So the shedding begins!

[Tenloris]

Hello lovelies! Over the last two weeks I have seen a lot of hair in my hairbrush. I fill up my hairbrush daily it seems. I just wanted to ask how long does this typically last?? This is definitely the last day I wear black for a while-I actually had to take my sweater off in the restroom and remove all those stragglers! thanks for any information.

[Ann2]

My shedding started around 4-5 months and was pretty much done by the end of Month 9. (I literally collected my fallen hair after each hair washing, lined all the contributions up in a row and took photographs of them. Science, baby!

And then the new hair started coming back in. That made for some frizzy months. And then it all settled out. I've got AT LEAST as much hair now as I did over four years ago. This is just one of those things that happens to everybody who has surgery, stress, and whatnot in their lives. It's temporary. Like that fat you're losing now.

[KiwiGal]

I think mine started falling at about month 3 and lasted approx. 3 months.
I have a lot of hair and it is short so it wasn't noticeable to anyone other than me.
The thing to remember is it's normal and it doesn't last forever.....and a small price to pay in the big picture :-)

[MsLisa71]

I'm in the same boat right now. I have curly hair so I don't brush it, but the shedding when I wash it has at least tripled. I've heard lots of conflicting information on biotin and other hair supplements or topicals so I haven't thrown any money at those yet. I just limit washing my hair to once a week and if it comes to it, I'll cut my hair (I'm holding out as long as I can since it's almost to my waist - the longest I've ever had it).

It stinks, for sure. But, I wouldn't change the improvement in my health and the weight loss over this. At least not yet

Hang in there - you are certainly not alone.

[Christie13]

I started losing hair around the 4th month. It was coming out a lot for about 6-7 months or so. I did take the biotin. It does help with regrowth. I had actually started taking it in the beginning and my hair had gotten extra full to the point the my friends took notice. It helped to have that extra when the hair loss started. I never had bald spots but what was noticeable was the shorter pieces of regrowth. I ended up having to cut my hair to even it out. Now it is finally getting full again. It is not permanent and it is a small price to pay.

[SAMom]

Lisa, when did you start to lose some hair? Our surgery dates are only a week apart so I always keep up with you. (You are doing AWESOME!!!)
I started taking the Biotin very early on and I think it helps. Heck! Even my eyelashes are longer. I think I’ll keep taking it forever!
No hair loss yet but I continue to stress about it daily!
Keep up the great work!

[azladyrider]

I didn't lose any - I started on biotin and prenatal vitamins before the surgery and kept on them for 6 months.

[Tenloris]

Thanks for the responses. I have taken biotin for quite a while (a couple years) for my nails, but I dont think that stops the loss-at least not for me! Hopefully it help with the regrowth. My hair is fine, but I do have a lot of it, so I am hoping it wont thin out too much.

[AnnieG]

Thanks for the responses. I have taken biotin for quite a while (a couple years) for my nails, but I dont think that stops the loss-at least not for me! Hopefully it help with the regrowth. My hair is fine, but I do have a lot of it, so I am hoping it wont thin out too much.

My hair jumped ship at about 3 1/2 months out -- at a year, I've got about 1/2 - 3/4" new growth. And yes, biotin, protein, B vitamins. Mine is more likek a monks bald spot, so I cut it short (yes, in the bathroom by myself) and went back to wigs while it reboots. That said, I'm pretty vain at 66, lol.

I did have two surgeries the same day, and blood transfusions, so I expect that, along with previous hair loss during chemos over the years, may have exacerbated my loss. I notice I look like my dad (not in a good way). But ball caps, wigs, scarves...and sparkly ear bobs to keep your eyes off my hair (or lack there of).

It has been worth it in regard to restored health, energy, skin is lovely and clothes that fit like they should. I'm grateful that it was only the hair that's been a problem. All my labs have been good.