Help! Don't know what else to do! - Hair Problems Message Board

Parula43 · 06-01-2009, 12:36 PM

I am 43 years old. I always had beautiful, thick hair. Last July, 2 weeks after going to Mario Triccoci and having my hair highlighted (It seemed like they really overdid it - my whole head was colored - hardly any highlights), my hair became really dry, thin, brittle. I can barely get a comb through my hair. Now, a few months ago I have noticed my hairline receding and it seems like my hair is falling out. My scalp itched and hurt (its not as bad now, maybe because winter is over?). My hair seems to be getting worse.

I have gone to my doctor and had bloodwork done (including thyroid) - all normal. My regular hair stylist has suggested various conditioners and has cut my hair more - didn't help. I went to a dermatologist who did a quick look at my scalp and said I was fine. I started taking a multi-vitamin and 5 mg biotin every day for 2 months - didn't help.

1-1/2 years ago I developed breast cancer (no radiation or chemo) and stopped taking birth control. Don't know if this could have caused this. Other ideas - highlights, genetics, bad diet, stress?

I feel like I have tried everything and I don't know where to go from here. My doctor and dermatologist looked at me like I'm out of my mind. I already lost a breast and now I am losing my hair. I have no one to talk to and feel depressed.

I would greatly appreciate any help or info.

aplawing · 06-05-2009, 10:19 AM

I would say it has a lot, if not all to do with the highlighting... I have been going through the same thing, not with the receding hairline, but my hair has been breaking off and falling out and I'm only 21.... My hair even started stretching like the elastic out of a pair of underwear.. just stretching until it breaks when I tried to brush it out. I did an all over highlight myself then had it fixed professionally and am having really bad scalp problems, not to mention the hair loss which I assumed was normal because of the chemical damage...

I wish I had some advise, but I don't. I just think it came from the highlighting because that's where my problems started, don't have any more coloring done to your hair until it gets better or it will probably get worse!