Completely and utterly devastated

Okay.  It's a lengthy explanation, but stick with me. Since my surgery, My hair has become naturally curly.  I did not know this until one day I went swimming and was not able to wash and dry and straighten my hair as I have done every day for the last , well, I don't even know how many years.  Truth is............I love it.  The top portion of my hair is highlighted blonde and that part does not curl as much as the natural dark brown color underneath, so I have been trying lots and lots of styling aids to help it curl up some more.  I usually use a few different ones, alternating every day so my hair does not get weighed down with the same product every single day.  I also alternate shampoos every day as well for the same reason.   Well, I found this "spray in" curl enchancing syle aid at Walgreens.  All of the products I have been using until now have been very expensive professional products.  I thought I would give this one a try.  I showered, washed my hair, towell dried it, you know......the usual hair torture and then I put in this product.  15 minutes later my scalp was on fire............so I went to check my hair to see if I was having an allergic reaction or something...........and I had a red spot on my forehead where the product had dripped.  I wiped my forehead off and touched my hair again to "scrunch" and my hair felt like RUBBER.  This stuff was burning my head because it was FRYING  my hair.  Oh my god!!!!!!! I hurried up and jumped back in the shower and washed it out.....but it was too late.  My hair was basically melted and burned.  Thank GOD I only put it in the top of my hair.  I rushed to the nearest salon and explained to her what happened.  She had to cut my hair super short on the top and still what is left is very very very badly damaged.  I took the spray in product with me and she said that it was a product designed for african american hair and that only one other time had she seen this. Since my hair was bleached on the top, it basically could not handle whatever was in this product.  I have spent so much time and money on my hair bacause it was always  the ONE THING that I have always felt good about.  MY HAIR.   Well, I still have hair, it's short on top and still long all over, but I am forced to wear it in a way that makes me feel self concious and uncomfortable. ....a way that I would never choose to wear my hair otherwise.   It takes me back to the days when I felt that way all the time in the overwieght body I lived in.  This in a familiar feeling and I don't like it at all.  I know.................hair grows back..........and it's not the end of the world...........but I reallyuam so upset.  It's hard to feel ugly again.  I know its only me......my own view of myself........that ugliness..........but its there and its hard.  Enough crying.........now for the reason I posted this in the first place......... Have any of you tried Biotin?  I know many WLS patients have taken it for hair loss.  I did not have to, so in this situation, I was hoping for some feedback.  I understand it help hair grow in faster.  My hair grows pretty fast anyway, and there are a few things I can do like cutting out caffeine to help it grow a little faster, but does the biotin actually work?  Even if it only makes me feel better about waiting for my hair to grow back out again.......................Let me know..... Thanks Girls! Connie

Oh honey Bunny... I totally feel your pain.  I went to a beauty school once because i thought they would give me a nice trim.  Well about 45 minutes later the manager of the beauty school walks by, gets a funny look on his face, and says "why dont you let me finish this one up"  ... the girl cutting my hair had RUINED it... super super short and jagged in the back, long and uneven on the sides... when I went to a real salon to get it fixed the girl said "Oh lordy, how long have you been walking around like that!"   So yeah, I feel your pain!   It does grow out though!

(((((((((Connie))))))))), I've never tried biotin, and have heard mixed results (like opposite sides of the spectrum) from others who have. It can't hurt though. I just wanted to tell you that I totally get you, and I can imagine how devistated you are.  My hair was the only thing I really liked about myself (and my husband loved it to). since surgery, it grew back in kinky curly (sounds like yours grew in better than mine).  Anyway, my positive thoughts mantra is "its only hair". It doesn't always work...but it at least helps me keep things in perspective. Also,  a curl product that I like is "curls up". Don't use much though, cuz it can weigh your hair down. But the right amount leaves your hear smelling nice and gives it a little shine (and keeps the frizz down). I can't remember the brand name, but its an orange gel that comes in a clear bottle. I check when I get home if your interested. so heres a hug and wish for a quick grow back! Rachel

Oh sweetie, what a horrible nightmare you are going through!! Yes it is only hair, but I know what you mean about being so self conscious about it. I'm that way too and mine has also become curly with the regrowth and it bugs me. I feel like I have wings and can't stand it. Everyone else says it looks great, but I feel so "messy and wrong" all the time!!! I totally get you!!!  I have used Biotin since before my WLS. I don't know if it really helped or not, but they say it is at least suppose to make the new growth healthier. It sure has helped my nails!!!  Have you thought about maybe getting a wig to wear for now? I know a lot of WLS postops who do and there are some really cute ones these days. They aren't all expensive either. Also, there is a lady on HSN, Toni Brattin, who sells wigs and hair pieces and they are pretty reasonable. My mom wears one almost every day!!  http://beauty.hsn.com/toni-brattins-beauty-secrets_c-bs_a-16 1_xc.aspx?prev=hp!sf&o=&rid=318&ocm=sekw  most of them have a video of Toni's demonstration from when she is on air on how each piece works. And there are soooo many colors to match any hair color. The hair extensions may be just what you need for awhile!  Hope this helps and ((((((((((((((Connie))))))))))))) too!!!! Becky

I added Biotin to my daily vitamins about a year ago because I was tired of my thin hair.  I can feel and see a difference. good luck to you

Oh--- I feel for you too--- my hair has always been long and one of my  good traits.... Mine is curly and I scrunch it---or I flat iron..... so I understand all the work we do for our hair....I wish you could tell us the product name---I also switch products all the time.  I guess I'd really condition the hair that you have---so it's as healthy as possible----and try the biotin---and for the short fix---maybe look into a weave or hair extensions..... Best of luck to you.....and keep remembering it will grow! take care

Connie!!!! NO MORE Chemicials for awhile. Brian was telling me what happened and I knew exactly what had happened. So...some advice for you and for the ladies. Never use products that are designed for another ethnic. African/American hair has a different type of cortex so it take a much stronger product. Also, know what is in your own hair. Example....you got some highlights but didnt like them so they stripped the color and put in a light toner to blend. 2 months later you go ahead and color your hair back to natural and cover those light parts. In 2 mths you probably got 2 haircuts.  4 months later you decide you want to get a perm......your hair should not get permed butttt......... if you do. these are the facts you need to take into consideration Your hair has permanent color, semi temporary color, stripper, it is bleached , you have 4 processes in your hair not to mention all the "stuff" you put on to buff fluff, shape, flatten. It is sad how much stuff is out there that can be dangerous.  As for your hair....give it a break biotin will help it grow but once you stop taking it the hair affected will have a shorter life span than normal hair. Play with your hair and find something you would never wear but would have like to. It will be back to norm before you know it. I lost my hair after chemo and I ended up with someones joke of texture and curl. I will tell you about that if you want. I was a hairdresser for 18 years with a concentration on chemical treatments.  I would go buy hair mud it is made by Biolage. do this once a week....Make a pack of shampoo and baking soda, wash your hair with it, let sit for 5 min, rinse and rewash with shampoo only. towel dry, you want you hair wet but not dripping. Apply the mudd pak and follow direction.  Do scalp massages every night or better yet teach someone how to give them to you!!!. They are great for circulation and motivation the folicles to make hair! Ok...I hope i didnt bore you to death  Annette

I don't have any advice for you, but wanted to give you a big ***hug***

On a side note, I have super curly hair, and just had surgery, maybe mine will grow in straight? lol


Shells

I don't have any suggestions for what to do right now, but once your hair is healthy again, there are a couple of curl boosting products that I would try.

1. John Frieda Dream Curls Curl Spray - You can find it at Target for under $6, and it works nicely to tame frizzies.

2. Bumble and Bumble Curl Cream - A little pricey at $30 for a 4 oz bottle, but a little goes a long way. It is amazing how well this stuff works!

I use both these products regularly on my super duper thin, curly/frizzy, color treated, mixed personality hair, and have been pleased with both.