So here’s the deal.
I have always had fairly good hair. Not fabulous, but usually easy to work with with plenty of body and bounce.
That was then. This is now. I have officially transitioned from bad hair days to bad hair weeks!
In the last 6-8 weeks, my hair has undergone a most distressing metamorphosis. My hair stylist said it was the worst damage she has seen in a long time. The thing is, there is no obvious reason for it. It doesn’t seem to be related to chemical treatments because I only get highlights twice a year and have been doing that for years with no problem.
The only change I’ve made is in the past two months is starting two new medications for IBS. One is an over-the-counter med called IBGard and the other is the prescription med, Omeprazole. (Prolisec generic).
So I don’t know if it’s medication-related, or something to do with my thyroid (I did some online reading about all this), or an effect of menopause (I’m two years into that chapter of life) or a lack of vitamins of some sort? I just don’t know, but it’s driving a little bit batty.
I realize this is not a huge deal in the grand scheme of life, but I also know that hair health can be a reflection of overall health and so I can’t help but wonder if there’s some bigger issue afoot here that I’m overlooking.
I’m wondering if any of you (or someone you know) has taken either of those meds and had hair issues because of it. Or maybe you (or a hair stylist friend) might know of another reason hair might go from fairly lovely to fairly awful and what can be done about it. Because what’s the use of having so many wonderful, kind, and wise readers if I can’t go to you for advice, right? Thanks in advance!
Since I’m on the subject of hair and health and beauty, I wanted to mention that I recently watched a video of a particular blogger who set a timer and tried to do her makeup in under 5 minutes. (She succeeded!)
That got me to wondering how long my everyday makeup took.Turns out it is 3 minutes and 45 seconds. Add another minute or so for a quick style of the hair (with a product to reduce the dryness) and the addition of a scarf, and I am good to go. (I had washed and dried my hair earlier that morning so it just needed a little “finishing.”)
Let me close with another picture of my lovely Sarah and her new ‘do.(Sarah is the very personification of good hair days.)
What are you plans this weekend? Are you working? Traveling? Relaxing? I always love getting to take peeks into the lives of my fabulous readers.
My hair was always long, thick and needed daily washing until menopause. I also have a bunch on the comb after washing it! Disgusting! I try not to wash and blow dry it as much but in Michigan during the winter it takes forever to air dry. My skin also started getting dry after menopause. (Oh yeah, also have the little tummy pouch since menopause that I never had before and I’m not the least bit overweight!) We eat also eat healthy, no meds.
Sarah really does look like the young girl on Blue Bloods with her new haircut. Adorable!
Karen,
Yes, menopause does make itself known in a few unwelcome ways, doesn’t it?
And I definitely agree with you about not air drying your hair in winter in Michigan. A long (and chilly) process! 🙂
Try wearing a hat. It works for me!
Debbie,
You must be like Sarah, who looks great in hats. 🙂 The only kind I can find the courage to pull off is a baseball cap with sweat suit. I need to branch out a little bit!
I think you may be experiencing another nasty autoimmune disease that often goes hand in hand with RA, Lupus, etc. It would possibly be considered secondary in your case (I currently have it as my primary diagnosis).
Sjogren’s Syndrome might be the culprit. My hair is also dry from Sjogren’s. It causes moisture depletion as well as other systemic issues, one of which is IBS (I, too, have that lovely gift from Sjogren’s) since it can affect depletion of moisture everywhere in the body (brain, eyes, mouth, esophagus, ears, bowels, joints, kidneys, bladder, lungs, liver, pancreas, dry skin and brittle nails…..you get my drift). 🙂
Hopefully this info might solve your mystery (though I wouldn’t wish it on you).
Happy researching!
Becky,
Hmmm. I’d never heard of that so it was interesting reading! I’m sorry you have to deal with that; not an easy thing. I had a few of the symptoms but not the majority of them, so I’m hopeful that isn’t it. Definitely something to mention to my rheumatologist, though.
No answers on your hair issues, but it certainly comes out nicely after you do whatever you do to it! I agree…how do you do that wonderful transformation with your makeup???
Same old, same old for me this weekend, but grandson Donnie, one friend and his Mom and Dad will be going to see the Harlem Globetrotters as my Christmas gift to them. (I read an article last year about giving “experiences” instead of “things” for gifts. Saw a Groupon for the Globetrotters just before Christmas, and the rest will be history….tomorrow!
Jan,
I love the idea of “experiences” instead of gifts. And getting to see the Harlem Globetrotters?
I am beyond jealous!
Do not know about your hair problems but mine has gotten a lot drier in the past year. I used to wash mine daily due to oil. Now it is once or twice a week. Really do like Sarah’s hair style. Reminds me of Nikki on Blue Bloods. I use coconut shampoo and another one with moisturizer. Tomorrow I have a new experience. I will serve as “Honorary Casketbearer” for one of my Sunday school ladies. She was 97 and went to her heavenly home last Saturday night in MO where she had lived the past 4 1/2 years with her daughter. She was flown back here (NC) for services and burial at 2 pm Saturday.
Ann,
97 years old? What a rich, long life. I know it was a great honor for you to be selected as an honorary casket bearer.
I NEED your makeup tutorial. My eyes always look like your “before” eyes, even when I put make up on. Your before and after makeup pics look like a magazine ad! While not as dry as yours, my hair is dryer than it used to be (I’ve gone from oily/wash every day hair to washing once or twice a week) and I’m about 5 years into menopause. The only meds I take are Zoloft and also Maxalt for the lovely (please note the dripping sarcasm) migraines that intensified with the onset of menopause symptoms. I also want to thank you for your mom-jeans post. I finally bought some new ones, that I’m happy with!!
SueEllen,
I am so happy that the jeans post was so helpful to you. You made my day!
Isn’t menopause such a fun experience? (Yes, a little bit of added dripping sarcasm.) 🙂 I’m so sorry it has increased the incidences of your migraines. NOT a fun thing. Take good care of yourself!
I take omeprazole and have not had hair issues, but I did develop bothersome chapping/cracking at the corners of my mouth. I did some research and proton pump inhibitors can cause absorption issues for some vitamins, so it could be a vitamin deficiency of some sort.
Kelly,
That’s interesting about the absorption of various vitamins being blocked. I know that some vitamins can really affect the hair; I’ll have to look into that and start taking some supplements.
Your poor hair! I feel for you. We have a lot of daily Prilosec users in our family, both my siblings and 4 out of 6 grandchildren, and no one has had any hair changes. However, that does not mean that it couldn’t happen to you. I am more likely to think that it is due to menopause. My hair has changed dramatically. From straight and silky to curly and frizzy. It is out of control! Luckily, it isn’t thinning, which a lot of women have trouble with. So, there’s that. Maybe we should moisturize it somehow….
This weekend in DC is supposed to hit the 60s, so I would like to get Sarah out. I just came from taking her to a new dentist and, suffice it to say, after holding it together for most of the cleaning, she fell apart and had a full on crying jag that lasted all the way to the car and half way home. So tomorrow we should do something fun. Finding one’s way around DC is not for the faint-of-heart, however 🙂
Lesley,
Your words, “Finding one’s way around DC is not for the faint-of-heart,” is one of the biggest understatements of the century. When Steve, Sarah and I went for a few days two years ago, I was completely overwhelmed at the idea of living there and making sense out of the maze of roads. My hat is off to you for venturing out in it.
I agree with your idea that after a traumatic dentist appointment, a Fun Day is required. I hope you enjoyed whatever it was you chose to do!
Becky:
Is the omeprazole w/ or w/out bicarbonate? I’ve read info of possible thinning/loss of hair from that med! I’m on the one w/ bicarbonate & have the hair thing (not sure which of the many possibilities it is though)! However, low vitamin levels, especially B12 (I’ve been told), can affect hair/nails etc. Thyroid issues also can cause coarse, brittle hair as well!
How often do you wash your hair? Washing, drying, curling, etc., your hair too much can affect it negatively too!
That’s all I’ve got!
Any EGD results?
Jodi
Jodi,
I have no clue about the bicarbonate thing. I never even knew there was a difference!
I wash my hair 3-4 times a week which shouldn’t be too overly much, I wouldn’t think. I don’t have the time or energy to wash it anymore. 🙂
EGD results will wait until March 10 when I got back for a follow up visit.
wow… impressive results with your makeup routine.
no special plans for the weekend. the temp is 70 and it would be a great day to visit the zoo. however, too far to walk from the parking lot to the scooters. so, I’ll stay home and sew jumpers for Nicaragua.
Mrs. Pam,
Sewing jumpers for Nicaragua is a wonderful thing to do with one’s day!
Don’t know about the prescriptions and their potential side effects on your hair. I have low thyroid and my issue with it related to hair when I first was diagnosed was hair loss. I think it has gotten better since I’ve been on meds for it though. Sarah’s hair is cute! Plans for the weekend include finishing up pre-work on my taxes so when I get everything I need I can take to my tax accountant, possibly taking in a movie, church and normal weekend chores like laundry, etc.
Phyllis,
Going to a movie is always so much more fun when you know you’ve already done your non-fun stuff like taxes. Hope you found a good one to see!
I love your cut and color (and Sarah’s cut, too!)! I don’t know about the prescriptions that you are taking. However, I do have thyroid issues and am just beginning menopause and have the same problem with my hair. I “co-shampoo” with a moisturizing shampoo (Diamond Oil by Redken) and alternate with Wen. Once a month, I do a coconut oil intensive treatment by warming some coconut oil for a few seconds in the microwave. I then run it all through wet hair and wrap in a plastic bag and a towel. I leave it on anywhere from an hour or longer. It does take a good shampooing to get it all out, but it leaves your hair shiny and silky! So, I feel your pain. Good luck.
Debbie,
I did try putting olive oil on my hair for about 30 minutes which didn’t make much a difference. I will have to give coconut oil a try; I’ve heard it’s good for a lot of health/beauty issues.
Thanks for the compliment on my cut/color. Since I’ve disliked my hair a lot lately, that made me feel encouraged. 🙂
Sorry about your hair woes, but I think it still looks good! And I immediately though of Audrey Hepburn when I saw Sarah’s new hairdo photo.
Melissa,
Yes, Sarah definitely has the Hepburn Vibe going on! 🙂
My first thought on your hair was Rx…..This weekend, I am involved in a silent auction to raise funds for our stair climb team which is for the Luekemia, lymphoma Society. And then of course there will be some knitting time. And church.
Nicole,
I have never heard of a stair climb team so I Googled it. Sounds like a fun undertaking,especially knowing you are making a difference to people with cancer. THANK YOU for doing that!
I don’t usually have a whole lot of hair issues so I really can’t help with that. I do know people that will put conditioner in the hair, comb it through and leave it for a couple of hours and then wash their hair. I guess as long as no one comes to the door, it might be worth a shot!! Daytona 500 this weekend so we are planning a big smorgasbord party. I wish I had Sarah’s courage when it comes to changing my hairstyle. I have worn it the same way for years and years and years and……… I am sure you get the point. It doesn’t seem to matter what style she tries, it just suits her.
Mel,
I agree with you; changing one’s hairstyle can be a little on the traumatic side. I, too, wish I had Sarah’s style-changing aplomb! Our daughter-in-law, Meagan, also changes her style frequently and looks good in everything she tries. I’m not quite that brave.
A Daytona Smorgasbord sounds like a delicious way to spend your weekend. I hope you had great fun!
I wonder if you need some vitamin too, but I am no hair expert, I just wash and comb.. any way I take omeprazole every day, and have for years and have no problem. but then I also take a long list of other drugs for other things so maybe its the combination
good luck, hope you get it resolved soon
Sharon,
It’s good to hear about someone taking Omeprazole for many years without any side effects. Thanks for letting me know that.
Hair frustration….ugh. I have the thyroid issues and it doesn’t cause that type of hair problems. And the menopause doesn’t either. Hmmm. Vitamin deficiency?
We are going to see our kids and grandkids this weekend. We will go in the morning (1-1/2 hour drive) and spend the weekend. It’s been about a month since we last saw them so we need our family/kids/little people ‘fix’! Our granddaughter specifically requested a trip to the park to ‘fwing’ (can’t quite say the S’s yet…so cute) so we will go and fwing! I will also be doing some shopping for some clothes to wear to a convention in New Orleans in March. My daughter and daughter-in-love will be my fashion advisors. Bless their hearts! I will also be keeping all of the fashion advice that you have posted in mind as I tackle this. Thanks, in advance. I know it will help! 🙂
Sarah’s hair is totally it. She looks awesome and just glows!
LeeAnne,
Fwinging? LOVE it! 🙂
How fun to get to go shopping with your daughter and daughter-in-law! Glad you have some good fashion advisers in your life and I’m happy the bits of advice that I have written about might make a little difference as you shop.
Sarah’s hair is ‘the bomb’! It’s a perfect style for her. I used to love her longer hair but this was the right move. She is beautiful!
I don’t have any suggestion about your hair but I know the feeling. Mine is so thin I look like I’m going bald! I think it is inherited. My Mom and my aunt were the same way. Hope you can work out something to bring back your beautiful hair.
Bev,
I also think Sarah looked nice in long hair but somehow this short style seems to suit her the best. She LOVES that it takes a very short time to style. I’m very jealous of that. 🙂
It’s interesting that hair conditions can be genetic. I guess I hadn’t really thought of that much until you mentioned it.
Could you possibly be deficient in a vitamin in your body, such as magnesium or calcium? Perhaps as a symptom of IBs? My Dr.once told me that it can take up to half a year for changes in the body to be reflected in hair. When i once had large strands of hair falling out in the shower he had me look months back to see what was happening back then in my health.
Also, have u tried hot oil treatments? I’ve gotten some from the grocery store beauty aisle for a few dollars snd they help my hair. And make me feel temporarily like a pampered princess when i use them lol! I also find hair products with argan oil really help my hair dryness.
Jenna,
That’s so interesting about the “half a year” thing. I’ve been looking back two months but never would have thought of looking back six months. Of course, who can ever remember what they were doing six months ago? 🙂
I think I do need to try hot oil treatments of some sort. Logically, it seems like they would add moisture and make a difference. And if they make me feel like a pampered princess? All the better!
Sudden loss of moisture could be any of those things. Prayers up, Becky. Frustrating when our “crowning glory ” dulls!
Guerrina,
Yeah, my crowning glory has turned into a dried up glory. Oh well! 🙂
Menopause. Pure-and-simple explanation for the hair. I have the same issue, and my hair stylist “diagnosed” my dry/frizzy/crinkly/steel-wooly hair as being related to menopause. She said she sees it all the time. (I take zero meds, but my VitD is low, so I do take a supplement for that.)
Sarah’s new haircut is adorable! And I’ve always admired your “look” – you have a certain style that’s very becoming. 🙂
Stefanie,
“Dry/frizzy/crinkly/steel-wooly hair ” I love your description although I don’t love being the embodiment of that description. 🙂
What I don’t get is that I’ve been in menopause 2 years. Seems like it should have showed up earlier. Or maybe it’s a delayed reaction thing.
Thanks for your sweet compliment; made me feel a little better about myself today!
I use WEN shampoo, and enjoy good hair days, weeks and years!
Kathie,
I’ve always wanted to try that brand but never wanted to spend the money.
I may just get desperate enough to give it a whirl! I would love to be able to say I have “good hair days, weeks and years!”