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Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 8, 2023 | Replies (117)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Don't know if this is the right place to post but thought I'd try. I am..."
Aha, a hair question. As someone whose stylists complain has 'too thick' but healthy hair, here's some of what I learned while keeping it that way.
Biotin Forte (brand name) was recommended on some post-chemo website and got great reviews on Amazon. A male friend stopped losing hair when I gave him a few bottles when he was in physical rehab for several months after an accident. I use it but haven't noticed a big difference but also haven't lost hair while getting old-er.
There are two Biotin Fortes on the market the last time I checked. The recommended one has zinc as well as Biotin. Another product that some people swear by Viviscal (sp?). It is also biotin-based but costs a lot more.
Alternatively, look for any good 'hair, skin and nails' supplement (from a reputable, established manufacturer) that includes biotin, zinc, silica and trace minerals. Also, use a clarifying shampoo once every few weeks to help prevent the build-up of hair product residue on scalp and hair follicles. Then once a month or so if still using a lot of hair products, especially anything with silicones and other non-water-soluble ingredients.
Try to use simple-formula, water soluble shampoos that clean hair but rinse thoroughly. Trader Joe's sells a body-and-hair 'shampoo' that seems to work well. Don't use Wen or similar 'clean and condition' 'one-products' unless checking them against FDA consumer complaints lists. [Wen is the target of multiple class action lawsuits for causing balding.] I'm a fan of Ketastase shampoos. They clean well with a very small amount of shampoo and fully rinse out.
There are a lot of new peptide-based products for hair and scalp that seem to help. Deciem's The Ordinary's hair and scalp peptide stuff gets solid reviews and is under $20. Worth a try and free-shippinh on orders over $25. I was curious, tried it for a week then forgot, and my hairdresser later noticed a small clump of 2" long hair where I'd been applying it. It can't hurt to try it and Deciem has a really generous return policy. [I'm a fan of their no-frills products that include a healthy amount of active ingredients and no nonsense.]
The less stress on hair the better. If you're not already using one, a Wet Brush is a necessity. The less heat damage the better so, if you can, air-dry after shampooing. Or wrap in large microfiber towel to dry. Wet hair is somewhat fragile so the less done to it, the better.
I've never done this, but a natural blonde friend only cleans her hair with a baking-soda-and-water slurry and has beautiful hair. She said it took a month or so of a rough period of adjustment. These are some ideas that might help...