Curly hair after Accutane

Question

I had silky straight hair all my life. My last month on accutane I saw a weird change in my hair when the bottom has turned wavy.Then I stopped my treatment. I was told it will go back to straight but it’s been 3months and it’s still curly. I have also noticed that my hair growing from my scalp has turned wavy. Is there a chance that I get back to my old straight hair and how much time should I wait if so?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Accutane (isotretinoin) is known for its potent effects on skin, but it can also impact hair texture in some individuals. While changes in hair texture, such as increased waviness or curliness, are less commonly reported side effects, they can occur due to the drug's influence on sebaceous glands and possibly other mechanisms affecting hair growth.

Hair texture changes might persist for some time after completing your Accutane treatment. In many cases, hair may gradually return to its original texture as your body readjusts after the medication. However, this process can vary significantly from person to person, and there is no guaranteed timeline for when or if your hair will return to being straight.

Here are a few considerations and steps you might take:

Time and Observation: It may take several months for your hair texture to normalize after stopping Accutane. Continue to observe any changes over time.

Hair Care: Use gentle, hydrating hair care products to support the health of your hair. Avoid excessive heat styling or chemical treatments that could further alter your hair texture.

Consult a Dermatologist: If you are concerned about the changes in your hair texture or if it affects your quality of life, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can provide more personalized advice and check for any underlying issues that might be contributing to the change.

Patience and Acceptance: Sometimes hair texture changes can become permanent, and embracing the new texture might be the best approach. There are many styling techniques and products designed for wavy or curly hair that can help enhance and manage the texture.

Ultimately, while there is a possibility your hair may return to its original straight texture, it is not certain, and it can take time. Monitoring your hair's condition and consulting with a healthcare professional can provide further guidance.

Curly hair after Accutane

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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Curly hair after Accutane

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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