Hair loss is due to a number of factors, but for some it can be due to poor hair and scalp care in your Wash Day routine. Implementing basic hair and scalp care into my routine helped me regrow and save my hair.

My Diagnosis

I started losing my hair in 2017, which was the start of my Natural Hair journey. By 2018 my crown area thinned so much, I sought the help of a Dermatologist.

I was confident they would get to the bottom of this, but the only thing they offered me was a blood test. They tested my iron levels, DHEA Sulfate, Vitamin D, and performed a comprehensive metabolic panel as well as a complete blood count test, but NOTHING! Everything was normal and the only explanation the Dermatologist offered me was that it was heredity.

This was shocking to me. I just I couldn’t accept that I was losing my hair. I thought there must be more I can do, but according to the Dermatologist there wasn’t and all I could do was try to slow the hair loss down or try expensive cosmetic treatments offered by the Dermatologist to “possibly” help regrow my hair with no guarantees.

To say the least I was devastated, but I quickly became determined to take matters into my own hands. I started researching and I stumbled upon loads of information about basic hair and scalp care. None of this was mentioned to me by the Dermatologist, but when I started to implement it, it worked!

Scalp Care

Scalp care is underrated and not talked enough about, it is the foundation for healthy hair. Poor scalp health can lead to premature hair loss. It is important that we have products as well as techniques incorporated in our routine that focus on the health of our scalp.

Shampoo

One product that you absolutely need is a shampoo. Co-washing (cleansing your hair with a conditioner) is not a substitute for shampooing your hair, you need the surfactants found in shampoos to properly cleanse the hair and scalp.  

You also need to ensure you are applying the shampoo to the scalp, cleansing it of dirt and oils. This provides a clear pathway for healthy hair to grow. If this is not done properly, pores can become clogged and have a negative impact on hair growth. I personally had a lot of buildup on my scalp, which contributed to my premature hair loss.

In my research I found, it was essential that your hair follicles and scalp are clean and clear of debris at the point the hair is trying to make an exit. Follicles that are blocked by debris will have an impact on your scalp and overall health of your hair. Shampooing is essential to removing debris and contributing to a healthy scalp and hair growth. Using a scalp massager is also a helpful tool in removing dirt and scalp build up when used with a shampoo.

I also learned that shampoo has a slightly higher ph level than our hair in its “resting” state which allows the hair cuticle to lift and allow water in, hence healthy/hydrated hair. Conditioners contain ingredients to help keep your hair soft, shiny, and smooth. Conditioners do not contain surfactants you absolutely need to remove dirt and buildup.

Many Naturals shampoo their hair once a week and if you are washing your hair more often then, co-washing may be appropriate for you (talk to your stylist about your options), but it shouldn’t be a replacement for shampoo.

Bottom line - Shampoo is essential to a healthy scalp and hair growth. Co-washing should NOT take the place of it!

Scalp Treatments

Products made specifically for the scalp are also great to incorporate in your routine. There are several scalp treatments on the market that you can use to unclog hair follicles, stimulate blood flow and hair growth as well as help break up any build up on the scalp. These products have also been known to be therapeutic and can help make Wash Day a relaxing one!

Ingredients I have researched and found useful in scalp treatments and caring for the scalp include, but are not limited to: Apple Cider Vinegar, Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender, and Charcoal.

For a list of Scalp Treatments I use please see LTK Post here.

Hair Growth Supplements

One useful recommendation given to me by the Dermatologist I saw was to try Viviscal, a hair growth supplement for women with thinning hair. This supplement has a AminoMar Marine Complex that is unique to Viviscal, which is also combined with other ingredients to support healthy hair growth.

The Dermatologist stated that many believe taking Biotin alone can help with hair growth, but this is only if you have a Biotin deficiency, which is quite rare. Taking an excess amount of Biotin doesn’t do anything, your body just flushes it out, but she stated that her patients who tried Viviscal actually saw results, so I tried it.

I took Viviscal, 1 pill twice daily for three months and I saw personally saw results. My hair was thicker and once I implemented scalp care into my routine, I saw parts of my crown area and edges return. I will say though, once I stopped taking Viviscal, my hair did thin in some areas again. If you want to continue to see results, you must continue to take the supplement. You also need to be consistent for 3 months before you start seeing results.

Before trying this supplement, please consult with your doctor.

If you are interested in trying Viviscal please see link here to purchase.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my hair loss journey! I hope you found this post useful. I understand that there are many causes for hair loss, but I encourage you to implement basic hair and scalp care in your routine to see if it helps as it did for me.

Much of this information was not discussed with me when I was diagnosed with alopecia, so I think there may be some women that can implement these changes and possibly see results.

Please comment below and leave your favorite scalp care products and routines. Also let me know if you struggled with hair loss and what you have done to combat it.

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