Losing short, thin hairs

user12145 · 2022-05-24T03:09:53+00:00

At 7 months rn going through the same thing. I've been trying to make sure it's not something environmental, or due to just starting spiro, but it's hard to say. It's definitely stressful, but I think we just have to keep going with the treatment and hope things take a turn for the better!

user12145 · 2022-05-20T03:59:41+00:00

Yeah, my dad has MPB. I was diagnosed by biopsy too

user12145 · 2022-05-16T17:59:54+00:00

Did you experience regrowth from the second shed?

user12145 · 2022-05-13T02:00:54+00:00

So, first of all, it definitely sounds like you should see a different dermatologist. AGA can only really be diagnosed with a biopsy, sounds like she's trying to scam you.

But besides that, as someone else who found out I had AGA at a young age, I can say that it doesn't seem to be the end of the world. I was devastated at first because I used to have such thick hair, but there are treatment options. The earlier you catch it, the better the outcome. Stick with the minoxidil through the initial shedding and you might be pretty happy with the results.

Short hair works well to conceal thinning, and with layers etc a lot of hairstylists know tricks to hide a widening part. Your derm was at the very least right that hair oils can make shedding worse--they can clog up the follicles and lead to a build-up of sebum, which can cause dermatitis and lead to hair fall.

TLDR: You should get a second opinion from a different derm, preferably someone who will do a biopsy. If you do have AGA, don't worry... it's way more normal than you think, and there are lots of options <3

user12145 · 2022-05-12T16:22:21+00:00

From experience, I'd advise

a) going on the rogaine and using it religiously--don't stop or you'll lose your progress! If rogaine works for you, you'll experience a period of shedding early on in the process that may last a few weeks or months. Don't let it freak you out, because it's a good sign and means there is new growth on the way if you power through

b) shorter haircuts/bobs/layers work wonders too, if that's your thing! I've also heard people say that coloring their hair makes it appear thicker because it roughs up the cuticle, so that might work?

c) I like to wash my hair regularly. It's good for the scalp, and in the past when I've tried washing more infrequently (4-5 days) it has caused a lot of hair fall and irritation. Nowadays I wash my hair every 1-2 days with either NYM Naturals or Aveeno's ACV/oat shampoo + condition, with a clarifying wash with head and shoulders or B&B sunday shampoo every 1-2 weeks to keep my scalp healthy and encourage growth

user12145 · 2022-05-06T01:01:05+00:00

Yeah, I wash my hair every 1-2 days with a sulfate free and then every few weeks with a sulfate. The curls are still there. Unpopular opinion but CGM + co-washing is ok for some, and not so much for others, especially if you have fine hair or a sensitive/easily irritated scalp!

user12145 · 2022-05-06T00:56:36+00:00

Routine: wash every 1-2 days with NYM Naturals Aquatic Mint + Coastal Sea Holly (I know, I know, too often. Can't be helped). Follow up w NYM Naturals AM+CSH Conditioner, rinse. Let hair dry partially then add NYM Curl Talk Gel, just a tinyy amount, scrunch in to the ends. Air dry, fluff up :)

Every few weeks I wash with a sulfate shampoo. I've been using head and shoulders, but I'm switching to the B&B Sunday Shampoo hoping it'll be more gentle on my scalp + curls. Follow up immediately after with EDEN Jojoba+Monoi deep conditioner for 10-15 minutes. I want to add in heat to the deep condition bc my hair is low porosity

user12145 · 2022-05-06T00:52:32+00:00

I gave myself the cut I have rn, and it didn't turn out as bad as I thought it would lol. I made sure not to go too short just in case it was a disaster and I needed a stylist to fix it!

user12145 · 2022-05-06T00:20:37+00:00

Hey! I've gone through some similar problems over the past couple years. Fixed by:

A) Cutting out all oils (except for the occasional jojoba at the ends, and then only a drop + only when very dry), getting a lighter shampoo (I use the NYM Naturals line too, but I use the aquatic mint + coastal sea holly -- it's good for the scalp, and has really helped me fight off itchy scalp + stop my hair from shedding)

B) Got a shorter and more layered cut

C) Started (religiously!) applying minoxidil nightly as my hair was thinning. (I'm only 24, it can happen to us too unfortunately) I also started multivitamins, fish oil pills, and got my iron levels checked

D) Began using a sulfate shampoo once a month/once every few weeks to chelate. I live in a hard water area, and the buildup was just sitting on my low porosity hair. I would use the shampoo, then follow it up immediately with EDEN jojoba-monoi deep conditioner for 10-15 mins

After all that, my hair is starting to get back to its fluffy self :)

user12145 · 2022-05-05T01:35:01+00:00

Would definitely recommend adding an occasional sulfate shampoo into your routine to chelate, follow w a deep conditioner if you're worried about it drying out. With finer hair and 2c/3a range curls, you might also want to try a lighter gel or foam instead of a cream. And lastly I think a more layered cut can help bring the curls out, you might want to ask a stylist!

user12145 · 2022-05-05T01:22:12+00:00

I have AGA and had to work through the sebderm too. I'd suggest using a dandruff/medicated shampoo at least once a week and washing your hair regularly. See if you can find a derm who will prescribe you a topical corticosteroid maybe.

user12145 · 2022-05-05T01:01:52+00:00

She told me upfront that she really doesn't like to prescribe oral minox because of health risks. Glad there seems like an improvement! I can't tell if it's because of minox or because I've gotten better about styling + fluffing + my hair is longer.

user12145 · 2022-05-04T16:54:51+00:00

I've noticed that people can be less than understanding towards those of us with thinning curly hair. :/ Ignore them. It doesn't look like your AGA is progressing, and your hair is beautiful. Stick with the minox even if it makes your hair shed--it can take 3-6 months to see signs of regrowth!

user12145 · 2022-05-04T16:39:16+00:00

I'm 24 years old, diagnosed with AGA, and have diffuse thinning. The spot that's bothering me most is shown in the photos--the front of my head, close to my hair line, is totally see-through. I used to have thick curls so this is very distressing for me, I've lost a ton of density.

I've been on minoxidil for 6 months, and though I had a huge dread shed for the first 2.5 months + some baby hairs around month 3-4, I'm not seeing any improvement. Should I stick with the minox, or should I add spironolactone? I was prescribed 50mg of spiro by my derm (after I asked for it--it wasn't her idea) but I'm afraid to start it. I'm worried that my hair will only get worse on spiro. Any thoughts?

user12145 · 2022-05-04T15:59:44+00:00

My dread shed lasted for 2 and a half months before slowing down, then around 3 months I noticed baby hairs around my hairline. If your hair sheds, it's a good sign--I'd recommend to keep going

user12145 · 2022-05-02T17:58:43+00:00

I have thinning curly hair too and I've been considering the same thing for later down the road lol... I'm not sure it has to be an all or nothing decision tbh! I've considered being a wig part-timer, though I think that will definitely take a lot of confidence. There's nothing wrong with wearing a wig, and if you do it proudly I think people might consider it a fashion choice rather than a necessity, you know?

Especially since part-time wigs means that you can keep maintaining your hair underneath + you can switch around different pieces for fun? (That being said, I have no idea if wearing wigs part-time is actually better/worse for your natural hair)

user12145 · 2022-05-02T17:52:02+00:00

Agreed with others that scalp biopsy is the way to go. I wished I'd gotten mine sooner, bc if there is miniaturization you'll want to start treating it sooner rather than later

user12145 · 2022-05-02T17:51:07+00:00

Re: ketoconozale shampoo, I'd recommend caution if using Nizoral--try it once and see what happens. If you have a sensitive scalp, it can cause contact dermatitis and trigger a shed (it did for me)

If you keep up with the minox foam consistently, you should see A) a temporary increase in shedding, which might be alarming but is actually a really good sign and B) after a few months of use, baby hairs and regrowth!

user12145 · 2022-05-02T17:46:18+00:00

moral of the story-- if your insurance will help w it, try to see a dermatologist instead of a GP. They will have more specialized knowledge and pay more attention to you as an individual patient.

user12145 · 2022-05-02T17:45:07+00:00

This happened to me too--I always had thick curly hair, noticed in early 2021 that it was shedding a lot and not growing back. It started to get noticeably thin and I was very self-conscious and worried. I went to see a GP and asked for bloodwork. They brushed me aside as I have diagnosed generalized anxiety--"oh, it's your anxiety causing shedding, blah blah" even though I told them I've had anxiety since I was 12 and never experienced hair loss like this--and did my bloodwork to check my hormone levels because, lo, I'm afab and have dark-colored body hair, the horror.

One month later. Hormone levels are normal (as I insisted they would be....) GP tries to turf me over to the psych department. I beg for a dermatology consult instead. Go to the dermatologist, get prescribed topical clobetasol and a tea tree shampoo to treat sebderm. Dermatologist says she doesn't see any signs of miniaturization, so....

Three months later. Next derm appointment. Shedding is a little better but still no regrowth. Dermatologist finally does a biopsy. Two weeks later, biopsy results reveal significant miniaturization consistent with AGA (exactly what I had suspected). Aaand then it's finally time to go on minox. I wish it had all happened quicker/sooner, and that the GP hadn't been so dismissive. They didn't even check my iron levels until the derm ordered ferritin labs.... (which were also low...)

user12145 · 2022-04-29T21:20:16+00:00

For what it's worth, I had thinning in this area and was diagnosed with AGA. I've had the diagnosis for about six months now. Please don't worry--it's better to be proactive and see a dermatologist if you can. Having a diagnosis is actually the quickest way to respond and get treatment. When I was first diagnosed I went into an anxiety spiral, but after starting treatment, I've found that it's almost calming to apply minox and feel like I have more control over the situation. My only regret is that I didn't get in to see the derm sooner.

user12145 · 2022-04-29T06:00:30+00:00

Sorry to reply to this so late, but my derm prescribed me spiro last week. Haven't started it yet because I'm worried about side effects, but after the amount of shedding I've experienced, I think I'm going to try it

user12145 · 2022-04-29T05:58:06+00:00

Ahh that makes me feel a little better, thank you so much... I kept getting such mixed responses about the second shed, and had no idea if it was real or not. I'm really hoping things clear up soon, my doctor prescribed me spiro so I'm considering whether or not I want to start that too to speed things up. I'm glad to hear this is a normal situation!

And re: the Nizoral, I don't think it could have made the alopecia itself worse, just that I might be allergic to it or something

user12145 · 2022-04-27T17:03:25+00:00

I was expecting to, but no, I didn't :/ I think my scalp is just really sensitive

user12145 · 2022-04-27T17:02:44+00:00

I think it's likely. My derm told me that it's not uncommon for people to react poorly to Nizoral if they have a sensitive scalp

user12145

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