Wigs.
Has anyone had to get a wig to coverup the hair loss?

No, but I bought hair extensions, clip ins. Your hairstylist can help you match your color and order them for you, they are amazing.

OMG! Hair loss?
I've only been on OP three weeks, is hair loss common on this
program? first I have heard!

Thanks for any info!

D

Hair loss is common with ANY rapid fat loss. There was a post a long while back that explained why it happens, but it has to do with hormones that your body releases when you lose weight quickly, it makes some of your hair follicles go dormant.

It DOES grow back - and you can take a Biotin supplement to help reduce the effects. I experienced a lot of hair thinning around my hairline, I hit my goal weight and started phasing off at the beginning of February and I've already noticed a little new growth coming back.

I was concerned about the hair loss too when I first heard about it but I've had no issues thankfully. I've been on IP since Jan 11/13.

I asked my hair dresser about this and she said I was not losing any hair. But she said her sister had lost 60 pounds on IP and had some hair loss. She said she had maintained her loss for over a year and her hair was back to normal. As Scorbett said this is common with any rapid weight loss.

Thanks for sharing this. I can't hear this enough. I have always been a bit compulsive about hair loss anyway, so this is a real "head challenge" for me on this plan. With my new outlook on life (no excuses, just do it -- now I sound like a Nike ad!), I guess mastering the hair compulsion will be another dragon I slay while on this plan.

Hair loss due to rapid weight loss generally appears around 3.5-4 months into the diet. I think the stats I've seen claim it can occur in anywhere from 10-25% of us. That's up to 1 in 4 of us!

Supplements can help, but take time to cause a noticeable difference. If you are concerned about hair loss it is better to start taking supplements now. My hair dresser recommended biotin 5000 mcg/day, omega 3-6-9 twice daily, and vitamin D3 daily.

I lost hair before month 3 (I'm on month 3 now). My hair started to thin around the front of my scalp around week 9. I'm taking Biotin now. (I know, its going to take time) and I'm trying not to sweat it too much. So far, its just me who really notices it. Because of the location of my hair loss, cutting bangs helped me to hide it a bit.

Wigs are a great idea!

I haven't had any hair loss, started IP in January. I was taking biotin long before I started IP but I upped my dosage to be safe. And I just wear wigs generally cause I like to switch up my hairstyles from one day to the next.

Just take the Omega 3. We get enough 6 & 9 in vegetable oil (yup, even the small amounts we add & what is in our packets).
For more info on fats, great book (very scientific) Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill.
Best to get a super-high quality Omega 3. Many lower-cost brands have rancid oil, which can actually cause more health problems!

If you're self conscious about losing hair and your hair thinning, an interesting secret I learned is to color you hair darker. Darkening your hair makes it appear fuller. I kind of thought it was baloney until I saw it work for my mom, who has really thin hair and got a super short haircut (debacle). Just "food" for thought. Haha, sorry, thats diet humor to this girl!