Thinning hair

[sourkitteh]

Hi, im new and have been searching the threads for some help but sadly i dont think ive found exactly what im looking for just yet. So i post

Last year i noticed my hair was shedding lots, like handfuls at a time lots. i went to the doctors and was told i was slightly iron deficient? given iron tablets and then told to come back after 4 months. the shedding did slow down a bit, and the other symptoms went too (fatigue, itching, sickness) i also started taking biotin after years of thinking about it.

after the four months, i went back to the doctor who told me i didnt need the stronger iron tablets anymore and just to use store bought iron tablets. i wasnt offered any other blood tests but i went on my merry way. about 2/3 months later i noticed that my hair seemed thinner, the fatigue was coming back and some other symptoms that i had earlier. by this time i would estimate ive lost about half of my hair.

i went back to the doctors, got more blood tests but everything returned normal. i asked him to check my scalp, he prescribed some betnovate for itching (i didnt realise i had been itching my scalp during this time) and some shampoo to treat scalp dermatitis? my scalp has never been dry or flaky so i was a bit confused about this, but i thought im willing to try anything! so i tried the ointment and the shampoo and the itching did go away, but i noticed that sometimes if i used a different conditioner the itch would come back....now im not sure if im just being paranoid or what. so basically ive went very basic on my hair. i use paraben free shampoo on the scalp and then a conditioner on the hair hanging below my ears.

the biotin seems to be working with my hair in that it grows like a weed. but its the little baby hairs that dont seem to be growing at all. i see them after i wash my hair, but then a few weeks pass and theres no further growth....last week i even tried touching them and a few fell out in my fingers.

SO to cut a very long story short.

i need help and advice.

my hair is VERY thin, like i have to be very cautious on how i wear it so as not to higlight my scalp. im still taking the biotin and i was looking into either msm or saw palmetto. whats worrying me is that whilst my hair is growing in length, why is it still so thin? should i go back to the doctors even though i dont think theyll really be that bothered? i really dont know what to do anymore :(

[CrowningGlory]

Hi, im new and have been searching the threads for some help but sadly i dont think ive found exactly what im looking for just yet. So i post

Last year i noticed my hair was shedding lots, like handfuls at a time lots. i went to the doctors and was told i was slightly iron deficient? given iron tablets and then told to come back after 4 months. the shedding did slow down a bit, and the other symptoms went too (fatigue, itching, sickness) i also started taking biotin after years of thinking about it.

after the four months, i went back to the doctor who told me i didnt need the stronger iron tablets anymore and just to use store bought iron tablets. i wasnt offered any other blood tests but i went on my merry way. about 2/3 months later i noticed that my hair seemed thinner, the fatigue was coming back and some other symptoms that i had earlier. by this time i would estimate ive lost about half of my hair.

i went back to the doctors, got more blood tests but everything returned normal. i asked him to check my scalp, he prescribed some betnovate for itching (i didnt realise i had been itching my scalp during this time) and some shampoo to treat scalp dermatitis? my scalp has never been dry or flaky so i was a bit confused about this, but i thought im willing to try anything! so i tried the ointment and the shampoo and the itching did go away, but i noticed that sometimes if i used a different conditioner the itch would come back....now im not sure if im just being paranoid or what. so basically ive went very basic on my hair. i use paraben free shampoo on the scalp and then a conditioner on the hair hanging below my ears.

the biotin seems to be working with my hair in that it grows like a weed. but its the little baby hairs that dont seem to be growing at all. i see them after i wash my hair, but then a few weeks pass and theres no further growth....last week i even tried touching them and a few fell out in my fingers.

SO to cut a very long story short.

i need help and advice.

my hair is VERY thin, like i have to be very cautious on how i wear it so as not to higlight my scalp. im still taking the biotin and i was looking into either msm or saw palmetto. whats worrying me is that whilst my hair is growing in length, why is it still so thin? should i go back to the doctors even though i dont think theyll really be that bothered? i really dont know what to do anymore :(

Your shedding sounds like what mine was seven years ago. Mine was due to low ferreting levels (iron store) and I was prescribed iron. I had to do research to persuade my doctor to continue prescribing iron after my blood tests showed I was in the normal range. The thing with the 'normal' range is it's quite wide and also varies from country to country. But what hair loss specialists often recommend is ferritin levels of 70 for hair to regrow. I've gone from 7 to 35 in seven years - nowhere near 70 and while I've seen improvement (no more shedding and hair starting to thicken) I still don't have my old hair back.

I can't see if you mentioned how long your hair is, but improvement will take time. The hairs that were shed may not start growing again immediately and even when they do, it will take time for them to reach your current length.

I suggest doing some research (there was a study done in France where all women with symptoms of low iron were treated if their blood level was under 50) and arming yourself with that and going back to your doctor and asking for either iron to be prescribed or further tests. My doctor now sends me for a blood test once a year to make sure my iron isn't too high due to taking supplements since too much iron is dangerous too.

Hope that helps. And sending hugs because I know how distressing this can be.

[Reyesuela]

I would advise not trying to force your ferritin level above 50. The studies have been very divided about the effects of even very low iron. It's more of a "should treat this just in case" issue rather than something like low thyroid that definitely thins hair. High ferritin levels are associated with cardiovascular disease because it causes atherosclerosis in a dose dependent manner, so responsible doctors normally want your iron between 25 and 75. Most hair loss specialists do not supplement iron above 50. Some don't supplement above 25.

If you have itchy scalp and hair thinning, androgenic alopecia is really likely. 5 alpha reductase down regulates hair production, causing hair miniaturization, and unregulated sebum production, causing an itchy scalp. Start with ketoconazole shampoo twice a week. That totally reverses it for some people. If that's not enough, you can try minoxidil or, if you are utterly opposed for some reason, you can try other treatments that are documented to work in some people. Check my signature for a growing list.

[lapushka]

Iron deficiency is notorious for hair shedding more than it should. You *need* to get those levels back up, please let your doctor advise you on this. Oh, I see it's gotten better - still something to keep checking for.

I have seborrheic dermatitis too, that as well can cause shedding if you don't treat it. I need to use Nizoral 2% (it needs to probably be prescribed if you're in the US).

I would keep in touch with the doctor and get frequent blood checks.

There is fairly little you can do to stop your hair from shedding. Some amount of shedding is normal and comes with having hair in the first place, but when it is still thinning out, something's up. :flower:

How long has it been since you've been to the doctor?

[Reyesuela]

You can do a LOT to keep your hair from excessively shedding. :). It will always shed some though.

[lapushka]

You can do a LOT to keep your hair from excessively shedding. :). It will always shed some though.

Yes, but I still think you need to tackle the root cause. :)

[Reyesuela]

She said everything returned normal on her blood tests. She can check in the thread in my signature for the post with a list of tests most doctors will/should check to rule out other causes of hair loss, though, to make sure that there aren't organic causes other than plain old vanilla androgenic alopecia or age-linked diffuse thinning. If those things are good, then your choices are to let nature take its course or fight back. Lol.

[lapushka]

I once had iron shortage. It can also come back quite quickly, so it needs to be looked at periodically, IMMHO. It also depends on what day you have your blood drawn. My old internist never wanted to do bloodwork when I was on my period, as he said the iron values would return not normal (you lose a lot of iron on your period). So that's all things to keep in consideration, IMO.

[spidermom]

Is your doctor o.k. with you taking biotin? There are health problems associated with having too much of a nutrient or an imbalance of nutrients, so your doctor should know everything you take, including herbal supplements.

[CrowningGlory]

I would advise not trying to force your ferritin level above 50. The studies have been very divided about the effects of even very low iron. It's more of a "should treat this just in case" issue rather than something like low thyroid that definitely thins hair. High ferritin levels are associated with cardiovascular disease because it causes atherosclerosis in a dose dependent manner, so responsible doctors normally want your iron between 25 and 75. Most hair loss specialists do not supplement iron above 50. Some don't supplement above 25.

If you have itchy scalp and hair thinning, androgenic alopecia is really likely. 5 alpha reductase down regulates hair production, causing hair miniaturization, and unregulated sebum production, causing an itchy scalp. Start with ketoconazole shampoo twice a week. That totally reverses it for some people. If that's not enough, you can try minoxidil or, if you are utterly opposed for some reason, you can try other treatments that are documented to work in some people. Check my signature for a growing list.

I don't profess to understand this but the studies I looked at were inconclusive and the ferritin levels cited were well above 100 - which I'm not aiming for. I'm curious why you think 50 is high? I also know that I have symptoms when my level is below 25: fatigue, breathlessness, depression, foggy mind, and extreme dizziness. I had the symptoms for a while but they were so vague - even after I collapsed at work - and it wasn't until my hair started shedding excessively, that the cause was pinpointed. And even if the O.P.'s blood results are within the normal range, is 'normal' enough for her body to function to its potential? Because 'normal' for me is not enough to eliminate the aforementioned symptoms.

[sourkitteh]

thank you for the reply

i had a doctors visit today and she told me that my last blood work came back fine but that they checked only the hemoglobin and not the iron? and because the hemoglobin was fine then the iron should be too...nothings ever been said to me about ferritin levels (i wish i had asked about that actually. gah i always forget something!)

she did say she would contact a colleague of hers who specialises in hair issues but i wont hear back from them until about three weeks. but i should also use the betnovate (betamethasone valerate) ointment everyday now as steroids can help hair grow? (the growing part seems to be alright *crosses fingers* its just the keeping the hair in my head thats the problem! lol)

my hair is around 42 inches. i cut a few off about a month ago (sadly thinking of cutting back even more to waist length)

thank you again! its nice to talk to someone and not just get lost in googling stuff

[sourkitteh]

Your shedding sounds like what mine was seven years ago. Mine was due to low ferreting levels (iron store) and I was prescribed iron. I had to do research to persuade my doctor to continue prescribing iron after my blood tests showed I was in the normal range. The thing with the 'normal' range is it's quite wide and also varies from country to country. But what hair loss specialists often recommend is ferritin levels of 70 for hair to regrow. I've gone from 7 to 35 in seven years - nowhere near 70 and while I've seen improvement (no more shedding and hair starting to thicken) I still don't have my old hair back.

I can't see if you mentioned how long your hair is, but improvement will take time. The hairs that were shed may not start growing again immediately and even when they do, it will take time for them to reach your current length.

I suggest doing some research (there was a study done in France where all women with symptoms of low iron were treated if their blood level was under 50) and arming yourself with that and going back to your doctor and asking for either iron to be prescribed or further tests. My doctor now sends me for a blood test once a year to make sure my iron isn't too high due to taking supplements since too much iron is dangerous too.

Hope that helps. And sending hugs because I know how distressing this can be.

thank you for the reply

i had a doctors visit today and she told me that my last blood work came back fine but that they checked only the hemoglobin and not the iron? and because the hemoglobin was fine then the iron should be too...nothings ever been said to me about ferritin levels (i wish i had asked about that actually. gah i always forget something!)

she did say she would contact a colleague of hers who specialises in hair issues but i wont hear back from them until about three weeks. but i should also use the betnovate (betamethasone valerate) ointment everyday now as steroids can help hair grow? (the growing part seems to be alright *crosses fingers* its just the keeping the hair in my head thats the problem! lol)

my hair is around 42 inches. i cut a few off about a month ago (sadly thinking of cutting back even more to waist length)

thank you again! its nice to talk to someone and not just get lost in googling stuff

[sourkitteh]

I would advise not trying to force your ferritin level above 50. The studies have been very divided about the effects of even very low iron. It's more of a "should treat this just in case" issue rather than something like low thyroid that definitely thins hair. High ferritin levels are associated with cardiovascular disease because it causes atherosclerosis in a dose dependent manner, so responsible doctors normally want your iron between 25 and 75. Most hair loss specialists do not supplement iron above 50. Some don't supplement above 25.

If you have itchy scalp and hair thinning, androgenic alopecia is really likely. 5 alpha reductase down regulates hair production, causing hair miniaturization, and unregulated sebum production, causing an itchy scalp. Start with ketoconazole shampoo twice a week. That totally reverses it for some people. If that's not enough, you can try minoxidil or, if you are utterly opposed for some reason, you can try other treatments that are documented to work in some people. Check my signature for a growing list.

Hi,

im still not entirely sure what i understand about ferritin levels and such. ive mainly been looking into iron problems (since thats what i was last diagnosed with, but have since been told its fine)

i only really had itchy scalp for about a week and i think its was because of a different conditioner i had used. but the doctor seemed to jump onto that symptom (i hadnt even brought it up, he just examined my head and said he could see some scratches on my scalp) i did use the selsun shampoo for a few times and the betnovate a few times more and then it all went away. ive never had a flaky scalp before but as i use cocnut oil before each wash i thought maybe that was masking it, but when i stopped my scalp remained the same with no flakes or problems. its a strange one i know. i will look into the shampoo you have suggested though and thank for the information youve offered. i was a bit worried that no one would have answered my concerns on this website so i put off posting for so long!

[sourkitteh]

Is your doctor o.k. with you taking biotin? There are health problems associated with having too much of a nutrient or an imbalance of nutrients, so your doctor should know everything you take, including herbal supplements.

i told the doctor and he just asked what was it? when i explained, he shrugged and told me it was probably an old wives tale but if i wanted to try it, then fine. i have been debating on whether to keep taking it or not though :\

[sourkitteh]

Iron deficiency is notorious for hair shedding more than it should. You *need* to get those levels back up, please let your doctor advise you on this. Oh, I see it's gotten better - still something to keep checking for.

I have seborrheic dermatitis too, that as well can cause shedding if you don't treat it. I need to use Nizoral 2% (it needs to probably be prescribed if you're in the US).

I would keep in touch with the doctor and get frequent blood checks.

There is fairly little you can do to stop your hair from shedding. Some amount of shedding is normal and comes with having hair in the first place, but when it is still thinning out, something's up. :flower:

How long has it been since you've been to the doctor?

thank you for the reply, ive just been to the doctors and asked her to check the last blood work and was told that my hemoglobin was fine so she wasnt concerned about my iron levels.

i dont actually know if i have seborrheic dematitis, i know thats what the doctor was treating me for the last visit but when ive googled it and looked at pictures etc. none of it looks like my head (apart from the thin hair) but the itching has gone so i dont really know. as i said to another poster on here. the doctor i spoke to today is going to contact a colleague who specialises in hair and hopes to get some advice off him but i wont hear back for another 3 weeks.

the shedding isnt as bad as it was last year. i couldnt even run my hands through my hair without loads of hair coming out. theres still some shedding which is obvzly normal (sadly lol) i think its the fact that the new hairs that are coming through dont seem to be growing/falling out before they can start to replace the old hairs.

i mentioned chronic telogen effluvium and the doctor just looked at me like id spoken a different language, so it wasnt the worst doctors visit but it wasnt the most reassuring!

[Aphra]

If the itching goes away with medicated shampoos and comes back without, it's a reasonable hypothesis that the cause of the itching is an organism the medicated shampoo / cream treats.

If it is any comfort I've had really annoying scalp itch ever since I foolishly tried a non-sulphate shampoo. Even though I went straight back to my original routine I can't get rid of it, and it is getting worse and my scalp is getting greasier quicker. But there is absolutely nothing to see. I've spent a month or so testing different variations of shampoo type and strength, and have tried changing conditioner routine, but nothing has helped, so I'm now about to try Nizoral to see if that helps. I'm pretty sure I also have some androgenic thinning (I'm a classic suspect for developing it), as although my length is fine and not thinning, the short hairs are falling out more and growing in less and I'm as certain as I can be that my parting and crown have started to thin in a way I'm not keen on. So hopefully it might help with that too!

I think the main point of that post is to say you aren't alone!

[sourkitteh]

If the itching goes away with medicated shampoos and comes back without, it's a reasonable hypothesis that the cause of the itching is an organism the medicated shampoo / cream treats.

If it is any comfort I've had really annoying scalp itch ever since I foolishly tried a non-sulphate shampoo. Even though I went straight back to my original routine I can't get rid of it, and it is getting worse and my scalp is getting greasier quicker. But there is absolutely nothing to see. I've spent a month or so testing different variations of shampoo type and strength, and have tried changing conditioner routine, but nothing has helped, so I'm now about to try Nizoral to see if that helps. I'm pretty sure I also have some androgenic thinning (I'm a classic suspect for developing it), as although my length is fine and not thinning, the short hairs are falling out more and growing in less and I'm as certain as I can be that my parting and crown have started to thin in a way I'm not keen on. So hopefully it might help with that too!

I think the main point of that post is to say you aren't alone!

hi!

thanks for the reply, ive kept a close eye on any itchiness of my scalp. i used the special shampoo about five times and ever since ive had no itchiness, so im hoping it was just a change of conditioner that had started it. i am interested in what youve said about the non sulphate shampoo though....although i have been using my shampoo for over a year now so i dont think that would have an input into the itching.

i have however (after searching this forum) noticed that a lot of people have said they shed like crazy when using castor oil. something ive started using about a month ago? now im debating on whether to stop this for a while to see if that has any effect (maybe its too thick for my hair?) eek! so many questions lol

thank you, this is such a welcoming forum :o

[CrowningGlory]

thank you for the reply

i had a doctors visit today and she told me that my last blood work came back fine but that they checked only the hemoglobin and not the iron? and because the hemoglobin was fine then the iron should be too...nothings ever been said to me about ferritin levels (i wish i had asked about that actually. gah i always forget something!)

she did say she would contact a colleague of hers who specialises in hair issues but i wont hear back from them until about three weeks. but i should also use the betnovate (betamethasone valerate) ointment everyday now as steroids can help hair grow? (the growing part seems to be alright *crosses fingers* its just the keeping the hair in my head thats the problem! lol)

my hair is around 42 inches. i cut a few off about a month ago (sadly thinking of cutting back even more to waist length)

thank you again! its nice to talk to someone and not just get lost in googling stuff

My haemoglobin has always been normal. Solidly in the middle of the range even when my ferritin dropped to 7! As my doctor said when I went back to him after I noticed depression and other symptoms worse when my ferritin was really low, there's still a lot we don't know about how these important elements affect every part of the body. But question why your doctor thinks your iron is okay just because your haemoglobin is. Ferritin - iron stores - is not the same as haemoglobin.

My hair was at 38" when my shedding was at its worse. For years I cut back to waist or even BSL, as I waited for health to return. Just last week I did another cut back to waist and for the first time in 7 years, now feel confident to wear my hair down in public. Health is returning but ever so slowly. Hopefully your recovery will be quicker but since those ends are so old it's going to take years for the new hairs to grow to that length and thicken up the hemline. Patience is key.

BTW, it can take three months for hair to stop shedding once treatment starts. If it's been longer than that for you, then definitely ask for more testing. Something else may be going on such as thyroid or hormonal imbalance.

[lapushka]

i only really had itchy scalp for about a week and i think its was because of a different conditioner i had used. but the doctor seemed to jump onto that symptom (i hadnt even brought it up, he just examined my head and said he could see some scratches on my scalp) i did use the selsun shampoo for a few times and the betnovate a few times more and then it all went away. ive never had a flaky scalp before but as i use cocnut oil before each wash i thought maybe that was masking it, but when i stopped my scalp remained the same with no flakes or problems. its a strange one i know. i will look into the shampoo you have suggested though and thank for the information youve offered. i was a bit worried that no one would have answered my concerns on this website so i put off posting for so long!

Some people can't tolerate oils on the scalp as it makes them shed more, so your solution may be a simple one. I would try to leave out oiling the scalp! See what that does.

[Reyesuela]

thank you for the reply, ive just been to the doctors and asked her to check the last blood work and was told that my hemoglobin was fine so she wasnt concerned about my iron levels.

i dont actually know if i have seborrheic dematitis, i know thats what the doctor was treating me for the last visit but when ive googled it and looked at pictures etc. none of it looks like my head (apart from the thin hair) but the itching has gone so i dont really know. as i said to another poster on here. the doctor i spoke to today is going to contact a colleague who specialises in hair and hopes to get some advice off him but i wont hear back for another 3 weeks.

the shedding isnt as bad as it was last year. i couldnt even run my hands through my hair without loads of hair coming out. theres still some shedding which is obvzly normal (sadly lol) i think its the fact that the new hairs that are coming through dont seem to be growing/falling out before they can start to replace the old hairs.

i mentioned chronic telogen effluvium and the doctor just looked at me like id spoken a different language, so it wasnt the worst doctors visit but it wasnt the most reassuring!

You need to see a different doctor. Try a dermatologist.

Honestly, the chances of iron causing that much hair loss are very low. PCOS/androgen excess and severe hypothyroidism are the most likely that isn't good old fashioned androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata (and you're not describing the second).

it is normal for periods of severe thinning to be followed by partial recovery and then more thinning in androgenic alopecia, in a continuing cycle.

[sourkitteh]

My haemoglobin has always been normal. Solidly in the middle of the range even when my ferritin dropped to 7! As my doctor said when I went back to him after I noticed depression and other symptoms worse when my ferritin was really low, there's still a lot we don't know about how these important elements affect every part of the body. But question why your doctor thinks your iron is okay just because your haemoglobin is. Ferritin - iron stores - is not the same as haemoglobin.

My hair was at 38" when my shedding was at its worse. For years I cut back to waist or even BSL, as I waited for health to return. Just last week I did another cut back to waist and for the first time in 7 years, now feel confident to wear my hair down in public. Health is returning but ever so slowly. Hopefully your recovery will be quicker but since those ends are so old it's going to take years for the new hairs to grow to that length and thicken up the hemline. Patience is key.

BTW, it can take three months for hair to stop shedding once treatment starts. If it's been longer than that for you, then definitely ask for more testing. Something else may be going on such as thyroid or hormonal imbalance.

hi!

i was a bit confused when she mentioned that they had only tested my hemoglobin tbh. considering the first tests (another doctor ordered) they did a wide selection of stuff like hormone imbalance and thyroid (all came back fine apart from low iron stores, which has obviously been sorted they say) . ive got to admit they arent the most confidence inducing doctors to be fair, although i am sort of shocked that she suggested talking to a colleague who should know more. ill wait to hear back from him and then if im still not happy ill be ringing to get an appointment with the original doctor i spoke with *fingers crossed*

the hair cut is coming, ive just got to work up the courage to actually do it, its silly of me i know, but im sure as soon as i do the big chop ill be just as sad because it wont just magically make it less thin? haha the only thing im ever vain about ever is my one major problem! life, eh? :rolleyes:

[sourkitteh]

Some people can't tolerate oils on the scalp as it makes them shed more, so your solution may be a simple one. I would try to leave out oiling the scalp! See what that does.

ive been oiling my scalp with coconut oil for years with no problems, but i may give it all a miss to see if theres any change. i really wish i had made notes on what i did different to my hair and when, it wouldve made the whole identifying whats working or not so much easier! lol

[lapushka]

ive been oiling my scalp with coconut oil for years with no problems, but i may give it all a miss to see if theres any change. i really wish i had made notes on what i did different to my hair and when, it wouldve made the whole identifying whats working or not so much easier! lol

It is a known cause for more shedding, so try doing this at least a few times, and keep an eye on the shed hairs. Good luck! :flower:

[CrowningGlory]

the hair cut is coming, ive just got to work up the courage to actually do it, its silly of me i know, but im sure as soon as i do the big chop ill be just as sad because it wont just magically make it less thin? haha the only thing im ever vain about ever is my one major problem! life, eh? :rolleyes:

It's not silly. It's hard enough grieving inches lost without having to come to terms with the fact that your hair still doesn't look fantastic. I advise you to take less at first as you can also take more later. And you might like to consider microtrimming - just removing your growth every month to maintain length and wait for the thickness to grow down. I never have enough patience for that but some have had success.

And I used to be happy with my hair and thought it was my one claim to beauty (hence my username) but not so much now. That's why you won't find any photos in my albums.

[Reyesuela]

That's so sad, Crowning Glory! :(

My hair was never really thick. It maxed out between 3.25" and 3.5" inches in diameter--perfectly average--but my taper was blech. That's why I pixied it. I never got the beautiful crown braid I'd always wanted.

I have no idea how thick I can get my hair, but I'm cautiously optimistic that I can maybe hit 3.5" and get less taper than before. I will never have a 5" rope of hair, but I'm not sure how much my concoctions will fix or even stimulate beyond normal (seeing as I am currently growing hair faster than ever before in my life).

[sourkitteh]

im going to stop oiling my scalp altogether, and see what happens. thank you so much for all the advice. it has been muchly appreciated :hifive:

[sourkitteh]

It's not silly. It's hard enough grieving inches lost without having to come to terms with the fact that your hair still doesn't look fantastic. I advise you to take less at first as you can also take more later. And you might like to consider microtrimming - just removing your growth every month to maintain length and wait for the thickness to grow down. I never have enough patience for that but some have had success.

And I used to be happy with my hair and thought it was my one claim to beauty (hence my username) but not so much now. That's why you won't find any photos in my albums.

i probably will do the inch by inch cut until it gets to a point where i really couldnt take anymore. my whole life (were talking 33 years here) the shortest ive ever had my hair is waist length so it will be a big change to even go back to that, whats really got me feeling meh (apart from the obvious) is the fact that my hair is so healthy, i have no split ends and its not frizzy like it was before i started using coconut oil and sulphate free shampoo. so to cut nice healthy hair just seems weird to me. i dont know how other people do it!! lol

:blossom:

[CrowningGlory]

i probably will do the inch by inch cut until it gets to a point where i really couldnt take anymore. my whole life (were talking 33 years here) the shortest ive ever had my hair is waist length so it will be a big change to even go back to that, whats really got me feeling meh (apart from the obvious) is the fact that my hair is so healthy, i have no split ends and its not frizzy like it was before i started using coconut oil and sulphate free shampoo. so to cut nice healthy hair just seems weird to me. i dont know how other people do it!! lol

:blossom:

There's no rule that says you have to cut just because your hair is thinning.You could just put your hair up and forget about it. No one need know that it's thinning and you'd still have the length. It would continue to grow and hopefully recover and the thickness travel down. It sounds to me that you're not wanting to cut, so I say don't at this point.

I just cut back to waist but I was ready for a cut after six years of feeling my hair looked really bad. I wanted to wear it down without shame and I knew it had recovered enough to look decent at that length. But six years ago I couldn't have done it.