ow lawwwd my hair got soooo thin!!

[SweetNic_JA]

My hair got so noticeably thin! I remember taking a shower and feeling long thick clumps of hair slithering down my body. I tried to tell myself that it was normaly after-braids shedding but I knew better.

I think it's the accutane. It could also be the revlon realistic (but I doubt that b/c I relax ever 3-4 months).
I really think it's the accutane and this is so depressing b/c my hair was doing so well!! I need to get back on track so I'm taking any and all suggestions.

I stopped taking ALL supplements when I got on accutane b/c I didn't want to have any problems. I know this has a lot to do with the shedding (and now breakage).

I purchased cod liver oil
I have some B-5 stocked away and I also have some multivitamins.

I know my arsenal is lacking so please let me know if I need to add anything else. I'm so sad right now.

I have pieces in my hair but they only bump me up to my pre-accutane thickness...by the way, I still love my skin

help!

TIA!

 

[Nyambura]

SweetNicJA ~

I'm sorry to see that this is happening to you. I know what you're going through. It can be devastating, especially when you put so much TLC into it. I found MSM, powder or tablet form, to cease almost all of my shedding problems (and I had been shedding similar to the way you described). I really like Puritan Pride's powdered MSM.

I'm not on Accutane though, so I don't know how it would react. If your doc says ok, you might want to consider MSM.

HTH and please hang in there!
~Nyambura

 

[Tracy]

I think you should take the pieces out!

All major manipulation like that is a bad idea at this point if you want to get your air back on track. Braids plus accutane - not tracks - too much IMO.

I think you should identify some good moisturizing and strengthening products, develop a consistent regime that involves little heat and lots of conditioning, and leave it alone for a loooooong time.

 

[SweetNic_JA]

Thanks Nyambura. I'm going to see my derm within the next week.

Tracy, the tracks aren't glued or sewed in - they're clipped in with the wig/toupee clips. I'm wondering if those can add insult to injury but I'm not sure about that. What do u think?

I'm going through various regimes posted on these boards and I'm adding bits and pieces to my own. I know I can't go back in braids for now so I'm going to have to get on a bun/baggie routine...or something.

 

[Tracy]

[ QUOTE ]
SweetNic_JA said:
Tracy, the tracks aren't glued or sewed in - they're clipped in with the wig/toupee clips. I'm wondering if those can add insult to injury but I'm not sure about that. What do u think?

I'm going to have to get on a bun/baggie routine...or something.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think even clipped in tracks are too much manipulation and pulling. I think a bun routine is your best bet. The baggie method involves a draw string ponytail, which IMO is too much weight on the hair right now. Maybe in a month or two.

Wash, condition, put it in a bun, and leave it alone. I think your hair will thank you.

 

[SweetNic_JA]

My hair hasn't been like this in years.
I'll take your advice starting tonight.

Thanks

 

[nurseN98]

I agree with the MSM. I lost a ton of hair when I moved because the water was so different. I took MSM, flaxseed oil, biotin and that made a difference in stopping the shedding. I've also just started using a rosemary tea spritz for the past 3 weeks and my hair is definitely starting to fill out.

Other than that I'd agree with everyone else that good protein/deep conditioning sessions in addition to reducing manipulation should help a lot.

 

[SweetNic_JA]

I'm so afraid of taking the MSM because he has broken me out in the past. I'll try the L-Cysteine, Cod liver oil, and a multivitamin for now. Hopefully I'll muster enough courage to use the 2lb jug of MSM I have in the cupboards.

 

[caligirl2385]

r u relaxed or natural? how long did u keep your braids in? could it be shrinkage? you've got me worried over here because i just took out my braids and had a lot of hair come out. i haven't gotten a touch up yet, though, so i'm not quite sure of the condition of my hair.

 

[bellydancer]

sigh... all these posts about accutane and hairloss. i'm afraid. i should jus give up and go bald... i wish there was something that could be done. It's either pretty hair and ugly skin or ugly hair and pretty skin. why? WHY!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

What is accutane?

 

[Tracy]

A medication taken to clear acne. It dries the skin (and the hair).

 

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

Oh, okay. Thanks.

 

[SweetNic_JA]

[ QUOTE ]
caligirl2385 said:
r u relaxed or natural? how long did u keep your braids in? could it be shrinkage? you've got me worried over here because i just took out my braids and had a lot of hair come out. i haven't gotten a touch up yet, though, so i'm not quite sure of the condition of my hair.

[/ QUOTE ]

Caligirl,
I'm relaxed but I don't think Accutane discriminates against relaxed and natural heads -- A follicle is a follicle in its eyes.


All,
Accutane is a very heavy duty medication. Please learn the risks b4 committing to it. I knew the risks but i was hoping to by-pass them. The thinness is only temporary but it's disappointing all the same.