Hair stylist Sim Sim answer your crucial hair concerns. Remember, if you have questions for our experts you can submit them on our submissions page.
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Question:
I have hypothyroidism and my hair is suffering. [Hypothyroidism is a condition in which one’s thyroid gland (a gland in the neck that secretes hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism) doesn’t produce enough of certain important hormones]. I No longer can perm my hair and I have been natural for five months. My hair is fragile, dry and brittle. I’ve also been experiencing a lot of shedding and breakage. I have lost a lot of hair. I’ve been trying to deep condition every week with no improvement. I have been online and no one has addressed thyroidism and natural hair. I have been to several doctors and none of it helped. I don’t know what to do with my hair! Any advice is welcome. My goal is to have soft manageable hair.
– Audra
Answer:
Please note that a medical professional should be consulted on health matters. Hairstylists featured on Un-ruly are not medical experts and as such do not offer medical advice.
Your hair follicles follow a natural cycle of hair growth and resting phases. At any given time, most of your hair is growing while only a small portion is resting but when changes in the body throw it off that cycle, too much hair rests at one time and not enough grows, resulting in excessive hair loss, thinning hair or balding. Hair growth depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Abnormal levels of the hormone produced by the thyroid can result in dry hair and hair loss.
You mentioned you condition each week. Conditioners will not help your hair loss because hair is something that comes out of your body. Ailments and medications sometimes weaken the body and cause an imbalance so if you’re not healthy you’re hair will not be healthy as well. You should certainly continue to consult your physician for proper treatment. But if you’re experiencing dry brittle hair, upping the ante on moisture can help alleviate this on a surface level. Simply fill a spray bottle with water, conditioner and some of your favorite oils. Then spray it onto your hair. Put a shower cap and bonnet on your head when you sleep at night. Repeat this for three nights. This technique was made popular by natural hair stylist Felicia Leatherwood and it really works!
To stimulate your scalp you can use Virgin Hair Fertilizer a friend of mine who also has hyperthyroidism recommended this product and I love it.
Hope this helps!
