Hair issues

[Blues1]

I've seen post about hair thinning and other hair problems which cause us all distress adding to our other problems related to Pred and PMR. I've been on pred since last April and noticed I was shedding a lot of hair from November onwards, I had my hair cut shorter than my usual shoulder length to chin length after Christmas and my hairdresser noticed some difference around my hairline and fringe areas. My hair is fine but I've always had lots of it so other people don't really notice but I do. It's also wavy/curly but has a mind of its own and this is far worse now. Very upsetting to me although others don't understand.

I looked for a different range of shampoo and conditioner and have started using Herbal Essences Bee strong shampoo and also conditioner which says it gives strength to hair and at the moment is doing just that. Whether it's a coincedence or not I don't know but my brush is no longer full of hair when I finish brushing and my husband no longer complains of hairs in his food !

Thought I'd share

[jinasc]

Ask your GP for Folic Acid.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to jinasc]

Does it make a big difference ?

[jinasc in reply to Yellowbluebell]

It can and does.............it is given automatically when you are on Methotrexate and any other cancer drug.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to jinasc]

Will ask my gp tomorrow and get her to prescribe it if poss. I havnt lost huge amounts but if i can help stop it now its got to be better.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I had it when I tried mtx but finished the packs when I stopped the mtx - did seem to improve my hair a bit down the line - takes time for the bad or good bits to grow out after all!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to PMRpro]

I can live with that.x

[Smokygirl in reply to jinasc]

Thanks for the tip dear jinasc! What strength folic acid? I already take it in a Hair skin and nails supplement from Asda. I think it’s 500 xxxxx

[jinasc in reply to Smokygirl]

No idea, the GP should know or a good hairdresser like mine.

[Fieldofdreams in reply to jinasc]

Hi there, I have lost lost of hair and it is so thin now that i have resorted to a glamours wig. I took folic acid when on methotrexate but a blood test from a functional medicine practitioner showed with i dont absorb it so it was causing more problems. I now take methofolate and hope to see a difference - also I take Biotin. Good luck. its not a nice journey we are on. my wig has cheered me up. xx

[SnazzyD]

I had two sheddings, the first of which was about 5 months post diagnosis and the other when I went through a few months of adrenal insufficiency. It definitely timed out and started to grow back when it was ready and more curly on both occasions but did go through the mad scientist phase. I didn’t use any remedies but did use an apply when wet hair oil to calm down the frizz.

[Hidden]

Don’t rub your hair dry, pat it dry & using a cooler setting on the dryer helps.

Folic Acid helps ✅ Biotin may help ✅ stick to the recommended doses though, more is NOT better!

Caffeine Shampoos are suppose to help but l haven’t tried them. 💆🏻

[Galloping]

I take a good B complex supplement and also marine collegen. I haven't had any hair loss at all ( so far) since diagnosis in Aug 2019

The purple bruising that some of us get has also disappeared which I put down to the collegen.

[Sofarbrnun]

Yes, Blues. I know what you mean about the hair loss. After 2 and a half years I'm finally down to 2mg pred. However, about a year ago i had a couple pred shots in my knees. Didn't help those areas much but a few months later I noticed my hair thinning dramatically. I followed the advice on this forum and tried the Nizoral shampoo and biotin supplements. It seemed to have helped slightly. I had followed up with another intramuscular pred injection, which increases the odds of losing more hair, I assume. Damage is done. Looks like it's breaking off on the ends too. Try some hair mega vitamins that contain biotin. The pills are a little larger than the tiny biotin ones. I just alternate so I don't have to gulp down so much in a day along with all the calcium we must take. I alternate with the shampoo as well. I might even try the one you suggested. We can only do our best and hope for a good outcome.

[S4ndy]

My once long shiney straight hair started to shed when I was first diagnosed and on 30mg pred. I had it cut short at that point. I am down to 3mg and my hair loss has stopped. My hair is now in a spiky pixie style the texture has completely changed. I now have curly unruly locks which are a bit straw like. Its a lot easier to deal with though.

I also stopped colouring it about 3 years ago so its salt and pepper in places. I quite like it now as its stylish and easy to "do".

I cannot use shampoo with surfactants as I am allergic to them so I have to get alternative shampoo which is, of course, pricier. I usually get my friends in France to source my shampoo as there's a much better selection at a reasonable coat there! Its also been my excuse for going to France for a visit

[Choco-Holic]

I’m exactly the same as you. No one else can notice but I sure can. I’m keeping it a bit longer so I can just tie it back and don’t have to see what a mess it is. What hair is coming in is like wire wool and sticking out at all angles.... don’t have a clue what to do with that. Hopefully one day we will have nice smooth sleek hair again (I live in hope) I know it sounds trivial to others but it’s how it makes an individual feel about themselves. Heyho .... onwards and upwards 💁‍♀️

[Smokygirl]

Oh Blues, thanks for the tip. My fine straight hair has gone sooo thin and stopped growing! I’ve only been on Pred for 6 months. I’ve cut it to chin length too but it’s so thin on the crown. I take all the hair Vitamins like Biotin etc which have given me strong nails but done nothing for my hair 😩😩😩 I already use Herbal Essences thickening shampoo but shall look out for the Bee Strong one! Thanks again! Hugs xxx

[Whitner in reply to Smokygirl]

My hair too is fine, straight and particularly thin around the crown. I have found body adding foams like Nioxin to be very effective.

[YuliK]

I found eating at least 25 unsalted cashew nuts has given some body back to my fine blonde hair. I can see the new bits flying all over on a windy day.

Besides I love cashew nuts, so it’s a win win all round. 😄

[Highlandtiger in reply to YuliK]

25 every day?

[YuliK in reply to Highlandtiger]

Yes everyday 25-30 cashew nuts, I sometimes can eat more if I feel like indulging...

They say that cashew nuts are fattening. I prefer to over indulge nuts and not chocolate which I was/ am totally addicted to.

I’m keeping clear of sugar since the 1/1/20. New Years resolution. 👍😩

I haven’t put any weight on because of the cashew nuts.

[Highlandtiger in reply to YuliK]

Wow! I love cashews too! Glad it’s working for you!

[Smokygirl in reply to YuliK]

Interesting. What is in cashew nuts particularly, that is good for hair re- growth?

Oooh! I’ve just googled nuts and apparently Brazil nuts have selenium in them—- going to get some cashews and Brazils tomorrow!!! 😜

[Blues1]

Maybe there's something in that...I've been eating nuts lately...and taking a vitamin and mineral supplement.

[Martinguptill]

Hi Blues! I guess you should see your GP because it is good to stop hair loss at initial stages only.