Unable to use conditioner

[netty64]

This is an odd question. Since I've been on hydroxycarbamide, I can't use normal conditioner on my hair as no matter how long I rinse and rub my hair for it doesn't wash off, and my hair looks really greasy like it hasn't been washed for 2 weeks. Does anyone else have this problem?

[hunter5582]

That is a HU side effect I have never heard of, but it may actually make sense. HU can cause alopecia (hair thinning/loss) as well as skin and nail atrophy. It may be that there are changes to the condition of your hair that are causing it to react differently to the conditioner. I found this post that may be similar to what you are describing.julie70.wordpress.com/2010/...

Hope that helps.

[Fernsong in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks for posting the WordPress link, Hunter! Very interesting and relevant to me and probably many other of our MPN friends out there!

[Wyebird in reply to hunter5582]

Lol how do you keep track of all this information ? Once again thank you. My hairdresser also told me that the hairs had thinned and not fallen out.

[hunter5582 in reply to Wyebird]

This one was a 2 + 2 = 4. Problems with hair thinning and damage to nails and skin are common adverse effects of HU. Hair texture affects how you react to hair products like hair conditioner (HC). Ergo HU + HC = greasy hair.

[lhasedoglover in reply to hunter5582]

Hello. Since 2014 on Hydrea. You can see through my hair. Nails and skin terrible. But if it is a matter of life and death.....

But it a really annoying...I do understand.

[Grumpyfairy]

I’ve always had such thick hair? But now my hair appears very thin, with small patches at the front where it’s like broken off and patchy. I definitely think it’s down to the Hydroxy.,

[Borage]

I use as mild a shampoo as possible. One without SLS detergent and parabens. A little bit of cider vinegar in warm water replaces conditioner to leave hair smooth and clean.

[Maggie-ol]

My hair has become very dry since starting the Hydroxy - before treatment I had to wash my hair every other day as it was quite greasy. Now I only need to wash it twice a week and, to be honest I could leave it much longer between washes! Have noticed a real difference with my skin too, especially on my face. It is much dryer and the "acne" type spots I was experiencing for a few years before diagnosis/treatment (at 65+) all over my face and particularly my scalp have gone, thank goodness!

[wiskie]

Hi, I had the same problem with shampoos & conditioners, then came across a gentle herbal shampoo by Odylique on-line, expensive but lasts ages, using this shampoo I found there was no need for a conditioner.

[Joetcalr]

If you want to try a natural shampoo/conditioner, honey/egg yolk works well, rinse out with warm water.

[AdaJane007]

My hair has changed on Hydroxy. First few months it went very straight but now the wave has come back. One year on Hydroxy and my hair is very thin, receding, and just one big frizz. It drives me mad. I have had to have it cut shorter, to one length. If I use normal conditioner it gets greasy and itchy in the scalp. So I now wash with a very gentle coconut shampoo and use shea butter moisture intense leave in conditioner on the ends. Just work a bit in on the ends while damp, or when dry if it goes frizzy again. I guess everyone's hair is different. So I would play around with different products until you find something that suits. I have just bought a honey strengthening shampoo to try.

[Runner999]

Just the opposite - my hair has dried out and gone frizzy on hydroxy - I use an ordinary shower out conditioner as usual and then Argan Oil (neat!) combed through before I finish drying - still cannot get any reasonable looking style.