How Bariatric Surgery Affects Your Hair and Scalp Health
Undergoing bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision that can significantly improve your overall health and well-being. However, it’s also common to experience hair changes after surgery, including increased shedding, thinning, brittle strands, dryness, or even changes in scalp oil production. Let’s break down why this happens and what you can do about it.
Why Hair Changes After Bariatric Surgery
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Surgical Stress and Anesthesia Effects
Any major surgery places stress on the body, and bariatric surgery is no exception. This stress can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium, where hair follicles shift prematurely from the growth phase (anagen) to the shedding phase (telogen). Additionally, anesthesia used during the procedure can temporarily relax the hair follicles, further contributing to hair loss. -
Nutritional Deficiencies
After bariatric surgery, your body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients, which is essential for weight loss but can create challenges for hair health. Nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, B9 (folate), B12, D, and C are critical for hair growth and follicle strength. A lack of these nutrients results in weak, brittle hair and increased shedding. -
Hair is Not a Vital Organ
From your body’s perspective, hair is non-essential. When nutrients are scarce, your body prioritizes vital organs like the brain and heart over your hair. As a result, the blood supply to your hair follicles is reduced, leading to slower growth and weaker hair. -
Hormonal Shifts
Bariatric surgery often leads to significant hormonal changes as fat stores release hormones like estrogen. These fluctuations can temporarily impact the hair cycle and scalp health, causing oil production to increase or decrease making the hair feel dry and brittle or greasy and lank.
How to Support Hair Health Post-Surgery
Maintaining healthy hair after bariatric surgery requires a combination of internal and external care. Here's how you can support your scalp and strands during this time:
Internal Care: Nutrition and Supplements
- Prioritize Protein: Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein. Incorporating high-protein foods like lean meats, eggs, and legumes is crucial.
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Take Your Supplements: This is non-negotiable. Nutritional deficiencies can worsen hair issues, so follow your healthcare provider's supplement recommendations that are prescribed to you. Here's a quick run down on some nutrients that are important.
- Biotin: Supports keratin production.
- Iron: Essential for oxygen transport to hair follicles.
- Zinc: Aids in tissue repair and follicle health.
- Vitamin D: Regulates the hair growth cycle.
- Omega-3s: Help maintain scalp health.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate dryness and brittleness in your hair.
External Care: Scalp and Hair Treatments
To maximize blood flow to the scalp and ensure nutrient-rich blood reaches your follicles, focus on products that encourage plant-based vasodilation (improved blood flow). This can stimulate the hair growth cycle and combat thinning.
Product Recommendations from Halo Haircare:
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Nourished By Hair and Scalp Oil
- This oil promotes scalp health and improves blood flow, thanks to its plant-based ingredients. Use it as a pre-wash scalp massage treatment to stimulate circulation and create an optimal environment for hair growth.
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Stimulate and Strengthen Shampoo
- Formulated to invigorate the scalp, this shampoo encourages better blood flow while cleansing and strengthening hair from the roots.
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Strengthen and Shine Conditioner
- This conditioner nourishes strands with moisture while reinforcing their strength, helping to combat brittleness and dryness caused by post-surgery nutrient deficiencies.
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Revitalise Serum
- Packed with extracts like green tea and red clover, this serum boosts growth by stimulating dormant follicles and encouraging healthier hair over time.
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Reinforcement Treatment
- A weekly bond repairing treatment designed to deeply condition and repair damaged, brittle strands. Working as a twofer with plant-based vasodilation to ignite healthy hair growth and fortifies the hair shaft, restoring moisture balance.
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Rejuvenate Dust
- A supercharger active powder that can be added to any of our Halo range to increase the potency of the active properties. Mix with oil to exfoliate the scalp, mix with shampoo to ignite growth and deep cleanse the scalp, mix with with conditioner to turn into a deep condition product or add to your favourite styling to increase volume and hold while utilising your oil production.
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Hydrated Halo Pre-Treat
- For those experiencing dryness or brittle ends, this pre-treatment deeply hydrates and restores elasticity to parched strands.
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Heat Halo
- A heat-protectant solution designed to lock in moisture while protecting your hair from damage caused by styling tools and environmental damage.
Additional Tips for Healthy Hair Post-Surgery
- Scalp Massages: Regular scalp massages with oils like Nourished By can increase circulation and encourage hair growth.
- Gentle Styling: Avoid tight hairstyles and limit heat styling to prevent further stress on your strands.
- Consistency is Key: Stick with your routine and give your hair time. Post-surgery hair loss is usually temporary and will improve as your body adjusts.
The Takeaway
Bariatric surgery is a remarkable step toward improved health, but it comes with temporary challenges for your hair. By focusing on nutrition, taking supplements, and using targeted topical treatments, you can support your hair's health and minimize the impact of these changes.
If you're looking for high-quality, science-backed hair care solutions, explore our full range of products at Halo Haircare. Your hair deserves a little extra love during this transition—and we're here to help.
