Hair and Medications

Studies have shown that certain drug treatments and medications can alter the color, appearance, texture, and thickness of your hair. Some of the side effects of these drugs include making your hair curlier, induce hair loss, or change your brown to red. Furthermore, these medicines may interfere with your hair's ability to accept color applied by your stylist. The drug interaction list includes both over-the-counter and prescribed. You may be wondering if you have any of these drugs in your medicine cabinet.

Medications ranging from skin care treatments to antidepressants or oral contraceptives and ibuprofen can influence the health of your hair. Common medications that alter your hair:

• Acne medications including those containing retinoids or vitamin A
• Statins
• Blood Thinners/ Anti-Clotting medicines
• Antibiotics
• Oral Anti-Fungal medication
• Progesterone-Based Contraceptives
• Immune System Drugs
• Breast Cancer Treatments
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Mood Stabilizers/Antidepressants
• Steroids
• Thyroid Medication
• Diuretics
• ACE Inhibitors
• Beta Blockers
• Psoriasis Treatments
• Epilepsy Medication
• Parkinson's Medicine

This list is by no means comprehensive. However, these are some of the most widely used.