Thinning Hair

[Hawk Lady]

 My hair is very curly, fine, and very thin on the crown (you can see my scalp) due to medication I have to take post breast cancer.  I have been using Toppik to give the illusion of fullness and hide my scalp but I was wondering if anyone else has any other ideas on how to handle this problem.  The Toppik does work but sometimes it is itchy.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[marci65]

First and most important -- congratulations for surviving breast cancer!    

I don't have first-hand experience with any products for thinning hair other than using a conditioner for "fullness/volume", which wouldn't help with scalp showing.  Have you tried Nutri-Ox (Nioxin knockoff) from Sally Beauty, or Rogaine for Women?  I know on long hair boards, people have posted about certain oil blends (homemade and/or store-bought) that supposedly helped them with new hair growth. 

Wish I could be more helpful.  Best wishes!

[makinalist]

As marci said, congratulations and best wishes for continued good health!  Your story puts everything else in perspective.

I have also heard good things about the Nioxin line, but I'm not sure what it can do if you will be taking the medication indefinitely, which you probably will if I understand your question correctly.

Is your hair long enough to wear it pinned up?  Your curls might be enough to hide the thin area.  Also, a small hairpiece might work for you.  They can be custom made to match your hair.  Even a wide hairband - one of the soft, stretchy ones - could help.

Conversely, you could have your hair cut short and you wouldn't have to do much to it.  I'm thinking the less styling the better for the health of your hair.

Good luck in your search!

[Hawk Lady]

Lucky me, I don't have to take the medicine indefinately and there is hope that once I stop it my hair may recover.  I will check out the Nioxin though and see if it will help.  We are so vain - aren't we!

[ILuvLucy]

I have a friend who lost a lot of hair from illness.  She did quite well with taking biotin. 

[makinalist]

Good one!  I didn't think of biotin, but it just might help.

Nothing wrong with a little vanity...you want to be healthy and look good doing it, right?

[milla]

Most people who lost hair after breast cancer (including both my sisters) seem to have regained it after a while. The latest example is a work colleague who wore a wig  for over a year after treatment, she has now a lovely head of hair (still short but lovely). So there is hope.  I'll  ask my friends/sisters.

[SusieQ]

Burt's Bees volumizing shampoo and conditioner kept my hair healthly and because there are no harmful ingredients, I saw less hair down the drain. 

Congratulations, Hawk!  There is nothing wrong with being vain, it keeps us from looking like a the old bag lady. Not that there's anything wrong with the bag lady look, if you like that look. 

[Hawk Lady]

Thanks to you all.  I will check into both the vitamin and the products.

[makinalist]

Good luck with all of it, and keep us posted on your progress.

[Tupelo]

Congratulations, Hawk Lady, on your successful course of treatmetnt. Happy, happy recovery to you!

After several rounds of chemo in the early 90's I lost all my hair. Although it did grow back, I really did agonize over the change in my appearance. In no way did I consider it vain. It felt like actual loss to me. Before I would take vitamins or invest in treatment for this, I would advise a trip to a great stylist with some expertise in styling thinning hair.

You might find some tips on this site to help you style your hair now:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/98617-disguise-thinning-hair-women/

Best of luck to you! Please let us know how it works out. Lots of us have fine and thinning hair!

[Hawk Lady]

I will check it out.  Thanks.

[Mim]

Joan Rivers makes a powder  that you brush on your scalp where you have too much scalp showing through - on top, in a part, etc.  It is fantastic.

[makinalist]

Now that is genius.

[Hawk Lady]

Thanks Mim what a good idea.  I will look for Joan River's product, if anyone would know how to fake it she would be the one.  Thank you all for your well wishes.  I will be fine - I'm pretty tough.

[Hawk Lady]

Have discovered another product that is getting excellent reviews.  It is a keratin powder called Toppik.  I've tried it and it makes all the difference in the world.  Yay!  Once again,  I will be able to venture out without being self conscious or wearing a hat, life is good.  Not only that, it is available at Sally Beauty.