Hair loss caused by LIving Proof - What products help repair and please help!

[RainbowFace]

I used Redken Color Extend Magnetics for a while and noticed increased hair loss, so I tried Nexxus Color shampoo/conditioner. The Nexxus caused very little hair loss, but it didn't clean my hair and left it weighed down and feeling dirty.

So, I tried Living Proof products and my hair is majorly falling out, so much that other people notice and I can see my scalp! I'm freaking out and looking to try new shampoo/conditioner (obviously) but am afraid yet another product line/ingredients will make it worse.

Seriously, as in clumps of hair stuck in the drain, on the floor, and falling out while I am just sitting at my computer at work...OMG. I'm probably sensitive/allergic to something in it and no, allergy testing is not an option (too expensive).

What products will help my hair regrow and look less thin, and also help it look volumized asap? I know it will take a while to grow it back. My hair in general is very fine, straight, and tends to hang no matter what I use, so I don't really mind just want my hair back. I am so sad and self-conscious about this. 😞

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UPDATE

I have a happy update!

I did more research about my issue and decided to try Yes to Carrots Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner and after the first wash, ZERO hair was in the tub! Even after I combed it, the difference was dramatic. I know for sure I am either allergic to the silicone-related chemicals (silicones also make my face get little bumps) or the sulfates. It is probably silicones since I use sulfate free hair products for the most part. So, am  quite happy to have halted the hair loss with Yes to Carrots until I see my doctor in the future.

Really, a huge difference. My boyfriend and I did a little dance of joy when he saw the hair-free tub 🙂

Hooray!

Thanks for your support when I was freaking out. Hugs to all of you.

[RainbowFace]

Yup it get itchiest at nape of my neck where my hair ends and I get bumps there too...bad bad chemicals!

[prettiegirl]

Whoops! =( I did not mean to post it on an account of someone else (which I deleted my post from someone else, who forgot to log out from their account!) But anyways, it is good to know you solved your problem! =D I do not think that any of the shampoos that you were using, had any silicone in them though, unless if they were hidden under some scientific name, nor did I realize that some shampoos also have silicone in them, which I am able to tolerate for the most part, since I am able to use some face primers without a problem at all, but yes, some people are allergic to silicone, so that might have been the problem for you, as well as SLS, and maybe even the chemicals in them too (as Living Proof claims that their shampoos are SLS-free & silicone-free)! =( Nonetheless, it is a great thing to know that you have found the solution to your problem! =D So your best bet is to go with a close to 100% natural or a close to 100% organic shampoo, if you were to switch to different brands in the future! 😃 I heard great things about the Yes to Carrots brand, in which, I think it is not currently available in Canada, but I am happy with my switch to Live Clean (the SLS-free, and, I think, silicone-free brand!) though! =D

[prettiegirl]

In terms of the severity of hair loss, I think I have the same problem as you do too! =( I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, since I was 8 years old, on and off, and it seems to be getting worse and worse each time it happens, to the point where it is like you have said that you are currently experiencing! =( You should go to a dermatologist to see exactly what type of hair loss you currently have and to get suggestions on the different types of treatments that are available...=( I find that the 1st shampoo switch and 2nd shampoo switch, once in elementary school, where I suspected that was it, but I was not sure, until the last time again in high school, was I pretty much sure that was it, and realized that it was 100% it, when I had researched it online, which said that some people are allergic to the SLS, that are in them! =( So then I switched to an SLS-free shampoo, called Live Clean (a drugstore brand that Walmart carries, that is totally different than the Living Proof brand!), and, only then, was my hair able to regrow and became back to normal again (although I have been experiencing severe hair loss now, for the 3rd time currently, due to major stress!)! I highly suggest that you seek out SLS-free shampoos, instead of switching from an expensive brand to an expensive brand, as you have already tested them out, to not be suitable for you, and, as well as, you should get a wig to wear, if it is really that bad...like me...=( I hope all of that will help you recover your hair loss soon and good luck! =D

[blepotanLA]

I have had severe hair loss and patchy bald spots on my head and thought it was because of post partum or my shampoo (Redken color extend) but when I went to a dermatologist I was diagnosed with Alopecia areata. While my dermatologist didnt specifically say shampoos  dont cause alopecia, im curious to know which shampoo worked best for you? Or specific ingredients to stay away from? Thanks!

[RachFace2921]

Just saw your post - you mention postpartum.  Did you recently have a baby? 

Post baby hair loss is real, and can be significant.  I'm sorry I can't answer your question about products, but if you did recently have a baby, I'd not go to any extremes to combat the loss.  It's unstoppable, but temporary @blepotanLA

[lylysa]

You may want to visit a doctor or allergist to gain further insight over whether or not there may be any health or internal causes linked to your hairloss. While you mentioned that Living Proof items used causes a significant amount of loss and thinning, you also stated that you experienced loss with the Redken and Nexxus (while you said it caused little loss, it's still loss) which means it the accumulative loss and thinning you have experienced may be linked to the back to back uses of formulas which you may be sensitive to.

Please invest in seeking professional medical consult in this matter. Like you mentioned, you're worried that the next items you try will be worse, so why not put some fears aside by narrowing down what it is about the items you've used thus far that may have caused this? 

Print out the ingredients of the products from online if you don't have the bottles any more, but definitely even bring it products once you have a consultation scheduled so your medical professional can have a clear idea of what is being used and get their hands on what they're comprised of.

I know that you stated that allergy testing is not an option because it's too expensive, but please do not cast the possibility of testing aside merely because of the price tag. Consider this, by not investing the money in a test, you can go and spend collectively that amount on items that may or may not work (standard size bottles of the Redken Color Extend can be $19-20 a bottle, Nexxus shampoos and conditioners can tange from $14-19, and Living Proof shampoos and conditioners alone can be around $25-28 a bottle, if you were to buy a bottle of shampoo and conditioner from each of those three lines alone you would have spend around $125, so why not put that money toward a medical consult). And in that interim, the current state of your hair may worsen, is that a risk you want to take? I'm not sure what your financial situation is or whether insurance is a factor, but definitely explore all resources. 

Acaai.org is a great starting point for locating allergist and specialists in your area (they have a zip code search). If you do have insurance, many plans will cover allergy testing  to where you have to pay a lower-cost co-pay (can be anywhere starting around $25-35). 

[RainbowFace]

I hear what you are saying about testing, I should have specified that I have had a complete panel done as well as thyroid, iron, and hormone testing and everything is normal. I started taking Biotin and a super multivitamin, and take Coconut and Flaxseed oil daily. I did notice dramatic hair loss when I using Living Proof products (shampoo, conditioner, primer and the 5 in 1 styling creme), so I think the ingredients in that are having an impact. I am sure LP is great for those who like it, but for me, I need something different. I'm hearing good things about Alterna and Phyto, anyone use those or have other suggestions? Thanks for your help so far, everyone 🙂

[Chickibum]

It took me a long time, and losing 70% of my hair to realize that falling in a "normal" range isn't the same as nothing being wrong unfortunately. I hope that you look into it more. I'm not a LP fan, just from my experience, whenever you're losing hair that badly its an internal problem, even if doctors can't find it. I lost hair for 9 years despite "normal" test results. 

As for products, I like Alterna and Pureology. My favourite shampoo when I was losing my hair was actually from the health food store though, its called Herbal Glo, I still use it and enjoy it. Gives my hair great volume and has really good ingredients.

[xmychanelscalpel]

Can I ask what the issue ended up being for you? I keep falling I the normal range even though I have all the systems of hypothyroidism and I am beyond frustrated. 

[Chickibum]

I was the same way, I ended up paying to see an integrative M.D. who specializes in Thyroid and hormones and it was life changing. Anyways, doctors generally only test TSH and say that you're fine if you fall in range. There are many doctors who realize this is not the case for so many people. My issue is Hypothyroidism, and my antibodies indicate Hashimoto's as well. My Reverse T3 is extremely high, this indicates that's T4 isn't converting to usable T3, hence the hypo symptoms even though my TSH is 3.05 (technically in range). Most doctors and endocrinologists won't even test RT3, which is ridiculous. Sorry for being long winded lol have you heard of Stop The Thyroid Madness? Please look into it, and if you're on Facebook do a search for For Thyroid Patients Only (FTPO). You can find a doctor in your area who will properly look at your levels, and take into consideration your symptoms, your symptoms are a huge factor which many doctors don't seem to care about unfortunately. Don't give up!!! Feel free to pm me if you need more help or anything 🙂 

[xmychanelscalpel]

Thank you so much, you have been extremely helpful!

[Chickibum]

You're welcome 🙂 I hope you feel well soon!

[Chickibum]

I doubt these products are causing your hair loss, its more likely that its an internal issue. I recommend seeing a doctor and getting some tests done, particularly your thyroid (TSH, Free T3, Free T4), ferritin/other iron labs, vitamin D, hormones, and B12.

If you can see your see scalp, something is going on and its not right

[beauty1bliss]

Do you wash your hair daily? I kno daily shampooing  can increase hair loss. So if you are washing every day you should stop now. I would strongly suggest going to the dermatologist over this no matter what the cost! Think about it. How much is it worth to you to not go bald? Because it sounds like that is what is happening. Best of luck!

[RainbowFace]

I wash it every other day. It is just thinning out a lot and I worry that it will keep thinning. Products have made it very dry and brittle, so it also falls out easily and I am careful to brush it gently and not tug. I think the dryness is playing a part as well. Thank you for your help.