Hello everyone!!

I'm completely new on this website but seeking urgent help!!

Ill provide you with my hair history. First of all I belong to Sikh religion (from India) and we are not supposed to trim our hair (no matter what, yes thats true for whole lifetime).. I had quite healthy and thick hair but they weren't really long.. If I'd straighten them, they would reach my waist.. I got married and came to the US in 2007... Since then I have been facing a lot of hair problems.. My hair started to fall off (real bad) and now thinning out too :( Hair loss is extreme.. I went to a doctor and she asked me to take Vitamin D as she diagnosed me with low levels of Vit. D.. It helped me for a while but I came back to square one.. loosing hair all over again and have many split ends...

Even though its against my religion, I'm thinking of getting a trim to get rid of my damaged hair..

Can anyone please recommend me the healthiest diet tips and the best shampoo and conditioner for my hair..

Anything at this point is welcome..

Please help!! :-[

Hi, bunchofroses and welcome to LongLocks.

There's a lot of factors that come to my mind that could contribute to the change in your hair: the stress of moving to a different country and culture could be contributing to your hair loss.  The water here is different.  The climate may be quite different.

In order to get rid of the damaged ends, they must be cut off.  The damage will increase the longer the splits are there, because the splits travel up the hair shaft.

To maintain healthy hair from the inside: stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet.  Drink plenty of water, limit caffeine and eat fruits, veg, nuts, eggs and fish.
Regular scalp massages may help with the falling hair.  I really like Neem oil to keep the scalp healthy.  Use products that are sulfate free and gentle.  Deep condition regularly to prevent splitting.  I have thick, naturally wavy hair and I like DevaCurl No Poo & One Condition and Max Green Alchemy Scalp Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner for my regular routine and Ouidad Deep Treatment and Karen's Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Moisturizing Hair Mask.

I recognize you are in an uncomfortable position, to choose to go against your religion.  If you get the ends trimmed, you can focus on good hair care and then perhaps never get your hair cut again.

I'm curious-do you keep your hair covered or braided?

I wish you Good Luck whatever you choose to do.

Namaste

Hello bunchofroses,
There are so many factors indeed involved with your hair challenges.   You're at the right site to get advice,try recipes and give and receive answers. 
Sakina brings up many good points and advice.  I recommend sleeping on a satin pillow case,using a seamless wide tooth comb and if at all possible a natural boar bristle brush.  Ric, the combmaker makes beautiful wooden combs.  I have one and use it.  Check his site out when you have a chance.  It's www.combmaker.com
Staples are drinking plenty of water and a healthy diet.  Browse around the site......look at the recipes,growing long hair(you're already there,but there are good rules or tips to be followed by all who want healthy hair.)
Above all,relax and ask questions!  We are all here to learn from each other and give and offer advice.
Keep us posted on your journey.  Feel free to ask more questions :)

Hi Sakina and CurlGirl,

Thank you for your valuable comments.. I have already started to work on my hair... I know I will need to get my hair trimmed coz that will help me get rid of my damaged hair.. I am planning to do so in sometime.. I have also started to use some recommended products on this site.. I have switched to Nature Gate's Shampoo and conditioner and Infusium 23 Repairologie... I hope they show some results with time.. I am also massaging my scalp with Jojoba oil and have bought a showerhead with chlorine filter...

Hopefully, all this will help me regain my strong and healthy hair.. I feel so depressed seeing them so thin and short..

I have another question... I heard someone mentioning to me once that she trimmed her hair and she never grew back that length... Is it true?? I want long hair and that is the only reason why I have decided to trim my hair so that I can get back some length and bounce to it...

@Sakina: I do not braid or keep my hair covered.. I have them open like everyone else and also tie them in whatsoever way... Just that my religion forbids me from cutting them off..

Please keep writing to me so that I feel motivated about my hair..

Thank you!! :)

Good for you!  It sounds like you've taken many good steps forward in taking care of your hair!
As for the trimming and the person did not regain the growth....I ddon't know about that situation.  I can tell you everybody's hair growth pattern is different.  There is a resting period and a terminal length that many if not all will experience. 
Taking good care of your hair, the necessary steps to achieving longer lengths and treating your hair with TLC are all things that sound like you are embarking on!  Keep up the good work! ;)

Very likely, depending upon when your friend cut her hair, she could have been in a "stall" growth period. Some seasons can cause slower growth, or not eating healthy enough can also cause stalls in growth.

I am glad to hear that you are looking into taking care of your hair! I would like to caution you, though, that a certain amount of trimming will always be necessary for healthy hair. Even the most well-cared-for hair will eventually fray or get damaged at the tips. However, I think that there is a world of difference between trimming to keep hair healthy, and trimming to remove or maintain a certain length. If you do not like the idea of routine full-trims, you could look into S&D. More can be found on S&D in the hair care area of this forum.

Here's hoping for your happy healthy hair!  :)

Damaged hair care at home is to take a trip to you use hot oil treatment,Vinegar is useful as a conditioner,simply apply one tablespoon of vinegar to your hair while rinsing,egg is a natural conditioner and cleanser and is excellent for dry and damaged hair treatment.