Hi there,
Ever since I have been diagnosed with RSD I have been suffering from really matted hair, my hair used to be lovely before I had RSD but now it's horrible, it takes about 20 minutes for me to brush it in the morning - its so annoying. I have tried de-tangling spray but it doesn't help.
Does anyone else suffer from mattered hair? if so have you found anything that helps?
Thanks in advance
Love
Pain free hugs
Alison
_x_

Ever since I got my RSI & TOS injuries - I have just kept my hair short so a quick wash and fluff is all I need to do.

Do you take any supplements?
MSM is supposed to be good for many body cells- my hair, skin and nails improve when I take it. It 's also helpful for allergies, heartburn - just the whole body.
non toxic
double check for any meds interaction - but mostly safe.
Drug info and interaction checkers
http://www.drugintel.com/
http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
http://www.drugdigest.org

also I've read of using Mayonnaise or olive oil as a deep conditioner
- leave it on for hours and then wash out.

Hi Ali!

So my hair problems don't arise from RSD, but I can totally relate. My hair started falling out about 7 weeks ago, and it's devastating. My doctor finally figured out that I had no thyroid function and my iron levels were "ridiculously low."

I've been on prescription iron and synthroid, the synthetic version of the hormone that the thyroid produces for a month now, and I'm just starting to see a slowing in the hair loss. Everyone says that they would never know that I've lost any, but you get self conscious, you know? But really- my point is- these are two things that can really effect your hair. I know that personally I can fall into some pretty bad eating habits when the pain is really bad. I kind of stop eating. So maybe increasing the amount of iron in your diet could help you get back more spiffy hair. And it doesn't have to mean more meat! I'm a big fan of trail mixes- nuts and dried fruit have a lot of iron.

You can also get supplements that are specifically for hair and nails. Just watch what you are eating and try to get all of the vitamins and things that you need. Also- fish oil supplements- omega3 fatty acids are really great for skin and hair too. And nerve transmission! Can't hurt.

On a more practical note- Bed Head has some pretty great moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. And try a smoothing serum- something silicone based. These are great for eliminating the poofiness!

Linnie

I don't suffer from this but used to work in a hair salon. I also used to have damaged hair from another issue. Anyhow have you ever got a deep conditioner at the salon? It costs extra but really the protein in it helps a lot. I used to take biotin which is suppose to be good for nails and haie but check first to make sure its ok. Also enough protein and healthy fats in your diet. I agree about a good protein rich shampoo and conditioner for at home.

Hi Ali,
I use nothing but John Frieda products for my hair. I have brown hair, so I use the brilliant brunette shine release moisturizing shampoo, I then follow up with a conditioner. Depending on the type of hair you have get his conditioner too. there are one's for fine hair, dry, color-treated hair, and so on. I then use the John Frieda daily nourishment leave-in conditioning spray, followed by Frizz-ease hair serum Extra-strength formula. They are great. If they don't sell these products in the UK you can get a really good conditioner and when you rinse it out, do it real fast, so as some of it will remain in your hair. You will have really beautiful results, I kid you not. Hope this helps, Love ya~Desi

Hi Ali,
I am sure the fact that it is hard for you to brush your hair properly that it is losing condition and getting matted.
Can you enlist the help of one of your friends or family to give you a lovely scalp massage and hair brush a couple of times a week? That would be lovely for you.
I agree with the others about conditioner, a good leave in conditioner at least once a week will help to stop it clumping.
Our medications are also a major cause of hair loss and lack of condition too. Linnie, I am with you with the hair loss---over the last few weeks my shower floor looks like the floor of a hairdresser after a haircut.
I must get some Iron studies and TFT'S done instead of just putting it down to old age, medications and RSD/CRPS
Hope you can get some help Ali
Love Tayla

My hair is getting a lot of underneath curl and it has been matted lately. I believe it is because of the wrong conditioners though as others said.

I usually use Infusium 23 not the leave in but the regular conditioner and shampoo or Pantene shampoo and conditioner. Last month I tried the Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner and I don't like it at all.

As far as straigtening, I use a ceramic straightener then curl the ends, or I use the newest curlers that you only leave in for a few minutes.

I think we just have to work extra time on it. I'm like you, it's hard with hand problems and I have had this I don't care attitude for awhile so that hasn't helped on the way I take care of it.

We deal with a lot of pain and the depression doesn't help either. With depression we tend to let ourselves go more.

Maybe you could get your Mom to help comb it and fix it for you every few days. That might help you feel better about yourself too.

I hope you have a good Thanksgiving.

Ada

Many thanks for all your replies.
My mom brushes my hair most of the time but even she as problems brushing it. I have started to use a de-tangling spray and it does help a bit but I still have matted hair. I shampoo my hair daily using Dove 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner.
I will ask my mom to give me a scalp massage as I am sure that it will be relaxing.
Sorry for taking so long to reply, I have had problems with my computer and terrible pain in my leg.
Hope you are all Ok.
Love
Alison

Sorry to hear about your puter and your leg, Ali.... I hope both are feeling better soon.

Unless your hair gets excessively oily, daily shampooings aren't necessary. The more you subject your hair to, the more it gets damaged.

Try not to use any shampoos or conditioners that are high in wax content... ingredients like proplyparaben and methylparaben. Anything that has "paraben" in it's name is a wax. They make your hair look nice and shiny, but with time, they weigh your hair down and give it a waxy coating. At that point, you can't get any color, conditioner, or perm to stick. Many hair dresser will tell you that they don't perm or color hair that has been subjected to Pantene. You can't donate your hair to "Locks of Love" if you use pantene, either. They made sure I knew that when I first signed up for the program.

Just try to let your hair be it's natural self, it will reward you for the effort.

Hey Ali,

I am having a ton of problems with matted tangled horrible hair... And reccently it started falling out just on the right side .... I have tried everything ... I use redken smooth down which is very good for thick hair and follow up with leave in conditioner... To no advale... The tangles are still there and it makes me so mad... I cant brush my own hair god forbid it drys like that i am in big trouble so i have to wait for someonoe to be up or home to pull all the hair outta my head with a brush... I take the MSM... it has helped my nails alot... I am such a freak about my hair it makes me cry each time more more and more falls out and having to run the brush through the senstive sides of my head because i have rsd there... UGH... Wish i could give you an answer to why its happening but i am asking the doc on thursday maybe he will know more...


Good luck ali...

Much love and hugs J!