Question:
How important is the length of your hair in loss amounts?

I had very short hair most of my life. In the last (maybe) 3 years I have let it grow out. I have thin hair and was not sure how it would look long. But, I LOVE IT LONG! Now I see that hair loss is a distinct possibility with my WLS. How much more hair can be lost if I try to keep my hair long? Would putting it up (say under a hat) help me keep my hair?? Please, help if you can, This is a big fear for me. And, Thank you.    — sweetglow (posted on January 23, 2001)

January 22, 2001
Hi Katrina, As a licensed cosmetologist, I would say that you would be more apt to lose less hair if it were shorter during this process. IF you lose hair, (not everyone does:) brushing, pulling it up, hats, all could add to the hair loss. (those are all tough on hair) Also, if it is a bit shorter and you've experienced hairloss, it will look fuller and thicker in a shorter, layered style. I cut mine off before I went in for surgery, so I could get used to it, not deal w/ it in the hospital, and I wouldn't miss it at the same time s dealing w/ all the emotional issues that go along w/ wls. Good luck in your weight loss journey, if I can be of any help, please let me know! Christine
   — Christine S.

January 23, 2001
Hi dear...I'll tell you my story, hope it helps. I have always had long hair, to my bra and always wore it up in many different styles....I loved my hair. Well now I am 6 months post op and exactly half of my hair fell out. When i wore it up it looked soooooo thin, nothing hid it. Hats didnt help. I went to a hairdresser, which i Never do, (I dye my own) and she gave me a cut that made me looked like I have triple the amount before i started. I got a angled bob, chin length and blow dry it under all around. It is so sleek looking and I feel great again. My hair stopped falling out now, finally....but i worried less when i got a cut that really helped and flattered....sure I will let it grow again....someday....but this cut is awesome....see your hairdresser, shes sure to help!! Vicki 6months post op 80lbs gone for good and feeling like a super model in size 10 jeans!!! yehaww
   — VIXYVIX

January 27, 2001
I have long hair and like it that way. My hair had thinned a great deal after an early menopause, so I was terrified of losing any more. Pre-op, I started taking vitamins equal to 2 Centrum A-Z, having 60 gm/day protein supplement and using Nioxin shampoo and scalp therapy. Post-op, I continued the protein and Nioxin products, but changed to a vitamin/mineral product with about 40,000 IU of vitamin A (Vit A and beta-carotine combined) and 75 mg of zinc. At 3 months post-op, right on schedule, I suddenly had a big clump of hair in my shower drain! I added another 30 gm of protein and, a week later, hair loss was reduced by half. (Don't gross out, but I saved the hair clumps to compare.) The following week, I added 900 mcg of biotin and, 7 days later, hair loss had stopped entirely! My hair is shiner and healthier than it was pre-op, too, and my fingernails are stronger. Hope this helps.
   — Linda B.