Hair Breaking?!

[Guest digmom1014]

Hi-

My hair seems to be breaking off in record numbers! Anyone else have this problem? I just bought the new Pantene conditioner for hair that breaks easily, it's supposed to help with in the month.

Sarah

[sickchick]

Sorry!!! Find a gluten free B complex and 5000 mcg of Biotin a day, it works!

[imisssushi21011]

pantene is probably the main source of your problem. it creates a coating around the hair giving it a false sense of health, so your hair may be shiney, but its really weak. also if you use them for an extended period of time it can build up a film on your scalp that makes u loose your hair! crazy, huh? try to avoid shampoos and conditioners with panthenol in them. over time that should help.

[Guest Lore]

Hi-

My hair seems to be breaking off in record numbers! Anyone else have this problem? I just bought the new Pantene conditioner for hair that breaks easily, it's supposed to help with in the month.

Sarah

When I recently visited my GI specialist, he asked if I had problem in the past with my hair falling out in the shower and when I brushed it. I always called it "shedding"- when you wear black and the hair is visible on your clothes. I am guessing that it has something to do w/ Celiac, because he asked me.

Not sure about Pantene, but maybe call their h/q and see if their shampoo is gluten-free? I know that Whole Foods has a few brands of gluten-free shampoo.

good luck!

~Lore

[Guest digmom1014]

When I recently visited my GI specialist, he asked if I had problem in the past with my hair falling out in the shower and when I brushed it. I always called it "shedding"- when you wear black and the hair is visible on your clothes. I am guessing that it has something to do w/ Celiac, because he asked me.

Lore-If you ever find out let us know! I have had the same "shedding" problem my whole life.

I was thinking maybe Johnson's baby shampoo but, what about a conditioner? I have definitely noticed a burning on my scalp when I shampoo and a burning on my hands when I use my bath & body works lotion. I am still new so, I haven't been able to decipher the labels correctly. If it states it has wheat in it-I know to stay away.

I think I'm getting the food labels but, the pharm. labels...

[kbtoyssni]

Pantene is gluten-free. Whether or not it's good to use is another story. I find that a lot of the cheaper shampoos are the gluten-free ones, but they also contain a lot of wax as a "filler" that coats the hair. My hair dresser recommended trying to get a shampoo that doesn't have wax.

I've been having breakage right around where my ponytail holders go recently. Hair dresser says I put my hair ties too tight, and I should try scrunchies (yikes - I can't be seen in public in a scrunchie!!!) The thing is that I've always put my hair in a ponytail a lot, and I never had trouble until recently.

As for deciphering labels, most have wheat or oats in parentheses after the more scientific name. Avenin is the fancy name for oats. Triticale is a fancy name for wheat.

[flourgirl]

I've also noticed lots of hair in the tub when I wash it, and lots of hair on my pillow in the mornings. I'm hoping that this will improve as my health improves (I hope, I hope, I hope). Mine pretty much started last year as I got sicker and sicker, and hasn't improved yet. I use a variety of shampoos, I've always been in the habit of rotating brands so I don't get any particular build-up. Can't tell you if any work better than the other. I used to shampoo every day...but lately I only shampoo every third day because my skin and hair are so dried out.

[ryebaby0]

Have you had your thyroid checked in the past year? I don't know how old you are, but hair loss bad enough that you notice it (and dry, rough skin) can be a symptom of under-active thyroid (which is treated by taking a replacement hormone). I think every 40something woman I know is on some sort of thyroid therapy!

[AliB]

Hair loss and weak hair can sometimes be an indication that the liver is not coping as well as it might. I had a problem a few months ago for some time with my hair just falling out all over the place - I haven't got a lot as it is and I was terrified I'd have to go and get a wig (my daughter said she'd divorce me if I did!)!

I started taking Milk Thistle to boost my liver, and after 3 or 4 weeks it stopped falling out and has been looking a lot healthier and happier since (I think I got rid of a few gallstones into the bargain too!)

My husband is relieved as he was getting fed up pulling hair out of his food and off his clothing!

I have always taken a good vitamin multi but have made sure that I am really well supported since dropping the gluten. I find it amazing how many don't think about nutrient support. They end up dropping a not inconsiderable section of their food that supplies B vitamins, magnesium and many other important vitamins and minerals, then have nothing to fall back on.

[Guest digmom1014]

Thanks, I had my thyroid tested a few years ago, guess it's time again! I read in another section of this forum about Burt's Bee's shampoo & conditioner-anyone tried it? I have to find something but, I'm off the Pantene for sure!

[flourgirl]

I have had my thyroid tested, but my overall symptoms are all so confusing. I had hyperthyroid, but my blood pressure has been VERY low, cold all of the time....so cold it's almost (sometimes is) painful. Irregular heartbeat...it goes on and on. I'm pretty sure that most of the symptoms I have are directly related to malabsorption. Anyway, I had my thyroid retested and the levels are now in the "normal" range. Do thyroid levels normally fluctate, or are they generally static? I guess I better do some reading up on the topic....any GOOD sites for this info? Thanks

[Crystalkd]

I didn't realize that the thyroid could cause hair loss. I've had a shedding problem for about a year now. I guess I need to find another shampoo after the pantene is done. Anyone had a problem with Aussie? (I have really curly hair so alot of stuff doesen't work well!LOL)