And so it begins.....

[LifesAJourney]

Losing hair has started... today was the worst so far... oh the joys...(sarcasm) I hope I don't lose too much...I am trying to stay positive about it ... like out with the old me in with the new me....

 

[tealovingsleever]

You'll be fine. It's so worth it.

 

[SleeveGirl]

Don't worry LifesAJourney, I'm going through the hair loss at the moment too. It is worth it I think xx

 

[sarahloveswelshcobs]

the hair loss is quite scary.

Mine came out in handfuls for quite some time ! I still lose quite a lot now. My hair is 1/2 the thickness it used to be. I'm so glad it was like a bush before...

I cut down the frequency I wash it - to as little as I can before it starts to get greasy, rather than every day...

 

[Ines4C]

It's really scary as my hair has always been thin anyway, I am now scared it looks even thinner and finer. I am visually impaired so can't see whether I have bald patches.

 

[LifesAJourney]

It seems every time I am washing my hair clumps and clumps are falling out .... I think I need to space out hair washing from every other day to every three days. Here's to hoping it slows down soon. *crosses fingers*

 

[Lilacglittergirl]

I'm with you. Three months post bypass for me. It may help if you can manage to only wash weekly, brush as little as possible and avoid products containing dimethicone (silicone) so it will appear less 'dirty'. Brushing with a tangle-teaser when wet rather than with a comb may also minimise the loss x

 

[Blonde Jane Blonde]

The hair loss thing really worries me. It sounds so shallow but I don't want to trade one socially perceived issue (being overweight) for another (being bald). My hair is thin enough as it is. Does the hair loss thing go away after a period of time?
Maybe I will just have to buy a hat!

 

[tealovingsleever]

The hair loss thing really worries me. It sounds so shallow but I don't want to trade one socially perceived issue (being overweight) for another (being bald). My hair is thin enough as it is. Does the hair loss thing go away after a period of time?
Maybe I will just have to buy a hat!

You won't go bald!

 

[Blonde Jane Blonde]

Well perhaps bald was an exaggeration but very very thin hair in my case as it's already thin may not be. I'm curious to know if the hair faking out is a stage that rectifies itself I guess

 

[Lippyloirston]

Just had my bypass but have experienced hair loss before (during chemo). Here's some things I did, slept on a silk pillow slip (less tugging when you turn over), reduced the amount of times I washed my hair, changed to baby shampoo, stopped using hair dryer/straighteners. Got my hair cut to a shorter style (less weight). I managed to keep 80% of my hair . (I should mention I used a 'cold cap' during the actual chemo sessions too).

There are lots of options available for 'bald spots' depending where they are. I got a little thin at the front, so invested in some hair slides and bands to cover the area. I don't think anyone noticed!

One last suggestion, speak to your hairdresser they might be able to help you. Good luck! X

 

[Blonde Jane Blonde]

Thank you. Good to know you did so well in such unpleasant circumstances x

 

[ClaireMarie]

It's my biggest dread, I spoke to my hairdresser who said I can afford to lose a fair amount, still it's as representational of my femininity to me as my breasts. It's not permanent so that's a relief but I understand how upset you are x

 

[Flickalicious]

I'm not looking forward to this bit in the slightest My hair is almost butt length but not thick at all and I had a bald patch (roughly 2 inches in diameter) that is literally only just starting to recover! I plait dreads in every so often so may be able to do that but they are heavy and damage my hair as it is. When we lose loads of weight ladies I'm sure we can strut our bald stuff! >.<

 

[ICAWM]

When I did Lighter Life before, I experienced hair loss. When your body is 'starved' of nutrients, it prioritises what functions to preserve and maintaining a full head of hair doesn't compete with keeping your heart pumping or digesting food.

I don't think washing encourages hair loss, it's just more noticeable because you are handling it and it's slippery. You will lose the same amount of hair whether you wash it or not.

Once your body acclimatises to its reduced nutritional intake and realises it's no longer in an emergency state, your hair loss will slow down as it rebalances all its maintenance.

This is also one of the reasons you get cold when losing weight (then subtract the protective blubber layer too!) as it's not a priority function.

So essentially - don't worry!!