Being Proactive about Hair Thinning/Loss!

Comment from hK: I have always been weary of the shampoo conditioner combinations. I was wondering whether you knew anything about using a shampoo conditioner combo, rinsing then using a normal conditioner like the tresseme natural moisturizing conditioner? As a male with thinning hair, most shampoos I use to thicken my hair are those combo deals, but they leave your hair feeling incredibly dry.


2 in 1 shampoo plus conditioner products work best for individuals with normal, healthy hair. What this means is: no real issues with oiliness, dryness, volume, or damage. These combo products would bring in unnecessary moisture for individuals with oily hair and not enough for individuals with dry hair. Dry haired individuals, like yourself, should follow up with a creamy conditioner at the ends. For more options, check out this TotalBeauty.com link for a list of highly rated hair volumizing products.


Now hK, since you mentioned thinning hair, I thought to do a little bit of research in that area as well:

Main conditions associated with hair loss/baldness:

Male pattern baldness -- Condition that can occur at any age and is mostly hereditary. End result: Total hair loss in a short period of time.

Female pattern baldness -- Hair becomes thin all over the scalp except the front line. Does not result in total hair loss.

Genetics is not the only reason for hair loss, other contributing factors include: age, hormonal changes, stress, poor circulation of blood to the scalp, excess dandruff, illness, and excessive pulling or styling. Don't trust the common myth that over washing hair leads to hair loss. All that over washing does is lead to the faster removal of hair that has already disconnected from the hair follicle. Fun fact: It is perfectly normal to lose around 100 strands of hair in one day...wow!

Why can't we all look this good bald?!

Now that we know why hair loss may happen, let's talk about how to prevent/slow it down!

1) Invest in a high quality hair growth product: The best way to go here is all natural! Invest in a product that contains essential oils, natural herbs, and vitamin-rich nutrients to help your hair thrive. Stay away from products that contain only extracts, they aren't as powerful as the essential oils! Be sure to read the fine print when it comes to ingredients, as many 'natural products' still contain phosphates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), mineral oil, etc. 

2) Eat healthy: Hair = protein. In order to promote healthy hair growth, indulge in a protein rich diet, including fish and protein supplement shakes. Diets laden with fats, sugars, alcohol, and junk food can inhibit hair growth.

3) Drink more water: Water, besides being refreshing and thirst quenching, flushes toxins, chemicals, and impurities out of your body which could be contributing to slow hair growth. Water also facilitates the transport of important nutrients. 

For those of you with thin hair woes, it may be beneficial to look into shampoos that don't contain sulfates. Although I have yet to find conclusive proof that SLSs 100% lead to hair loss, I've read enough to suggest that it is not the best thing for your hair and scalp. SLSs strip hair of natural oils making it weak and more prone to thinning. Luckily, sulfate-free shampoos are becoming more and more popular! Another good option is conditioner washing (co-washing) with a silicone-free conditioner. This way you are simply removing the dirt and oils from your scalp, without introducing harsh soaps to your fragile hair follicles. I have tried these options by way of the Curly Girl Method in the past and although I wasn't a huge fan at the time (I didn't follow the rules properly), all this research has me reconsidering it!

Hope I answered your question hk! Keep me posted on how things go. 

First Impression: Aveeno Nourish+ Care Collection

Happy August Readers! :) 

Today's Mini-Sample: Aveeno Active Naturals NOURISH+ Care Collection -- Volumize Shampoo and Conditioner (0.3 fl. oz. each)


Being a huge fan of Aveeno body moisturizer and facial scrub, I was quite interested in giving this product a try! Now, I'd like to be upfront and state that I normally do not use volumizing hair products, simply because I have big hair :P What I mean is that I have medium to thick hair that has a tendency to expand in humidity. But, since my hair is heavy, I sometimes find that I may lose volume at roots, especially when my layers need a trim. Anyways, I'll give you all my honest, first impression of this product and you can apply that to your own hair type.


Here is what Aveeno claims:
The NOURISH+ Hair Care Collection is "infused with Active Naturals Nourishing Wheat Complex, these formulas replenish lost moisture as they target the weakest part of hair, fortifying the hair shaft with protein where it needs it most." Also, that using these products, "nourishes damaged hair back to life in just 3 washes."


The collection includes products for 5 different purposes: 
1. Moisturize - "Drenches the driest hair with a fusion of gentle conditioners to give hair silky new life."
2. Revitalize - "Smoothes and helps repair everyday damage to hair, invigorating it with new life."
3. Volumize - "Adds body with a fusion of lightweight conditioners, giving hair lush, rich life."
4. Shine - "Illuminates the dullest hair, giving it shiny, vibrant life."
5. Condition (Leave-in treatment) - "Quenches the thirstiest hair with a fusion of deep conditioners and moisturizers, recharging it with healthy new life."


The packaging of the sample contained a lot of information about the hair care line and a $1 off coupon (yay!).


The 0.3 fl. oz. amount of both shampoo and conditioner were more than enough for my just below shoulder length hair. The smell was very nice and relaxing, not too fruity or sugary, more floral, which I prefer. The Volumize shampoo and conditioner are said to have nourishing wheat complex and blue lotus flower which "strengthens and adds body to fine or limp hair." Well...after blow drying and styling my hair as I normally do, I did notice a lot of body! It was not the fro-y, poofy kind either :) My hair felt very clean and was shiny. All in all, I was very pleased with the 'immediately after' results. The true test, in my opinion, is will my hair fall flat the day after? This product delivered there as well! The next day my hair was not flat, even though I pulled it up into a bun for most of the evening before and slept on it. I was able to quickly restyle my bangs and walk out with my hair fully of body and shine! I am currently on Day 2 after washing, and I still feel like my hair is pretty clean and only slightly oily...which is very normal for me. If I choose to, I could very easily skip washing today as well, this is a major plus in my book for those early mornings when I'm rushed to get ready for work and still want to look my best! Gives me more time to focus on getting my look together rather than blow drying and styling my hair!


First Impression Verdict: I am actually heading out to my corner Rite Aid to purchase the Volumize Shampoo after finishing this post, that's how much I like this product :) This shampoo really makes my hair look it's best and without too much effort on my part, which is just win-win for me!! I am going to stay away from the conditioner for the time being as I still have some conditioner that I'd like to finish up. 


Will update after the aforementioned "3 washes" to let you know how things went!


**UPDATE**
Have been using the shampoo for a little over a week now and must report that I have never received this many compliments on my hair from strangers before! Seriously...people have been telling me that my hair is full of body and shiny and I honestly give all the credit to this gem of a shampoo! In addition to the body and shine, it is also soft to the touch and not as frizzy. Definitely recommend Aveeno Nourish+ Volume Shampoo :)