I rapidly was able to determine that I need to start using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that do not leave a buildup on my scalp. These and heavy hairsprays, gels or mousses all can clog the very pores of the scalp (follicles) which need to breathe and be open for new hair to come out! Any oily residue can smother a follicle! I also am investigating products that can treat the hair shaft (such as oil treatments that I now just put on the ends of my hair instead of spreading it out all over my head). I will not give up my hairdresser’s coloring regimen, though I did actually ask about the drying effects of the products she uses, sulfate levels, etc. Luckily, I go to a great spot that is very conscious of these issues and they use only the safest of products that are the healthiest for hair and scalp. It was there that this whole thinning issue was brought to my attention in the first place!!!
I also found out that my diet, exercise (or lack thereof), stress levels (ommmmm) DO actually matter! I now rethink what is going into my body as well as what is going on my scalp. I am lucky enough to not take any prescription medications yet, but if I am prescribed something in the future, I will ask about side effects…maybe even actually READ those 50 page inserts that come with meds. Over the counter medications (self-prescribed) can also do damage to our chemical balance, so I will take that into account as well. Hormones??? Well, our bodies dance to their own tune when it comes to timing and duration of hormonal change.
What we CAN do though is investigate exactly which foods trigger hormonal responses and which foods have anti-inflammatory properties so that we can eat to smooth out our hormonal journey. I am currently hot on turmeric and probiotics (by eating yogurt and Kim chi). I am also cutting out salt, sugars (well trying) processed meats (processed anything) diary other than the yogurt (I miss cheese/love rice milk!!!). I actually feel a little more like exercising and have more energy with my lighter tummy.
But what do all of these changes mean for my HAIR??? Well, I am finding that the benefits will show up, but may take awhile. Remember that the hair we see is already dead! The follicles are where it all begins. After a month or so though, I am already seeing new hair along my hairline (short little hairs that stick out a little from the pack) and that is the signal of new growth. The next thing I want to investigate though is the latest in laser use. I have always thought of lasers as “removers” of stuff (skin cancer, gum tissue, hair…) Wait, HAIR??? Well, I am learning that it depends on exactly which wavelength of laser we are talking about. Removers and cutters are “hot” lasers. For hair regrowth we are talking cool lasers…and I mean COOL! Hair therapy laser treatment actually works to feed your follicles. When this means of thickening thinning hair and improving growth first came about, it could only be done by big machines in hair salons and the treatments were very expensive. Now, technology has improved to the point where they have been able to make products that work just as well that are small enough and small enough on the budget to be used at home. Privacy and saving gas are
just a side benefit! These hand held or hands-free lasers are pretty much safe for color treated hair, any type and color of hair and any ethnicity hair type. Sound too good to be true? That’s what I thought. So, I investigated these new devices, and this is what I found…..
