Question:
Hair is thinning,can I still I get a perm,will it make it thin faster ?
I have been in a habit of getting a perm every 3-5 Months, but now after WLS it is thinning & I am afraid to get one. My hair is in bad shape so I need something done fast. — [Anonymous] (posted on July 20, 1999)
July 20, 1999
My mother was able to get a perm even with her hair loss. When I had my
surgery they said to continue the protein and add in zinc to your vitamins.
Consult with your hair stylist before having your perm done.
— Amy B.
July 20, 1999
Hi!,
I am soon to be in the MGB WLS group and I know a number of people have had
questions on there about hairloss. Before I became ill I was a stylist and
would be open to people asking about this issue. If you are losing hair, I
would not recommend perming. My guess (correct me if I am wrong ) is that
initially the loss is lack of protein. Well that is what makes up your hair
strand and it becomes compromised when perm solution is used, when you perm
you only regain 80 % of the previous chemical bonds. If you have short
hair( I am guessing you do if they allow you to perm so frequently) then
use this time to get some ideas about new styles and ways to get the look
you want or to change it for the coming new you ! I would guess many of us
are stuck in a rut and the WLS is an indication of a changing you. As you
lose you will find that your facial apearance will change and a change of
hair style should be considered. One of my general recommendations is that
you use a semi-permenant hair color until you are able to perm once again!
These colors are safe and generally are low in chemicals.They also will
give your hair a boost in body and once again it does not have to be a BIG
change. If your hair is dull or dishwater( mine) add some golden to it or
if you have gorgeous blue eyes, then add a carmel color to bring them out.
These colors coat the hair and therefore give the impression of more hair.
You may be surprised that your stylist has been aching to try something new
on you! Let them use their training and expertise to create a new look. If
anyone has questions, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] :)
Paige
— Paige W.
July 20, 1999
Take a mineral called 'biotin.' You can get the pills in health food
stores, places like GNC. It promotes hair regrowth, and really works!
Give it a few weeks, and you should have 'baby' hair growing back. You
will still lose hair for awhile, but it will regrow. I would not get a
perm now, as they damage hair and weaken it. Good luck.
— Elizabeth W.
July 21, 1999
I would highly advise against a perm at this point, and so would any
reputible hair dresser. Get an easy to maintain cut and start taking
"Knox geletin." You could also use henna (the REAL stuff) to
stringhten and thicken what you have left, until it starts to grow back in
again. Henna can be found in nutral if you don't want to add any color.
Don't perm until the henna grows out, because that could cause a melt down
of your hair (not a pretty sight). Be sure you are getting enough protien
and your hair should recover. :)
— [Anonymous]
July 21, 1999
Hi: What I have heard works is take 3x the dosage of biotin. I think you
can get it at any vitamin store. Good Luck and sorry about the hair
thinning. You might increase your protein also as that's also what your
body is asking for.
— Alyce K.
July 21, 1999
Hi there! I'm a hairdresser and getting a perm should be no problem. I
have a client who's hair is very thin (almost bald) and perming does not
affect it negatively in any way. The only way it could affect hair loss is
if the permitself is done improperly and you experience hair breakage.
Consult with your own hairdresser and see what she thinks though. Good
luck!
— April H.
July 21, 1999
I had wls 15 mo. ago. I experienced hair loss after 3mo. Slowly I
encorporated more protein into my diet and drank a Protein drink. My hair
gradually came back, but during that time my hair dresser advised me not to
perm. I would wait if I were you, it could mean even more hair loss.
— Jan T.
July 21, 1999
The perm will probably cause some damage. I got one because my hair was
thinning so I thought the perm would help it look fuller. It broke off
horribly. Be carefull and get it into good condition first. The perm will
make it fall out faster at first. Good Luck!
— Donna D.
July 23, 1999
Dear "Emotional Issues",
You need to eat more protien. You are loosing hair because you are not
getting enough protien. If you go to a Hair dresser, ask him or her if you
should perm. I would not reccomend it at this time till your hair gets
stronger....Talk to the hair stylist and meanwhile Eat more
protien...cheese, cottagechees, chicken etc. Good Luck..Linda.
— Linda B.
August 9, 1999
Hi. I know you ask this question a little while ago but another viewpoint
never hurts. I am 13mo post-op. I have always made sure I got all my
protein requirements each day. I take my vitamins faithfully. I also take
Biotin(nutritional supplement for hair and nails). My hair thinned some
anyway but to a lesser extent than what I have seen two co-workers go
through. I just had my first perm three weeks ago. No problems. Over the
past several months I have been taking extra care of my hair by doing such
things as hot oil treatments, using a protein spray, and also keep the ends
trimmed. Oh yeah, I also color my hair. I did have some problems with
dryness that's when I added the hot oil treatments even though I have had
oily hair in the past. Be healthy.
— Penny W.
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