I had started this hair loss blog a couple of years ago after having just experienced a hair loss episode. All the posts up until this one are from my previous blog. For some reason that I don’t seem to recall, I decided to delete my blog and call it a day just after 6 posts. And up until yesterday I was sure that all my previous posts were gone and that I had not saved them on to my new computer. Reason being I had bought a new computer shortly after that deletion episode and I was sure that I had wiped clean my previous laptop and that I hadn’t saved the posts on the new computer.
Well, yesterday I had a very pleasant surprise – I found my old blog posts!!! I was very happy to find them and my first thought was ‘wow, I can recreate my blog again!’. I really don’t know why I can’t remember saving these posts and how I hadn’t come across them….it’s not like I hid them or anything! In fact they were in plain sight in ‘My Documents’ in a folder titled ‘blog’. It is nearly a year and a half since I deleted the blog and got my new laptop and I did wonder sometimes where my blog would have been had I not deleted it. Today I have decided to resurrect by old blog and hopefully this time I will not delete it.
My previous blog was called ‘Hair Loss in Dubai’ and it was powered by WordPress. Now I have to decide what name to give it and which platform I should use. I used WordPress the last time because it was the only platform I knew but now I have some experience with Blogger. Also, I had to think about if I wanted to keep the same name? If you are reading this blog now you tell that I made my decision…..still the same name but using Blogger now! I kept the name because I still want to blog about hair loss but I also want to talk about any other topics that may be related to hair loss, health and general well being here in Dubai and the U.A.E.
So, I hope you will find this ‘new’ blog helpful and that I can share some of my experience and thoughts with you all. Feel free to leave your comments.
I experienced a period of hair loss in Dubai and this is my journey. Fortunately it was a brief period and I am now enjoying a period regrowth which I hope will last forever. Join me as I attempt to make this phase last with a healthy 'hair' lifestyle.
Saturday, 2 April 2011
My Personal Experience with Minoxidil (Regaine)– Does It Work?
I mentioned in an earlier post that I will be sharing my Minoxidil experience with you and here it is….
At the time when my hair loss was at its worst I started a using a product which I thought was my last resort. I had done a lot of reading about it after one doctor suggested it. Everything I read seemed to suggest not to use it!! But I had reached a stage where I felt it couldn’t really get any worse, so I took the plunge.
I am talking about Minoxidil or in other words Regaine (or Rogaine) as it more commonly known. Here in Dubai I was able to find it in most pharmacies in a little green box. I remember buying the first bottle at the pharmacy in Al Murooj complex on Sheikh Zayed Road. At that time it cost Dhs. 98 for a small 60ml bottle.
I was hesitant to use it because there were so many mixed views out there about this product in the web. Some people suggested that it worked great for them while other regretted the day they started using. But what scared me the most was the common thread among many discussions that once you start using it, you must continue to use it forever and ever…..or else your hair will off again.
But in the end, out of desperation I went ahead and started using it. The recommended use is twice a day so one fine evening I stuck the spray applicator on and put the fate of my hair on a small 60ml bottle. I think I used it for about 4 months – they say you don’t usually see any results until after 4 months but I had to stop using because I did see some effect already after almost 4 weeks. To be honest I didn’t apply it as religiously as I should have. I tried my best to apply it twice a day but this was often difficult especially when I was away from home due to work and/or arriving at my destination tired.
Why did I stop using Regaine? I stopped because it seemed to be working and a little too well at that. I felt I had a little regrowth on some of balding patches but when I also started getting hair on arms and on cheeks; I decided I had to stop it. I remember one day using some store-bought wax strips on my cheekbones and asking myself which is better – a bald head or a hairy face? None of the above if you are lady! Solutions for bald head – wear wigs or get transplants; solutions for hairy face and body – get a wax job. Tough decision to make especially with the knowledge that once you stop using Minoxidil you risk even further hair loss – well at least that’s I was reading.
I decide to stop Regaine and I have to tell you that my hair did NOT fall off. It’s nearly a year and a half today since my short stint with Regaine and my hair is almost back to its old glory days. I can’t tell for sure whether or not Regaine helped my hair grow back but I feel that it triggered some form of hair growth for me. Personally, I think the “you can never stop using Minoxidil” threath may be a scheme devised by the manufacturers – a lifetime commitment from us means more money for them!
So, if you are deciding on whether to start using Minoxidil for your hair loss, I hope my experience will help you in some way. You may or may not get: hairy cheeks/ regrowth/hair loss if and when you decide to stop using it.
Finally, if you decide to start using it then be prepared to put some money aside because it is not cheap. It is available in most pharmacies here but you may want to consider buying it online if it works to be cheaper.
At the time when my hair loss was at its worst I started a using a product which I thought was my last resort. I had done a lot of reading about it after one doctor suggested it. Everything I read seemed to suggest not to use it!! But I had reached a stage where I felt it couldn’t really get any worse, so I took the plunge.
I am talking about Minoxidil or in other words Regaine (or Rogaine) as it more commonly known. Here in Dubai I was able to find it in most pharmacies in a little green box. I remember buying the first bottle at the pharmacy in Al Murooj complex on Sheikh Zayed Road. At that time it cost Dhs. 98 for a small 60ml bottle.
I was hesitant to use it because there were so many mixed views out there about this product in the web. Some people suggested that it worked great for them while other regretted the day they started using. But what scared me the most was the common thread among many discussions that once you start using it, you must continue to use it forever and ever…..or else your hair will off again.
But in the end, out of desperation I went ahead and started using it. The recommended use is twice a day so one fine evening I stuck the spray applicator on and put the fate of my hair on a small 60ml bottle. I think I used it for about 4 months – they say you don’t usually see any results until after 4 months but I had to stop using because I did see some effect already after almost 4 weeks. To be honest I didn’t apply it as religiously as I should have. I tried my best to apply it twice a day but this was often difficult especially when I was away from home due to work and/or arriving at my destination tired.
Why did I stop using Regaine? I stopped because it seemed to be working and a little too well at that. I felt I had a little regrowth on some of balding patches but when I also started getting hair on arms and on cheeks; I decided I had to stop it. I remember one day using some store-bought wax strips on my cheekbones and asking myself which is better – a bald head or a hairy face? None of the above if you are lady! Solutions for bald head – wear wigs or get transplants; solutions for hairy face and body – get a wax job. Tough decision to make especially with the knowledge that once you stop using Minoxidil you risk even further hair loss – well at least that’s I was reading.
I decide to stop Regaine and I have to tell you that my hair did NOT fall off. It’s nearly a year and a half today since my short stint with Regaine and my hair is almost back to its old glory days. I can’t tell for sure whether or not Regaine helped my hair grow back but I feel that it triggered some form of hair growth for me. Personally, I think the “you can never stop using Minoxidil” threath may be a scheme devised by the manufacturers – a lifetime commitment from us means more money for them!
So, if you are deciding on whether to start using Minoxidil for your hair loss, I hope my experience will help you in some way. You may or may not get: hairy cheeks/ regrowth/hair loss if and when you decide to stop using it.
Finally, if you decide to start using it then be prepared to put some money aside because it is not cheap. It is available in most pharmacies here but you may want to consider buying it online if it works to be cheaper.
Antibacterial Soap and Hair Loss – Is There a Connection?
Many years back I started using antibacterial soap for my body – we were all told that it was good for general cleanliness and keeping unwanted odors at bay and it seemed to work. These days I even use it on my face – shocking I know – but let’s not discuss that here.
During the days when my hair was falling I came across an article in Men’s Health magazine which I liked reading from time to time. This article made wonder if antibacterial soap was responsible for my hair loss and it made me quit using my Lifebouy right there and then.
With a very catch title “Cleanliness is Next to Girliness”, the article (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071207150713.htm) mentioned a report which apparently showed that when antibacterial soap is absorbed it to the body it mimics testosterone, causing the body to slow down production of real testosterone. The report has been hotly debated but I didn’t want to take any chances so I stopped using anti-bacterial soap.
I am not sure if testosterone levels in women has any thing to do with hair loss but it got me scared and I though I didn’t want to be using anything that would disrupt any natural hormone production. If any one has any information to support or dispute this thought, feel free to share it.
During the days when my hair was falling I came across an article in Men’s Health magazine which I liked reading from time to time. This article made wonder if antibacterial soap was responsible for my hair loss and it made me quit using my Lifebouy right there and then.
With a very catch title “Cleanliness is Next to Girliness”, the article (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071207150713.htm) mentioned a report which apparently showed that when antibacterial soap is absorbed it to the body it mimics testosterone, causing the body to slow down production of real testosterone. The report has been hotly debated but I didn’t want to take any chances so I stopped using anti-bacterial soap.
I am not sure if testosterone levels in women has any thing to do with hair loss but it got me scared and I though I didn’t want to be using anything that would disrupt any natural hormone production. If any one has any information to support or dispute this thought, feel free to share it.
Where Do You Live – Is There a Link Between Your Location and Hair Loss?
During my 10+ years here in Dubai, I have resided in a number of locations and it makes me wonder if there is any correlation between my hair cycle and which part of Dubai I was living in
My journey across the Dubai’s residential landscape has allowed me to live in a few lovely locales – starting from when I first arrived to where I am currently residing. :
Jumeirah – Sheikh Zayed Road – Jumeirah – Sheikh Zayed Road –Mirdif – Springs.
It was at my second time round living on Sheikh Zayed Road when I really started to notice the hair loss. Then for some time I was in between this residence and Mirdif and it was during this time that it was at its worst. I was in one of the older apartments blocks second time round on Sheikh Zayed Road and I have to say that the showers were pretty ancient and I guess so were the pipes that brought the water. Mirdiff, however was in a new villa and am sure all the water system there are in pretty good condition. It therefore couldn’t be the plumbing since I was exposed to both new and old plumbing. So could it be just the actual water in the city that was causing all the damage?
A while back there was an article in the National titled ‘Mystery hair loss afflicts the UAE (http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090810/NATIONAL/708099912/1040). I remember reading and thinking to myself that I am one of those people with the mystery affliction. But when I think about it, I have had periods of good and bad hair, so could it really be the water? Was it something else causing my hair loss or was it just a natural hair cycle that I was going through.
I considered using a shower filter at one point as I heard it may help but I never really got around to doing it. A friend however has a filter installed and she noticed some change after a while of using it – said it felt softer and was breaking a much. She got hers at the Union Co-Op and it wasn’t too expensive if I recall correctly. Might be worth a try…..I am still considering installing one even after all these years.
My journey across the Dubai’s residential landscape has allowed me to live in a few lovely locales – starting from when I first arrived to where I am currently residing. :
Jumeirah – Sheikh Zayed Road – Jumeirah – Sheikh Zayed Road –Mirdif – Springs.
It was at my second time round living on Sheikh Zayed Road when I really started to notice the hair loss. Then for some time I was in between this residence and Mirdif and it was during this time that it was at its worst. I was in one of the older apartments blocks second time round on Sheikh Zayed Road and I have to say that the showers were pretty ancient and I guess so were the pipes that brought the water. Mirdiff, however was in a new villa and am sure all the water system there are in pretty good condition. It therefore couldn’t be the plumbing since I was exposed to both new and old plumbing. So could it be just the actual water in the city that was causing all the damage?
A while back there was an article in the National titled ‘Mystery hair loss afflicts the UAE (http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090810/NATIONAL/708099912/1040). I remember reading and thinking to myself that I am one of those people with the mystery affliction. But when I think about it, I have had periods of good and bad hair, so could it really be the water? Was it something else causing my hair loss or was it just a natural hair cycle that I was going through.
I considered using a shower filter at one point as I heard it may help but I never really got around to doing it. A friend however has a filter installed and she noticed some change after a while of using it – said it felt softer and was breaking a much. She got hers at the Union Co-Op and it wasn’t too expensive if I recall correctly. Might be worth a try…..I am still considering installing one even after all these years.
How does your other half or family member/s deal with your hair loss?
At the time when my hair was falling, one of my biggest fear was that my other half (now my husband) would no longer find me attractive and would leave me. I would have nightmares of how I would have to hide my bald patches and how I’d have to wear wigs if I lost all my hair.
On many occasions I wondered if my partner would still love me if I had no hair. No matter how many time he tried to reassure me I still felt very scared. I knew one of the things he loved about me was my thick curly hair – and if I lost that I feared losing him as well. I guess this is something us ladies will always worry about and I guess it must be the same for men as well.
Anyway, I am just relieved that I didn’t have to find out the answer to that terrifying question. Having a supportive partner, family or friends is important to help us either to come to terms with hair loss or to making those important decisions on which treatments to pursue. I wish all the women (and men) going through any hair loss have all the support they need. If not just shout out and am sure there will be a lot us ladies who will be able to offer support.
On many occasions I wondered if my partner would still love me if I had no hair. No matter how many time he tried to reassure me I still felt very scared. I knew one of the things he loved about me was my thick curly hair – and if I lost that I feared losing him as well. I guess this is something us ladies will always worry about and I guess it must be the same for men as well.
Anyway, I am just relieved that I didn’t have to find out the answer to that terrifying question. Having a supportive partner, family or friends is important to help us either to come to terms with hair loss or to making those important decisions on which treatments to pursue. I wish all the women (and men) going through any hair loss have all the support they need. If not just shout out and am sure there will be a lot us ladies who will be able to offer support.
My Visit to The Dermatologist
My heart goes out to us women who are or have experienced hair loss. It just seems to me that some doctors don’t understand what we are going through or seem to take too long to realize there is a problem and that we need their help to fix it?
I visited two dermatologists when my hair was falling and I have to say that none of them were helpful. One of them did the regular blood work to check for any deficiencies or illnesses (I suspected Thyroid problem at one point), but the test came back normal and she sent me home and told me not to worry. The other tugged at my hair and said ‘hmm, it seems to be weak.’ and didn’t really seem too bothered about it. That’s when I started going online to find as much information as I could. My partner called it ‘self diagnosis’ and thought it wasn’t a good idea and that I should stick to the professionals.
My recommendation is to do as much research as you can online but try to find a really good doctor as well who can diagnose you properly in case there are any underlying conditions. I wish I had some names to recommend but I don’t – luckily my condition improved before I got really desperate for a good doctor. Today if you do a google search for ‘Dubai hair loss’, you will find plethora of clinics and medical centers offering hair loss treatments. Take your time and research them well before spending your well-earned Dirhams on a visit.
At least one credit I can give to the first doctor was that she mentioned Minoxidil in passing. I will share later my experience with Minoxidil and you can then tell me whether or not I should be thanking that doctor.
I visited two dermatologists when my hair was falling and I have to say that none of them were helpful. One of them did the regular blood work to check for any deficiencies or illnesses (I suspected Thyroid problem at one point), but the test came back normal and she sent me home and told me not to worry. The other tugged at my hair and said ‘hmm, it seems to be weak.’ and didn’t really seem too bothered about it. That’s when I started going online to find as much information as I could. My partner called it ‘self diagnosis’ and thought it wasn’t a good idea and that I should stick to the professionals.
My recommendation is to do as much research as you can online but try to find a really good doctor as well who can diagnose you properly in case there are any underlying conditions. I wish I had some names to recommend but I don’t – luckily my condition improved before I got really desperate for a good doctor. Today if you do a google search for ‘Dubai hair loss’, you will find plethora of clinics and medical centers offering hair loss treatments. Take your time and research them well before spending your well-earned Dirhams on a visit.
At least one credit I can give to the first doctor was that she mentioned Minoxidil in passing. I will share later my experience with Minoxidil and you can then tell me whether or not I should be thanking that doctor.
The First Five Years of Beautiful Hair In Dubai
I came to Dubai early 1999, straight out of college with shoulder length hair. For many years, my hair was always at this length and it would never go past my shoulders. All through high school and college, it was always the same length!
My first five years in Dubai was the best hair I had – it grew long (past my shoulders) and it had lots of volume. I loved my hair…but coming to think of it now I probably didn’t appreciate it much. I guess I took it for granted! I mostly kept it curly, which is how my natural hair is, and rarely straightened it. I washed it if not daily, then at least every other day. Why I had healthy beautiful hair back then I still don’t understand. Being young and carefree I couldn’t say that looking after my health was a priority. Smoke, drink, party and junk food were the order of the day. My fridge was rarely stocked with food – but I can tell you that there was always a big bottle of Cola in there. It was the last thing I drank at night and the first thing I drank in the morning – I kid you not!!
Why was my hair in such good condition during my first five years in Dubai? Could it be any of these reasons?
- I was in my early 20’s
- The water quality in Dubai was different back then
- I was using good hair products (I remember mostly using Pantene and L’Oreal products)
- I had a stress free job
I will discuss each of the above possible reasons in more detail in the posts to folow. Maybe by trying to understand each one better I just may be able to get my hair back to the way it was. Well, except maybe the first point as I am yet to discover a time machine to take me back to my 20’s.
My first five years in Dubai was the best hair I had – it grew long (past my shoulders) and it had lots of volume. I loved my hair…but coming to think of it now I probably didn’t appreciate it much. I guess I took it for granted! I mostly kept it curly, which is how my natural hair is, and rarely straightened it. I washed it if not daily, then at least every other day. Why I had healthy beautiful hair back then I still don’t understand. Being young and carefree I couldn’t say that looking after my health was a priority. Smoke, drink, party and junk food were the order of the day. My fridge was rarely stocked with food – but I can tell you that there was always a big bottle of Cola in there. It was the last thing I drank at night and the first thing I drank in the morning – I kid you not!!
Why was my hair in such good condition during my first five years in Dubai? Could it be any of these reasons?
- I was in my early 20’s
- The water quality in Dubai was different back then
- I was using good hair products (I remember mostly using Pantene and L’Oreal products)
- I had a stress free job
I will discuss each of the above possible reasons in more detail in the posts to folow. Maybe by trying to understand each one better I just may be able to get my hair back to the way it was. Well, except maybe the first point as I am yet to discover a time machine to take me back to my 20’s.
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