Topic Explanation
The forum discussion centers around hair thinning experienced by individuals post-ileostomy surgery, particularly those with Crohn's disease. The original poster (OP) had an ileostomy in May and has noticed significant hair thinning. They are seeking advice on whether their hair will grow back and how long it might take, noting that their bloodwork is still abnormal and their doctor has advised them not to worry.

Advice and Insights

1. Supplements and Vitamins:
- Prenatal vitamins and biotin supplements are recommended. One user mentioned taking 10,000 mcg of biotin daily in a chewable form, which is easily absorbed with an ileostomy.
- Multivitamins that include biotin can also be beneficial.

2. Hair Care Products:
- Using specific shampoos like Kitch shampoo and biotin shampoo can help.
- Avoiding conditioner and using a hair mask once a week was suggested.
- Switching to better quality shampoo and conditioner can reduce hair loss.

3. Hair Care Practices:
- Washing hair less frequently might help reduce hair thinning.
- Sleeping with hair up in a bun using a silk ponytail holder can prevent tangling and breakage.
- Using a handheld scalp massager during shampooing can stimulate the scalp and potentially reduce hair loss.

4. Medical and Health Factors:
- Hair loss can be a result of post-sepsis syndrome, major illness, surgery, exposure to anesthesia, and other forms of stress on the body.
- Telogen effluvium is a common condition where hair falls out due to stress or illness but usually grows back.
- Long-term use of medications, especially prednisone, can contribute to hair thinning.

5. Consulting Professionals:
- Consulting a dermatologist can provide insights into the multitude of factors contributing to hair loss.
- Discussing current medications with a primary care physician can help identify if they are contributing to hair thinning.

6. Personal Experiences:
- Hair loss post-surgery is common and can be alarming, but it often grows back over time.
- Some users experienced hair regrowth after several months, while others noted changes in hair texture (e.g., growing back curly then straight).
- Emotional support and staying positive are important during the recovery process.