Grow, baby, grow! Editor Issy Chamberlain shares how to reverse the signs of thinning hair At the ripe age of 25, I found that my hair was going down a path that led to thin, lifeless locks – but this wasn’t going to happen on my watch! There is an increasing number of people suffering with thinning hair, which is why the hair care market has started to pump out all manner of fad products to play on our insecurities. Luckily for you, I’m not above being a test subject in the name of important journalistic work. Since May this year, I have been trailing some key products, to see if they can kick-start my hair growth – I’m proud to say that I’m now the esteemed owner new hair growth! So, whatever I’m doing, it must be working because my hair is finally healing, and replenishing, after years of abuse. I’m well on the way to having a luxurious mane within the next couple of years. That’s the thing to remember with this hair journey, overnight results do not exist. With any lifestyle changes you make, they take months to show results and must be adhered to on a regular basis. You stop and they stop – it’s harsh but the truth. What works for me, may not work for you but this at least gives you an opportunity discover new products. Whatever you try, the one thing that you’ll need to implement throughout, is a protein-rich diet. Your hair is made of protein, so you need to ensure you are consuming enough protein to give back to your hair – I’m talking meats and poultry, eggs, beans, oats, nuts, and seeds. All of which are very easy to incorporate into a wellbalanced diet. YOUR NEW HAIRCARE ROUTINE Right off the bat, put away the heated styling tools! These cause too much damage and should only be used occasionally, not every day. Hairdryers can remain in your routine but on a low heat and not too close to your scalp. Caring for your hair starts before you even get in the shower and begins with your hairbrush. When was the last time you bought a new one or washed the one you’re currently using? Don’t lie, you can’t even remember when you bought it, can you? First and foremost, ditch the old ratty brush and buy yourself a new one. I opted for a paddle hairbrush that has a mix of regular teeth and synthetic bristles, made to simulate that of a boar brush. My hair is quite frizzy, so I find that this detangles and smooths. Depending on your hair type will change the sort of brush you go for, but whatever you pick, check the reviews before you purchase. Spending more on products doesn’t always mean you get quality pay-off. Mine is from Primark and does a fabulous job. Adding to your pre-shower care, you’ll want to include rosemary oil in your routine. I opted for the Grows-mary oil by Hair Syrup, and I have found that this has been the product that made the biggest impact. The scent transports you to a spa and the luxurious oil instantly sinks into your scalp and hair. The idea of this product is that you leave it in as long as possible – overnight is ideal but a minimum of one hour will do. Once applied, massage in to your scalp give the oil plenty of time to sink into your follicles. SHOWER TIME Now it’s time to hop in the shower! Your first step here will be to wash out the oil as much as you can, so your shampoo doesn’t have to compete with excess oil and dirt. My biggest advice when it comes to choosing shampoo and conditioner, is to look for something that promotes new hair growth and isn’t just a thickening product. Thickening ones aren’t made for encouraging new growth, they only care about giving some temporary volume, without offering any extra care. Once again, read the reviews and take care to read through the ‘benefits’ of the product. The key to encouraging new hair growth is to stimulate the scalp and the follicles and to keep it hydrated. If you want to pack a punch with your hair stimulation, then you may also choose to use a shampoo brush. At the beginning of HAIR 79
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