When I first got Covid, I didn't notice hair loss as being one of the symptoms (I was too busy trying to breathe and stay alive!) but it was around 8 weeks in that I started to notice clumps falling out ( it had probably been happening for a while, but it was only at this point that I noticed it being a regular thing). I didn't know if it was the illness, the medication, or something else that caused it. Some people say it's stress but whilst my body might be stressed and shocked at what has invaded it, I didn't feel consciously stressed as I was in good hands with my GP and felt safe at home. When I first became ill with Lyme, 20 years ago, my hair volume halved in a few months - luckily, I had a lot of hair in the first place (something that all of the women in my family have - we almost single-handedly keep our local salons in business). It bothered me a lot then, less so this time around, although I have less to start with. Every time I wash my hair, the plug would be really full, then more would come out when I'd comb it and again, each time I brushed it, a big handful would come out. There was hair on the furniture, all over my pillows, the floor - basically, everywhere! I decided that I had to try to do something about it before I had patches, which couldn't be concealed. It was at this point that I started to read about so many others who had the same issue. I've been trying a variety of products for a good number of weeks and want to share them with you, in case you or someone you know is in the same position. If anything has been gifted to me, without obligation, it will be marked with a *
Rejuuvenated; Collagen Shots and Veggicol*: My first port of call was to try to treat it from the inside, and Rejuvenated is a brand that I trust. I am taking their Immune Complex, which they initially sent to me, but I have gone on to repurchase several times myself but they also offered to send me some products when I told them about my hair situation. I have been taking Collagen Shots for over two years now, maybe even longer, and the aim is to firm the skin, while increasing elasticity, reduce fine lines, but also to help strengthen the hair and nails. It contains 10,000 mg hydrolysed Marine Collagen , Hyaluronic Acid, Acai Berry, Vitamins B3, B5 and C, as well as zinc and copper. Veggicol is another collagen supplement, so it really is a double whammy in trying to repair my hair. The former is in powder form, and the latter in capsule. I have a routine every morning, where I meditate, have my green smoothie, take my supplements, then do my skincare routine before practising my breathing techniques. I find that having a routine/habit stacking is a good way to start the day. Since adding the Veggicol into my regime, I have noticed some improvement but I have been doing other things too, so it's a combination of everything that has helped. That said, when I am finished this packet, I will repurchase (and the Collagen Shots too) as I don't want to stop, for fear of going backwards and my nails have grown steadily and strongly while taking them. I have also been advised by an immunologist to take Hyaluronic Acid, which should help my lungs as Covid can make them feel like they are the texture of jelly and this should help to clear that, so I will be intrigued to see if it helps my lungs, but also, coincidentally, my hair!
Olaplex No 0 and Olaplex No 3:: I have spoken about this duo in this post and, there's no doubt that these products have helped to strengthen the hair that I have and this will be in my permanent collection of products because I dread to think what my hair would be like without this duo. Anybody with damaged hair, should try these products. Use my code LYMIN to save 20% on Look Fantastic.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Mask With Lemon: This is an unusual product, in that it's a shampoo and mask in one and it works well, after using the previous products. It's a non-detergent, low lathering shampoo, while seals the hairs cuticle but also protects the vibrancy of hair colour and it also protects the scalp. It is applied to wet hair, massaged in, left for around 5 minutes before emulsifying with water, repeating a few times, before thoroughly rinsing and hair is left so soft, that you could skip conditioner if you wish (I can't as my hair is so knotty). I've never used a product like this before, but hair feels strong when it's rinsed so I think if you weren't suffering major hair loss but wanted to prevent damage and protect your colour, this is a product to try. Again, use my code LYMIN to save 20% on Look Fantastic. Next on my list is the Prickly Pear range.
Kérastase Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifant Shampoo: I've used this brand on and off for around 20 years (mainly the Resistance range) - there's always at least one or two products in my stash. This new range was released earlier this year, specifically aimed at hair that is prone to falling out - perfect timing! It doesn't necessarily encourage growth, however it does protect, revive and strengthen the hair that you have, which will help to retain it. Edelweiss Native Strands strengthen the hair strands, while ginger root calms the scalp and aquaxyl helps to add, and retain, moisture. Again, this leaves my hair feeling strong when I gently squeeze the water out of it, after rinsing.
Ouai Treatment Hair Masque: I've spoken about this mask several times previously on the blog and I recently repurchased because I remembered that it was packed with keratin and amino acids, which strengthen the hair, and it also contains artichoke leaf, which seals the hair cuticle. I shampoo, rinse, towel dry and then apply this and leave for as long as possible (wrapped in a towel or, ideally, a turban, before rinsing and hair is left feeling smooth, soft and strong. Again use my code LYMIN to save 20% on this product on Look Fantastic.
Coco & Eve Coconut & Fig Hair Masque: Again, another mask that I have raved about on the blog previously - totally worth the hype! It locks in moisture, seals the hair cuticle, minimises split ends, tames frizz, strengthens and adds shine. It also smells amazing and is completely vegan! I use this mask in the same way that I use the previous one, and honestly, my hair looks and feels so strong and elasticized after use, plus it's also so glossy.
Wet Brush Flex Dry: This has been a revelation for me - I've always used Tangle Teezers (and found then great), but the fact that this brush is flexible, makes it so much easier to comb through my hair and, in turn, there is less hair left in my hand afterwards, as a result. My hair is naturally very knotty, but this brush honestly just glides through. If you buy one thing from this post today, it has to be this. I intend on buying more brushes from this brand for drying my hair because I think that they will really help!
It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Conditioner*: I have wanted to try this for so many years and was recently kindly sent it, along with a shampoo and conditioner, which I have yet to try ( but will share my thoughts when I do!). There are 10 benefits to this (hence the name) and they include detangling, sealing and protecting the hair, prevent damage and breakage, controls frizz, adds shine and heat protection. I spray this pretty generously throughout my hair and it doesn't leave any residue or leave the hair feeling heavy. Also, my brush just glides through it. This is totally worth the hype!
Hair turban - I was initially using one that my brother had bought me but, recently I was kindly sent one from Look Fantastic, which is the Aquis Prime*. I basically leave my hair in this (either with the pre-treatment, or after washing & conditioning) for as long as possible, which means I have to use less heat on my hair, which in turn leads to less breakage. This is the best hair turban I have tried - I have fine hair but a lot of it and if I were to leave it to dry naturally, without the turban, it would literally take all day, but with the turban, it takes a few hours. Again my LYMIN code works on this to save 20%.
Slip Silk Pillowcase: For years, I have been saying that I would buy a silk pillowcase - more for the skincare benefits than anything but when my hair started to fall out, it gave me more reason as it helps to prevent breakage. When I realised that my code would work on it, it gave me even more incentive as it's quite an expensive product, but it's also an investment. I can honestly say that I haven't found one hair on this pillowcase so it's well worth the money, in my opinion and I'm looking forward to seeing long term results. My LYMIN code also works on this to save 20%.
Slip Hair Ties: I was using invisibobbles but I found that I lost hair, every time that I removed them from my hair. I've used them for years but I think my hair is too delicate for them at the moment, so I bought these to use instead and I ensure that I don't tie my hair very tightly as that defeats the purpose - I just need to tie my hair back as the week goes on, so a loose pony tail it is and these work well. Again my LYMIN code works on these to save 20%.
Slip Silk Pillowcase: For years, I have been saying that I would buy a silk pillowcase - more for the skincare benefits than anything but when my hair started to fall out, it gave me more reason as it helps to prevent breakage. When I realised that my code would work on it, it gave me even more incentive as it's quite an expensive product, but it's also an investment. I can honestly say that I haven't found one hair on this pillowcase so it's well worth the money, in my opinion and I'm looking forward to seeing long term results. My LYMIN code also works on this to save 20%.
Slip Hair Ties: I was using invisibobbles but I found that I lost hair, every time that I removed them from my hair. I've used them for years but I think my hair is too delicate for them at the moment, so I bought these to use instead and I ensure that I don't tie my hair very tightly as that defeats the purpose - I just need to tie my hair back as the week goes on, so a loose pony tail it is and these work well. Again my LYMIN code works on these to save 20%.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer: Because this dries my hair so quickly and eliminates frizz, I don't need to use a straightener, which avoids using any extra heat (although I will admit to using one to put some waves in sometimes, as these make my hair look more voluminous than it actually is). If you're going to buy this anywhere, it's worth buying from Boots so that you can earn loads of Advantage card points! It's expensive, but totally worth the money and leaves my hair with a salon finish - review here.
Also, as gross as it may sound, for the past few months, I've been washing my hair just once weekly and I really feel that this has helped because I am combing, drying, touching my hair less (it's also because I am low on energy and high on pain), but I find that using Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo really helps, because it actually makes my hair feel cleaner and smell better!
Finally, my hairdresser cut around 4 inches off my hair, added layers and some balayage, to give the impression of volume and all of this has really helped.
Did you contract Covid? If so, or if anyone you know did, was hair loss one of their side effects? I'd love to hear!
Also, as gross as it may sound, for the past few months, I've been washing my hair just once weekly and I really feel that this has helped because I am combing, drying, touching my hair less (it's also because I am low on energy and high on pain), but I find that using Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo really helps, because it actually makes my hair feel cleaner and smell better!
Finally, my hairdresser cut around 4 inches off my hair, added layers and some balayage, to give the impression of volume and all of this has really helped.
Did you contract Covid? If so, or if anyone you know did, was hair loss one of their side effects? I'd love to hear!
Thanks for reading!
No comments
Post a Comment
I really love to read your comments & appreciate all of them!