Question:
Some advice for my hair.....not typical hair loss questions

Hi everyone. Well, my hair is in shambles. I'm 5 1/2 months post and its been falling out for the last 2 months (normal, I know). You really couldn't tell that I am losing that much hair by looking at me at all...it was pretty thick to begin with. But the condition of my hair is horrible! It is fairly long, but I am thinking of getting it cut (eventhough I really dont want to!). Would you advise to get a shoulder-length hairdo with some layers to help things? Or will the layers split off too and look horrible? Ideas?    — emilyfink (posted on November 23, 2002)

November 22, 2002
I am almost five months postop and my hair is really falling out. I have very fine hair, but a lot of it. I had long hair and I went ahead and cut it shoulder length with layers. This of course doesn't stop the hair falling out, but I think it looks and feels more healthy. My hair was also looking really shabby--perhaps from the effects of the surgery..i don't know. I am happy with the way it looks now.
   — Sharon C.

November 22, 2002
i had mine cut without layers, and colored it a little darker (very few bleach highlights, not heavy highlighting like i usually do). i look 10 yrs younger, everyone loves it, it is much thicker and healthier. i was 8 months out and it was looking really bad with lots of scalp showing thru the very thin, damaged, broken off, split ends hair that was left. i recommend you go to someone very experienced. this is not the time to go to the cheap hair salon or have your cousin who is in beauty school do it :) by the way, i was much more traumatized by my hair loss than i thought i would be. i was well aware that it would happen, but didnt think it would bother me....wrong. altered body image is what we say in the nursing profession... even i wasnt exempt from feeling the loss. good luck. the weight loss is still worth it all. patsy in las vegas
   — PATSY N.

November 22, 2002
I would see what your stylist has to say about the cut and layers. I have just let mine grow, with an occasional trim. I too have very thick hair and can afford to lose some, but I am making sure I am getting my protein. I drink lots of skim milk, and have had minimal hair loss. Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner. I have followed all of my stylists recommendations, and have been very successful. Hope some of this helps. Good Luck
   — Stephanie B.

November 22, 2002
I am 55 years old and this is the first time in my life that the lady who cut my hair said she wished she could make it look fuller but my hair is SO THIN!!!! I have been complimented all my life on my thnk bushy blonde hair...since the operation it has gotten very thin...i hope it will go back to its normal look soon...I am 8 months post-op and it finally stopped falling out 2 months ago...my hairdresser did layer mine and it does look good...try it..it is a very different look for me but then that is what this operation is all about...new looks...good luck to you...
   — Suzanne S.

November 23, 2002
hi :) i went to cosmetology school for nails so i also learned alot about hair..layers are great for the hair..they give it a fuller healthier look..i have alot of problems with split ends too and the best thing to do is get a trim every six weeks to keep the hair from splitting and do a deep conditioning once a month you can get that done at a beauty school for super cheap or just buy ur own :)
   — christine S.

November 23, 2002
I'm still pre-op, but a couple years ago I decided to cut my long hair. I decided to donate my hair to Locks of Love. If you are going to cut off more than 10 inches, please consider doing this (It makes you feel better about citting off all that hair). My hair is getting long again and if I need to cut it after surgery, I'll be donating it again.
   — Toni C.

November 23, 2002
I started losing my hair around 3 months and I up'd my protein intake and started using NIXON shampoo. I also cut my hair, I figured that if it was not so heavy and pulling on the roots it would help. I went from mid back before surgery, to shoulder, to a short little flip and now, it is really short and spikey. I love it and it has almost stopped falling out.
   — Sharon H.

November 23, 2002
Hiya Emily! =) Go to Mario Trococi's, if you have on in the area. They do wonders with problem hair, they're well trained and will show you (hand over hand) how to fix and care for your hair. Ask for an educational consultant. I have been going for about 3 months and absolutely love them! Oprah always said, "A woman should have at least one GOOD haircut in her lifetime". Good luck hon!! ((hugs)) and smiles =))
   — DebPKansas