Hypothyroidism: the Frustration of Dry, Fine, and Thinning Hair

A common issue for hypothyroid people is fine, dry, slow-growing and/or thinning hair. In some cases, especially with bad treatment, balding spots can occur (more on that another time).  If you're like me and have experienced these kinds of hair issues, you know its really upsetting and frustrating.

I am here to share some hope and a few tips.  Upon getting the right thyroid treatment I  noticed my overall hair quality has improved greatly.  Prior to thyroid treatment my hair was so dry, I could go 4-5 days without washing it because there was so little oil production my scalp just didn't get greasy. This always amazed me, but I never realized the issue was an underlying health problem!

Prior to treatment and especially after pregnancy, I started losing hair like crazy.  Especially around the my forehead the hair was short, very fine, thinning, and never grew. The shower drain was always clogged from all the hair loss.  Further, my hair color was turning a dull ashy tone which just didn't look right.  I am pretty sure the hair color change wasn't just age, because now on thyroid treatment my natural hair color tone has warmed up a lot (and is no longer ashy).

Also after treatment I now have to wash my hair every other day because there is more oil production, which is a good thing because my hair is less dry and brittle.  The most exciting part is that the hair loss has diminished considerably! About six months after starting treatment on natural desiccated thyroid medicine I noticed the shower drain wasn't clogging. This was incredible, I almost cried when I realized I wasn't losing nearly as much hair.

Even on treatment though my hair is still delicate and can easily dry out, also because of damage from hair color and highlights. So I have to be extra careful about styling products and shampoo. Recently, I found a few great products for hypothyroid hair which I totally love and want to share.

Moroccan Oil for Dry, Brittle Hair

Moroccan Oil makes my hair really soft, without being greasy or heavy. The oil soaks into the hair root and protects against the heat of a blow dryer and flat iron. Apply a nickel sized amount to clean, wet hair.  My stylist said if my hair starts to feel too greasy just stop using the Moroccan Oil for a few washes. Its expensive but lasts a long time and, aside from thickening cream, its the only styling product I need.

Full Thickening Cream for Volume

Recently at Sephora I got a free sample of a Full Thickening Cream by Living Proof and I love it.  With hypothyroidism, hair volume and thin hair are a problem. Even with proper treatment, my hair is still fine so I need help with volume. But other hair thickening products I've tried were either sticky or smelled bad.  Full Thickening Cream by Living Proof is lightweight, non-greasy and smells nice.  It leaves my hair soft, but also gives my hair good volume.  And it can be used with Moroccan Oil.

If you have any great products please share, the girls need to know!

xxoo

Lizzy

Please note: I don't get kickbacks for these recommendations.  The products may not work for you since this is just in my experience with my own specific hypothyroid issues.