Hair Loss due to Products Prescribed by Trichologist : Reader Query

Query:

Hi Lancy,

This is Zaara from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. I am 19 and I am a avid reader of your blog. Hair stories on this blog actually made me bold who was a silent sufferer in the past.

I had an oily scalp, very fine hair without any hair fall issues. Since my hair density was scanty on my scalp, I visited a trichologist who suggested me to use Triclenz shampoo and take Pro Anogen tablets orally; but to my displeasure, I started to loose strands of hair at an alarming rate and my scalp became extremely dry. I was shocked with the results and I visited the trichologist again. He gave me a Proanogen spray which made my hair even worse and my scalp started peeling. I immediately stopped using all the products and switched to my regular Dove shampoo. Scalp peeling has stopped completely but still I have hair fall and dry scalp since 6 months. Although I use herbal homemade packs and oils, my hair is not responding. Being blessed with beautiful tresses, I hope you can help me to tackle this battle.

Soultion:

Hello Zaara,

Thanks for writing to me. This is the first time I am hearing about Triclenz shampoo and Proanogen tablets. But I’ve received hundreds of emails from readers till date about how they started losing their hair after visiting trichologists. When I really have to admit there are few trust worthy trichologists and dermatologists who help patients to get rid of their hair and skin problems, many fail to suggest them the right products.  I don’t know why they do this knowingly; but all I do is maintain my hair at home and I did swear once never to visit a hair clinic/hospital for any hair issues (in future) after knowing all the bad reader experiences.

One kind advice I’d like to give you is – Avoid visiting trichologists and hair clinics that claim hair regrowth as much as possible unless you feel you are losing your hair due to nutrition deficiency/hereditary. Even in that case, you should read reviews about the pills/medicines they prescribe you. Biotin, zinc and iron supplements are all good for your hair but you have to think twice when they prescribe something else for you. It might be just their intention to just sell the product directly to you or the might be having any tie up with the pharmacies they recommend you (No offense here; I am telling you what I heard. Not all trichologists do the the same thing; there are good ones too!). Minoxidil and other few harmful chemicals in hair regrowth products cause severe allergic reaction in many people. Hence blindly believing someone and using the products/pills they prescribe is the worst thing you can do for your hair.

Coming to your issue – Your trichologist prescribed you this shampoo – Trichenz which is loaded with tons of silicone and SLS. I checked the reviews for you online now and all I can tell you is that he prescribed you the wrong product! The dryness in your scalp could be caused due to silcione and SLS buildup in your hair. It’s very good that you ditched those products. I doubt even Dove has silicones; Only because of all this, homemade treatments and oils are not working on you hair I guess so. Now I’ll tell you what to follow.

Remove Scalp Buildup:

Due to the silicone, sls filled shampoos, I highly doubt you are suffering from scalp buildup. These ingredients settle in your scalp and makes it hard for any natural ingredient to penetrate your scalp. This way, your hair and hair roots lack in nutrition. To remove the buildup, use any good build up removing shampoo or just do this at home – mix baking soda with diluted lemon juice (1:2 ratio with water) and use it to wash your hair instead of your regular shampoo. Do this twice a week and make sure you don’t use any kind of shampoo, serum or anything in this weeks’ time. This natural recipe will help you a lot to remove the buildup from your scalp and makes it ready for home treatments.

Hair Masks and Oils:

Due to the baking soda routine, your scalp would have got a bit dry in these 7 days. Now it is try to nourish it and get it back on the track. Apply warm coconut oil and do a scalp massage for 10-15 minutes. Leave it on your hair and rinse your hair with a mild herbal shampoo (or shikakai powder). Follow this routine twice a week. You can try our MABH fast growth hair oil too for best results; it makes hair shinier and healthy from the first usage itself as it is purely homemade without the addition of any artificial/chemical ingredient.  You can also try my rose hair mask recipe in case if you feel your hair needs extra nourishment. Do oiling twice a week at least and mask-ing twice a month.

Other than the hair care routine, eat 2-3 egg whites/a cup of channa dal everyday. Have a good night sleep and protect your hair from direct sunlight. Never go back to silicone filled products. You’ll get back your healthy hair; and your hair fall will visibly reduce if you follow the routine I suggested. Be patient; take care of your hair and it will grow thicker too! Don’t forget to write back to me after you try it!