Dry hair

[AnitaApple]

This hasn't been a problem until recently (by the way I'm hypo and on 50mg Levo !) but now even after washing my hair it feels so dry and brittle and looks really flat . Has anyone got any tips for making it more glossy and less lack lustre ? A friend suggested coconut oil which I might try

[Debsoxford]

Yes I use it and I do think it helps especially with a shine I often leave it on overnight and do concentrate on the ends if you put to much on your scalp it is very difficult to wash out I am a bit heavy handed! Argon oil is also nice but again you have to be careful. Have you hung your head down and down scalp massages it's supposed to promote hair growth and health I've never tried it. I'm sure others can help with supplements advice

Good luck

[Learner1]

Biotin, amino acids and healthy fats in the diet can all help. Appropriate thyroid dosing, too.

And various products provide shine - argan oil is in many products. Just watch for toxic ingredients...

[Maspaws]

Try Natures Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails supplement. Really helped me

[IreneRalph]

I too suffer badly from dry hair. Always had dry hair but since having my thyroid removed it's worse . My daughter introduced me to Argun oil about two years ago and now I use more if it and it certainly helps. It gives body and shine. Just pour a little on to fingers tips and gently apply it to the ends of your hair and lightly run your fingers through the rest if your hair. Hope this makes sense to you but it has helped me so much. Dont over use.

[Millea]

Hi there. I have Graves' disease and am stuck on a seesaw - hypo then hyper and back again. My hair was falling out (and still is) whether I was hypo or hyper and then it changed condition - like you it felt dry, coarse and brittle - as if it were severely stressed from overdyeing or something. After washing it wouldn't feel clean and would just look flat and limp. I started taking collagen drinks. 1 a day for 10 days to boost the condition of both my skin and hair and then I've been taking black currant oil in a capsule everyday. It's very high in anti inflammatory, boosts the immune system and is a great source of vit c. It's taken about 2.5 months but my hair and skin are soft again and no longer dry and coarse. Try looking for the cold pressed versions as they are purer and higher in strength.

[AnitaApple in reply to Millea]

Thanks where would I get those capsules- at a chemist if a health food shop?

[Millea in reply to AnitaApple]

I always buy them online. I started with 1,000mg softgels for the first month and then went down to 500mg after that. 🙂

[ElleBee71]

Yes - its a sign for me of not enough T3. Really struggling since being taken off Liothyronine meds (now just on levo only)

After experimenting, I've gone back to my trusted Aveda shampoo and conditioner. I've long hair and use the "Smooth Infusion" shampoo and the super "Damage Remedy Treatment" for conditioner 2-3 times/week. Its so worth the money for soft, shiny hair.

[Gardenofeden in reply to ElleBee71]

Why was t3 removed?

[ElleBee71 in reply to Gardenofeden]

My new GP refuses to prescribe T3. CCG guidelines 'no evidence of clinical benefit' malarkey. Very very frustrated as have been stable for years.

[Gcart]

Mine was like sheep fleece before T3 , Folate , B12. Iron. Vit C good levo level

Not sure what worked but it's so much better now after years of dryness

Nothing off the shelf seemed to do much for me .

Maybe levels need checking ?

Good luck.

[Gardenofeden]

Are your free t's optimal?....my hair looks best when free t4 is high in range and free t3 is around mid-range...are you on a small dose of cytomel?

Biotin made me break out badly with huge painful zits so be careful.

[Scouser58]

Hello AnitaApple,,,,,have you look for the dry brittle shampoo and conditioner brands??? and maybe the ends of your hair would benefit from a trim, as this causes and rest of the hair to look and feel dry and brittle,,,also improves the overall result of your hair wash,,,,only a small amount is needed,,,and try and let hair to dry in the warmth of the air, before using a dryer,,good luck with getting the great hair you want,,,ttfn from Karen.

[Sylvrfox]

The problem isn't in your hair, it's in the follicles. When our bodies are under medicated or the medication isn't working the hair follicles die off to conserve energy resulting in dry, brittle, lusterless hair that falls out. Synthroid or Levo doesn't work for a LOT of people because they can't convert the T4 only med into T3, the usable form of thyroid hormone the cells need for energy. Lack of cellular energy is what triggers the enzyme in the follicles to stop working. You may need NDT-natural desiccated thyroid meds. like Armour or WP. There are 2 great books on thyroid; STTM-stop the thyroid Maddness, and Hashimoto's-the root cause. They are full of great info to help you understand the disorder. There is also a great Facebook Support group; FTPO-thyroid topics, it also has many off shoot groups dealing with other related issues for thyroid patients, like gut issues, Lyme issues, those with total thyroidectomy, etc. I joined and learned SO much! Google it, include Facebook in your search and ask to join, it's necessary to ask so they can see you aren't a MLM scammer but they usually approve all requests. Good luck!

[tishr99]

I have Hashi's and Graves, flip flop from one to the other.My hair is waist length and for years it was falling out all over the place. Many times I was told to cut it short and it would thicken up. About a year I heard the best advice I was ever given, by a pharmacist. Stop washing it with shampoos, stop conditioning it with conditioner. All makes are just chemicals and no good for your hair at all. Use nothing but water to simply rinse it through , let your natural oils do their job. After the initial oily phase has passed your hair will be the best its ever been. Brush it regularly with a natural bristle brush to spread the oils to the ends of the hair, (a long journey for mine) and after a while you'll never want to wash it again.

He was right. Its about 10 months since I stopped washing and conditioning. My hair is now thick shiney and lustrous, the best is ever been in my life. I'm 61. I was also colouring it on a far too regular basis, have let it grow out its natural colour, (grey now of course) and it looks amazing. Waist length grey hair rocks.