Accutane and hair

Hi,

I am going to start Accutane soon - my doctor and I just decided do do that.

I am also scheduled to have a permanent straightening process done to my hair in the next several months. And I am concerned about the outcome because I know Accutane can make your hair dry.

Can you explain to me the impact Accutane has on your hair? And do you think it seems better to do the straightening process before, after or during Accutane?

The process is called Thermal Reconditioning.Here is a website that tells a lot about it. It really is a "miracle" type procedure that dramatically changes hair structure of curly hair through a chemical and heat processing process.   http://thermalreconditioning.blogspot.com/

Thank you very much for your thoughts in advance. (The specific process I would consider is Liscio or Shinbi - not the bio ionic process which is less well received.)

Sincerely, Mindy

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Accutane doesn't have much effect on hair in general.  I've seen very little hair loss on patients who take it, even temporary loss (and never permanent.)

However, I advise you to either do the hair process before you start the Accutane or else wait 6 months after you stop it, for the following reason:

Accutane affects healing from superficial trauma.  For instance, waxing of eyebrows during Accutane treatment can result in the top layer of skin peeling right off.  It grows back and doesn't scar, but is best avoided, of course.

I don't know how traumatic this hair process is, but it seems reasonable not to take the chance to find out if you have the opportunity to space the procedures in such a way as to avoid the possibility of problems.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff