Question:
I want to have a perm put in my hair.

I am almost 11 months out and though the hair loss has slowed , I am still losing it. I had super thick hair and now it is thin. It wont hold a curl and it is very straight. I want lift and body. So I am thinking about perming it, but am worried it might make me lose even more hair. Anyone out there perm their hair while in the hair loss stage?    — C. L. (posted on March 21, 2002)

March 21, 2002
Hi, I too, has SEVERE hair loss. My hair started out long, thick and curly. I would say I lost over half of my hair and it's still coming out but not as bad. I got a perm around month 6, I am now 9.5 months post, It didnt take very well, and before my hair permed quickly and lasted until it was cut out, not this time, but oh well, it helped me feel a little better about my hair and I have also colored it. Go for it!!
   — Christy J.

March 21, 2002
I suggest going to a beauty school and having a consult with a student and instructor. You do not have to do anything drastic at that time. Tell the instructor you have been having hair loss/thinning due to "weight loss issues" and they will do a thorough evaluaton of your hair. You do not have to make up your mind at that time if they tell you it is safe to have a soft perm. You can have a nice wash and set along with a reconstructer and conditioner to put a little body in your hair until decide what you want to do.
   — Jan M.

March 21, 2002
I am 9 mos post op and had a perm a month ago. I had thin hair to begin with, and lost quite a bit of my hair. My doctor told me to buy ZINC SULPHATE 220mg. I had walgreens order it for me, it is over the counter, but normally they do not carry it. I take one in the morning and 1 at night. My hair stopped falling out within a week. The perm did not hurt my hair at all, it just added thickness. It took really well. I have not had any fall out since the perm. Hope this helps, good luck.
   — Valerie M.

April 4, 2002
I was a cosmotologist for 30 yrs. and having seen alot all these yrs, I would be careful. I would recommend the hair stylist do a test curl at the crown. If they place the rubber band on the scalp, it will break off the hair at the scalp, so know the work of your hair stylist !! If the hair does not break off, she can continue with the perm. I would use an acid perm., as they are not as damaging as alkaline perms.I would put a deep conditioner on your hair before hand, a professional product either from a beauty supply co. or your local solon. I would use a heat activated conditioner, as they are a better penetrating conditioner. There are alot of good products on the market. I would explain your situation, and they will recommend.
   — Jean B.