Thinning hair or loss is common among Odapus (people with lupus). Whether caused by lupus or a side effect of drugs, this can be a serious problem, especially when the hair doesn’t grow back.
Hair Problems With Odapus
When Minter started losing hair because of lupus at the age of 25, he was shocked – and angry. This high school teacher has also experienced other symptoms of lupus, at a time when she is preparing to marry. “” What caused the most trouble was: I started losing my hair, “” said Minter. “” At that point, I wasn’t even sad — just really angry.?
Thinning hair or loss is common among Odapus (people with lupus). Whether caused by lupus or a side effect of drugs, it can be a serious problem, especially when the hair doesn’t grow back.
For 44 year old Karen Patch, a senior technical architect for a software company, hair loss dramatically changes perceptions against himself. “” I have long hair, which is very proud of, “” he said. But by the time he was in his 20s, and experienced some hair loss, he styled his hair in a ponytail because this hairstyle made the loss less noticeable.
Odapus’ hair thinning or loss can be temporary, when the disease is active or permanent if the hair follicles are also damaged in the skin disorder on the surface of the scalp (discoid). You who experience this need not give up, you can take the following steps to regain your confidence:
Find Your Hair Style
Find a hairstylist you trust, says Gail Lockwood, owner and expert hair stylist at Urban Organic Hair Design. “” A good hairdresser can be just as important as a good doctor, “” he said. “” You want someone who understands what you are going through and can help maintain your appearance. “” Lockwood advises Odapus clients to keep their hair short to prevent further damage. “” Hair in a bob is great for them and works for different looks, “” says Lockwood.
Vickie Lacey, owner of Vanasons Salon in Atlanta, agrees. He suggests cutting the hair with a light layer to give it a thicker effect.
Treat Your Hair Well
The right product can affect the health and strength of hair and even help maintain it ?, says Lacey. The salon uses natural products and is perfect for people with sensitive scalps and brittle hair.
Lockwood recommends hair loss treatment systems such as Nioxin, an organic hair care product that uses peppermint tea and oil to help prevent further hair loss. “” If you take drugs like cortisone, your hair is already dealing with a lot of chemicals, “” he says. “” A herbal shampoo will protect hair, clear the scalp from drug buildup in the follicles, and stimulate new hair growth. “”
If your hair is basically thin, coarse, curly, or dry, then your hair needs a lot of moisture. If your hair is healthy and radiant, look for products that add volume or color. “” The darker the hair, the fuller it looks, “” he said. Lockwood advises avoiding products that contain ammonia, especially hair straighteners, which can cause dry and damaged hair.
Using Headgear
Women with very much hair loss can also have options. Patch, who has discoid lupus, often wears a wig. ? Personal shopping for a wig for the first time is quite difficult. I went to the store but didn’t know what I wanted, “” he said. “” The employees are trying to help, but it’s really difficult. “”
The online shop really helped him experiment. “” There is a type of wig called monofilament, which is made of synthetic material but looks like real hair and scalp, “” he said. “” Wigs from human hair tend to be more brittle and do not suit me. “” He stated that now he can change his hairstyle often and often get praise for his appearance.
Minter prefers a hair clip that fits his style. She wore it to her wedding two months later. “” This is the best part I’ve ever worn. “”
Lockwood and Lacey note that there is a new way of connecting hair that won’t damage even the most brittle hair. “” Leave the way of connecting the hair (hair extensions) that use glue or tape, including fusion, “” said Lockwood. “” Try microlinks, which are strand by strand and very light. “” Lacey advises.
Heather Farrell, 40 years old, has discoid lupus associated with alopecia 11 years ago, and is also undergoing chemotherapy which causes hair loss. “” I lost a lot of hair, “” he said. “” The first time was the most difficult because I really didn’t expect it. The wig didn’t suit him, so he shaved his head. “” I’ll wear a hat or a bandana when I go out, or a scarf. It is better. “”
One busy morning, he left the house without his head covering. “” That’s terrible. I went to work and realized I had nothing in my head, and didn’t know what to do. I don’t want to get out of the car. “” After a hard day she finally realized that she had enough problems to deal with. “I don’t have the energy to worry about other people’s opinions.” There are still tough days, but now Farrell uses his energies to educate others about lupus.
Patch says the support group (support group) is helping him get through the tough days. “” It helps me come to terms with the fact that my hair won’t come back. Humor, friends, and family support really help ?, he says. “” Sometimes you feel like, well, it’s just hair. With everything going on, why am I so angry?
Even though it is a problem, it is very helpful to be able to talk to someone who knows what it’s like to lose hair. “”
This support group also helps her overcome her fear of people’s views. another. “” I want to make other people aware, and I’m not afraid to show who I am. “”
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Source: By Emily Wojcik, The Lupus Foundation of America? s Magazine, Lupus Now, Spring 2012