Help with itchy scalp and thinning

[mom31257]

I've been searching for causes of itchy scalp and thinning hair, but I find so many causes I'm not sure which it is. My scalp is itchy and a little flaky. I've also had thinning hair for quite some time, but I do always have some new hair growth going on, because they are very hard to tame, making my hair appear frizzy. It seems there are times it is thinner and times it is a little thicker. I wear it long and don't get it cut often to save money. Oh, and I am prone to pimples in my scalp.

 

Everyone think my hair looks fine, but I know it's quite a bit thinner than it was at one time in my life. I assume that a lot of people lose some over time, though. I'm a few months from turning 44. This has been going on for a few years.

 

Any advice? Thanks so much!

[1GirlTwinBoys]

Have you had your thyroid levels checked? There are do many different things that can cause it.

[mom31257]

My TSH was checked a few weeks ago and it was fine. I'm a little overweight, but I don't get cold or tired.

[LauraGB]

I have no good advice, but wanted to share that I have had the same problem lately. I switched from salon-style shampoos to something less expensive, and that's when I noticed it. I just recently figured that out and am now switching back. My hair is long, and I'm not quite 40, and I'm wondering how much this particular age has to do with it, too, since I've been hearing this complaint a lot lately.

[mom31257]

I have no good advice, but wanted to share that I have had the same problem lately. I switched from salon-style shampoos to something less expensive, and that's when I noticed it. I just recently figured that out and am now switching back. My hair is long, and I'm not quite 40, and I'm wondering how much this particular age has to do with it, too, since I've been hearing this complaint a lot lately.

 

Let me know how it goes, although I've always used less expensive shampoos.

[BMW]

When I recently posted about this, I was warned against Pantene.

 

I also have itchy scalp, a bit of flakiness and have been losing hair.

 

I changed to a moisturizing Head and Shoulders and the itching is GONE and so is the flaky dryness.

 

I hope more hair grows in!!

 

And I am following up this week with my regular Dr. for a blood panel.

[mom31257]

When I recently posted about this, I was warned against Pantene.

 

I also have itchy scalp, a bit of flakiness and have been losing hair.

 

I changed to a moisturizing Head and Shoulders and the itching is GONE and so is the flaky dryness.

 

I hope more hair grows in!!

 

And I am following up this week with my regular Dr. for a blood panel.

 

I will definitely give it a try.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

I've been searching for causes of itchy scalp and thinning hair, but I find so many causes I'm not sure which it is. My scalp is itchy and a little flaky. I've also had thinning hair for quite some time, but I do always have some new hair growth going on, because they are very hard to tame, making my hair appear frizzy. It seems there are times it is thinner and times it is a little thicker. I wear it long and don't get it cut often to save money. Oh, and I am prone to pimples in my scalp.

 

Everyone think my hair looks fine, but I know it's quite a bit thinner than it was at one time in my life. I assume that a lot of people lose some over time, though. I'm a few months from turning 44. This has been going on for a few years.

 

Any advice? Thanks so much!

 

 

I have the same problems if I use any shampoo with Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It's the ingredient that makes the shampoo (and shower gels, and toothpaste) foam up. But, it is also very harsh for people who are intolerant to it. If I use it on my head, my scalp immediately starts itching, then hurting. If I continue to use it, my hair starts falling out.

 

I have changed to sulfate free shampoo (which I also use as a body wash), and sulfate free toothpaste. I figure that if my scalp is that sensitive to the stuff, I don't want to use it anywhere.

 

There are several brands of sulfate-free shampoo available these days. My favorite is Traite, by Mastey, but it's not available everywhere (I get it from the Mastey website). There are other brands available. Pureology is good, but it's expensive. Onesta is good. There are others, mostly those formulated for color-treated hair.

[milovany]

When I recently posted about this, I was warned against Pantene.

 

 

Ack! Really? I've used Pantene for years and often have an itchy flaky scalp (just in one area though -- center front). I must be pretty dense to not think about changing shampoos, huh? :tongue_smilie:

[Tap]

Try researching clogged hair follicles or sebum oil plugs. There is a lot of advertising to wade through on this topic but you may be able to find a site or two.

[Alenee]

Ack! Really? I've used Pantene for years and often have an itchy flaky scalp (just in one area though -- center front). I must be pretty dense to not think about changing shampoos, huh? :tongue_smilie:

 

Just adding that I have the same problem! I was also using Pantene. We started using the cheapo Suave and it got worse so I switched to my winter shampoo, Head and Shoulders. Hoping to see a reduction in itchiness/flakiness and hair loss.

[StephanieF]

My dh had the same problem when he started to use hair gel. He developed psorosis (sp?) and his hair fell out!

Eventually it all came back and he has no further problems but he did get some medication from the dr to help

Stephanie

[NanceXToo]

Do you use any artificial sweeteners? That's something I'm strongly considering as the culprit for me these days. Sigh.

[Trish]

Could be a yeast infection. Might want to try an apple cider vinegar rinse.

[Onceuponatime]

I vote for changing your shampoo too. I'm 46 and I have had thinning hair, itching scalp, and very dry skin on my forehead. I decided to change my shampoo to a moisturizing one and the itch went away. My friend who is a hair dresser brought me a large bottle of "Big Sexy Hair" ( I'm almost embarrassed to tell anyone I use this). My head no longer itches at all and my forehead is no longer dry and flaky! She said cheap shampoos have alcohols in them and that is what dries out your skin.

[delaney]

Do you use any artificial sweeteners? That's something I'm strongly considering as the culprit for me these days. Sigh.

Yup Splenda was an issue for me. I am certain it wasn't shampoo since I do the no-poo method which is chemical free.:)

[Gratia271]

I have the same problems if I use any shampoo with Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It's the ingredient that makes the shampoo (and shower gels, and toothpaste) foam up. But, it is also very harsh for people who are intolerant to it. If I use it on my head, my scalp immediately starts itching, then hurting. If I continue to use it, my hair starts falling out.

 

I have changed to sulfate free shampoo (which I also use as a body wash), and sulfate free toothpaste. I figure that if my scalp is that sensitive to the stuff, I don't want to use it anywhere.

 

There are several brands of sulfate-free shampoo available these days. My favorite is Traite, by Mastey, but it's not available everywhere (I get it from the Mastey website). There are other brands available. Pureology is good, but it's expensive. Onesta is good. There are others, mostly those formulated for color-treated hair.

 

How is Traite with respect to volume/body? I would like to switch from Kerastase b/c it causes itchy scalp (DD in particular), but I like the volumizing aspect of it.

[Alyce]

What has happened to you mom's, aunt's, grandmother's hair. I do have hypothyroidism but it is not the cause of my hair loss. Women can go bald too. It started innocently. I began to notice that my thick hair wasn't as thick as it one was. Now my hair is very fine and there are some small spots of really really thin hair making it almost look like their is none. My mom's hair was whispy thin by the time she turn 70 and she began wearing wigs. I've begun wearing wigs at least when I go out someplace important. I still was and style my hair but it no longer looks like it did 30 years ago.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

How is Traite with respect to volume/body? I would like to switch from Kerastase b/c it causes itchy scalp (DD in particular), but I like the volumizing aspect of it.

 

 

I have very fine hair, and I like the Traite. It is creamy going on, but leaves virtually nothing on the hair. It is moisturizing, but I still need to use a good conditioner.

 

I don't know how it compares to volumizing shampoos because I've never used them.

[Cinder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW View Post

When I recently posted about this, I was warned against Pantene.

 

Ack! Really? I've used Pantene for years and often have an itchy flaky scalp (just in one area though -- center front). I must be pretty dense to not think about changing shampoos, huh?

 

Yikes! When I was having a problem with itchy scalp I tried all kinds of shampoos. I had been using Suave and all of a sudden I itched all the time. Pantene was the first one not to make me itch. I even tried Selsun Blue, Neutrogena T-gel, some new brand that was minty and some organic stuff (can't remember the names). Now I have to switch again? *sigh*

 

Cinder

[Negin]

Lots and lots of helpful advice here. I've recently switched to a sulfate-free shampoo. Real pain however, since I need to ship it here. They don't sell sulfate-free.

 

Some other tips to help with the itchiness:

 

Get your Omega-3s – oysters, beef, pork, chicken legs.

3000 mg Omega 3s.

A good Fish Oil such as Carlson's helps to relieve itching and inflammation.

Omega-3s are very important.

 

An itchy scalp may be connected to an unhealthy digestive system

Plain yogurt, garlic, oregano are all helpful

 

Get more zinc. Zinc is essential for healthy hair and for preventing and treating scalp problems. Get zinc from foods such as lean beef, chicken, and chickpeas. Other vitamins and minerals that are key:

B12: Liver, beef, pork, eggs, yogurt

Vitamin F: Vegetable Oils, Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts

B6: Liver, Legumes, Whole Grain Cereals, Fish

Selenium: Bran, Wheat Germ, Broccoli, Onions, Tomatoes, Tuna

 

Dandelion Root Tea - 2 cups a day

 

Eat more:

Fish

Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Plain Yogurt

Garlic

Oregano

 

Avoid/Watch Out For:

Dairy Products (other than yogurt)

Irritating Shampoos or Soaps

Sugar

Fried Foods

Chocolate

 

Do not pick or scratch your scalp.

 

For Hair Loss:

When carrying out any of these methods, remember to be patient. Normal hair growth should resume within 6 months after starting any supplement or making any dietary or other change.

SUPPLEMENTS

2 supplements – have helped me the most – Iodoral and Biotin. The rest are helpful also, but those two have been the best for me.

NATROL BIOSIL from amazon or vitacost.com – Natrol Biosil is well-absorbed by the body and proven to deliver key proteins like keratin and collagen directly to the hair roots to increase growth and thickness. Great for skin, hair, and nails

OR

HORSETAIL is a good source of silica (which aids in hair growth and makes the hair stronger). Silica is necessary for strong, shiny hair.

OR YOU CAN TRY TAKING BOTH

Silica makes hair strong and shiny, but the amount your body holds tend to decline with age. Good food sources include: beets, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. Or you can take 60 mg silica daily.

 

B COMPLEX – 50 mg twice a day or 100 mg once a day with meals. B vitamins are essential for the health and growth of the hair. B vitamins run low during high-stress times and are essential for healthy hair growth.

Try to get a good B Complex that includes: Biotin, Inositol, Choline, and PABA.

BIOTIN plays a key role in forming keratin, a protein that comprises healthy hair. I take 5000 mcg daily. Biotin can thicken hair shafts and encourage new growth. [Not everyone needs to take that much unless if they're concerned about hair loss. Most B-complex supplements have sufficient biotin otherwise]

Biotin plays a key role in forming keratin, a protein that comprises healthy hair

It helps in preventive treatment for baldness

There are no known cases of biotin toxicity, particularly since it is water-soluble

It is interesting that biotin levels fall progressively throughout pregnancy (and that is when many women lose hair).

 

CARLSON’S LIQUID FISH OIL - or any other good fish oil - you need enough EFAs (essential fatty acids)

 

ZINC – 15 mg daily – protects your hair

 

VITAMIN E – improves hair health and enhances hair growth.

Take 400 IU of vitamin E a day. Take d-alpha, NOT dl-alpha

Vitamin E is most effective when taken with selenium.

 

IODORAL

Available from amazon – the reviews are well worth reading

More than 90% of us are low in iodine.

Today's environment makes it almost impossible to get the amount of iodine you need.

1. There's very little iodine in the soil. So unless you're eating a ton of iodine-rich foods like kelp, seaweed and shellfish, you're not going to get much iodine from your diet.

2. Many salt companies have stopped adding iodine to table salt. While commercial table salt usually contains iodine, this is not the best way to boost iodine intake. In fact, “salt iodination, which is performed routinely in many countries, may increase the incidence of overt hypothyroidism,” a new Greek study concludes. Kelp and other sea vegetables are excellent sources of natural iodine.

3. Food manufacturers have stopped using iodine in baked goods and are using bromine instead. Bromine (a halogen) competes with iodine to get into your cells. So the more bromine you consume, the less iodine you get. Unfortunately, many foods today (primarily baked goods) are loaded with bromine.

4. Our water supply contains chlorine and fluoride, both of which are halogens. Again, halogens compete with iodine to get into your cells.

And you can't avoid chlorine and fluoride simply by drinking filtered water. That's because you get a hefty dose any time you bathe, shower, soak in a hot tub, or swim in a swimming pool.

5. Most conventional doctors never test for iodine deficiency. They figure there's no need to test iodine levels when they can just test your thyroid function instead. The problem with this is that the most widely used thyroid test, the TSH, is wildly inaccurate. Reason: While the TSH measures thyroid hormone, it can't tell the difference between active thyroid hormone with iodine and de-activated thyroid hormone with bromine or chlorine or fluorine. So the test shows you have plenty of thyroid hormone. But most of the thyroid hormone isn't doing its job!

I think it was Dr. Nan Fuchs who wrote: “I've had women come into my office who look like the poster child for underactive thyroid. They're overweight, they're losing their hair and eyebrows, their skin is dry, and they tell me they feel cold all the time. Yet when their doctor gave them a thyroid test, it came back normal!

When I put these women on iodine supplementation, their conditions improve dramatically. Their skin improves, they stop losing their hair, and they finally lose that excess weight — and keep it off.”

The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg. This amount was set based on the amount needed to prevent goiter. This amount will prevent goiter but it will not prevent other problems related to iodine deficiency.

The average consumption of iodine from seaweed by the mainland Japanese is nearly 14 mg. They have some of the lowest incidence of iodine-deficiency diseases like goiter, hypothyroidism, and cancers of the reproductive system (breast, ovaries, and uterus).

Some forms of iodine are harmful. Iodoral is not. All of us need a combination of iodine and iodide, the two forms of iodine used throughout our bodies. Iodoral and Lugol are the only supplements containing these two nutrients. Lugol, however, tastes foul.

You may need 1 to 4 tablets of Iodoral, a combination of 5 mg of iodine and 7.5 mg of potassium iodide. Additional research finds that vitamin C improves the transport of iodine in the body, so it may be best to take Iodoral with Vitamin C.

Studies show that women who weigh about 110 pounds need at least 5 mg of iodine a day for normal breast function. If you’re heavier, you may need more.

Start off slowly over a 4 week period.

Take 1 pill for 30 days

Then 2 pills for 30 days

Then maybe 3 for 30 days

Then 1 in morning and 1 in evening for 30 days

Can then go back to taking 1 or 2 a day to maintain

Your body will know....listen to it...

One Iodoral tablet provides 12.5 milligrams of iodine/iodide which is about the amount the average Japanese consumed in 1964 in their everyday diet.

Iodoral is the best way to get the recommended amount of iodine.

 

D3

If you're under 50, take at least 2,000 IU per day.

If you're 50 or over, take at least 5,000 IU per day of vitamin D3.

Always take your vitamin D with a fat-containing meal to ensure absorption.

Your need for vitamin D3 is affected by age, skin color, and the severity of any deficiency

[Negin]

EAT MORE

Use Seaweed Gomasio to season your food, rather than iodized salt. I got mine from amazon.

Peela, recommended Himalayan and Celtic sea salt - full of extra minerals. 84 minerals in sea salt- 2 in refined table salt. If there is one thing lacking in modern diets, it is minerals- more so than vitamins. Himalayan and Celtic Sea Salts as well as this one are rich in minerals, much richer than regular table salt.

Increase your iodine intake with mineral-rich sea vegetables (agar, hijiki, kombu, nori, and wakame) at least twice a week. You can eat as much seaweed as you want. Brown seaweeds are highest in iodine. They include all forms of kelp. Fucus, also known as Bladderwrack, is considered to be the best for underactive thyroids. Hijiki and Sargassum are two other forms of brown seaweeds. Red seaweeds include dulse, nori, Irish moss, and Gracillaria.

Since toasting doesn’t affect seaweed’s iodine content, you can eat it dried or dried and toasted. Toast some in the oven or in a dry frying pan to see if you prefer that taste. You can also powdered seaweed to your food or add larger pieces of seaweed to soups, grains, or vegetables. Seaweed should be an enjoyable addition to your diet, not an unpleasant experience. If you simply don’t like its taste, you can get it in capsules.

Use 5-10 grams of mixed brown and red seaweed for thyroid problems. This is about 1 ½ teaspoons per day.

Not all seaweeds are safe to eat. Some come from polluted waters.

Be more cautious and talk to a naturopath if you’re on thyroid meds and want to try seaweed.

 

Protein – plain yogurt, lean meat, fish, poultry, and eggs

 

Up to 90 percent of women who experience hair loss also suffer from low iron levels. Eat at least 3 daily servings of IRON-RICH FOODS like lean beef, green leafy veggies, legumes, dried fruit, and nuts. Try to always take iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods, such as tomatoes, to increase absorption by up to 4 times.

Iron is a double-edged mineral for women. Menstruating women lose iron-rich blood every month, plus pregnancy, nursing, and strenuous physical exercise dramatically increases the need for this mineral. But later in life, excess iron, which accumulates in the body after menopause, may increase women’s risk for cancer and heart disease.

If you’re over 50 or have experienced early or surgically induced menopause, see your doctor for a hematocrit, hemoglobin, and/or ferritin test to determine if you need iron. The ferritin test, which assesses stored iron, is most important here.

If your levels approach anywhere from 150 to 200 ng/mL on the ferritin test, do avoid extra iron in supplements, iron-enriched grains, and cut down on red meat. You might want to consider an iron-free multivitamin

Studies indicate that iron can help improve short-term memory loss and concentration. If you aren't using iron cookware regularly, you may wish to take 10 to 15 milligrams of elemental iron a day.

Jarrow Formulas IronSorb Elemental Iron From Protein Succinylate -- 18 mg - 60 Vegetarian Capsules

Iron oxidizes. If you take too much iron, it can lead to cancer. This is why there are few multivitamin formulas for postmenopausal women that contain iron.

If you have had cancer, or if there is a high incidence of cancer in your family, you may want to take a formula without added iron unless a blood test determines that you are iron-deficient, in which case, natural sources may be far superior.

 

Eat more of the following foods rich in B Vitamins and other needed minerals and vitamins essential for hair.

Nuts

Beef liver

Brown rice

Bulgur

Lentils

Oats

Sunflower seeds

Walnuts

Unprocessed Whole Grains

Wheat Germ

Rice Bran

Citrus Fruits

Eggs

Cabbage

Salmon

Leafy Greens including spinach

 

Make sure that your diet contains ample essential fatty acids.

Eat fish 2—3 times a week (not deep-fried) - salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel – 2-3 times a week

 

JUICING is very beneficial, for overall health also. Juicing is one of the best things you can do for your health and beauty. Try to juice veggies as often as you can.

[Negin]

EAT LESS

The Standard American Diet is too rich in foods that actually starve the hair, such as fat, sugar, and refined foods.

Eastern medicine says that eating too much meat can cause hair loss. This might very well be true.

Cut down on sweets. Eastern medicine says that eating too much sugar can cause baldness on the sides of the forehead. Sugar is often a contributing factor in hair loss. After sugar is removed from some people’s diets, the hair-loss process is either halted or totally or partially reversed.

 

OTHER TIPS/THINGS TO CONSIDER

MASSAGE SCALP DAILY (SOME SAY 3 TIMES A DAY)

Press the bristles of your brush on your scalp and make several strokes from your hairline to the base of your neck.

Then make small circles over your entire scalp.

Alternate these methods for 90 seconds.

 

Massage your scalp with a mixture of essential oils daily for at least 7 months. Add 8 drops each of Rosemary, Thyme, and Lavender essential oils to 8 ounces of shampoo. Pour a small amount of the mixture into your hands and rub it into your hair, gently massaging your scalp. Let the mixture sit for three minutes and rinse thoroughly.

 

OR

 

Frederic Fekkai More Nighttime Follicle Boosting Treatment from sephora.com

The niacin-derived compounds stimulate blood flow and activate cell receptors that influence hair growth. After applying these compounds for 6 months, 69 percent of women with hair loss saw significant increases in fullness.

 

LIE UPSIDE DOWN!

Lie on a slant board OR have your head hanging off the edge of the bed for 15 to 20 minutes per day. This will cause blood to flow to the scalp.

 

YOGA

Yoga helps a lot in slowing down and preventing hair loss.

 

Try to Avoid:

• Hard brushing

• Tight braids

• Pulling hair too hard when blow-drying

• Blow drying if and when you can

• Commercial shampoos or rinses with artificial colors, preservatives, and dyes

• Harsh chemical products and hair spray

 

Try to:

• An acupuncturist can help develop an herbal formula that is tailored specifically to you, in addition to using the traditional needles to help restore hair growth. Herbs have a greater synergy with acupuncture, so you may see a greater benefit if you use both.

• Use a satin pillowcase helps because your hair is less likely to catch and pull on it as it would on a cotton pillowcase. A side benefit is that it helps save your hairstyle for another day, so you aren't pulling out more hair in the styling process. You can get them on amazon.

• Use the most natural hair products you can find.

• Look for ingredients such as biotin, silica. aloe vera gel, vitamins C and E, jojoba oils, chamomile, marigold, ginseng, or passionflower. Most health-food stores carry a variety of natural hair care products.

• Hair is fragile when it is wet. Gently pat your hair dry and squeeze out remaining moisture with a towel.

• Calm a hectic schedule. Stress signals the body to produce cortisol, which elevates levels of hair-loss-promoting hormones.

[Negin]

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

• Poor Diet and vitamin and mineral deficiencies

• Stress

• Thyroid problem – especially if you have dry skin, weight gain, and fatigue

• Taking large doses of Vitamin A (100,000 IU or more daily) for a long period of time

• Genetics/Heredity

• Harsh chemicals and hair dyes

• Poor Circulation (daily scalp massage, brushing, lying on a slant board, yoga)

• Acute Illness

• Surgery

• Radiation Exposure

• Skin Disease (biotin is essential here)

• Sudden Weight Loss

• High Fever

• Iron Deficiency (Up to 90 percent of women who experience hair loss also suffer from low iron levels).

• Diabetes

• Drugs – such as those used in chemotherapy

• Ringworm and other fungal infections

• Pregnancy

• High concentration of metals in the body

• Autoimmune diseases

• Scalp Infections

• If one is experiencing "male pattern baldness" type hair loss, where the hairline begins to recede and is thin only on top and not all over, it can be caused by metabolic syndrome. Fat distributed around the waist can actually cause a rise in androgens (male hormones) causing this problem. It can also revert back to normal if you can get the fat off your waist.

 

WHEN TO SEE A PHYSICIAN

If you are losing large amounts of hair, see a physician. It is normal to lose 50 to 150 hairs a day. If your hair appears to be dramatically thinning, it might be a sign of an underlying condition. While culprits can be as serious as thyroid disease and lupus, hair loss is most often caused by poor diet and stress.

 

GOOD BOOKS

The Hair Loss Cure: A Self-Help Guide by David H. Kingsley

How to Beat Hair Loss by Antonio Alvi Armani, MD