Question:
HAIR LOSS - ZINC

At 3 months post op I noticed my hair starting to fall out every time I washed it (every morning). At least 100 or more strands per wash. My hairdresser immediately suggested I take Zinc and three weeks later it has stopped falling out and I have noticed new growth. Please try it (first check with your dieticien to make sure you can take it). It worked for me and hopefully will continue working. The reason I am suggesting it here is because I have not seen any suggestions to use Zinc on this site.    — KerryfromSA (posted on March 17, 2008)

March 17, 2008
The most common approach to ward off and help hair regrown is taking Biotin supplements and Nioxin sampoo. Possibly your zinc was low too? How did your zinc show on your most recent labs?
   — Dave Chambers

March 17, 2008
My surgeon told me to take zinc along with biotin. He suggested taking it 2-3 times a week. I have noticed new growth but I am still "shedding" a lot, but at least there is new hair coming in. I also have noticed that I have not gotten sick since I have been taking zinc. Family and people at work have been sick with horrible colds and the flu and I haven't gotten it, normally I am the first one to pick it up.
   — heatherm1126

March 18, 2008
Do you get zinc and biotin pills or do they make chewables? Are they seperate tablets?
   — shellymarie

March 18, 2008
Zinc and Biotin are different pills. You dont get a Biotin only pill in SA, just Hair and Nail tablets that contain a tiny bit of Biotin, which I am also taking, but when I started taking the Zinc everyday, I noticed an immediate improvement.
   — KerryfromSA

March 18, 2008
I just wanted to say thank-you to all who have posted to Kerry's question. I'm a bit over 10 years post-op and still have problems in this area. Is there a dosage of the Zinc and Biotin? I don't want to take too much and have it not help. I really need help in this area! Thanks again for bringing it up Kerry!
   — Jason B.

March 20, 2008
Hi all, thanks for all the responses to my Zinc advice. Some of you are asking for the dosage - I am taking one small tablet a day - the tablets I take contain the following: 70mg Zinc Gluconate providing 9mg of Zinc, Vitamin A 5000iu and Vitamin B6 - 10mg - thats it. You will notice new growth when looking at your wet, flat hair in the shower, all these fuzzy short hairs will be sticking up - that was the only way I noticed it - I cant notice it when my hair is dry. Keep well.
   — KerryfromSA