Hair Advice! Re-created

[rjs]

I know MicheleZ had posted for some hair advice and maybe we need to get this thread going as we have a few new people getting ready for treatment that might want this information.

So after clogging my drain, AGAIN, today from the loss of hair I did some research.

Consistently Nioxin was recommended for people on HCV treatment.  I guess you can go to nioxin.com and order from their website.   Also Selsun Blue was recommended several times.

I am finding not washing it unless I have to the best answer.  Trying the Selsun Blue this week , then I will hit the Nioxin if need be.


rjs

[Mac]

Hey RJS

I had lots of problems with my scalp and hair. It fell out in patches so I just cut the rest off to match...was super easy and I might never go back to the curling iron again.. Once I didn't have longer tresses to contend with amid the bare spots, I was able to use Vitamin E oil on my scalp and it worked well. Also if you get the riba rash there, there is a lotion availble by prescription.

I did try the Nioxin but found the smell made me nauseous so I had to stop.  Give it a whirl though - my senses were in hyper sensitive mode while on tx.

Mac

[Hop]

My experiences were similar to Mac's.

My hair remained thick in some areas, while falling out in patches in odd places.
It also went from very curly to poker straight.

Strangely, it still grew in even as it was falling out.

My solution was to cut it pretty darn short, and mourn my previously long, curly locks.
I don't wash it more than once per week, but I do condition (with a very lightly to non-scented conditioner), or just get it wet in between times.

The other think I had to do was go to the hardware store to get some drain screens,
so that I didn't muck up the plumbing with all the strays falling out.

 -Hop
 

[lynn]

I used moisturizing shampoos and hot oil treatments. They helped a lot.

[banarep]

I just cut mine off, then about 4 months into treatment let it grow, but being a guy it was not that big a deal either way.  Now, 9 months post treatment, it is short again.

[pixie]

Nioxin will only fluff out your hair and to be honest it makes it feel sticky, it will not stop hair loss, your much better spending money on a good cut...
Anything that puts pressure on the hair is best avoided on tx....

[alice]

Interferon frequently causes problems with thyroid activity and hair loss is often a symptom of thyroid problems, especially underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). I suggest getting your thryoid levels checked if you're losing a lot of hair. My hair fell out a LOT when my thyroid was whacked out then stopped falling out when my thyroid function returned to normal. It took a lot longer to start growing, tho.

I hate to be a wet blanket but there is no hair product-- prescription or OTC-- that will stop hair loss caused by interferon, even Rogaine won't help (The Pegasys starter kit even cautions against using prescription hair loss products, stating that they will not work for interferon-induced hair loss.) All we can do is minimize it: use gentle products without alcohol, don't perm or color while on tx, and minimize pulling/styling/harsh treatments if your hair is falling out. It is only temporary, it's usually just mild thinning, and it will grow back. Hair loss might not be fun but it is one side effect we can live with; no one's doctor will stop tx because of thinning hair.

[hope life]

My hair is quite thin  But the bonus haven't shaved legs or under arms in 3 months nothing there.  Now why does the hair on my chin keep growing

                                                       hope life

[Mac]

Hope Life

I just had to shave the legs and pits for the first time in almost 18 months!  Man, while the fluff on my lid is growing back (and it's fluffy and soft but straight as a poker), the rest is growing back like good hedge material. DRAT!

[MichelleZ]

MichelleZ again...Ecrinal is the BEST product I found...for me!  It is used primarily by people who are suffering
hair loss due to cancer and is made from 'horse's mane'.  I kid you not...I just loved the idea of having hair
that looked like a 'mane'.

FYI however and being post tx I am VERY HAPPY to FINALLY say my hair is NOT falling out and it appears to be
looking thicker! 

Sooo for you newbies...keep up the good work and in as rjs stated...DON'T WASH your hair unless
absolutely necessary!

Michelle