Shaving Hair

Question
QUESTION: I'm a 20 year old female and have been experiencing Telogen Effluvium due to low iron/poor diet since August. I'm aware that it'll grow back and everything but I'm just so sick of dealing with it in the shower and throughout the day. I've recently been thinking about shaving my head for cancer! I asked my hair dresser who knows about my telogen effluvium and she did not recommend it because she said the scalp will thicken up and it'll be harder for the hairs that I have lost to grow back in... is this true? Is shaving your head a bad idea while experiencing temporary hair loss?

Thanks!!



ANSWER: The advice you got has no basis in reality. You can shave your scalp and there will be no change in how fast your hair grows back or what quality it is. Actually we advise women to cut their hair short so it will all grow out evenly when it does grow, shaving is a bit more extreme but will make no difference. I think it is a good idea.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------



QUESTION: Thanks for the reply!

I was also wondering if it makes a difference in the shampoos and conditioners you use while so many follicles are exposed. Do drug store quality ones contain ingredients, such as wax, that will clog the follicle and possibly prevent regrowth? Is there any kind that you recommend? Thanks again :)


Answer
There is a lot of money spent by the cosmetic industry to make you think there is a difference in shampoos which will help you follicles grow better hair. Do not believe them. I recommend you use the shampoo which makes your scalp and hair feel better and make the hair more manageable. The only shampoo proven to perhaps make for better growing hair and a healthier follicle is one that has 1% zinc pyrithione such as Head and Shoulders or Neutrogena Daily Control Shampoo. I personally use daily and recommend a 2% zinc pyrithione shampoo, - DHSzinc made by Person-Covey.