Female hair loss .... wigs? hair pieces?

[buzzyb]

Morning all,

As title says I am female, early 50's and my hair has been thinning for a number of years. I stopped using hair colours as I thought this may be the cause - this is not so.

I have been to my GP, had numerous blood tests which proved everything was ok and was then referred me to a consultant at my local hospital. To be honest I felt this was a waste of everyones time and money. The consultant told me it is not normal for women to loose their hair and to get on with life. The consultant suggested Regain which I have been using for about 6 weeks. It is very messy, makes my hair and sculp feel dirty. My hair is even thinner than it was 6 weeks ago.

I've been on the internet and am overwhelmed with clinics offering wigs, hair pieces etc. I am worred that in my desperation to look and feel "normal" I risk being ripped off.

Are there any women (or men) out there who can recommend a hair clinic in London.

Many thanks

[albaqwerty]

I'd suggest a visit to your local hairdresser to give you advice.

[boxtops]

Yes, I agree with alba - go to a good reputable hairdresser for a consultation, don't spend shedloads on hair clinics if someone local can offer sensible advice.

I feel for you, hair is important to many women as the "crowning glory" - I am a bit cavalier about mine, it's one of those parts of me which is just "there". Having seen your post, I will be grateful for small mercies.

[ethandron]

unfortunately, thinning hair is very, very common for menopausal and peri-menopausal women. as far as i'm aware, there's nothing that can be done to make it grow back. and for those ladies not blessed with thick hair in the first place, the thinning is even more noticable.
what are you hoping for from a hair clinic? there is no miracle cure for baldness or thinning, but if you're after a wig or hairpiece then maybe your hairdresser is the best place to start. or if any of the clinics you've found offer a free consultation (really free, with no hidden charges) then perhaps an appointment with them.
best of luck whatever you decide to do.

[society]

Perhaps this hair-thinning problem you have is hereditary?

[joggerjayne]

If you're looking in London, go to Selfridges.

They have a small area somewhere on one of the upper floors where they will look after you.

[foodluva]

Google Nioxin. I don't know if this will work for you but my hairdresser said that one of her clients had been using it and the results were remarkable!

[jaydah]

Maybe a good doctor/consultant/tricologist could find the cause for your hair loss.
a: Stress
b: diet
c: mechanics (organ activity)

The mechanical can include pituitory/hormonal workings.

http://www.belgraviacentre.com/femalehairloss/

[saxy_jag]

A very good friend of mine has suffered with alopecia since she was a teenager (she's now in her 40s). I don't think they've ever found a cause. She has, however, embraced her hairless state. She has numerous wigs in every style and colour and often carries a 'spare' in her bag. She has been known to disappear into the ladies on a night out and come out with her 'hair' a totally different colour. The looks on some people's faces are a treat - especially if it's a bloke who's been trying to hit on her.

She did also once start ranting at someone who'd crossed her. Of course, they came out with the inevitable, 'Keep yer 'air on, luv!' at which point she just yanked off her wig and said, 'No!'. :-D

[queenio]

Marmite is excellent for healthy hair as it is full of vitamin B. I had this problem atfer going through a course of radiotherapy. I have a round of toast every night with Marmite. If you can't stand Marmite take the capsules, also puncture them and rub the oil onto your scalp.

[horselady]

I read a post on here some time ago suggesting Evening Primrose Oil capsules and Vitamin B tablets for thinning hair. I started taking them and the last time I went to the hairdressers she commented on what lovely condition my hair was in and asked what I had been using. May be psychological but the fact is that a hairdresser noticed without knowing in advance what I was taking. Worth a try.

[237SJ]

I don`t think there`s much you can do as hair loss at your age is caused by falling oestrogen levels. It would be expensive but it might be worth investing in a visit to a tricologist such as Philip Kingsley`s clinic in London. If it`s not possible to do anything about it, at least they`ll be able to advise on the best way to live with it.

[jaydah]

Oooh 237SJ, "at your age" ! buzz is ONLY in 50s, too young to be losing hair or give up.

Kelp (seaweed) tablets from Boots help some but they do cause mood swings.

[237SJ]

Sorry, I don`t mean old when I say "at your age" I mean that early 50s is when one is experiencing falling oestrogen levels.

[buzzyb]

Hi all,

Many thanks for your answers.

I have had blood tests for everything and I seem to be functioning ok, except thyroid which is treated.

I also take supplements and eat a reasonably healthy diet.

Even though I am in my early 50's I am mentally much younger and have a very positive outlook on life except for my hair which I desperately want to get sorted before I am totally bald.

Society is very unkind to women who loose their hair.

Oh well, I guess it will be wigs, wigs and more wigs!

[ruthann58]

i am also early 50 s when i had this problem my hairdresser advised me to take iron and after about a year its returned to normal

[moonstar]

Hello buzzyb,
I am vary familiar with wig's as I sell them, there are a few options for you there are little top pieces which sit on the top of your head ok if you are just thin on the crown or there are full wig's. Most of them are acrylic and are very good expect to pay between £90-£300 these are great and will not need styling Human hair will cost from £500. It is best you get one sooner rather than later or you may find that your hair has gone so thin that a wig just looks to bushy. It will give you confidence, and you'll never look back! Good luck let me know how you get on.