I still have 3 weeks before my surgery I wanted to create a post about hair loss. As a Licensed Cosmetologist I want to share something that I haven't come across in lot of these threads. Although hair loss with this type of surgery may not be something that we can not avoid, it sure doesn't hurt to try and avoid it! We want to be healthier and skinnier and NOT bald! We all know it's important to keep your scalp clean and in good condition for proper hair growth. Using a good professional shampoo is very important, as other shampoos can cause a waxy build up that will weigh the hair down and could possibly make it fall out faster. It is important that you switch up your shampoos! Shampoos like Nioxin are great for thinning hair but if used day in and day out it will have major drying effects on the hair and scalp. It is also important that you keep your hair and scalp moisturized so a good conditioner along with a good scalp treatment is very important for maintaining a healthy scalp! Taking your Vitamins daily and meeting your Protein goal is so VERY important!!! So here is my suggestion: Scalp Manipulations!

Scalp Manipulations is a technique that may help increase blood flow to the hair follicle and strengthen the roots. Warming the the scalp before the massage will help open the blood vessels which increases blood flow. The better circulation to the hair follicles may help nutrients strengthen the hair cells and encourage proper growth function. If you google Scalp Manipulations there is a site that shows your how to massage your scalp properly. So using a warm hot oil treatment and having your scalp massaged for about 10-20 once or twice a week could have huge benefits for your hair and could most defiantly slow down or stop hair loss. These are all things that you can do right at home! Also another thing to try is to put a deep conditioner in your hair, cover it with a plastic bag and blow dry it for about 3-5 minutes to warm the scalp. Then remove the bag and start massaging the scalp, it not only feels wonderful but it is so beneficial! Please do not over due and of these suggestions, 1-2 per week is enough! You can find a great deep conditioner at you local beauty supply store or make a homemade hot oil treatment right at home! Also I few things I forgot to mention above is to keep your hair trimmed regularly and back off the styling products and hot irons! Also NO tight fitting hats during this time, this decreases the blood flow to the scalp which in turn could cause more hair loss or slow it down. Hopefully you find these tips helpful:)

Great information! Thanks.

Thanks so much for posting this.. I really needle this I go. I will turn 60 in jan and getting a little thinned on top of my forehead. So this is important to me. Again thanks.

What do you recommend for those of us doing the no shampoo thing? I use baking soda once in a great while for cleaning, and vinegar daily or every other day for conditioning.

Another great thing is Biotin. I've been taking it for three months now and my hair is thick and growing like wild weeds. I'll continue to take it after my surgery. I'm a licensed cosmetologist as well. But I like to handle hair and scalp conditions with a more natural and holistic approach. A good oil for massaging the scalp is jojoba oil because it mimics the natural oil on the scalp called Sebum. Garlic supplements also can help prevent thinning hair and breakage.