Help major crises breakage and bald spot!

[ShashaUK]

Hello ladies I'm Shasha UK from London and I've been lurking here for a couple of days. This is one of the best hair groups I've come across and wonder with your expertise whether any of you can help.

I have natural 4a/4b hair which is about 10" in the front sides and centre. I've been natural for about 2 1/2 years now. The nape of my hair is only about 2 inches long and in one spot completely bald (about 3" diameter) this seems to be getting bigger. I only have a few fine baby hairs. The hair in the nape is very fine and curly the rest of my hair although dense is not as curly.

I thought it was relaxers causing the breakage so I stopped relaxing 2 1/2 years ago. As I have already mentioned my hair continues to be in a bad way. I've tried braids which did help, hair regrew but fell out within about 3 months of wearing my hair in natural twists/twist outs. I've been to a specialist who sold me expensive products which didn't work. I've been to my doctor who prescribed nizoral which made my hair really dry.

I am at a complete loss and don't know whether I should

(a) give up and buy a wig

(b) give up and get a weave

(c) have it texturised so at least it would stretch it out a little and cover up the bald bit.

(d) cutting it all off try relaxing again but if I do this the back may still not regrow.

I am really depressed, I feel ugly despite the fact my husband tells me I am beautiful every day. I stranger approached me in a restaurant last week and told me I was beautiful. My immediate thought was that he must be crazy to think that. I am now becoming obsessive which probably makes it worse. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ShashaUK

 

[Wanda]

I have the same problem. I am trying the monistat3 and Doo Groo that was recommended on this site(sounds weird but hey why not try it). You may also have to go to a dermatologist and have those cortisone shots administered. I heard this really helps. I just made my appointment. Hope this helps

 

[ShashaUK]

Thanks Wanda - I'll give it a go. Do you know if cortisone has any side effects?

ShaShaUK

 

[Wanda]

You're welcome. I don't know of any side effects. I would think there would be some type of pain since they do inject the cortisone into the bald spot. I am going in two weeks so I will write back to let you know...

 

[nita4]

I was just in Napptural.com reading an album from a sister who had this problem initially. She had been to doctors, and tried all kinds of treatments and eventually had to stop relaxing because these bald spots were developing and she said her scalp burned and that she was suffering from some type of condition. Anyway, she just left her hair alone as in less is more and even though her edges are still somewhat thin and she still has some spots in her scalp, she mentioned that her hair was growing back and because it was natural and thicker it was covering up alot of the spots. Her album of natural pics is beautiful.

Anyway said all that to say this - maybe it will just take a little time to correct itself and since you are already natural I would definately stay away from the chemical and see a doctor to pin point what it possible could be. Best to you.

 

[Brownie]

I've said this before, but I think you should try some essential oils (they're cheap from CedarVale.com), like Rosemary, which is supposed to stimulate growth, and I like Peppermint oil also, which makes my scalp feel tingly. I would also recommend Castor oil (can also be found at CedarVale, or from your local drug store), which is supposed to help with hair loss. I also like Wheatgerm oil (CedarVale) because it's high in Vitamin E, which is good for hair and everything else. I buy Wheatgerm instead of Vitmain E because straight vitmain E is EXPENSIVE. If I were you, I would get a bottle, put some Castor oil, wheatgerm oil, Rosemary and Peppermint oil in it and apply the mixture to your scalp. you should only need a little because the oil is thick. How long should it take you to see growth? I'm not sure; some people have quick results with castor oil and vitamin e. Just the other day, I saw some information on a web-site that said with alopecia (not sure if this is the term, but it means when you get bald spots in places) the hair usually comes back on its own in 6 months-a year. So, going to the doctor might help or it might just drain your pocket book, but the hair might come back on its own within the year. In the meantime, maybe try taking some vitamins--maybe you're missing something in your diet. I know the B vitamins Choline and Inositol are supposed to help prevent hair fallout. I think Evening Primrose as well as MSM helps with this also. Good luck, and I'm sure you won't need those wigs.

 

[ShashaUK]

Brownie

Thank you so much for your helpful reply. I have some wheatgerm oil and rosemary essential oil. I'll give your suggestion a go and see how it goes.

I'll hold off getting the wig for a while. I've decided I'm going to start taking vits, be really strict with my hair regime - lots of deep conditioning and apply the oils to my problem area. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again
ShaShaUK

 

[Brownie]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
ShashaUK said:
Brownie

Thank you so much for your helpful reply. I have some wheatgerm oil and rosemary essential oil. I'll give your suggestion a go and see how it goes.

I'll hold off getting the wig for a while. I've decided I'm going to start taking vits, be really strict with my hair regime - lots of deep conditioning and apply the oils to my problem area. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again
ShaShaUK

[/ QUOTE ]

Good luck! Like I said you can probably pick up some castor oil from one of your local drug stores. Don't give up! I think keeping the area well nourished with a good oil, babying the area, and putting good nutrients in your body should help. Even if it doesn't help the area, it will make your hair grow overrall and that will cover the area. Hey, keep your head up and remember you can be a beautiful woman even if the spot never comes back, so thank your husband for his complements.