Question:
I'm in dire need of a relaxer but my hair is falling out by the handfulls. Any ideas

   — claudie (posted on September 27, 2005)

September 27, 2005
I do not know how far you are from your surgery date but it is normal to lose hair. I myself thought I would be a cue ball, the hair does grow back, it just takes time. Good luck in your search for a relaxer. Usually (according to the guy who does my hair) if there is any surgery its normal to lose hair and it is best to wait for awhile before doing anything chemical.
   — Cindy P.

September 27, 2005
As a hairdresser and a post op gastric bypass patient, I would recommend that you do NOT relax your hair at this point until it stops falling out. If you are comfortable I would cut it short and let it regrow if you can not tolerate it without the relaxer. Good luck.
   — melissac

September 27, 2005
hi this is normal after my surgery of 3 mos i started to loose my hair they had me take gnc vitamins for hair nails and skin i still take them but it stops after about a mo with the vitamins its been three years for me i still take them cant hurt i say so good luck
   — ROSEMARY A.

September 28, 2005
If your hair is falling out by the handfulls then I would suggest you NOT relax your hair. My hair was thin to begin with. Before wls I had a perm and then had small braids put in so I would not have to do anything to it until was able to manage it on my own. I let the perm grow out and have worn it natural ever since. I cut it very low, and shampooed and conditioned it every 2 weeks. When it started to grow back it still was thin and very soft and I just mousse it and finger manage it so it would be curly looking. I wear a wig sometimes when I need to dress up or I wear a cap or I add gel to it and slick it back. You should not relax it until you are sure it has stopped coming out.
   — mspisces

September 28, 2005
Hello, My response may not be what you want to hear. However, it will help you keep your hair. First of all stop eating the junk food. Start eating only animal protein (liver, chicken, prok, beef, fish, eggs, etc). Eat dark green vegtables, sweet potatoes, get a nutrition book and find out what the food has to offer your body beofre you eat it. Your hair and nails grow from protein. Take all the recommended vitamins your doctor told you to take. Go to the doctor and have blood work done to check for defeciences. Remember this did not happen over night and it will take a few weeks for you to see new hair growth. Your hair grows about 1/2 inch per month. I never had a hair loss issue, I believe it is because since the day of surgery, EVERYDAY, this is what I do, take my vitamins and eat protein, vegtables, and fruits. If I still have room for junk food i eat it. Yes, I always want to eat it, but I have seen to many people going bald. So take the vits, eat the protein and dark green veggies. Try to keep your stress level down. Most of all good luck. Shana
   — shana1569

September 28, 2005
Take Biotin (available at any drugstore). I use a product from GNC for hair and nails that is high in Biotin (take two tablets a day for the first six months). It works, never had any problem with hair falling out.
   — Sara H.