What is good for thinning hair after long-term steroids?

Hi, I know how it feels when you’re seeing hair falling out and getting thinner, I always had fine hair but over time it gets more noticeable. There’s a fair amount of helpful products and advice but it’s best to research them because even herbal remedies can be tricky especially if you’re on other medications. I use biotin which is herbal and comes in pill form, it helps to slow down the hair fallout and allow new hair growth to develop, another option is Monoxidril which can be applied directly to the scalp and it can really make a difference, I’ve never tried it because my doctor said that it affects the heart, I’m a senior so I have to be more careful, also Monoxidril only works as long as you keep using it, once you stop the hair will fall out. These are just a few options but there’s a lot more that you can use, of course there are places to can get help from but they’re very expensive, I hope you find something useful for your needs, best wishes.

If you are a man, you could ask your doc about propecia.
If you are a woman, avoid pulling your hair into tight hairstyles

Use mild shampoos and conditioners

Say hydrated.

Scalp massage draws more blood upinto the scalp.

There are many vitamins and herbal remedies proportion g to help, but the only studies I know about are biotin and minoxidil

I noticed an improvement in hair thickness when I started taking vitamin C and D3 and calcium, but I was still shedding some. Found out later that I was anemic and told to take iron and that seemed to stop the shedding. Suggest asking your doc to test for deficiencies.

@vball91 It’s just awful when you lose your hair, isn’t it? I, too, lost some of mine when taking cytoxan. I don’t notice it anymore so it’s probably not happening. I think that your best bet would be to treat your current hair very well, no chemicals of any kind! As for asking others what they would do, I think I’d ask a hairdresser, who works exclusively with chemically treated hair. Another thought is to ask the doctor and/or the nurses in the chemo treatment area.
Do you think you could try one of these idea this week?

I just asked my new hair dresser who happened to lose hair to the point of having full bald spots after suffering from long-Covid. This is what she told me helped her hair to grow.
1. Use only luke-warm water to wash and rinse your shampoo out very quickly after applying it. Do not leave it in your hair for too long. Do not shampoo more than every other day-- that is even a lot. Use very mild shampoo-- I am using Vanicream for allergies and she seemed to think that was fine.
2. If you can take supplements, collagen and b-complex vitamins are very helpful.
3. Rub a very, very small amount of coconut oil into your scalp (she even leaves it in without washing it out). This will stimulate the hair follicles and promote new growth.

Losing your hair is such a bummer. After going through illnesses I have lost a lot of hair. I am trying her suggestions though admittedly, I cannot take collagen. But her advice does seem to be helping!

Hi. I take mycophenolate (500 mg) 6 tabs a day for Scleroderma. I'm having problems with thinning hair and itching scalp. I've been working with essential oils lately and these seem to be helping. I hope these tips help you.
Rosemary (an especially good oil for hair loss!), tea tree, and peppermint are all scalp-stimulating and cleansing oils. To make them safe (they can burn) and effective for thinning hair, blend them with nourishing carrier oils that soothe irritation, moisturize, and support follicle health. Here are some of the best options for Carrier Oils:
Jojoba Oil – Mimics natural scalp sebum, balances oil production, and helps calm itchiness.
Coconut Oil – Penetrates the hair shaft, reduces protein loss, and has antimicrobial properties. (is thicker. Good for masks.) Can clog pores if you use too often.)
Castor Oil – Thick and rich in ricinoleic acid, it boosts circulation and is often used for hair regrowth blends.
Argan Oil – Lightweight, full of vitamin E and antioxidants, great for soothing an inflamed scalp.
Grapeseed Oil – Non-greasy, ideal if your scalp is sensitive or prone to buildup

DIY Scalp Blend Recipe
Here’s a simple, balanced mix you can try:
2 tablespoons jojoba oil (base)
1 tablespoon castor oil (growth support)
2 drops rosemary oil
2 drops tea tree oil
2 drops peppermint oil
(Optional) 2 drops lavender oil for extra soothing

How to use: Massage into your scalp for 5–10 minutes, leave on for 30–60 minutes (or overnight if comfortable), then wash out with a gentle shampoo. Use 2–3 times per week consistently. You can also add 2-3 drops of rosemary to a mild chemical-free shampoo.

Tip: Consult with your dr before using essential oils. Always do a patch test first, since essential oils can be strong. And remember, natural remedies usually take a few months to show visible results. I hope this helps.

My son was losing his hair due to one of his seizure meds and started taking “Hims” - it’s working great! His crown has filled in and his scalp is no longer visible at all.

My hair has also thinned - not sure if it’s due to all the drugs or menopause (or both!), and I hate that where my center part meets my bangs, my scalp was also very visible. I didn’t want to take any additional drugs so my hairdresser recommended a product that can be dabbed on to temporarily hide it so if I’m going to a party or a wedding and get my hair done, I’ll bring it and she uses it at the end and my scalp just disappears! I just use it if I’m going somewhere special and don’t want to be self-conscious but she said she has clients that use it everyday. I highly recommend it!

Bur Bur oil is good if you can afford it. I got some for Christmas from my husband and it helped with some thinning around my temples. I also use a scalp massager comb on my scalp 10 minutes or so every night while watching tv. The comb has probably been the biggest help since I only use the oil about twice a week.

@cmmichaela very helpful, thank you!

@becsbuddy yes, I will ask! It seems so silly when I have other, more serious health issues, but I want thicker hair!! Or at least what is "normal."