HELP!!! 15 YEAR OLD LOSING HAIR

by Kari
(Glendale, AZ)

Dr. Weaver, I am losing my hair really bad. I am a black female, 15 yrs old and the back of my head from the crown down to the nape is appromixately 1/16 of inch. It just keeps breaking off. I am very concerned that I will no longer have enough hair to cover it up.

I was fine, but in August 2008 I when swimming at a public pool without a swimming cap and did not rinse or shampoo my hair for over 4 to 6 hours, I noticed a little breakage after then. Being in the desert, it has high winds and I forgot to put any oils in my hair a lot in Sep., Oct and Nov. I also flat iron my hair two or three times a month.

I have been reading different material on hair loss, and I also eat a lot of candy and one site said sugar in a contributing factor. I am currently using Dont Bee Bald.

WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP THE HAIR LOSS AND GET MY HAIR TO GROW BACK

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Dec 14, 2012
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hair loss
by: Anonymous

I know this is an old article but I came across it recently and I want to help so I am leaving this. I don't have to tell you about the pain and horror this brings. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. I just want to mention What helps. Vitamins and supplements and protein all help, but if you are a woman and shedding cuz of sucky genes, minoxidil is your best shot. I have seen plenty of people really suffer from this and yet hesitate cuz they don't want the hassle or the maintainence or the bother of using it twice for life long. It's not perfect. Most probably it won't grow your hair back. But What is left on your head? It will maintain. Don't wait till it's too Late. I wish I had started it sooner. But I kept hesitating, I didn't want to accept a life long sentence. How I regret that now. Don't be scared of the hundreds of stories online about side effects or it's uselessness. There are good chances it will work for you. Stick to it for at least 6 months. Most important, start asap. That way you at least get to maintain What you have. I am leaving this cuz I want to help people out there going thru the same. All I am saying is, give it a try at least. You want all natural, herbal no drugs approach. It doesn't work for most of us. Listen to those who have been using it. It's not perfect but it works.

Anonymous:

AS A POINT OF CLARIFICATION, MINOXIDIL can help with hormonal androgenic thinning and balding. It is not a treatment for scalp diseases and hair loss due to medical concerns. It does not correct damaged weakened hair due to chemicals or other causes. It should never be applied to a scalp that is itchy, flaky, tender, or irritated; it can make any of these problems worse. Also, minoxidil is not natural, but a topical version of a medication that was originally prescribed orally for treating high blood pressure.
SM Weaver, III, M.D.

Jan 08, 2009
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Hair Loss At Back of Scalp
by: Seymour M. Weaver, III, M.D.

Exposure of your hair to chemicals from swimming pools, as well as arid conditions can predispose your hair to damage and breakage.

When this process occurs at the back of the scalp it is usually a condition called proximal trichorrexis nodosa. Hair shafts develop localized areas of weakness, which microscopically show up as nodes with fractured hair shafts that resemble the bottom of two brooms that are stuck together.

One way to find these nodes is to slide your fingers along the hair shaft and see if you feel an area of slight enlargement or examine the hair itself with a microscope or other magnification.

Correcting this problem requires the usage of hair repair products including strengtheners, reconstructive shampoos, as well as hair vitamins if your diet is lacking in any way.

As a 15 year old, your hair should recover as long as there is no irritation or inflammation of your scalp. If you have any flaking, itching, or irritation in the area, then it would be worthwhile to see a dermatologist.

Dr. Toni Stockton is an African American female dermatologist who practices in the Phoenix, Arizona area, but I am not sure how close that is too you.

Let me know if you need any additional information.

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