Thinning hair help

[ACWN]

Okay, folks... I need some help here. My hubby has, as I've said in another post, long (shoulder blade length), very curly hair.

Between this and genetics, his hair is coming out by the handful. He has a growing bald spot on the back of his head (which is easily hidden by the rest of his hair as he always has it in a pony tail or braid), and he's losing hair at the crown of his head.


Does any one here have any ideas besides Rogaine that I could do to help? Herbal or something?

At this point, I think I can talk him into trying something... he's ready to shave his head bald and he really doesnt need to.


Heeeeeeelp!

[ktani]

Okay, folks... I need some help here. My hubby has, as I've said in another post, long (shoulder blade length), very curly hair.

Between this and genetics, his hair is coming out by the handful. He has a growing bald spot on the back of his head (which is easily hidden by the rest of his hair as he always has it in a pony tail or braid), and he's losing hair at the crown of his head.


Does any one here have any ideas besides Rogaine that I could do to help? Herbal or something?

At this point, I think I can talk him into trying something... he's ready to shave his head bald and he really doesnt need to.


Heeeeeeelp!

He needs to determine the cause of his hair loss before any treatment is used.

That to me, means his seeing a qualified professional. No one here is qualified to diagnose online and even if they were, it does not take the place of seeing someone in person, IMO.

[ACWN]

I didnt even think about that. Any general ideas though? I'm not sure I can talk him into seeing a professional... maybe once he gets his work insurance...

[ktani]

I didnt even think about that. Any general ideas though? I'm not sure I can talk him into seeing a professional... maybe once he gets his work insurance...

There are a number of variables that can cause hair loss in men as well as women.

If he is really concerned, then he should seek qualified help fast, to help him retain the rest of his hair if possible and start treatment. Start with your family doctor and get referrals. I do not know what if any coverage he may need. You doctor should help with that.

[ACWN]

There are a number of variables that can cause hair loss in men as well as women.

If he is really concerned, then he should seek qualified help fast, to help him retain the rest of his hair if possible and start treatment. Start with your family doctor and get referrals. I do not know what if any coverage he may need. You doctor should help with that.

Unfortunately, his side of the family has no family doctor. Strange, mm? I'll see if I can change that and get him to go to one once his insurance starts. Thanks!

[ChloeDharma]

Getting it diagnosed is a good idea of course, but in the mean time this might be helpfull http://recedinghairline.blogspot.com/
Also check out the thread on essential oils for hairloss
Herbs like amla, bhringraj, methi, brahmi, rosemary, cayenne are also often used for hairloss. There are remedies using garlic and onion too.
Regular scalp massage, especially with oils can be very helpfull, castor oil is said to help lengthen and thicken hair. I also use hesh bhringraj oil, trichup oil, hesh almondol, but the main thing if buying a hair oil is to look for herbs like maka/bhringraj, amla, brahmi preferably not in mineral oil as in my opinion it hinders the absorbtion of the herb extracts.
Diet can play a part too, a diet high in saturated animal fat is thought to make the problem worse, some people find supplements like silica, biotin, MSM, evening primrose oil, a multivitamin help.
Herb washing (there are lots of threads on this here) seems to help some people too.
This is all very general advice, if the cause of hairloss is androgenic alopecia he may want to research herbs like nettle, green tea, saw palmetto, methi (fenugreek) to take internally, but obviously if he has any health problems or takes any medication check for contraindications first.
HTH :)

ETA by the way, i absolutely love that hairstyle and colour in your avatar! I used to have my hair like that only very blonde and you are making me miss it again!

[ACWN]

Getting it diagnosed is a good idea of course, but in the mean time this might be helpfull http://recedinghairline.blogspot.com/
Also check out the thread on essential oils for hairloss
Herbs like amla, bhringraj, methi, brahmi, rosemary, cayenne are also often used for hairloss. There are remedies using garlic and onion too.
Regular scalp massage, especially with oils can be very helpfull, castor oil is said to help lengthen and thicken hair. I also use hesh bhringraj oil, trichup oil, hesh almondol, but the main thing if buying a hair oil is to look for herbs like maka/bhringraj, amla, brahmi preferably not in mineral oil as in my opinion it hinders the absorbtion of the herb extracts.
Diet can play a part too, a diet high in saturated animal fat is thought to make the problem worse, some people find supplements like silica, biotin, MSM, evening primrose oil, a multivitamin help.
Herb washing (there are lots of threads on this here) seems to help some people too.
This is all very general advice, if the cause of hairloss is androgenic alopecia he may want to research herbs like nettle, green tea, saw palmetto, methi (fenugreek) to take internally, but obviously if he has any health problems or takes any medication check for contraindications first.
HTH :)

Thank you so much! This is great stuff to try till I can drag his butt to a doctor.


The amla, would I apply it like henna?





ETA by the way, i absolutely love that hairstyle and colour in your avatar! I used to have my hair like that only very blonde and you are making me miss it again!

Hehe, thank you!

[ktani]

Unfortunately, his side of the family has no family doctor. Strange, mm? I'll see if I can change that and get him to go to one once his insurance starts. Thanks!

You are most welcome.

I would not try anything until he sees someone and gets diagnosed and then only if they approve. Herbs are drugs. Essential oils are potent and need to be used carefully. These things used improperly can add to or contribute to possible causes, IMO.

Hair loss is not something to be played with IMO. It is something to be dealt with by qualified professionals as much as it can be.

[ACWN]

Valid point. Guess I'm just gonna have to figure out how to talk to him about it with out making him paranoid, lol.

[plainjanegirl]

good luck cause even getting an answer from a dr. regarding thinning or losing hair is a very difficult process.

[ACWN]

good luck cause even getting an answer from a dr. regarding thinning or losing hair is a very difficult process.

I wouldnt expect it to be an easy one as theres multiple reasons for hair loss in both men and women. Thats also why there are specialists.

[ktani]

good luck cause even getting an answer from a dr. regarding thinning or losing hair is a very difficult process.

I agree, it can be a frustrating process. But it is still better than shooting in the dark on one's own, IMO.

[ACWN]

I agree, it can be a frustrating process. But it is still better than shooting in the dark on one's own, IMO.

Definitely. Talking about it has made me realize that.

[ChloeDharma]

Amla can be used in various ways, you can apply it as a pack like henna, or make an infusion of it and use that as a rinse, or you can make/buy amla oil.....which is amla mcerated in oil to extract it's properties. Unfortunately most amla oils sold tend to be in a base of mineral oil which to me defeats the purpose.

Obviously going to the doctor is a good idea, but i personally wouldn't wait around for them to take it seriously, then be bothered to refer you to a specialist etc.....some things can be started without really worrying about side effects etc....like brushing/scalp massage, or herbs like amla. Herbs like saw palmetto are quite strong though and i would advise just making sure you reserach everything before using it just to be sure.

[plainjanegirl]

Getting it diagnosed is a good idea of course, but in the mean time this might be helpfull http://recedinghairline.blogspot.com/
Also check out the thread on essential oils for hairloss
Herbs like amla, bhringraj, methi, brahmi, rosemary, cayenne are also often used for hairloss. There are remedies using garlic and onion too.
Regular scalp massage, especially with oils can be very helpfull, castor oil is said to help lengthen and thicken hair. I also use hesh bhringraj oil, trichup oil, hesh almondol, but the main thing if buying a hair oil is to look for herbs like maka/bhringraj, amla, brahmi preferably not in mineral oil as in my opinion it hinders the absorbtion of the herb extracts.
Diet can play a part too, a diet high in saturated animal fat is thought to make the problem worse, some people find supplements like silica, biotin, MSM, evening primrose oil, a multivitamin help.
Herb washing (there are lots of threads on this here) seems to help some people too.
This is all very general advice, if the cause of hairloss is androgenic alopecia he may want to research herbs like nettle, green tea, saw palmetto, methi (fenugreek) to take internally, but obviously if he has any health problems or takes any medication check for contraindications first.
HTH :)

ETA by the way, i absolutely love that hairstyle and colour in your avatar! I used to have my hair like that only very blonde and you are making me miss it again!


In that blog that you linked to she posted a link more about her situation that was here on lhc but when i clicked on it it didnt take me to it ( so is it an archive?).

I think I may invest in a bbbrush (especially for my bare area in the back). i am not good at massages.

[plainjanegirl]

I agree, it can be a frustrating process. But it is still better than shooting in the dark on one's own, IMO.



You know how long i have been dealing with my hair issues and still no answers. after awhile you just lose the time and energy etc. to even try to go back. i just want to give up and pray that my problem fixes itself.

[NeilTheFuzz]

If I was in his situation I would go to a dermatologist tofind out what he could do. There is a drug called Propecia that I know a couple of guys have used and had great results with.

[ktani]

You know how long i have been dealing with my hair issues and still no answers. after awhile you just lose the time and energy etc. to even try to go back. i just want to give up and pray that my problem fixes itself.

I have been wondering how it is going. You need to be proactive and seek out 2nd opinions to get answers sometimes. Keep pushing, and do not stop until you do get answers.

No it is not easy but the alternatives are guesswork, possible wasted money and more time lost on the wrong treatments, IMO.

[ChloeDharma]

In that blog that you linked to she posted a link more about her situation that was here on lhc but when i clicked on it it didnt take me to it ( so is it an archive?).

I think I may invest in a bbbrush (especially for my bare area in the back). i am not good at massages.

Yes it is an old thread from before the site had to be recreated last year.

I can relate about the doctors issue.....i have been trying to get answers for ages about certain medical problems i have but basically just get brushed off. With a male experiencing hairloss like that i would imagine the doctor would just assume its male pattern baldness and at best suggest minoxodil.
Obviously it's worth trying to get answers, but from my own perspective (which is the only one i can give) i'd be as proactive as possible using what is available to me.

Of course another thing to consider is that hairloss can indicate more serious problems like diabetes, thyroid issues, lupus.....but even then i'd research it, make a list of things hairloss can be an indicator of then take that list to the doctor and demand to be tested for them.....not rely on them to think of it.

I'm sorry for sounding jaded, it's just my mother died because the consultants and doctors couldn't be bothered to listen to her and monitor her condition propery and just before new years my cousin died from pancreas cancer again because the docs just fobbed her off with assumptions and couldn't be bothered to send her for tests until the cancer had progressed so much that it couldn't be treated. So my faith in them isn't exactly high at the moment.

[ktani]

Yes it is an old thread from before the site had to be recreated last year.

I can relate about the doctors issue.....i have been trying to get answers for ages about certain medical problems i have but basically just get brushed off. With a male experiencing hairloss like that i would imagine the doctor would just assume its male pattern baldness and at best suggest minoxodil.
Obviously it's worth trying to get answers, but from my own perspective (which is the only one i can give) i'd be as proactive as possible using what is available to me.

Of course another thing to consider is that hairloss can indicate more serious problems like diabetes, thyroid issues, lupus.....but even then i'd research it, make a list of things hairloss can be an indicator of then take that list to the doctor and demand to be tested for them.....not rely on them to think of it.

I'm sorry for sounding jaded, it's just my mother died because the consultants and doctors couldn't be bothered to listen to her and monitor her condition propery and just before new years my cousin died from pancreas cancer again because the docs just fobbed her off with assumptions and couldn't be bothered to send her for tests until the cancer had progressed so much that it couldn't be treated. So my faith in them isn't exactly high at the moment.

I am so sorry to read this. Yes, there are bad doctors and bad professionals out there.

There are also excellent ones and it can be horrendous and hearbreaking to deal with the former.

I still think that it is the best option though and one has to be proactive and not give up or give in.

I have been fortunate. When my mom got cancer years ago, she had excellent medical care and she is 87 and fine.

You cannot let the bad ones jade you. IMO, they are the exceptions, not that that helps you with your losses. My condolences.

[sorraia]

In regards to finding a professional Dr. MD or dermatologist who can help with hair
loss without using drugs and implants....please let me
know. Haven't seen one yet???

Check out www.earthclinic.com under hair loss. You may find some things there
that has helped other people.
So many things can be contributed to hair loss....stress, genetics, improper diet, lacking in vitamins and minerals, fungus/parasites, taking medications etc.
Have to look at the whole picture. ( Holistically)

[Fethenwen]

I think my boyfriends hair is getting thinner and softer, especially on the top of his head. He has a bit of problems with dandruff and stuff. I think massaging his head and brushing might help, as well as some oils. He actually agreed that I may do indian hair massages to him, he likes it quite much ^^
What sort of oil would be the best? I have unfortunatelly not found any Indian oils, besides neem oil. Would some other oil work just as well? I'm thinking of giving him oil treatments with EO once a week. I think I might get my hands on some castor oil, but I wonder if I could work with what I already have. EVOO, and coconut oil? I also have an interesting bottle of erotic massage oil :o It contains: cold pressed oils: almond, grape seed, sesame, avocado and safflower. Vitamin E, ylang ylang and fragrance.

[Darkhorse1]

Like many have said, a medical health care professional must see him before anything can be done.

Best of luck to your husband!! I hope the best for you both and let us know what the doctor says :)

[sorraia]

There is a thread on this site where people have had great success using castor oil to thicken their hair. Some people said their eyelashes and brows grew longer and thicker after using it as well. You may want to check out Recipes Henna and Herbal Hair Care Thread on the main page for some ideas.
Another consideration is mixing the castor oil with avocado oil or some other cold pressed oil to thin it down some. EVOO Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil is also very good choices for the hair, so you could mix this with the castor as an option.
I also read a thread on this forum where people have had success using PEO's to grow/thicken their hair back. I believe this same thread mentions a scientific study revealing the PEO's out did the commercial toxic stuff to grow hair back. There are also various recipes listed people have used with success. I have used
PEO's for the past 15 years with no negative side affects just positive ones. However some oils are very powerful (such as oregano) so be sure and research before using oils, some can be used neat like lavender and tea tree others not.

The massage oil sounds good with the exception of Fragrance being added. I am
funny about putting things on my body that is a chemical or not edible. Your skin is the largest organ and so what you put on it is absorbed into your bloodstream. So this is your call.

I also came across this in my search for using onion
for hair loss. One of the girls from this site mentioned
it being used as Indian folk remedy for hair loss.

http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20080601_hair_loss_treatments.htm

Ok hope this helps.

[Fethenwen]

Gee thanks! Hope castor oil is not expensive.

[Lia_Vaumont]

I myself have been suffering from a lot of falling hair and general thinning. I've tried massaging my scalp with an coconut oil infused with rosemary, thyme, basil, and ginger. It helps with my dandruff but I can't say for sure that it's helping the thinning or falling out in a major way (there is some regrowth though... ^_^ ). Maybe my pessimism is just some sort of paranoia on my part. I've thought about cutting it many times, but I just can't make myself go through with the idea. The very act of thinking about cutting my hair short makes me feel really crestfallen. I've read about saw palmetto and gingko biloba and their supposed benifits to hairloss, but without much scientific credits, I have doubts as to its efficacy. We might as well just give it a shot, right? There's also green tea, which is supposed to block DHT in trace amounts. Hmm... an improvement on one's diet, quitting bad habits like smoking and excessive alcohol intake (If he does have any such habits), getting enough sleep, exercise; lessening exposure to stressful happenstances---these are some way to perhaps slow down hair loss/thinning. ^_^ I wish you and your partner all the best! My empathy is with him. I hope you find a solution to this harrowing (well, in my case, it is. Heheh.) problem.