Cassandra finally has updates on her hair loss! Cassandra has bought and tried a multitude of products, and fortunately, she has actually found a few that work. And now, she is here to share the best and worst at-home hair loss treatments. This has been a long journey for Cassandra, and while it’s not over yet, Cassandra’s hair loss has truly improved, and likewise, her hairline is looking way better than it was! In this blog, we’ll cover topics like scalp health, which is the root of hair health. We’ll also cover scalp acne, serums for hair thickening, supplements, and haircare tools. But first, let's get into some of the causes of hair loss that Cassandra has experienced, and then, we'll jump into products.
Can stress cause hair loss?
Yes, stress can cause hair loss, and this actually known as telogen effluvium. Any type of hair loss from the scalp is alopecia. Many people feel alarmed when they hear this word, but it is simply a hair loss diagnosis. There are many different types of alopecia, and obviously, a blog article cannot diagnose your hair situation. But to provide some tools and tips, Cassandra is going to share some updates about her hair regimen and hair loss. In the making of these tips, Cassandra was also able to speak with experts like trichologists and Manes by Mel.
What else caused Cassandra's hair loss?
Another primary factor for Cassandra's hair loss happened to be Coffee. So overall, does coffee truly cause hair loss? Not necessarily, these are just experiences unique to Cassandra. She consumes a lot of coffee and although it's an amazingly tasty antioxidant, coffee has been said to lessen the absorption of iron, and when she went to the Doctor, her iron levels were indeed low. Proper iron levels are an important part of the circulation. So, she does take iron supplements, and this has been helpful.
MegaFood Blood Builder 30 count -$14.99
If you’re concerned about your iron levels, take a look at your coffee consumption. Likewise, if you want to take iron supplements, here is a suggestion. Iron is best paired with vitamin C.
What products help with hair loss?
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density -$21.70
The Ordinary Hair Care Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Scalp - $14.20
This pains Cassandra to say, but the hair serums from The Ordinary were one of the least impactful products for her hair. Cassandra was so excited when she first tried these, and she’s been through multiple bottles, but she feels like all they’ve done is run down her scalp and make it greasy. Cassandra only uses this when her hair is really curly because otherwise, it just runs down and makes it greasy. While these products are great for moisturizing the scalp, Cassandra didn’t see a big difference when it came to her hair’s thickness, density, or hair growth, and that was a little disappointing. If you want scalp conditioning and hydration, these work great, but for Cassandra’s hair growth journey, this was a “no.”
What helps with scalp acne?
NuDerma Professional Skin Therapy Wand - $89.95
This didn’t help with Cassandra’s hair growth journey, but it did help with her scalp acne. These are wonderful when it comes to your acne. If you have a little pimple, this can zap and help get rid of the bacteria that cause acne and inflammation. It’s supposed to be stimulating and nice for your scalp. But, Cassandra doesn’t think this worked as effectively as something like a scalp massage. If you have acne on your scalp definitely use it. Cassandra would not consider this a hair loss or a hair regrowth tool though. It may provide some added stimulation and circulation.
The Inkey List SALICYLIC ACID EXFOLIATING SCALP TREATMENT -$15.99
The Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment -$15.99
This is great for clearing crust or residue on the scalp, but Cassandra doesn’t feel like this helped regrow her hair. Even the caffeine solution didn’t make much of a difference when it came to hair regrowth.
iRestore Anti-Hair Loss Serum with Redensyl and Vitamin E & B - $34.99
This is an anti-hair loss serum, and it actually has ingredients like green algae, blue agave, and antioxidants whereas The Ordinary Serum simply has peptides. Cassandra does wonder if the hydration and antioxidants of the green algae will be better.
Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser -$28
This is like a body and hair wash to get the sand and gunk out of your scalp. Cassandra has never used anything better on her scalp.
What products can I use to thicken the hair?
iRestore Anti-Hair Loss Serum w/ Redensyl and Vitamin E & B Advanced Thickening Formula for Hair Loss -$26.99
This is a thickening conditioner that’s supposed to help people with hair loss. This is so good for Cassandra’s curls, and after using it, her hair looks so luscious, beautiful, and bouncy.
Do essential oils help hair growth?
There have been studies done on mice where they shaved mice, and let their hair grow back naturally. Then, they applied lavender oil or peppermint oil on another subset of mice. The mice who had the peppermint and lavender oil actually grew their hair back thicker and faster. Sometimes Cassandra tries essential oil, but she always dilutes one or two drops in an entire bottle of shampoo. This was very stimulating, but there were a few hiccups. While in the shower, Cassandra took a drop and streaked it down the middle part of her scalp. But, when the hot water hits, the essential oil spreads and did not mix with the water. As a result, the essential oil spread down her scalp, onto her body, and into her eyes which burned a lot.
Never use essential oils undiluted. Cassandra saw noticeable scalp stimulation, but it wasn’t revolutionary.
Does Biotin work?
Cassandra has used biotin in the past, and she saw no results. A lot of people promote biotin as a miracle from growing hair and nails, but a lot of the medical science doesn’t back that up. When Cassandra was taking pure biotin, it didn’t do much for Cassandra.
iRestore Hair Gummy Vitamins -$19.99
This does have Biotin in it, but it also has antioxidants like vitamins C and E. The vitamin C in here goes pretty well. These do have beta-carotene and fruit flavorings, and Cassandra loves these. Cassandra doesn’t know how much of a difference they make, but either way, they make her feel really good.
What is a good product for hair growth?
Grande Cosmetics Stimulating Scalp Massager -$10
When Cassandra spoke to a few experts, they said scalp massages are something they offer within their clinics. The massage promotes circulation which allows blood, oxygen, and nutrients to get down into the scalp and feed the hair.
COMFIER Cordless Hair Scalp Massager Electric Head Massager with Kneading 84 Massage Nodes - $39.98
This is a waterproof electrical massage, and it feels amazing. Cassandra doesn’t know how much this has contributed to hair growth, but this stimulates Cassandra's scalps wonderfully. This is rechargeable.
Manes by Mellalso taught Cassandra to avoid brushing the hair when it’s dry. She suggested brushing it while wet. This tip has not only helped Cassandra strengthen her follicles but to pull less hair out.
iRestore Laser Hair Growth System FDA Cleared Hair Loss Treatment for Men and Women ID-500
This is a product that Cassandra truly feels helps with hair growth. This hair growth system sends LED and laser into the scalp, and it helps to strengthen the hairs coming out of the follicles and promote new hair growth. Dr. Dre recommended that Cassandra buy this, and she’s been using this for six months. And guess what? She has truly noticed hair growth results!
Cassandra’s hair loss isn’t just toward the middle of her scalp and hairline, she also loses some toward the back of her head. As she’s been using this, Cassandra has noticed so much hair growth and little baby hairs sticking out from the top of her head. But when she pulls her hair into a ponytail, she doesn’t see the growth towards the back of the scalp. So, she’s been scalp massaging down there, but on the top of her scalp where she puts on the cap, she has about 2-3 months worth of hair growth.
She was not expecting this to make such a large difference! Cassandra has been trying isolating her variables so when she sees a change, she knows what’s causing it, and she didn’t see any of the same results with other products. Cassandra wears this 3-4 times a week, and it has been wonderful.
Based on the price, she was very reluctant to use this. But, after seeing so many of the doctors and derms whom she respects using this, she tried it. Cassandra is feeling a lot better about her scalp, and iRestore actually does recommend that you speak with a doctor or a provider. You can use this in conjunction with things like PRP or other treatments. Even though it does say that it takes 3-6 months to see results, Cassandra saw consistency in results even when she looked at areas by her hairline and hair.
This product has FDA-cleared the LED as well as laser, and Cassandra thinks that it’s the combination of the two.
Cassandra has never gotten PRP or a hair transplant. That’s not something you should do at home. It’s not something she’s majorly considered, but I’m not close to the idea. Cassandra uses this 3-4 times a week, and she loves that it’s hands-free. You can even clip the button to yourself while you’re on the go. Even after the potential effectiveness of these products, the best Cassandra has done is to speak with her doctors or dermatologist and getting blood work done. Consulting with a physician truly helps you see what individually works best for you.
Photocred: Healthline