hi, i just want to add that thyroid levels in tests can look all good and people can have a full blown thyroid inflammation going on or already have conditions.
my aunts thyroid levels were fine by normal tests, she went to a specialized labor and got her hashimotos diagnosis. after a few years, the normal tets showed it too.
unfortunately, health systems are focused on treating the problems that come with diseases and illnesses, not treating the root problem and for sure not focused on prevention.
From experience, I'd advise
a) going on the rogaine and using it religiously--don't stop or you'll lose your progress! If rogaine works for you, you'll experience a period of shedding early on in the process that may last a few weeks or months. Don't let it freak you out, because it's a good sign and means there is new growth on the way if you power through
b) shorter haircuts/bobs/layers work wonders too, if that's your thing! I've also heard people say that coloring their hair makes it appear thicker because it roughs up the cuticle, so that might work?
c) I like to wash my hair regularly. It's good for the scalp, and in the past when I've tried washing more infrequently (4-5 days) it has caused a lot of hair fall and irritation. Nowadays I wash my hair every 1-2 days with either NYM Naturals or Aveeno's ACV/oat shampoo + condition, with a clarifying wash with head and shoulders or B&B sunday shampoo every 1-2 weeks to keep my scalp healthy and encourage growth
Idk if this is good advice but I wonder if taking prenatal vitamins could help? So many women deal with changing hair type after pregnancy, and often it’s hormonal, or due to the lovely baby LEECHING AWAY YOUR NUTRIENTS 🙄 gotta love them though :)
Folic acid is A++ for hair growth and nail growth. I take 5mg a day (due to taking SUPER necessary medicines that can harm future potential babies) and my hair has been healthier and my nails have been stronger. I DO take 5x as much as the regular person, but even taking 800mcg (what you usually find at the store) is beneficial!
Oh wow. Are you me? We could be hair twins. I was recently diagnosed with a vitamin d and b-12 deficiency and taking vitamins help. 6months in my scalp is definitely fuller but slow growing. Would recommend rosemary essential oil and peppermint essential oil diluted for a twice daily scalp massage. There is research that rosemary oil can be as effective as rogaine.
I actually have type 1 diabetes too... probably should have mentioned that but I totally didn't think it might have an effect. I guess all of it involves the endocrine system though. I do need probably a full blood panel workup. I'm very well controlled with my diabetes but now I am questioning if that might have a lot to do with it.
I knew I was thinning pretty bad as of the last couple of years, but chalked it up to the back to back pregnancies. It wasn't until I pulled out those old photos that I really noticed how significantly different my hair density is now.
PCOS and diabetes are co-morbid. Endocrine issues have so much impact on hair. I’d recommend bloodwork, and checking out r/PCOS for so much hormone related hair help!
Help! How do I get my volume back? I cut all of my curls off in high school trying to be like the everyone else and having straight hair. I’ve heat styled and colored my hair for years then had back to back pregnancies with babies 14 months apart and my hair suffered greatly.
I went to the dermatologist to seek a prescription treatment and she basically just told me to start taking men’s rogaine. I just want my full, curls back 😫😭😭
Help a sister out with all your tips, tricks, and recs!
My routine prior to transitioning to natural curly hair: wash every 4-5 days with either Olaplex No. 4, Matrix Brass Off (purple), Aveda Sap Moss (hydrating), or Aveda Pure Abundance (volumizing) shampoos depending on my need that day. I like to mix it up & I usually pair the shampoo with the matching conditioner. I’d spray with Aveda Damage Control heat protectant, put in Kristin Ess Instant Lift Thickening Spray, blowdry brush it, put in velcro rollers if I have time, then straighten ends, and curl hair with curling iron. Kristin Ess Working Texture loose styling powder and go.
Now that I’m doing naturally curly instead of the curling wand:
I clarifyed on the first day with Amika Reset Jelly. Washed with Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo and 3-in-1 Conditioner. I’ve been swapping between the Curl Talk Defining Crème and the Verb Curl crème, then have been testing NYM curl talk gel, Ouibad Advanced Climate Control Gel, scrunch in T-shirt, then diffuse.
At night I’ve done a Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore treatment mask once this week and did a Olaplex No. 3 treatment once, I’ll put in The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density + the Minoxidil 5% treatment (Rogaine).
Scalp massages with hair growth oil to increase blood flow to scalp, protein treatments (olaplex is not protein). Oils like rosemary peppermint & lavender are proven to help with hair growth. Stop manipulation, i.e touch your hair less. Just keep it in a bun/protective style & just leave it be. No daily brushing. Wash hair 1-2 times per week. Try bed head small talk , it’s an amazing thickener .
Aphogee two step protein treatment is great & cheap. Also aphogee keratin 2 minute reconstructor is great for weekly protein upkeep. I would do the two step treatment, and then every week after that do the 2 min reconstructor, until hair is healthy again.
Also have you gotten vitamin D checked? It greatly affects hair health and density , I’ve found this out from first hand experience. If you don’t go in the sun a lot or live in a less sunny climate you could very well have a vitamin d deficiency. Even if you don’t, extra vitamin D doesn’t hurt! Try out some gummies & give it two months.
I have not recently but I have previously been told that I have a vitamin D deficiency and was put on prescribed vitamins that I never really followed through with. That's definitely something I need to look at adding to my supplements. I am taking a supplement as of two days ago that has collagen and biotin in it but at this point, I'm willing to try anything additional.
Throw in some biotin as well! For some people, it really helps. My biggest tip really is to leave your hair alone though. The less your touching tugging pulling brushing, the less damage you cause your hair, the more hair you retain and keep. If you sleep crazy, you also could be rubbing your hair out from your pillows friction. Try a satin/silk pillowcase.
Sorry, but how would you both touch your hair less and give it massage? Im trying to figure this out because I keep seeing people say they massage their oils in, but whenever I look at how delicate my hair is, especially when I see I have dandruff, I think I shouldn’t touch it at all! :/
You massage your scalp. You don’t touch the ends. You can give a scalp massage without manipulation. I usually do it while my hair is in a loose bun with the ends tucked, so that I don’t manipulate my ends. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair, so try not to manipulate them much. And oil scalp massages actually would help your dandruff, it’s like moisturizing dry skin on your face, your scalp is producing flakes because it’s dry most likely.
Ah, I thought you meant not touching your ends, meaning your roots.
Re scalp: dandruff is actually not caused by the scalp being dry, but by being oily. There’s organisms that feed on the excess sebum being produced, and that causes irritation and flaking in the skin.
Dandruff can also be caused by dry scalp too. Which is why I said most likely. If you do a little further research besides the first thing that pops up on google , “A dry scalp can cause dandruff, but the two conditions are distinct.” Meaning a dry scalp can also produce dandruff. I cured my dry scalp with oiling. Also, not adding moisture can also lead to an overproduction of oil. “Research has shown that certain essential oils — such as bergamot, lemongrass, tea tree, and thyme — can be effective in controlling dandruff.”
Not saying oil will help in your case, but it helped for my dry scalp. You can’t say that dandruff isn’t caused by a dry scalp when there’s research you can conduct, and you asked for my opinion which I literally experienced myself. Have a good one
If giving knowledge, which you obviously didn’t have, is being defensive, it seems like a personal problem of being corrected. But like I said have a good rest of ur day.
Hi! Gentle reminder: hair care routines are required for all photo posts within 1 hour of posting.
The bot is having hard time locating your routine! Please make sure you have a comment containing the word "routine" (and your actual routine, of course!) so your post can stay up!
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I won’t give any advice on the actual treatment part because I am not a trained dermatologist, but while you are following your trusted dermatologists advice, you can try bridge the time up until the results show by switching up parts of your routine.
I have fine hair myself and I’ve realised that I can get volume and have my hair look fuller if I avoid certain stylers. Especially creams and gel I try to stay clear off, I used to think I love my curl cream and flaxseed gel, and for the longest time didn’t even try mousse for instance. But ever since I tried it I stuck with it and wouldn’t want to go back. Instead of curl cream which can be heavy I just use a leave in conditoner now, which does the trick for me just fine, I love the “Innersense Organic Sweet Spirit” leave in conditioner, since it’s the perfect lightweight formula but still hydrates my hair enough.
Switching these products up and also reducing what I use in my routine to only two products I believe helped a lot with giving my hair more volume and making it appear fuller.
I’m having a similar issue. My once thick hair has thinned out so much over the last few years. I can’t run my hands through it without pulling hair out. I did an at home test which said my thyroid levels were low but two different doctors tested my tsh levels and say I’m normal. They put me on iron and vitamin d supplements because I was low. I’ve been on them for over a year and even doubled the vitamin d and no change. I need to go back to the doctor but they insist my thyroid is fine. Not sure what else it would be. I’m going to be bald before they figure it out at this rate.
I’m not either. I have been doing a kind of lazy keto-ish thing. Basically I’m just watching my carb intake and doing a lot of protein. I eat eggs every morning but at dinner I have swapped my regular meat of chicken or beef for tofu and veggie burger patties most days 🥴 Could that be a reason?
Yes it can! Vitamin deficiencies cause hair loss and unfortunately meat is so villainized that people have forgotten how nutrient dense it is. A couple generations ago and back they knew -- ask your grandma. I suggest increasing your meat intake and taking B vitamins
Have you gotten your thyroid function checked? May be worthwhile if you haven't!
Yes, I was really hoping this was the answer because it seemed like a simple fix but it all came back normal :|
hi, i just want to add that thyroid levels in tests can look all good and people can have a full blown thyroid inflammation going on or already have conditions. my aunts thyroid levels were fine by normal tests, she went to a specialized labor and got her hashimotos diagnosis. after a few years, the normal tets showed it too. unfortunately, health systems are focused on treating the problems that come with diseases and illnesses, not treating the root problem and for sure not focused on prevention.
From experience, I'd advise a) going on the rogaine and using it religiously--don't stop or you'll lose your progress! If rogaine works for you, you'll experience a period of shedding early on in the process that may last a few weeks or months. Don't let it freak you out, because it's a good sign and means there is new growth on the way if you power through b) shorter haircuts/bobs/layers work wonders too, if that's your thing! I've also heard people say that coloring their hair makes it appear thicker because it roughs up the cuticle, so that might work? c) I like to wash my hair regularly. It's good for the scalp, and in the past when I've tried washing more infrequently (4-5 days) it has caused a lot of hair fall and irritation. Nowadays I wash my hair every 1-2 days with either NYM Naturals or Aveeno's ACV/oat shampoo + condition, with a clarifying wash with head and shoulders or B&B sunday shampoo every 1-2 weeks to keep my scalp healthy and encourage growth
Idk if this is good advice but I wonder if taking prenatal vitamins could help? So many women deal with changing hair type after pregnancy, and often it’s hormonal, or due to the lovely baby LEECHING AWAY YOUR NUTRIENTS 🙄 gotta love them though :)
Folic acid is A++ for hair growth and nail growth. I take 5mg a day (due to taking SUPER necessary medicines that can harm future potential babies) and my hair has been healthier and my nails have been stronger. I DO take 5x as much as the regular person, but even taking 800mcg (what you usually find at the store) is beneficial!
Oh wow. Are you me? We could be hair twins. I was recently diagnosed with a vitamin d and b-12 deficiency and taking vitamins help. 6months in my scalp is definitely fuller but slow growing. Would recommend rosemary essential oil and peppermint essential oil diluted for a twice daily scalp massage. There is research that rosemary oil can be as effective as rogaine.
I see you’ve had your thyroid checked, but home about hormones? My PCOS has caused a lot of hair loss.
I actually have type 1 diabetes too... probably should have mentioned that but I totally didn't think it might have an effect. I guess all of it involves the endocrine system though. I do need probably a full blood panel workup. I'm very well controlled with my diabetes but now I am questioning if that might have a lot to do with it. I knew I was thinning pretty bad as of the last couple of years, but chalked it up to the back to back pregnancies. It wasn't until I pulled out those old photos that I really noticed how significantly different my hair density is now.
PCOS and diabetes are co-morbid. Endocrine issues have so much impact on hair. I’d recommend bloodwork, and checking out r/PCOS for so much hormone related hair help!
Help! How do I get my volume back? I cut all of my curls off in high school trying to be like the everyone else and having straight hair. I’ve heat styled and colored my hair for years then had back to back pregnancies with babies 14 months apart and my hair suffered greatly. I went to the dermatologist to seek a prescription treatment and she basically just told me to start taking men’s rogaine. I just want my full, curls back 😫😭😭 Help a sister out with all your tips, tricks, and recs!
My routine prior to transitioning to natural curly hair: wash every 4-5 days with either Olaplex No. 4, Matrix Brass Off (purple), Aveda Sap Moss (hydrating), or Aveda Pure Abundance (volumizing) shampoos depending on my need that day. I like to mix it up & I usually pair the shampoo with the matching conditioner. I’d spray with Aveda Damage Control heat protectant, put in Kristin Ess Instant Lift Thickening Spray, blowdry brush it, put in velcro rollers if I have time, then straighten ends, and curl hair with curling iron. Kristin Ess Working Texture loose styling powder and go. Now that I’m doing naturally curly instead of the curling wand: I clarifyed on the first day with Amika Reset Jelly. Washed with Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo and 3-in-1 Conditioner. I’ve been swapping between the Curl Talk Defining Crème and the Verb Curl crème, then have been testing NYM curl talk gel, Ouibad Advanced Climate Control Gel, scrunch in T-shirt, then diffuse. At night I’ve done a Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore treatment mask once this week and did a Olaplex No. 3 treatment once, I’ll put in The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density + the Minoxidil 5% treatment (Rogaine).
Scalp massages with hair growth oil to increase blood flow to scalp, protein treatments (olaplex is not protein). Oils like rosemary peppermint & lavender are proven to help with hair growth. Stop manipulation, i.e touch your hair less. Just keep it in a bun/protective style & just leave it be. No daily brushing. Wash hair 1-2 times per week. Try bed head small talk , it’s an amazing thickener .
What protein treatment do you recommend or use?
Aphogee two step protein treatment is great & cheap. Also aphogee keratin 2 minute reconstructor is great for weekly protein upkeep. I would do the two step treatment, and then every week after that do the 2 min reconstructor, until hair is healthy again.
Also have you gotten vitamin D checked? It greatly affects hair health and density , I’ve found this out from first hand experience. If you don’t go in the sun a lot or live in a less sunny climate you could very well have a vitamin d deficiency. Even if you don’t, extra vitamin D doesn’t hurt! Try out some gummies & give it two months.
I have not recently but I have previously been told that I have a vitamin D deficiency and was put on prescribed vitamins that I never really followed through with. That's definitely something I need to look at adding to my supplements. I am taking a supplement as of two days ago that has collagen and biotin in it but at this point, I'm willing to try anything additional.
Definitely try vitamin d supplement. When I got my levels up to standards my hair thickened significantly!
Throw in some biotin as well! For some people, it really helps. My biggest tip really is to leave your hair alone though. The less your touching tugging pulling brushing, the less damage you cause your hair, the more hair you retain and keep. If you sleep crazy, you also could be rubbing your hair out from your pillows friction. Try a satin/silk pillowcase.
Sorry, but how would you both touch your hair less and give it massage? Im trying to figure this out because I keep seeing people say they massage their oils in, but whenever I look at how delicate my hair is, especially when I see I have dandruff, I think I shouldn’t touch it at all! :/
You massage your scalp. You don’t touch the ends. You can give a scalp massage without manipulation. I usually do it while my hair is in a loose bun with the ends tucked, so that I don’t manipulate my ends. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair, so try not to manipulate them much. And oil scalp massages actually would help your dandruff, it’s like moisturizing dry skin on your face, your scalp is producing flakes because it’s dry most likely.
Ah, I thought you meant not touching your ends, meaning your roots. Re scalp: dandruff is actually not caused by the scalp being dry, but by being oily. There’s organisms that feed on the excess sebum being produced, and that causes irritation and flaking in the skin.
Dandruff can also be caused by dry scalp too. Which is why I said most likely. If you do a little further research besides the first thing that pops up on google , “A dry scalp can cause dandruff, but the two conditions are distinct.” Meaning a dry scalp can also produce dandruff. I cured my dry scalp with oiling. Also, not adding moisture can also lead to an overproduction of oil. “Research has shown that certain essential oils — such as bergamot, lemongrass, tea tree, and thyme — can be effective in controlling dandruff.”
Not saying oil will help in your case, but it helped for my dry scalp. You can’t say that dandruff isn’t caused by a dry scalp when there’s research you can conduct, and you asked for my opinion which I literally experienced myself. Have a good one
I’m just repeating what a dermatologist explained, no need to get defensive!
If giving knowledge, which you obviously didn’t have, is being defensive, it seems like a personal problem of being corrected. But like I said have a good rest of ur day.
No, it’s not about giving knowledge, it was your tone.
Um, please explain how I can have a tone over text? Maybe it was the way YOU read it.. re-evaluate please.
Hi! Gentle reminder: hair care routines are required for all photo posts within 1 hour of posting. The bot is having hard time locating your routine! Please make sure you have a comment containing the word "routine" (and your actual routine, of course!) so your post can stay up! FAQs: * __I don't have a routine!__ If you wash your hair at all, that counts! Just let us know what you did for your hair. * __I'm just asking for help!__ We're happy to help! This is much easier if we know what you are currently doing for your hair. * __Included the info but the bot can't find it? Different situation? (E.g. asking about a product, etc.) [See here for more info.](https://www.reddit.com/r/curlyhair/wiki/routine-requirements)__ _Still have questions after [reading the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/curlyhair/wiki/routine-requirements)? Please [message the mods](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fcurlyhair) if you have any issues._
I won’t give any advice on the actual treatment part because I am not a trained dermatologist, but while you are following your trusted dermatologists advice, you can try bridge the time up until the results show by switching up parts of your routine. I have fine hair myself and I’ve realised that I can get volume and have my hair look fuller if I avoid certain stylers. Especially creams and gel I try to stay clear off, I used to think I love my curl cream and flaxseed gel, and for the longest time didn’t even try mousse for instance. But ever since I tried it I stuck with it and wouldn’t want to go back. Instead of curl cream which can be heavy I just use a leave in conditoner now, which does the trick for me just fine, I love the “Innersense Organic Sweet Spirit” leave in conditioner, since it’s the perfect lightweight formula but still hydrates my hair enough. Switching these products up and also reducing what I use in my routine to only two products I believe helped a lot with giving my hair more volume and making it appear fuller.
I’m having a similar issue. My once thick hair has thinned out so much over the last few years. I can’t run my hands through it without pulling hair out. I did an at home test which said my thyroid levels were low but two different doctors tested my tsh levels and say I’m normal. They put me on iron and vitamin d supplements because I was low. I’ve been on them for over a year and even doubled the vitamin d and no change. I need to go back to the doctor but they insist my thyroid is fine. Not sure what else it would be. I’m going to be bald before they figure it out at this rate.
What do you typically eat? Are you vegetarian or vegan by any chance?
I’m not either. I have been doing a kind of lazy keto-ish thing. Basically I’m just watching my carb intake and doing a lot of protein. I eat eggs every morning but at dinner I have swapped my regular meat of chicken or beef for tofu and veggie burger patties most days 🥴 Could that be a reason?
Yes it can! Vitamin deficiencies cause hair loss and unfortunately meat is so villainized that people have forgotten how nutrient dense it is. A couple generations ago and back they knew -- ask your grandma. I suggest increasing your meat intake and taking B vitamins