-Skin-Nails--120-Count-_p_517.html
  • MissMichellemybelle
    MissMichellemybelle Posts: 70 Member
    Get your thyroid checked. Thats a common symptom of hypothyroiditis.
  • melbaby925
    melbaby925 Posts: 613
    You might be deficient in Omega 3s. I saw on Dr. Oz recently that hair issues and itchy scalp are a sign of being deficient in them - you want to go with animal based sources, so salmon, black cod...that kind of stuff.

    Also, I have problems with my hair getting frizzy in the winter because it's so dry out. I've started using cocoa butter with jojoba oil in it. No other ingredients - you heat it up in the microwave so it's soft, and then I slather it all over my hair and go to bed. Then shower in the a.m. and shampoo as usual. I've started doing this 2-3 times a week, and not only does it smell yummy, but my frizz has mostly gone away!
  • xAdrianax
    xAdrianax Posts: 269 Member
    Thanks for all the comments! re the thyroid im pretty sure its the weight loss as i am seeing many others experiencing this too. I did have tests for that done about 3/4 years ago anyway x
  • AdAstra47
    AdAstra47 Posts: 823 Member
    Are you eating enough protein? The MFP settings for protein are pretty low, you should aim to get that number in the red each day. Protein builds & maintains muscle, but also, your hair is 91% protein. Thinning hair is one symptom of nutrient deficiency. May be protein, may be something else you're lacking, but I'd take it seriously & try to figure out what your body is telling you.
  • bigbrownkid
    bigbrownkid Posts: 83
    My hair has gotten thinner too. It used to be really thick.

    You might want to try biotin, a Vitamin B supplement, for your hair. It's also good for strengthening nails.

    did this help you? ever since i started my weight loss, my hair has thinned alot and i shed alot too. im only 21, my friends kinda joke with me but i didnt know you could experience this because of weight loss
  • flaquitadelafrontera
    flaquitadelafrontera Posts: 40
    I recently fried the crap out of my hair and thus embarked on a major mission the improve/maintain what is left! There are several different kinds of professional thickening/repair shampoos. I can tell you what I think works best if you let me know a price range (it can really vary). I also have done some at home mixtures with tons of protein egg, avocado, olive oil, which worked well for me, but I've heard some people talk about experiencing too much protein so, I guess be mindful that diff hair textures react differently. I do the home mixtures occasionally and like the Nexuss deep conditioner with keratin in it. Write me if need more have more specific info:) Good luck!!
  • AdAstra47
    AdAstra47 Posts: 823 Member
    I used to have thick beautiful hair and now it's thin but my dr assures me it's because I've lost so Much weight in such a little time.
    And that it will go back to its normal self when a person starts to maintain or just lose a lb or two in a month

    This is why I don't trust most doctors when it comes to nutrition. Thinning hair is a sign that something is wrong in your body (unless you're suffering from male pattern baldness or something...). Your doctor should not dismiss that so lightly. When your body is lacking some nutrient (could be fat, or vitamin B, or protein, as others here have suggested), it starts conserving that nutrient by denying it to 'non-essential systems' like your hair & nails. If you get the proper balance of nutrients, you should be able to lose weight without losing muscle or hair.

    Personally, my hair is longer & more healthy now than it has been since my teen years. Ever since I started a high-protein lifestyle. And I've lost over 40 lb with this. So the idea that thinning hair is a natural part of weight loss is just wrong, and it was completely irresponsible of that doctor to tell you that.
  • wenrenee77
    wenrenee77 Posts: 12
    It will take approximately 6 months for your hair to return to its previous lushness. Proper diet, exercise, supplements, and hair maintenance will help it along. Try using hair products that are sulfate free, such as the Awaphui Wild Ginger products by Paul Mitchell. (I work at a cosmetology school so I know about this stuff...).

    -W.
  • kandrews24
    kandrews24 Posts: 610 Member
    Nioxin shampoo, conditioner, and scalp treatment. Proven formula for growing hair back in this sort of situation = stress, weight loss, post chemo, pregnancy, etc.
  • dianita22
    dianita22 Posts: 28
    BIOTIN!!! it's amazing or OTC prenatal vitamins, but Biotin alone WILL do the trick
  • Bourds
    Bourds Posts: 90 Member
    I actually just added Biotin to my diet yesterday and added A&D a few weeks ago. I take multivatimins and multiple vitamin supplements (C, Garlic, Fish Oil, Calcium, etc) and have all of my life. I eat alot of protein and am never lacking on that end but I do watch my fats so those may be lower than they should be. I use Pantece Pro-V shampoon/conditioner and do weekly hair treatments to stregthen and rejuvenate my hair and have for about 1.5 months now. I had my thyroid and other blood testing done about 6 months ago as my doctor was watching everything with my weight loss and all was good then. I have been low on total calorie intake usually 800's-900's per day and not eating back exercise calories. I almost never go over 1000 calories regardless of exercise and know that I need to improve on eating more. It was nice when the weight was coming off quickly but not if it is harmful to my health. I lost over 100 pounds in 7-8 months. Thanks for all your input as I really needed some more opinions from people doing the same thing as me.
  • gammybarb
    gammybarb Posts: 34 Member
    Hair is a byproduct of protein as are nails. Add more protein to your diet. When you wash your hair comb it out instead of using a brush. Wash your hair no more than twice a week and do not use heavy conditioners or harsh shampoo. Try baby shampoo. It's very mild and has no detergent.
  • MarcRipley
    MarcRipley Posts: 5 Member
    Very good info! Thanks everyone for posting. I'll also check into those Biotin suppliments.

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  • amfmmama
    amfmmama Posts: 1,420 Member
    shower cap is my friend!
  • Dundreggen
    Dundreggen Posts: 41 Member
    You have gotten some great nutrition advice. As to frequent washing. Try either not using shampoo so often, or just use conditioner. Like dissolves like so unless you are super greasy using conditioner WILL clean your hair.
  • skpresley20
    skpresley20 Posts: 177 Member
    http://www.beautyclicks.com/joico-k-pak-rescue-your-hair-kit.html

    Try this stuff. It's called a K Pak Treatment. You do it once a week for 4-5 weeks. I do this maybe 2x a year and my hair is so much healthier, and fuller. You can actually FEEL the difference too. It works, I'm going to do it again here in a couple weeks. Its essentially a protein treatment, and I believe it's fairly cheap. It really really works and I highly recommend it.
  • amandavictoria80
    amandavictoria80 Posts: 734 Member
    A trick I have heard lots about it Gelatin. Like the stuff used to make jello. But I'm talking about just regular gelatin. Gelatin has a protein in it that will thicken your hair.

    I just HAVE to say that you need to be careful not to put too much protein in your hair through treatments. Hair will actually break off and turn to mush if you put in too much.
    Go nuts on the protein supplements. :)

    And by the way, if you have thick wavy hair at all, Joico K-Pac treatment sucks! If you have a Sally Beauty where you live, there are some great products there.
  • Jonna13
    Jonna13 Posts: 288 Member
    Just wanted to warn you about biotin. Took this a few years ago and got the worst acne of my life! I'm talking horrible cystic acne. I shed some hair due to stress but it all came back once the stress subsided. Just be careful what supplements you take.
  • skpresley20
    skpresley20 Posts: 177 Member
    A trick I have heard lots about it Gelatin. Like the stuff used to make jello. But I'm talking about just regular gelatin. Gelatin has a protein in it that will thicken your hair.

    I just HAVE to say that you need to be careful not to put too much protein in your hair through treatments. Hair will actually break off and turn to mush if you put in too much.
    Go nuts on the protein supplements. :)

    And by the way, if you have thick wavy hair at all, Joico K-Pac treatment sucks! If you have a Sally Beauty where you live, there are some great products there.

    I have to disagree with you there, I have incredibly thick wavy/curly hair and K-Pac worked great on my hair.
  • LavenderBouquet
    LavenderBouquet Posts: 736 Member
    If you're looking for something to help in washing it less often, I use baby powder sometimes to absorb some of the oil so I can go another day. I have fine hair that's on the oily side, but I'm also cheap and dry shampoo isn't lol :P
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    First I'd suggest looking at how much you are eating - you might not be getting enough nutrients, and just adding a multivitamin tablet doesn't replace all the goodness you get from fresh food.

    If you are washing your hair every day because of exercise, then stop! I usually use shampoo on my hair only once a week or so and the other days if it is sweaty I will rinse it under the shower, which gets rid of the sweat but doesn't take away as much of your hair's natural oils.
  • pinkgigi
    pinkgigi Posts: 693 Member
    when I was in my 20s I was starving myself to stay thin for dancing, and my hair did get thinner, I didn't have enough healthy fat in my diet, when I fixed that it came back thick again.

    GG
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,416 Member
    I just HAVE to say that you need to be careful not to put too much protein in your hair through treatments. Hair will actually break off and turn to mush if you put in too much.

    Huh? Can you give me a source for this info? That's the silliest thing I've ever heard.
  • Adrenaline_Queen
    Adrenaline_Queen Posts: 626 Member
    Some people dont even shampoo their hair, you dont need to every time you train................ xx Also there are so many good things you can do to your hair........... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hugs hugs stay away from the treatments and shampooing your hair every day....................... xxxxxxxx

    Why because simply we are not accustomed to it, our bodies dont accept it........

    I shower as often as, but I dont shampoo my hair every day, due to it feeling so nasty and brittle... xxxxxxxxx

    Hope you can find a solution for you xxx

    Try more nuts in your diet, like Pinkgigi said, do you have good fats in your diet? We need those, people tend to think no fats.......... But that is how we function, fact xxxxxxxxxxxx Hugs xxxxxxxxx
  • Gemnildy
    Gemnildy Posts: 124 Member
    WOW.. so many great suggestions..wish I had seen some of these a long time ago...lol

    I had a problem with my hair start when I quit smoking and it kicked my metabolism into shock.. which also kicked in my initial weight gain. My hair would not grow and became brittle and could no longer be processed at all (perms). Eventually, I found WEN Hair Care which is a Cleansing Conditioner.. my hair is sooo much healthier now (noticible after only a couple of weeks) and holds up great for daily (or more) cleansing. Now that it is healthy again,,, maybe I can try some of the suggestions here for thickness and length! lol

    :flowerforyou:
  • shakybabe
    shakybabe Posts: 1,578 Member
    My hair started thinning around the parting /crown I wasn't sure if it was age (42), perimenopause, my thyroid playing up (I was born with not working but never had problems with hair before), didn't know it could be caused from dieting though to be honest I'm sure it was already going thinner before I went low carb as I remember buying nanogen shampoo and conditioner at beginning of this year.

    I've bought some Biotin after seeing it mentioned on here with many getting good results from it, so hoping that works for me too when it arrives!
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