Hair Loss and Household Bleach

     Dear Doctor,  
     I put household clorox bleach on my hair about 10 years ago when I was about 19 years old, experimenting to see if it would make my hair blonder.  And I did it when my hair was short, so that the chemicals reached my scalp.  I did it about four different times.  I may also have tried peroxide. I also tried lemon juice quite a few times.  None of these chemicals made my hair blonder at all.  I began to notice I was losing my hair, especially when an unusual amount of hair began to fall out when I rubbed my hands through my hair and combed my hair.  It has been about ten years since I have put any chemicals in my hair. I went to a dermatolist to find out if the household bleach had anything to do with my hair loss.  They said that it did not, because there was no indication of scaring on my scalp and it was most likey genetic.  I also spoke with a hair transplant doctor who said the scalp looked normal, no scaring, and was confident that it was genetic.  I still think the chemicals I put in my hair caused this hair loss.  Both of my brothers still have a full head of hair.  I would like another opinion about my hair loss problem.  Can household bleach permanantly damage your hair growth when it comes in contact with your scalp?  I sincerely appreciate your help.  Thank you.  Paul Wilson

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I agree with your doctors.  Although people often blame 'chemicals' for hair loss, they are rarely the cause, and never cause permanent loss.  I don't think you ought to blame yourself for your hair loss.  Bleach won't do it.  (Think about it--if we could remove hair permanently with bleach, would we need electrolysis and lasers?)

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff