Thin/Fine Hair Thread

[lapushka]

I think it is pretty normal to have almost bald spots around the hairline - I have them, always have:



Consider them part of your uniqueness.

My hairline looks about the same.

I'm talking about me now, but it's not because you have iii hair, that it's always nice and evenly distributed. In my experience at least.

[constancev18]

Thank you, Yiva and Lapushka. I actually didn't even know there was such a thing as a trichologist. Thank you so much for mentioning. I did ask a family/general practitioner dr a few yrs back and he suggested I add Vit D, but I didn't know there were actually hair drs. This is the power of the hair board. Will do!

Hair appt follow up post: (Disclaimer: I live in the US and a lot of appts are scheduled 3 mos out at minimum) :/
Aug 2019-Saw a dermatologist for hair loss. Biopsy taken and results were inconclusive. Referred to a clinic 3 hrs away.
Mar 2020-(Part of the delay was me as I had to find a whole day to make the trip). Appt scheduled 5 mos out (March). Biopsy. Results=Female pattern hair loss. Prescribed oral Minoxidil 1.25mg (half a tablet) daily to help with platelet replacement.

The skinny: I confess to being a bit disappointed and maybe it's bc I've been battling this for years and thought I would receive a more definitive diagnosis and solution. Perhaps it is female pattern hair loss but the trajectory and amount of loss signals something else to me.

However, this has nothing to do with the profound thanks I give to Yiva and Lapushka for making this suggestion bc at least I have a professional's take at long last rather than spinning my wheels, and I also now know things like # of follicles, which is genuine cause for concern (was feeling a bit like a drama queen in my head but know my perception was right now).

I start the Minoxidil tdy and will update with results.

[Ylva]

constancev18, did they mention anything about taking spironolactone together with the Minoxidil? I've heard that gives better results than one or the other alone. Of course, don't take anything without prescription (I don't know if they are on prescription where you are or not!). Just throwing it out there!

[lapushka]

Hair appt follow up post: (Disclaimer: I live in the US and a lot of appts are scheduled 3 mos out at minimum) :/
Aug 2019-Saw a dermatologist for hair loss. Biopsy taken and results were inconclusive. Referred to a clinic 3 hrs away.
Mar 2020-(Part of the delay was me as I had to find a whole day to make the trip). Appt scheduled 5 mos out (March). Biopsy. Results=Female pattern hair loss. Prescribed oral Minoxidil 1.25mg (half a tablet) daily to help with platelet replacement.

The skinny: I confess to being a bit disappointed and maybe it's bc I've been battling this for years and thought I would receive a more definitive diagnosis and solution. Perhaps it is female pattern hair loss but the trajectory and amount of loss signals something else to me.

However, this has nothing to do with the profound thanks I give to Yiva and Lapushka for making this suggestion bc at least I have a professional's take at long last rather than spinning my wheels, and I also now know things like # of follicles, which is genuine cause for concern (was feeling a bit like a drama queen in my head but know my perception was right now).

I start the Minoxidil tdy and will update with results.

That is never a great diagnosis to have to hear. I'm so sorry!

However, I hope the medication works for you. At least something is getting tried.

Good luck with everything, and you're very much welcome. It took a lot of courage on your part and effort.

[victor_tinyduck]

I have really fine, silky hair that gets greasy really fast. Is there anything I can do that would help prevent/hide that?

[Becca P]

Can I join the thin/fine hair club? My hair has always been quite fine but it is definitely getting thinner - I know its partly linked to my PCOS and I am on the waiting list for an appointment with a specialist.

I have a tendency for dry scalp but greasy roots. I try to was no more than 3 times a week but keep it closer to 2 as much as possible and would like to stretch this out a bit. I also get a LOT of shedding.

I have just purchased a wooden comb and looking forward to seeing how that works with my hair. I am hoping to get into the world of hair sticks/protective styles a bit more too.

My go to hair styles are usually a loose braid of some kind or a loose bun. If I have to wear a ponytail I try to keep it a bit looser and tie with with metal free, fabric covered ties or spiral bobbles.

Any hints or tips for extending my wash/ additional hair styles I can use would be great

[catoala]

I have really fine, silky hair that gets greasy really fast. Is there anything I can do that would help prevent/hide that?

Prevent - I do not think so. I've seen people recommending bleach and dying your hair, but I don't really think it works that way. However Do not stretch washes, you can get a fungal overgrowth which is really difficult to get rid of. You can braid your hair (French braid), ponytails (as long as the hairtie isn't too tight) ... But, I think, with fine hair, it's the best just to wash with a SLSfree (if possible) and warm water every day.

[lapushka]

Prevent - I do not think so. I've seen people recommending bleach and dying your hair, but I don't really think it works that way. However Do not stretch washes, you can get a fungal overgrowth which is really difficult to get rid of. You can braid your hair (French braid), ponytails (as long as the hairtie isn't too tight) ... But, I think, with fine hair, it's the best just to wash with a SLSfree (if possible) and warm water every day.

Routines are so different for everyone.

victor_tinyduck, what's your shampoo of choice? Some people can stretch washes, others can't. If your scalp is fine with it, no problem, of course!

[FrayedFire]

Prevent - I do not think so. I've seen people recommending bleach and dying your hair, but I don't really think it works that way. However Do not stretch washes, you can get a fungal overgrowth which is really difficult to get rid of. You can braid your hair (French braid), ponytails (as long as the hairtie isn't too tight) ... But, I think, with fine hair, it's the best just to wash with a SLSfree (if possible) and warm water every day.

I'm gonna slide in to disagree, my hair was oily until after I broke through the wash stretching, and now I don't have to worry about it most of the time. YMMV. It took months but it was worth it.

[rags]

Prevent - I do not think so. I've seen people recommending bleach and dying your hair, but I don't really think it works that way. However Do not stretch washes, you can get a fungal overgrowth which is really difficult to get rid of. You can braid your hair (French braid), ponytails (as long as the hairtie isn't too tight) ... But, I think, with fine hair, it's the best just to wash with a SLSfree (if possible) and warm water every day.

I'm going to agree with Lapushka; what works is different for everyone. But I managed to go from a daily washer to a twice a week washer - and my hair is super, super baby fine and shows oil very easily. Sometimes it can be the shampoo and/or conditioner. I can't use silicones and stretch washes or I look like a drowned rat. So more info would help these lovely people give you better advice!


Hi, all!

I didn't cut my hair after all. I did PT for three months and stopped at the beginning of March. (I needed more physical therapy than that, but I'm high risk and stopped because of Covid - 19). I still can't get my arm far back enough to braid my hair, but I can put it up with a fork now, and hide the ratty ends! Which is just as well, because I couldn't get it cut now anyway! So I'm really glad I was too exhausted to get it cut before, because now I'd be growing it out AGAIN!