To Cut or Not To Cut...

[pariann]

I would gladly share my straight hair for some bounce and wave

[Sunny]

That's the downside kimmi, I have to round brush it to death to get the wave out. I don't mind, 'coz I like the cut, but I found out yesterday after a swim in the ocean and comb then air dry...it's all over my head in every direction.

This was my only question...how difficult or easy will this be to maintain?!? But, I bet the cut will look just as good with a tousled look! And I know what you mean about wanting it a bit longer...it seems like they always cut it shorter than you request.

Overall, it sounds like you are confidently pleased with your new 'do'. YEAH!!!

[Dexter Morgan]

Hell, I'd just be thrilled with decent hair. Mine's getting way to thin.    My hair line has started to recede. I've bleached it blonde my entire life. I'm going to go for a new look, my natural hair color. I've never seen my hair it's natural color. It's about the color of Kimmi's I think.  It will be a change for me. 

[me]

I would gladly share my straight hair for some bounce and wave

That makes two of us.  Unpermed my hair has no body whatsoever and is stick straight...

[kimmi]

Hell, I'd just be thrilled with decent hair. Mine's getting way to thin.    My hair line has started to recede. I've bleached it blonde my entire life. I'm going to go for a new look, my natural hair color. I've never seen my hair it's natural color. It's about the color of Kimmi's I think.  It will be a change for me. 

I have a spot in the front of my hairline that is thinning.  It is freaking me out!    I might need to go to hairclub!   

[Dexter Morgan]

I have a spot in the front of my hairline that is thinning.  It is freaking me out!    I might need to go to hairclub!   

Mine's looks really freaky.  It's dead center of my forehead. It is super thin. I hope I'm not going to be one of those women, you see that the top of their head is bald, but there is still hair on the sides.  Jesum Crow!!! Thats just plain scary. 

[kimmi]

OMG Dexter mine is the same way.  It is right behind my few bangs I have left - dead center!     I just watched a video that I was in a few months ago and because my hair is so dark, it stuck out like a sore thumb!  It bothers me so bad!

I wonder what would happen if I used rogain for woman?  Don't they say once you start using it, you can't stop?

[Dexter Morgan]

OMG Dexter mine is the same way.  It is right behind my few bangs I have left - dead center!     I just watched a video that I was in a few months ago and because my hair is so dark, it stuck out like a sore thumb!  It bothers me so bad!

I wonder what would happen if I used rogain for woman?  Don't they say once you start using it, you can't stop?

That's exactly where mine is same spot!!! It scares the hell out of me.  I looked at some pictures of myself taken 2 years ago, and it was thin then too.  I didn't realize it until a couple months ago.  We might as well face it, we're headed for Baldville LOL!!! 

[kimmi]

Oh hell no!  I'm fighting this!  Even if I have to get a hair transplant!  I'm NOT going bald! 

I've had my thyroid checked - nothing, switched medications - nothing, my doctor can't tell me anything!  I even stopped wearing my hair in a ponytail too often thinking it could be causing it.  NOTHING!

[kimmi]

Women and Hair Loss: The Causes
Today more women than ever are experiencing hair loss -- and the causes may be quite different that what causes balding in men.
By Colette Bouchez
WebMD FeatureReviewed by Charlotte Grayson Mathis, MDFrom Lady Godiva to the Breck Girl, Farah Fawcett to Jennifer Aniston, there is no question that, at least for women, hair is often a defining point in personal style. That's one reason why so many women panic at even the thought of losing a few hairs down the drain with each shampoo.

Those fears are not unfounded, as each year more women are forced to come to grips with the possibility of serious hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it's a growing problem, affecting some 30 million women in the United States -- with some forms of loss occurring at earlier ages, and being seen in increasing numbers.

"I have seen women as young as 15 or 16 develop hair loss problems -- it's not common, but it's also not that rare," says Ted Daly, MD, a dermatologist from Nassau University Medical Center on Long Island, who specializes in the treatment of female hair loss.

But what exactly causes a woman to lose her hair? To understand that, it's important to know a little something about how hair grows.

Growth Cycle Interrupted
Experts say our tresses usually grow at the rate of about one-half inch per month -- with each hair having a growth phase of two to six years. At that point the hair "rests" for a period of time, then falls out -- and the follicle from which it sprang soon starts growing a new strand. And so the cycle continues, usually well into our senior years.

In some folks, however -- those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss -- a group of hormones called androgens interferes with this natural process. According to dermatologist Michael Reed, MD, androgen hormones include testosterone, androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) -- all of which are made in men's bodies in large amounts, and in women's bodies in small amounts.

In those who are genetically susceptible, when testosterone comes in contact with enzymes residing in the hair cell, it is converted into the more potent androgen DHT, which then binds with receptors deep within the hair follicle.

"Over time, an excess build-up [of DHT] in the follicle causes it to begin shrinking, which in turn alters the natural resting and growth phases of the hair," says Reed, clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Medical Center, and a specialist in female hair loss. Some of the follicles eventually die, while others are rendered incapable of producing or maintaining healthy hair growth. The end result, says Reed, is hair loss -- and a condition that is medically known as androgenic alopecia.

For many decades, doctors believed that androgenic alopecia was the primary cause of balding in both men and women. Today they know this is not true -- at least where women are concerned.

Female, Male Balding Not the Same Pattern
"We don't even like to use the term 'androgenic alopecia' in women anymore -- instead we call it female pattern hair loss -- a broader term that encompasses many possible causes, some of which are likely to be directly linked to an excess of testosterone, and some of which are not," Daly tells WebMD.

Indeed, he says that although the science of female balding is still largely misunderstood, there is evidence that many other types of enzymes, as well as hormone receptors and blockers, may be at work in women.

One clue that there is a true difference between male and female balding is the pattern in which the hair loss occurs.

"Female pattern balding goes around the whole top of the head -- it's diffuse -- whereas men lose it on the temple, the crown, the bald spot in the back," says Daly. Not coincidentally, the hormone and enzyme receptor sites are also different in varying areas of the scalp -- another reason doctors now believe the loss patterns are caused by different precipitating factors.

Another important difference: While balding in men is almost always the result a genetic predisposition coupled with age, in women, it can happen at any time. In addition, underlying medical conditions can also be the cause of hair loss -- even when true androgenic alopecia is the diagnosis.

Medical Causes Common
"Often these women are also suffering with polycystic ovary syndrome, [a common hormonal problem in women], and sometimes their hair loss is the only obvious sign," says Ricardo Azziz, MD, director of the Center for Androgen-Related Disorders at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

In addition, Daly reports that certain types of autoimmune disorders result in a slightly different and often less dramatic hair loss problem known as alopecia areata -- an inflammatory condition that causes hair to come out in clumps or patches.

Still others can develop a temporary hair shedding problem known as telogen effluvium -- a change in the natural hair growth system that often follows childbirth, crash dieting, surgery, or a traumatic emotional event.

Azizz adds that thyroid disorders, anemia, even chronic illness or the use of certain medications can also cause hair loss in women that is often undiagnosed.

For these reasons, specialists say it's vital for all women to get at the "root" of their hair loss before seeking treatment.

"The No. 1 rule of treating hair loss in women is getting the correct diagnosis -- if there is an underlying physical problem it has to be corrected first," says Reed. Often, he says, that can preclude the need for additional hair loss treatment. As such, he advises women to see a doctor who specializes in female pattern balding and make certain to be checked for possible underlying medical conditions via blood tests, or if need be, a scalp biopsy.

"Often the diagnosis is made by excluding what problem isn't there -- but it's still essential to do the complete workup," says Daly.

[Dexter Morgan]

Sometimes I worry mine could be caused by me being pre disposed to Lupus. Last year I became deathly ill with a virus. I was soo stiff I couldn't even bend my body. The pain was excruciating, but I never missed a day of work. I had no grip in my hands, and I had a series of little raised bumps on my forearms. Went to the doctor, he thought it was Lupus. They ran tests and sent me to a dermatologist. The dermatologist did biopsies of my arms, and sent them to Mayo Clinic. Everything came back negative. I went to the dermatologist for the results, and he said, I had a virus. I said" what kind of a virus, whats the name of it?" He says "it doesn't have a name, you feel all better right?" and I said "yes" and he said "it's gone now, no need to worry." I spent $5000 for that load of crap. So, that virus might have something to do with my hair loss, I don't know for sure. I hate doctors and never go to them. If I hadn't been sure I was dying, I wouldn't have gone that time LOL!! I thought I was a goner. 

[kimmi]

I did read on that forum I found something about testing for Lupus as a possible cause.  I also read one of my medications on there too!   

[Dexter Morgan]

I did read on that forum I found something about testing for Lupus as a possible cause.  I also read one of my medications on there too!   

Wow!!!! I sent you a PM about it. 

[Sunny]

I've had my thyroid checked - nothing, switched medications - nothing, my doctor can't tell me anything!  I even stopped wearing my hair in a ponytail too often thinking it could be causing it.  NOTHING!

I haven't lost hair...but the texture & level of moisture has changed dramatically over the past 6 months since I've been treating the thyroid disorder.

Wonder if I'll ever get back to 'normal'...if there IS such a thing.

[Dexter Morgan]

My hair seems really dry and brittle, you could even say crunchy LOL!!!