Help my hair is falling out! | ExpatWoman.com
 

Help my hair is falling out!

7
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 11:42
[color=#FF66CC'>Hi All- I am new to Dubai (fairly new) and I have lost a good amount of hair as well-and started freaking out :( My friend who has lived here for almost 5 years told me to go to a Trichologist; NOT a homeopathic doctor (like someone said below) or a dermatologist but a pure hair doctor!! Of course it took me weeks of searching, but i found a clinic called Vivandi Hair-near Healthcare City. I don't know if there are any other hair loss centers, but this one actually has board certified trichologists..something impossible to find in Dubai!!![/color'> if someone goes...please let me know how it goes..i am going to buy a shower filter first but if it gets much worse..i'll be needing a doctor too :()
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 19:32
Dubai Cheeky -- just curious how long you have been here? I've been in Dubai 2 months but have lived in ME for 6 years so have been subjected to desalinated water for a long time. It's only just started the past 6 weeks or so. I went to Organic cafe the other day and found some 'solid Coconut oil' so that might be better than the cooking oil (though will have to stick it in the microwave first!). really be car full of oils - its not good- I was told to keep scalp very clean os to avoid blocking the follicles too . If its only been 2 months i would get the kerestas daily treatment from the hairdressers - its a silver bottle with a nossle that gets right to the roots and you use it every time you wash your hair. good luck xx I'll try and put a bit on after washing my hair and leave it in. I've also started trying to wash my hair ever 3 days as it's when it's wet that it seems to be worse since that's when hair is most vulnerable I believe. I don't go swimming much so I don't think the pool water is affecting it and the filter should get rid of the chlorine in the shower. I only ever wear my hair up when I'm in the gym so I don't put too much strain on it by pulling it into a tight ponytail frequently. I've bought some of the Organic Care shampoo and conditioner as Di@DXB suggested and started taking the brewers yeast too so I'm trying everything you have all suggested! Thanks for all your suggestions - keep 'em coming to help me stop going bald! DC
163
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 19:11
Dubai Cheeky -- just curious how long you have been here? I've been in Dubai 2 months but have lived in ME for 6 years so have been subjected to desalinated water for a long time. It's only just started the past 6 weeks or so. I went to Organic cafe the other day and found some 'solid Coconut oil' so that might be better than the cooking oil (though will have to stick it in the microwave first!). I'll try and put a bit on after washing my hair and leave it in. I've also started trying to wash my hair ever 3 days as it's when it's wet that it seems to be worse since that's when hair is most vulnerable I believe. I don't go swimming much so I don't think the pool water is affecting it and the filter should get rid of the chlorine in the shower. I only ever wear my hair up when I'm in the gym so I don't put too much strain on it by pulling it into a tight ponytail frequently. I've bought some of the Organic Care shampoo and conditioner as Di@DXB suggested and started taking the brewers yeast too so I'm trying everything you have all suggested! Thanks for all your suggestions - keep 'em coming to help me stop going bald! DC
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 17:21
Dubai Cheeky -- just curious how long you have been here?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 14:18
[color=#CC00FF'>Shower filters and shampoos will help disguise the problem but they won’t solve it, as the root (excuse the pun) of the problem is the water and the environment. The longer the hair the worse the problem especially if your hair is coloured. You need to protect your hair from the sun, Keep your hair up when swimming in the sea or the pool. Try to only wash your hair 2-3 times a week. Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner (you only need a 10p size dollop) I would be wary of using oil on the hair until the hair has stopped falling out. You don’t want any excess weight on the hair root. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week. You could also mix in some lemon juice with your salon brought shampoo (it will do the same thing) this will eliminate the build up of minerals at the root of the hair. The deposit of minerals at the hair root is what’s causing the hair to fall in the first place; you need to eliminate the root of the problem. Diet is also very important to strengthen the hair again. Eat lots of leafy green vegetables and try to have liver at least twice a week until the hair has stopped falling out. Vitamins will help but eating the right food works faster. [/color'>
182
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 13:31
I also use coconut oil (there are so many of them and cheap!) before going to sleep once/twice a week - just masage the oil into the scalp (and down to the ends if you have dry hair) and leave overnight. I found some coconut oil in Carrefour today next to the regular cooking oils but the bottle say 100% pure so I suppose that is fine to use?? I have long hair and just wondered how much I am meant to use? DC Hi DC, You should be able to use the cooking coconut oil, too! I did not think of looking into the cooking oil section :) I guess the only difference might be the smell as the cooking oil might have the sweet coconut smell and you feel like eating coconut cookies when you use it :) I bought some light coconut oil, the brand is called Parachute. I use it everytime after washing my hair and leave it in. My hair is below shoulders, I use couple of drops and masage into the damp hair. I do not apply to the roots as my hair is greasy anyway. You will see it when you try it, you will feel what is the right amount for you. I apply quite a lot (not dripping, of course :D) when I leave it in for the night - massage it into the scalp mainly, I apply all the way till the ends, and make it into a plat. Actually, one of the hairdressers has once told me that it is ok to use any oil for a home treatment, even vegetable oil.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 12:53
Also if you wear your hair up a lot, try to wear it down on days off, and alternate your parting. I have to wear my hair up for work, and found that this was makign the problem worse & I was getting a 'bald spot' at the front of my hairline. I recently got my hair cut and asked the hairdresser to make me a parting on the opposite side. Seems to behelping and at least covers that spot!!! I have also heard good things about the argan oil and will be trying this. I also seem to have betetr hair after taking some vitamin D supplements.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 12:48
My moroccan frnds introduced me to Argan oil...and it's helping me a lot ..not only with hair health but also my skin is glowing..apply it after hairwash with argan shampoo and then apply the argan oil(its non greasy) so I leave it in.Argan oil has also controlled hair from frizzing...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 09:11
The main cause of Hair loss is the excessive Chlorine when the water is extremely hot! avoid very hot water, use shampoo to the size of a coin, excessive shampoo damages hair. and eat protein diet.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 08:15
The kerastas shampoo is about 120 a bottle sol=not to bad as it lasts ages - well over a month ..... I was told to to put anything on the scalp as it actually blocks the hair follicles and shaft the same as the salt and alkaline in the water does - so be careful what you put on it as it could make it worse
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 20:42
I had the same exact problem when I moved here 3 months ago! It sux I know! We got the water filter and I actually started a hair treatment which is working well, it's a conditioner + syrum. there's a woman who specializes in hair loss treatment who works in "IBn sina" pharmacy in mall of the emirates, her name is "Fatina" she's the one who recommended this treatment, u can go check with her =)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 20:39
Hi...ye vitamin deficiency can cause a lot of havoc with hair loss...have very low levels and have been recommended supplements for 3 months... A great routine for the hair is take abt 1 tbsp almond oil and add 1 tbsp castor oil to it...warm it slightly...add a few drops of rosemary oil(body shop has it) and add 1 tsp of gelatine(yes the one used in baking etc) to this mix and massage into the scalp...leave it on for a couple of hours and wash off...recommended by a naturipath....was regularly doing this but have gotten lazy of late...hope this helps...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 19:59
Hi, I also suffered from hair loss. I found it was related to low Vitamin D levels and it also increases when I have stress. So many ladies complain about hair loss here but you also need to consider that most people's stress levels increase here as daily life is often stressful--dealing with all kinds of "red tape", work stress, family stress, etc. Have your Vitamin D levels checked and then do some yoga! Then hopefully your hair will start coming back!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 19:25
Was good and surprisingly warm for the time of year! Will be in touch.
163
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 19:24
Hi DC! will be back in Dubai early tomorrow morning so should be free soon! Good luck with the oil.:) Hope you had a good trip! Drop me an e-mail. DC
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 19:23
Hi DC! will be back in Dubai early tomorrow morning so should be free soon! Good luck with the oil.:)
163
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 19:19
I also use coconut oil (there are so many of them and cheap!) before going to sleep once/twice a week - just masage the oil into the scalp (and down to the ends if you have dry hair) and leave overnight. I found some coconut oil in Carrefour today next to the regular cooking oils but the bottle say 100% pure so I suppose that is fine to use?? I have long hair and just wondered how much I am meant to use? DC
163
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 18:31
Suzieanne - no children in my house! Lonnyhouse - how much is the Kerastas shampoo - is it a fortune? I'll try the Brewers yeast and the coconut oil! Thanks all here's hoping I'm not bald by Xmas! DC
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 17:14
Same here - such a worry as I have really fine hair anyhow. The dermatologist prescribed Neoxidil which has helped. I have since found out that it can be bought over the counter at the pharmacy. Will try the brewers yeast as well
11
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 12:58
I feel for you have had it too. It comes in seasons and will be worse june- sept as the water plans have to desalinate more water as consumption is higher so they use more chemicals !!!!! i started using Evian but my husband obviously went mad!!!! get kerastas shampoo for thinning hair - they also do a treatment program that you use for 60 days- rubbing it on your scalp( thats if you have bee losing for more than 3 months ) it costs about 700 dirrums but works !! after that or instead if the loss is less than 3 months they have something you use daily in a silver bottle. I went to the hairdressers in MOE upstairs next to nail inc the guy in there was great and i also double checked that what he advised was right when i went back to uk this summer and it is !!!! it will slow down and stop over the winter altogether but you will get baby regrown !! great look!!! I also tried the perma stuff in blue and white bottle but i found kerastas better and the same price !!! and yep keep filter on shower !!!
182
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 11:41
I also use coconut oil (there are so many of them and cheap!) before going to sleep once/twice a week - just masage the oil into the scalp (and down to the ends if you have dry hair) and leave overnight. You can also try mayo+oil mix 1:1. Just mix it and apply the mixture to the scalp (or all hair), put a shower cap on (or any plastic bag) and wrap a towel around to keep it warm, keep for 30-45 min and wash it off, shampoo etc. You can also use a herbal rinse after washing your hair. I have light hair so I use cammomile tea. Couple of tea bags, 1-1.5l boiled water, let it brew, cool down and rinse the hair after shampooing/conditioning. Do not use tap water after this rinse. I some times add some lemon juice as well, this rinse makes the hair look really shiny. I am sorry I do not know what herbs to use for dark hair - google it? :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 11:27
A multivitamin called "Fortcapil", which I get in France, really worked and taking Brewer's Yeast at every meal. I was really worried I was going bald but now it is better.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 11:19
mix olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil and castor oil in 1:1 proportion and apply to your scalp and massage. Keep it on for an hour and wash it off. watch what it does to your hair after a month
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 06:00
By any chance have you had a child DubaiCheeky? Also there is a good shampoo to use that doesn't make your hair fall out like some after you stop using them.It is called Bosley. They have for colored hair too. One thing make sure you are taking biotin. It is a B vit and you will need to take more. Eat enough healthy fats and good protein. I don't know about the water thing since I am not living there as of yet. I am just a hairstylist. Good luck. If you can't find Bosley there see if you and find Nixon.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 04:56
It's the water. Because it's desalinated it can affect some people's hair really badly. Mine thinned so much in my first year I stopped wanting to leave my flat. The 'SoSafe' filter saved me and now my hair feels normal again. Permea shampoo and conditioner (blue and white bottle from chemists) also helped. Hope this helps. K Is Permea available at all chemists or have you only seen it in a few? I'm using a shower filter and it's helped a bit but not as much as I'd hoped. DC
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 20:37
http://www.desalinatedwater.info/ Worth a read.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 20:31
Experts say that desalinated water, often used in large Middle Eastern cities, is causing a rise in the number of people suffering from dry skin, rashes, allergies and hair loss. People from Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi are reporting skin problems and excessive hair shedding. Desalinated water, or ‘hard’ water, is good for general use and drinking however it can cause problems for skin and hair when the water’s PPM (particles per million) increase beyond a certain level. This happens when the water is distributed through pipelines. PPM relates to Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – which include minerals such as calcium, magnesium, nitrate, potassium and sodium – which are found in water. When the level of TDS rises, it can cause skin allergies and hair loss. The PPM of desalinated water in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is said to fall between 100 and 150, compared to the 40 - 50 PPM range of standard treated water in other countries. The water industry says that families in the GCC region with a high-income import potable water. However it looks like mid- to low-income families may suffer the most as local water has been criticised by experts for its high PPM.
7
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 20:24
It's the water. Because it's desalinated it can affect some people's hair really badly. Mine thinned so much in my first year I stopped wanting to leave my flat. The 'SoSafe' filter saved me and now my hair feels normal again. Permea shampoo and conditioner (blue and white bottle from chemists) also helped. Hope this helps. K
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 07:31
We have the Blu water filter (shower head) and that has helped. Also go and get your vitamin D levels and thyroid levels checked as those things can be a factor. I would also take a load of multivitamins as I truly don't think the fresh produce here has as much nutritional value as we'd like due to shipping and storage etc. It's such a frustrating problem, and there don't really seem to be many doctors who are specialists here which is surprising, you'd think they'd do a booming trade!
163
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 07:27
In addition to the water filter it might help if you use an organic shampoo and conditioner, the best I have found in Dubai is the Organic Care brand which has the highest organic rating of what you can find here. Its sold in Carrefour and LuLu. Thanks - I'll put that on my shopping list!
 
 

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