Has anyone experienced hair loss after an ostomy?

Posted by bettes @bettes, Aug 4, 2025

I realize I am almost 82, but I have always had a thick head of hair until my colostomy. I have shed so much it is shocking. I know it is a relatively small problem, and my hairdresser says it is normal after a trauma. But I guess I need a pep talk from others who have experienced this and gotten through it okay. On the bright side, what I have left of my hair has turned curly!

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adlib071 | @adlib071 | Apr 26 5:52pm

In reply to @adlib071 "@pidge32 I have a couple of bald spots too, but I believe I am beginning to..." + (show)

Also, I bought 2 wigs, but i find them uncomfortable...they get hot and itchy on me. Also, I don't trust them to stay in place and I catch myself tugging on them which is not a good thing....

adlib071 | @adlib071 | Apr 26 5:58pm

In reply to @susanf8 "@adlib071 for what it's worth I experienced hair loss after my colectomy. I was 25 and..." + (show)

@susanf8 :Your story sounds a lot like mine! I was constipated so long, I was afraid to eat because of the pain. My body went into shock, rapidly lost 40 lbs. I could barely walk after that loss, plus lost muscle in my arms and legs. It wasn't til after my surgery (10 hours long!!) that my hair started falling out like crazy. Mine was shoulder length. I had it cut to a bob but it still looks so thin, you can see thru it. I have now (5 mo later) observed some new growth and am so excited about it. As much as I hate my hair short, I am going to keep having it trimmed while mine fills in. I can't believe how dead, dry and horrible my hair looked! I look so much older!

pidge32 | @pidge32 | Apr 26 6:23pm

Did the rest of your get very thin as well?
Good luck🤞
I’m hoping 🦋

adlib071 | @adlib071 | Apr 26 8:36pm

In reply to @pidge32 "I also lost 40 lbs! After my Ostomy surgery but unfortunately I also had to deal..." + (show)

@pidge32 I had remembered a friend told me her hair was thinning and so I contacted her to ask what she did about it. She is the one who recommended ROUTINE shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair. I had been looking at ads for it online, but hesitated trying it until she mentioned it. I figured it probably was gentler on my hair. I have been using it, but also got on supplements like Biotin, Zinc, B12, C and E. A friend who has alopecia recommended Pure Pumpkin Seed Oil, too. I don't know which things are working, but I have begun to see a row of short hair (at my hairline) underneath my skimpy old bangs!! I also think my high protein diet is helping too.

pidge32 | @pidge32 | Apr 26 9:27pm

I am also on the very same supplements you are.
I hope I’m as lucky as you are.
Unfortunately I have to in on the 5th for a surgery to deal with my prolapsed intestine.
There goes what’s left of my hair. 👨‍🦲

Susan F, Volunteer Mentor | @susanf8 | Apr 26 9:52pm

In reply to @adlib071 "@susanf8 :Your story sounds a lot like mine! I was constipated so long, I was afraid..." + (show)

@adlib071 yeah, once I cut it really short if felt a lot better. I'm glad you are getting regrowth!

bettes | @bettes | Apr 27 9:17am

It feels good to be in a community of like circumstances. Just a note— I had hip replacement surgery six months after my colostomy, and my hair cutter cautioned that my hair would likely fall out again, but it didn’t! Think positively!