Hair Loss - Telogen Effluvium

Nov 18, I was facing some hair loss problem. Doctor said it might be Telogen Effluvium. It was a stressful period for me, my dog passed away and have some problems with my gut.

There's some indications of hair loss:

- Finding hair on my pillow
- when I run my finger down my hair, a few strands falls off
- Found lots of hair at the shower drain
- widening hair parting, and thinning hair.

Overall I was devastated, I didn't know what to do, but trying to find solutions everywhere.

I am not a doctor, but would like to share what I have done for my hair. If it helps or it works for you, it is great, but please understand that everyone's scalp or hair is different.

1) I went to the doctor for a blood test, the doctor will recommend you the set of blood test to run and check if you have any deficiency or other health issues.

2) Guava leaves tonic - I try to use natural hair tonic instead, it somehow helped my hair strengthen. Previously it falls off easily, and after using, it becomes stronger. The guava leaves hair tonic, stains my t-shirt and towel, and not easy to wash away. So it is better to use dark colored towels.

3) I went to see a dermatologist, after looking at my scalp, she said it looks normal, no red patch, there's dandruff. I did not do a scalp biopsy. The dermatologist sold me lots of products and after using her shampoo and hair mask, more hair fall off. So I stopped after 2 days. I did not use the minoxidil she prescribed after reading the reviews online.

4) I bought a -500 times USB HD portable electronic microscope skin hair follicles hair microscope. From there, I can see that there's dandruff, and my scalp is oily. To me, it is important to know your scalp condition, to have a better understanding.

5) Natur vital shampoo, currently I am using the sensitive Hops Shampoo, it is for dandruff, sensitive, frequent wash and for oily hair. I always recommend people who have hair loss problem to use this shampoo, I have tried and tested a few, and this is so far the best.

6) I bought a jet spray, previously I used on my face. But after seeing my hair stylist using this to apply tonic to the scalp, I try to use it on my scalp before I wash my hair, to see if it makes my scalp cleaner or remove the dandruff. It works, as my scalp itch lesser. Never use your finger to scratch your scalp, it might hurt your scalp.

7) Method: In the past I wash my hair twice a day, now I only wash it once a day. Personally, I use lukewarm water to wash my hair. Do not directly apply shampoo onto scalp. Wet your hair , lather the shampoo before applying on scalp, lightly use your finger tip to massage your scalp. After that wash your hair completely clean, without leaving any shampoo residue. Use a hair dryer (Hold it at a distance) to blow dry, ensure your scalp and hair is completely dry. Never comb your hair after wash and blow dry, always try to comb before washing. (That's one tip I learn from one tv programme)

8) From what I have learnt from my sinseh, blood and oxygen is the most important "food" to your body. So it means you have to relax and regulate your breathing, using correct breathing technique. Blood circulation on the scalp is also important, I always use the bottom of this massage stick to lightly tap on my head, I don't scratch my scalp when it's itchy.

This a Japanese variety show, also indicate that when your scalp becomes hard, it is hard to grow hair. When your scalp becomes soft, you have chances of increasing hair growth. They also teach you how to massage your scalp to soften it.

9) Comb, it is important to comb your hair. It helps improve circulation.

I prefer using these 2 other comb. The pink one is too big, the white one is smaller and makes it easier to comb. The black comb helps to style my hair, so it doesn't look so flat. Now I have a basket full of combs. =p

10) General care & personal view: In the past, I took it for granted that my hair is thick. It is until you face this problem, you will then realize how important hair is to everyone. Now I always bring an umbrella, I was afraid that people can see my scalp when it is wet, and sometimes rain water might not be good for our hair. I always try to wash my hair immediately when I am exposed to rain water.

In the past, I always wash my hair and didn't blow dry it. My mum always warned me about sleeping with my hair wet, or showering too late. They say it will cause "tou feng" -头风。  From what I read online, some people face this problem after weight loss surgery. I started to wonder if gastric gas or "wind" in the body, would have cause hair loss problem or migraine? I am not sure if there's a link to it, since gas cramps in the body is painful and can't be detected. Just some of my thoughts.

【茹來秘方】去壓消頭風按摩

风邪入侵不用怕，常按身上这2处，祛风通络防治疾病！

These 2 videos show you the points to remove "wind" in your body.

Personally, I am still struggling with this problem, but I hope to share what I have learnt along my way. I believe good information is worth sharing. Please don't give up. =)

11) Nutrition & Supplement

Base on the blood test, if you have any vitamin deficiency, doctor will prescribe supplements. Overall now, I try to eat more chicken, salmon, spinach. It is important to have a well-balance diet, exercise, drink more water, try not to eat processed food or deep fried food. Sleep at  or before 11pm. I took multivitamin, turmeric, Astaxanthin, algae supplement.

I realized during my period, I have more hair fall. So I try to drink red date tea, or eat some dang gui chicken. I am not exactly into herbs, and everybody's body is different. So, you can always check with your doctor or Chinese physician if you are suitable to take these supplements or herbs.


12) Other videos

I really like Lylah Kay, who shares about hair loss problems and what solutions are available. She keeps her video straight to the point.. Here are some of her videos:

My Trichology Consultation Part 1 (+ New Hair Loss Updates)

Trichology Consultation (Part 2): Important Takeaways!

Encouraging video from Dr. Schultz on a type of sudden hair loss called Telegen Effluvium:

Rapid Hair Loss - Telegen Effluvium [DermTV.com Epi #516]

I also love the videos that Lauren M Violet shared, very informative. - Believe that your hair will grow back. 

MY TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM RECOVERY STORY Q & A | ANSWERING ALL YOUR QUESTIONS!


13) Other gadgets

I just bought the irestore but didn't use it, because I read on the reviews that some hair will fall off first before it starts grows back. So currently, my husband is using it. 

Latest update: This is a picture above of my hair and scalp at that time, and now gradually I feel that my hair is growing back. I did a lot of research and steps, trying my best to retain the remaining hair. I even bought some wigs. At one point, I was hopeful as I saw baby hair, and once again due to stress, my hair starts thinning again. 

Then I slowly didn't care about it so much, and then my hair slowly grew back.  Overall I felt that it is important to find out if there are any other underlying health problem, manage stress level, massage your head to get rid of the "wind" in your scalp. Find the right shampoo, wash your scalp everyday and dry your hair.  I hope everyone will eventually find a solution to their problem. =) 

April'19