Male. Help! 4 months after bleaching, my hair is thinner than ever. Is it because of bleach or am I balding? (Photo)

Question

I used to have very thick hair. Over the past 2 years, I have bleached my hair multiple times, sometimes harshly (using 40 developer). The bleach went up against the scalp as well. I've stopped bleaching my hair, but now all new hair that grows in isn't as thick as it used to be, and this is 3 or 4 months since my last bleaching. My hair was thick 6 months ago. Is this temporary and will my hair eventually come back to normal, or am I balding? Could bleach accelerate baldness?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are losing hair and would like a medical diagnosis, it would be best to see a doctor for an examination.Bleaching does not cause hair loss.

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

Bleach is very hard on the hair and scalp. If you noticed balding right after bleaching this may be a sign that your hair does not like the bleach and it is causing it to fall out. It is also possible that you are experiencing hair loss not caused by the bleach. Sometimes, if certain hairs were weak and programmed for falling out soon, things like harsh bleach can shock them and cause them to fall out. If this is the case, the hairs will most likely not return. While hair transplantation may be an option for you at some point, you should do your best now to maintain the hair you have now. You can do this by refraining from bleaching it, taking a hair loss medication, using minoxidil shampoo, buying a laser cap to promote hair growth, etc. This will allow you to maintain the health of your hair, ward off continued hair loss, and extend the time before you may need a hair transplantation.
You can also look into PRP treatments as they may be able to help with early hair loss.

Heather Lee, MD · Answer

Hair typically takes 90-120 days to cycle, so you may just now start to see some regrowth.  Using harsh chemicals can be traumatic to the hair follicles and cause the hair to fall out just like any other stressor.  However, if it is due to chemical stress, the hair loss is typically reversible. Whether or not you are also experiencing the beginning of male pattern baldness is difficult to determine at this time.  If you don't feel like you are improving, I would recommend seeing a hair restoration expert. Best of Luck

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Bleaching can cause permanent damage to the ahir elow the skin if done done properly. That is why most people have their hair dyes by a professional. See a doctor who might be able to tell you the degree of damage you have

Male. Help! 4 months after bleaching, my hair is thinner than ever. Is it because of bleach or am I balding? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bleaching

Answer: Bleaching

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Male. Help! 4 months after bleaching, my hair is thinner than ever. Is it because of bleach or am I balding? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bleaching

Answer: Bleaching

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.