Getting Old Is Hell

So don’t do it. That’s what my elders have told me for years. Guess what, they’re not wrong. Of course it’s a blessing to live to a ripe old age. But there’s some bullshit that comes along with getting older. For me, it’s been a battle with my body (injuries) and my hair (breakage and loss).

If you don’t know me yet, I’m kind of known for my hair. For the longest time it was very long and very red. Then it was short and red (after post-partum hair loss). Then it was even shorter and redder. Then short and platinum. That was a fun phase. I loved my platinum hair. But then I wanted to grow it out. Then I tried extensions. And then just before the pandemic, I took out the extensions (thank goodness!) and really focused on being gentler with my hair. But it soon became clear that my hair was severely compromised. No matter how good the products I used were, there was nothing that could stop my hair from breaking off in little pieces. On top of it all, I had no idea I was suppressing so much anxiety. So despite moving away from the blonde, my hair kept breaking and then started falling out.

I had a vulnerable moment last August when I talked about what I was experiencing. I cried. And the online community was once again amazing. I received a ton of DMs with suggestions and just plain old support. It was awesome. While my hair isn’t what it was before pregnancy, it is so much healthier than it was last year. See below for a before and after. Keep scrolling for what’s worked for me to get my hair feeling healthier again.

3 Steps to Healthier Hair

1. Stop Coloring It: This one broke my heart. I clearly LOVE coloring my hair. But having healthy hair is way more important to me. Any chemical change will compromise the integrity of hair. So for a situation like mine, it was a tough decision but one I do not regret.

2. Take Supplements: I was on again, off again with my supplements. Last year I was compelled to get serious about consistently taking something. Biotin is a great option but I decided I wanted to try a supplement specifically formulated for hair loss. I’ve been taking the Rene Furterer VITALFAN Progressive Dietary Supplement. The reviews were off the charts, which never seems to happen for products. And after about three months, I could feel a difference in the thickness of my hair. I even met with a doctor who reviewed the ingredients and agreed that they were conducive to hair growth and health.

3. Use Great Products: From my shampoo and conditioner to my styling products, everything is formulated to support the health of my hair. I use R+Co and Monat products for everything. I especially love the Monat REJUVENIQE Oil Intensive to help give my little baby hairs some extra support. These products are pricey no matter how you cut it. However, they last a long time because you don’t need nearly as much product per use.

Hair issues can take an enormous emotional toll. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that being concerned about your hair loss isn’t about vanity. Oftentimes there’s something deeper going on that needs to be addressed. If you’re struggling with your hair, please know you’re not alone. I’m here to answer any questions about my experience that you may have and to offer you some support.

On an unrelated note, I took these pictures with no real intent in mind except that I was so excited to pull my hair up into a top knot for the first time in nearly a decade! And I felt cute. So here are a couple of extra shots and some outfit details because in the end, I love a little bit of lighthearted fashion nestled inside of every post. xo

Dress Amazon | Earrings The Woolen Mill | Sunglasses Karen Walker (via ebay) |