Hair Regrowth Post Botulism
Updated: Oct 28
Many of you know the difficult and traumatic reality of significant hair loss post-Botox poisoning. I lost close to 50-60% of my hair within just a few months after becoming ill. While I have had significant new growth, I also continued to shed much more hair than I ever did prior to Botox.
This prompted me to stop washing my hair as much the first 12-18 months post-poisoning, which, looking back, was a mistake. My scalp wasn't being cleaned effectively, and I ended up developing seborrheic dermatitis (basically, dandruff). I also learned that seborrheic dermatitis is actually common after autonomic nervous system disruption, and many people with neurological injuries develop it.
Two years out, I am beginning to manage the dermatitis and have noticed a lot of new growth just in the past 3-6 months. I wanted to share everything I'm taking for my hair supplement-wise, as well as everything I use on my hair, so that it can hopefully help others who find themselves in this awful situation.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Many people who are recovering from Botox poining begin to have reactions to synthetic vitamins. I have put a "*" next to the supplements that contain synthetic vitamins. Additionally, those suffering from MCAS may have reactions to certain organ meats, as they tend to be high in histamine. Those with MCAS should do OK with beef kidney, as kidney contains natural DAO enzymes that help lower histamine in the body.
Supplements I take daily:
When I wake up, before any food:
I then wait at least 1-2 hours before eating/drinking anything to allow the iron to absorb effectively. Alternatively, you can take iron at night at least 2 hours after dinnertime and 1-2 hours before bedtime.
After breakfast, on a full stomach:
Supplements that I take intermittently (sometimes I'll take these for a month, then take a few months off, then go back, etc)
* = contains synthetic vitamins that may not be appropriate or handled well by people going through Botox poisoning. Check with your primary care doctor before beginning ANY new supplements
Products I use:
Shampoo: Vanicream & Cleure. Occasionally I will use Head and Shoulders Bare. I wash my hair every other day typically, or rarely, every third day. I let my hair air dry for 10-30 minutes, then I blow dry it, typically on very low heat or cold.
Conditioner: I haven't used any in-shower conditioner since losing a lot of hair. I do use a leave in conditioner/heat protectant called K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil (I need only 1 drop).
Scalp treatment: I have had to start incorporating a scalp treatment prior to every other shampooing, to combat the dandruff. Right now I use Pacifica Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox.
Frizz tamer: GranNaturals Slick Back Wax Stick (for all the new frizzy hairs I have)
Dry shampoo: Kaolin clay powder ONLY. Keep in mind that cornstarch and/or arrowroot powders can feed the yeast that causes dandruff.
OTHER INFORMATION:
I have tried other things, such as microneedling (at .5 - 1 mm) and red light therapy, but didn't start really noticing good regrowth until I started supplementing more heavily with iron. Botulism can deplete the body of ferritin, so it is important to have your levels checked if you're experiencing persistent hair loss post-poisoning.
Good luck to all of you in your healing journeys! Remember that time is our best friend.
