My Weight Loss Journey And My Hair

For the past six months (or more) I’ve been on a health and wellness journey. I was tired of being fat and very fearful of my health spiraling out of control that could result in me having all the things I never want to have: diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer. My husband and I renewed our membership to the gym at the beginning of the year and we’d never go. One of the gyms is located less than a block away from my job. There was no excuse for me not utilizing it. And then I just started to go over my lunch hour and I haven’t stopped since. I typically go 3-4 times a week on my lunch hour and spend 25 – 30 minutes there working out on weight machines or doing cardio on the treadmill or stationary bike.

I am pre-diabetic or borderline diabetic – they both mean the same thing – and my last lab work showed that my A1-C levels were very high. I was angry and very disappointed because I’ve put in so much work going to the gym and changing my diet and losing weight. But this was the wakeup call I needed because I needed to change my diet even more and truly leave sugar and sweets – all the things I love – alone. I tweaked my diet and I’m still working out regularly and the weight has been coming off.

So far I’ve lost 25 pounds and I’m not stopping. I’m not comfortable or happy at my current weight. I won’t be happy until I am out of the danger zone of being diabetic and I reach my goal weight. Working out regularly has increased my stamina. My cravings have died down tremendously. Even if I’m stressed out or worrying about something I’m not grabbing all the bad snacks and candy for comfort. I’d rather exercise instead.

While I’ve been focused on my weight loss and health, my hair has been growing. I haven’t been paying much attention to it, but my husband has been pointing it out to me regularly. Usually what is more common is hair loss after weight loss, particularly rapid weight loss with restrictive diets or weight loss surgery. I don’t consider my diet to be restrictive other than cutting out all the bad things I used to eat, and I haven’t had any lap band or weight loss surgeries.

Working out regularly promotes healthy hair growth. When we exercise blood circulation increases, allowing for more nutrients and oxygen to get to your scalp. In order for hair to grow, each hair follicle must receive nutrients and oxygen from the body’s blood vessels. An increase in blood flow means that more nutrients and oxygen are reaching the scalp. If you perform 30 minutes of cardio three times per week, this will help nourish your hair follicles and result in increased hair growth. Now you tell me who doesn’t want that?

My husband’s keen eye is correct – my hair is growing and growing more than I realized. I’m proud of my healthy habits and regular visits to the gym and working out at home when I don’t go to the gym. I’m seeing results and I’m feeling better. I still have bad knees, but it no longer hurts to walk like it used to. Losing weight isn’t the cure for my knee problems, but it has helped them tremendously. There was a point where I was visibly limping when I walked and was in constant pain. I couldn’t sleep at night and would wake up in pain because of my knees. That doesn’t happen anymore.

If you want hair growth, work out for 30 minutes three times per week doing cardio. Get active and stay active and get that blood flowing throughout your body. Yes our hair will grow regardless, but you will notice an increase when you start a healthy exercise and diet routine. I’m proud of myself. I’m proud that I got tough with myself and I’m sticking to my guns and not giving into temptations no matter how strong they may be. This isn’t about longer hair, longer hair just happens to be an added benefit. This is my journey to a healthier me.

Whew, Chile! #DatRona

A lot has transpired since the last time I posted a blog. The main thing being the coronavirus or COVID19. Before the pandemic hit, I was trying to figure out my next moves business-wise with my cookies, planning graduation outings, dinners, etc. for my oldest daughter, and trying to figure out what we were going to do for this years spring break stay-cation.

Then the coronavirus hit.

social distancing

We’ve been encouraged to stay at least six feet away from people, to stay home if we’re sick, keep our children home if they are sick, stop shaking hands, hugging and kissing each other in greeting. During this time my retie was still happening as scheduled. But as the days and weeks went by, things quickly changed.

Businesses began to shut down. My job decided two weeks ago to shut down. The spread of coronavirus is happening fast all across the U.S. Now I’m second guessing having my retie. Local, midlevel and top government officials have been stressing social distancing. States began to shut down barber shops, massage parlors, tattoo parlors, beauty salons and nail salons. Even though my cousin works out of her home, I still felt the rules applied to her as well seeing how she has other outside customers other than myself.

the fear of being a carrier

Being a carrier weighed heavily on my mind. Not only did I worry about me being a carrier, but also my cousin or her other customers. My kids could be carriers. We simply don’t know. That thought and possibility is what made me ultimately cancel my retie appointment. The last thing I want is to be a carrier and be responsible for others getting sick, or my cousin being a carrier and I bring home germs to my family. Especially when my husband has a compromised immune system, as does my mother in law.

I know for a fact there are many women out there still getting their hair done or looking for someone to do their hair despite the warning to stay home. That concerns me, and honestly it angers me. Just like seeing hoards of spring breakers on the beaches of Florida and California. WHY? Why put yourself and others at risk like that?

what does this mean for me?

Well, I’m due for retie but I’m not in dire straits at the moment. My new growth is manageable. Learning how to do my own reties would have come in handy right about now, but it is what it is. What this means for me is patience, and lots of it. My cousin told me to let her know when I’m ready. I’m going err on the side of caution and listen to the health officials in my area and continue to quarantine in my home with my family. I honestly don’t know when it’ll be safe to be around others again. I’m going to keep praying that everyone uses sound judgement and do everything in their power to be clean and be mindful of others, especially those with compromised immune systems. This is bigger than hair.

Hair Dye, Relaxers And The Increased Cancer Risk For Black Women

On Wednesday, December 4th, 2019, there was an article published stating that hair dye and chemical relaxers increases the risk of breast cancer in women, but especially in black women by a whopping 9%. If you haven’t read the article, here it is: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/12/04/784838430/hair-dye-and-straightener-use-linked-to-higher-cancer-risk-especially-for-black-

The truth about relaxers

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The harmful effects of chemical relaxers: Breakage, scarring, and permanent hair loss.

This article and it’s findings is alarming yet not surprising. Relaxers are made of very harsh chemicals, even if there isn’t any lye in them. Some of the main chemicals used in hair relaxers are sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, and sodium thioglycolate. The fact that these chemicals have been tested and proven to eat through and melt various metals should frighten us. (See Chris Rock’s movie Good Hair) When relaxers are left on our hair and scalp too long, guess what happens? Our scalp burns, and once it heals, you’re left with ugly scabs and patches and loss of hair. When you do this continuously over the course of decades, imagine the damage done to our bodies inside and out? Our body is absorbing these chemicals, and these chemicals are damaging our insides. No one should be surprised at the rise of fibroid tumors, endometriosis, permanent hair loss, and cancer in black women who use chemical relaxers and hair dyes on a regular basis.

An attack on black women and their hair

I’ve read some interesting opinions about this study, and there are those who have stated that the findings was ‘yet another attack on black women and their hair.’ I totally disagree. This article is bringing attention to a problem that still permeates the black community: The dangerous things black women do to have straight hair. More importantly, why we still feel that in order for our hair to be pretty it has to be straight. Also, why aren’t we teaching our young girls that their natural hair is beautiful and enough?

I hate that we’re still willing to overlook doing things that have been proven to be unhealthy for us. We’d rather keep doing things that we know are harmful to our bodies because we’ve been taught that straight hair is the standard of beauty. Basically, we refuse to see the beauty in our natural hair. That is very sad to me. I know women who would rather die than let their natural hair show. The idea of showing their natural hair to the world gives them anxiety. That’s how deep the issue of straight hair versus natural or ‘nappy’ hair is in the black community.

There is no judgment from me as to whether if you choose to get chemical relaxers or have natural hair. The choices we make in life all have consequences. We know eating junk food is bad for our health, yet many of us still eat it, myself included. It’s been proven for years that there are harmful chemicals in junk food that contribute to poor health and preventable diseases. On the flip side, there are numerous reports and studies that show that healthier fruits and vegetables claiming to be organic aren’t organic. Harmful pesticides are still being used on fruits and vegetables that in turn, make us sick. Chemicals are in everything. However, we do have some control over what we put on and into our bodies. We don’t have to use chemical relaxers or hair dyes. We don’t have to eat foods that we know are bad for us. So when we know better, why is it so hard to do better?

Change is hard

Change can be hard. We all know this. Regardless of color, we tend to do things out of habit, tradition, or what we’ve been told and taught. The same goes for black women and straightening their hair. We grew up getting our hair straightened with straightening combs or ‘hot combs.’ When we got a little older, we were introduced to chemical relaxers. Unfortunately, some have been introduced to chemical relaxers at very young ages, some as young as three years old. But WHY?

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African Queens and Princesses

We can’t have this discussion without going back to where this all originated, which is slavery. Our ancestors where kings and queens, princes and princesses in Africa. Our hair was worn in regal, intricate styles that told important stories of what tribe we belonged to, who our family was, and if we were of royal descent or not. When we were kidnapped and shipped to the United States, we were stripped of our identity and heritage. Our hair was shaved off. When we still found ways to braid and adorn our hair, laws were put in place where we legally had to keep our hair covered with rags and scarves. We were told that our hair was nappy, kinky, unkempt and ugly. All of these terms were meant to degrade our hair.

Imagine being taught that your hair was beautiful, regal, something to be proud of. Then one day, you’re forcibly taken to a new country and forced into slavery, and told that your hair and your heritage is not beautiful and has no meaning. Many lengths are taken to strip you of your identity. Instead you’re taught that only straight, blonde or brunette hair is beautiful. And over time, you believe this because it has been literally beaten into you, and you in turn pass this down to your children, grandchildren, and so forth. And here we are today.

Wake up call

Articles like this should be a wake up call to the African American community. We should be moved to do better, to educate, and to advocate for natural hair. There are so many things that affect us disproportionately more than any other racial group, and our health is at the top of the list. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can do things to better our health, to give ourselves a chance to live longer, healthier lives. This includes how we care for our hair.

Natural Kids Hair Salon in Richmond, VA

More education on natural hair, how to take care of it and maintain it from birth into adulthood is desperately needed. I feel there should be college courses or resources offered specifically geared towards educating ones on natural African American hair and how to care for it. There needs to be more natural hair salons that offer classes to mothers, fathers, caregivers, non-African American couples who have adopted black children on how to care for African American children’s hair. There is a strong need for education in our community, and if there were more resources in every community, I truly believe more people would see how beautiful natural hair is, and how natural hair is the best option for their overall health.

What are your thoughts on this article’s findings on the connection between chemical relaxers and hair dyes and the increased cancer risk in African American women? I want to hear from you!

Oils That Promote Hair Growth Part II

Clary Sage essential oil

Clary Sage essential oil is an oil I didn’t know much about until recently. It is one of at least one hundred varieties in the Sage family, but the milder version when it comes to taste and smell. Clary Sage is also harder to find than regular sage, and is used mostly for medicinal purposes. For that reason, it’s widely used in teas to cure various ailments. This doesn’t mean you can’t cook with Clary Sage because you can. You’d just have to use more of it to get the taste of regular sage. Because of Clary Sage’s milder taste, you can eat it raw.

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  Clary Sage

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  Sage

How can you identify Clary Sage? Their leaves are large and roundish with a rough texture and fine hairs whereas sage leaves are oblong and smaller than those of the Clary Sage but also have a rough, hairy texture.

How to use on hair And scalp

Clary sage oil contains the same linalyl acetate that helps make lavender oil so effective in increasing hair growth. It can improve hair strength, in addition to increasing hair growth, making hair more difficult to break.

Mix 3 drops of clary sage oil with your favorite conditioner, or with 1 tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil. If using it daily, rinse out after 2 minutes. If using it once or twice per week, leave it on for 10 minutes. If making a hair growth serum, add a few drops of Clary Sage essential oil to your mixture.

You can also use the combination of Clary Sage, Cedarwood, and Lavender essential oils (each oil promotes hair growth) with a carrier oil of your choice such as coconut or olive oil, as a hot oil treatment. Remember, you only need a few drops of each essential oil along with 3 table spoons of our carrier oil. Heat the mixture, massage into hair and scalp, wrap your head with a hot towel or put a plastic shower cap over your head and sit under a hooded dryer under medium heat for 30 minutes. Shampoo as normal.

additional benefits of clary sage essential oil

Reduces Stress

When used in aromatherapy, clary sage oil can help alleviate stress by inducing a sense of well-being. When inhaled, clary sage essential oil elicited feelings of relaxation and helped to reduce blood pressure.

Antidepressant

In a 2010 study, researchers concluded that clary sage essential oil had the most potent anti-stress effect. They found that the effect of the oil was closely linked to the feel-good hormone dopamine.

Antibacterial

Clary Sage is prove to be effective against strains of bacteria including E-coli. Clary Sage is also known to have anti-fungal properties as well.

Improved Mental Function

Clary sage and sage plants in general are associated with improved memory, greater alertness, and potential Alzheimer’s-fighting effects.

precautions

Though arguments on this vary, most agree that it is not recommended that you use Clary Sage if you are pregnant as it is known to induce labor. As always, test essential oils on a small part of your skin to see if you have a reaction to it before using. If you have an adverse reaction to an essential oil, stop using it and see your doctor.

Carrot oil/Carrot seed oil

Carrot oil is a popular vegetable oil that is rich in beta-carotene and vitamins. This is not the same as carrot seed essential oil, which is derived from carrot seeds. Carrot oil can actually increase circulation and stimulate the development of new cells, which creates a healthy environment for hair to grow. It’s a natural source of vitamins A, E and and offers much needed moisture to dry scalps. Natural oils encourage your dry scalp to create more sebum, which moisturizes your hair and scalp and promotes overall hair health and shine. Whether you choose to use it on its own, in a blend with other essential oils or as part of a hair rinse, carrot oil helps keep your hair healthy and shiny.

Carrot oil has antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria and fungus. People experiencing dandruff and dry scalp may find relief from their symptoms when they treat their hair periodically with carrot oil. Using naturally occurring oils on your scalp, particularly if it’s dry, can stimulate the production of your own body’s oil, or sebum.

how to use carrot oil on hair and scalp

Like most oils, you can use carrot oil as part of your own hair growth serum. To boost the benefits of your favorite conditioner, add a teaspoon to your conditioner. Or use as a hot oil treatment in a blend with other oils. If you prefer to use carrot seed essential oil, then you will need to use a carrier oil with it. If you’re only using carrot oil, there is no need to dilute it. You can apply carrot seed oil directly to your scalp or skin.

Additional benefits of carrot oil/Carrot seed oil

Stimulates circulation

Used in aromatherapy applications, carrot seed oil stimulates circulation as well as brain and nerve functions.

Has soothing properties

Its warm, earthy, woody, and herbaceous scent has a soothing, refreshing, and grounding effect that is known to diminish feelings of fatigue, weakness, anxiety, and stress.

precautions

If you have blonde or light colored hair, use caution on using carrot oil on your hair regularly as it may stain your hair. Carrot oil is used as a natural dye by some. Carrot oil can be ingested, but if ingested in large amounts, it can cause nausea and vomiting. Always use caution, and test a small amount on your skin to check for an allergic reaction. Consult with a physician before ingesting.

Stay tuned for the next two oils that I highlight!

Oils That Promote Hair Growth

Since going natural six years ago, I became obsessed with essential oils and organic natural oils that are good for your hair and scalp. I’ve made many serums and butters that can be used from head to toe that are not only good for your skin, but promotes hair growth. For the next four days I will spotlight two oils each day and highlight their benefits and uses.

sandalwood essential oil

Sandalwood oil is extracted from the heartwood of the Santalum tree. It is rich in sesquiterpenes that contain antiseptic, antiphlogistic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative, cicatrizant, disinfectant, and various other properties to promote good health, sound mind, and clear skin and hair.

How to use on hair and scalp

Massaging sandalwood oil mixed with a carrier oil (coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or avocado oil) directly to the scalp, it helps stimulate blood circulation for optimal hair growth. Sandalwood oil is commonly used by many people as a hair straightening agent for those with wavy or curly hair. It also helps add extra shine or sheen to dry looking hair. Additionally, it also helps get rid of excess sebum on oily scalp leaving it balanced and dandruff-free. Many shampoos and conditioners contain sandalwood to oil help with dry damaged hair and dandruff.

additional benefits of sandalwood Essential oil

Boosts memory

Sandalwood essential oil helps in improving mental clarity. It also helps in boosting the memory.  Add a few drops of this essential oil to your palm and rub vigorously to release the aroma when you are stressed for a clearer mind and better memory.

Natural astringent

The astringent properties of this essential oil help in healing minor wounds and burns. It is excellent to use as a facial toner and aftershave. It will cleanse the skin and smooth rough skin.

Helps with Skin infections and Inflammation

The antiviral and antiseptic properties of this essential oil helps in alleviating viral infections and easing inflammation. It is very effective in healing various inflammatory skin infections including pimples and acne.

Good for throat and chest infections

Make use of the antiseptic and anti-viral properties of this essential oil to ease various infections affecting the chest and throat. Add a few drops of this essential oil to a cup of warm water and gargle to ease the infections.

Helps to heal insect bites and skin inflammations

Santalol, an ingredient present in sandalwood essential oil, helps in easing the inflammations just like the NSAIDs. Mix a few drops of this essential oil with coconut oil and apply topically to ease insect bites and other skin irritations.

Delays aging

Packed with antioxidants in rich amounts, sandalwood essential oil helps in eliminating the free radicals, thus preventing premature skin aging.

Ylang ylang essential oil

The Cananga Odonata Tree (commonly known as the Canaga Tree) is a tropical tree native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The Canaga Tree produces gorgeous yellow-green flowers know as Ylang Ylang flowers (pronounced as Ee-lang Ee-lang). Ylang Ylang essential oil is extracted by steam distilling the entire flower. Ylang Ylang is used as a sedative and antidepressant and an antiseptic. Its use dates back to the Victorian age when, in England, it was used as a natural hair growth treatment.

how to use on hair and scalp

Used with a carrier oil of your choice, Ylang Ylang oil is great to use as a scalp massage. Massaging Ylang Ylang into your scalp stimulates blood flow and hair growth. It is also very effective in preventing thinning hair. You can also add a few drops of Ylang Ylang oil to your shampoo or conditioner for optimal benefits.

Ylang Ylang is also great as a hot oil treatment. Heat three table spoons olive oil and five drops of Ylang Ylang oil and massage into hair and scalp. Wrap a hot towel around your head for about 30 minutes. The heat will help the oil to penetrate the hair follicle to promote hair growth. You can also cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and sit under a hooded dryer on medium heat for 30 minutes.

additional benefits of ylang ylang essential oil

Stress Reducer

Stress is a major contributor to hair loss. One of the beneficial uses of Ylang Ylang oil is as a sedative. It is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and relax an individual. The oil’s calming fragrance has a euphoric effect on the nervous system, and reduces anxiety, tension, fear, thus reducing hair fall loss due to stress.

Head Lice Repellant

Ylang Ylang oil mixed with coconut oil is a great one two punch for getting rid of had lice. Coconut oil penetrates the shaft of the hair and its follicles, repelling lice and preventing the eggs from attaching themselves to the hair. Add apple cider vinegar, and battling lice becomes a much easier task. Ylang Ylang EO is included in many recipes for the treatment of lice.

some precautions

• If used too much, Ylang Ylang oil can cause skin irritation, headache, or nausea
• Ylang Ylang oil should not be used on children or pregnant women.
• Do not use on inflamed or irritated skin or if you have dermatitis.
• Do not use if you have low blood pressure.

If you decide to add sandalwood essential oil or Ylang Ylang essential oil to your hair care routine, be sure to use them with a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, avocado, etc. A few drops go a long way, so be sure you don’t use too much Ylang Ylang oil. Both oils are great to add to your DIY hair growth serums and body butters. May you achieve beautiful hair growth and health!

Do you use sandalwood or Ylang Ylang in your hair care routine? Share how you use them and the results you’ve achieved!

Seven Months Sisterlocked!

Three weeks before retie

I had a lot of mixed emotions about reaching my seventh month of being locked because I had to make some serious health decisions in the month and weeks leading up to it. For one, I had major surgery recently, and making that decision and then waiting for that day to come had me very stressed, concerned, and anxious.

One week before retie. Close up texture shot.

The surgery

Any surgery is major. What I had done came with many serious risks. Thankfully, I have an excellent doctor who surrounded herself with the best team of doctors to assist her with my surgery and everything worked out fine. I reflected on many things, such as my family, my future, and the possible outcomes of my surgery. That reflection brought on a flood of hard realities and tears. But I refused to participate in that pity party. I refused to subscribe to the negative thoughts and feelings that tried to overtake me. I had to think positive, and I had to believe in those positive thoughts.

Day before retie

My locs weren’t my focus. My locs were last on the totem pole of things that needed to be done before my surgery. Ironically, my retie was the day before my surgery. It felt good having a fresh retie before my surgery! While life took on a more serious note, I still remembered to take photos of my locs so I could document their growth, changes, etc. Overall, I saw growth and fullness. I’m still washing my hair as little as possible. I spritz with water as needed. During my retie my loctician commented on how much new-growth I had. I have a lot of new baby locs in my kitchen (the nape of my neck) area because of the new-growth.

Shrinkage is real! At my retie waiting to be seen with freshly washed locs.

Recovery

As I recover, there are other decisions that will have to be made that may or may not affect my locs. (Huge Hint: Refer to my previous blog post and you’ll know what I mean, and what kind of surgery I had. 😉 ) I’m trying my best not to worry about the what if’s and concentrate on the here and now. There are things that are simply out of my control, and I don’t have time to worry that. I can only focus on the things I can change. My only hope is that I fully recover from my surgery and that my locs continue to grow and flourish. I can’t wait for the day when they are fully locked.

Reflecting before 7th retie

Special meaning

My sixth month of having sisterlocks will always have special meaning because that was when major decisions were made. My seventh month of having sisterlocks will have special meaning because that’s when I had major surgery and will experience more changes and or challenges following. Having sisterlocks have taught me patience, and once again I will be forced to have patience during my recovery and beyond. I’m up for the challenge. Happy Seven Month Locversary to me!!

Hysterectomy and Hair Loss

This is a rarely discussed subject that I feel needs to be out in the open more. Women can experience a myriad of issues relating to the female reproductive organs starting as early as their teens well into their 50’s. Some of these issues are fibroid tumors (which is experienced by African American women at higher rates than other races), endometriosis, cancers of the ovaries, uterus or cervix, etc. All of these can require surgery of some kind. One of the most common surgeries is a partial or full hysterectomy.

During my last retie, my consultant and I spoke at length about hysterectomies. She informed me that many women experience hair loss at the crown of their heads after a major surgery like a hysterectomy. She strongly recommended keeping the ovaries or even one ovary to avoid hair loss and loss of hormones after a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, for some women keeping their ovaries isn’t always an option. I thought back to when my mother had her hysterectomy when she was 46 years old, and she never lost any hair.

Seeing that I’m knocking on 46’s door myself, it has me wondering what will happen to me if and when that time comes. No, I’m not wishing doom on myself. It’s just that female issues run rampant with the women in my family, particularly on my mom’s side. In addition to my mom, both of my older sisters have had surgeries to address fibroid tumors, endometriosis, and other issues. I too have my own issues, so my time is coming.

Doing some research on the correlation between hysterectomies and hair loss, I’ve learned the following from https://reliawire.com/hair-loss-hysterectomy/

“The hysterectomy itself is not the main cause of the hair loss that woman may be experiencing; rather it is a side effect of the hormone replacement treatments that she is taking. The exact cause of hair loss is not known and there is no cure for hair loss, however, it is thought that testosterone and the way that is it converted to dihydrotestosterone (otherwise known as DHT) is the underlying cause of the problems.

Most hair loss is attributed to genetics and the way that the testosterone is metabolized. The same is true for those who have had a hysterectomy. The body is completely changed and the hormones that are created are dramatically different.

The body will cease to make the hormones needed for normal functioning after a hysterectomy and a woman will be forced to take what is called hormone replacement therapy.

With hormone replacement therapy, a doctor will prescribe the estrogen and testosterone in either a pill form or an injection. The body will react differently to these new forms of the hormones and it may have an effect on the way that the body metabolizes those hormones which lead to hair loss.

So you see, it isn’t the actual hormone that is responsible for hair loss in women after a hysterectomy, it is the way that the body transforms that testosterone into DHT. There is nothing that you can do to prevent this hair loss since you do not know whether your body will react in this manner or not after the surgery, however, if you do experience hair loss, there is hope.”

What is that hope? Rogaine or Propecia – drugs that can help grow your hair back. It is important to note that these methods don’t always work for everyone, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. The last resort would be to have hair replacement surgery, which many women have done. Hair loss for women can be devastating and a huge blow to our self-esteem and ego, so it’s not surprising that many are willing to go to great lengths to have hair again.

If you are experiencing female health issues, be sure to discuss all of your options with your OB-GYN. Also, inform your loctician/consultant, or hairdresser. My consultant is also a trained trichologist (a trichologist is someone who has been trained specifically about scalp and hair conditions. Qualified trichologists undergo intensive training in trichology — the scientific study of hair and scalp disorders.), so she can offer informed and educated advice when it comes to hair loss and scalp issues.

If you are having a hysterectomy, be sure to educate yourself as much as possible about all the side effects you may experience after the surgery. Including possible hair loss. It is imperative that you discuss hormone replacement options with your OB-GYN. There are several options out there and it’s important that you make an informed decision with your physician on which one is best for you. Hair loss can be devastating, but there are options out there. Don’t give up hope if you experience it after a major surgery like a hysterectomy.