what to do

My next blog will focus on etiquette. I realize appearance is a common denominator but we can do better in terms of connecting with one another. It's been a while since someone has said something hurtful or stupid lately...until today. I helped a patron and she asked me where my cool, grayish-blond hair was. That is a good question, I replied. Seriously--do we need to be told how to rephrase things so we don't end up with back-handed comments? I guess so. Is she telling me my hair looks bad now? I know I need to let this go.

My own dilemma stems from super dry scalp and hair. I have tried everything! And there has been slight improvement. I use coconut oil, Moroccan oil, mane & tail daily. Plus I condition everyday. The only thing it can be is the medication. The squaric acid/minoxidil compound is hell on the scalp. Is it worth it? Should I go au natural? It is a few weeks until my doctor's appointment to ask for advice. It has been 4 days since my last application. Decisions decisions.

moroccan oil

My friend Kirstan bought this for me. Moroccan oil smells great, does not make your hair greasy and penetrates deeply and quickly. My hair was feeling so dry and within a few days of using this my scalp felt so much softer and healthier. The best part is that I can deep condition in the day without the greasy effect. A little pricey but worth it! Can't wait to see what long term use will do.
I still see lots of shedding but in certain parts of my scalp, hair is almost normal-ish. I think I may have spotted a grey hair today but not sure if it is white remnant or what. No matter what--I will take it. My anniversary is coming up too, almost a year. I still can't believe how far I have come with this.

leave-in conditioner

So I am really excited about my new (new to me) find. The treatment I used tends to leave my hair very brittle and looks a little fried. But it actually works for me because it makes my hair appear thicker. I was at Sally's Beauty Supply yesterday and I stumbled across the Mane 'n Tail hair strengthening, leave-in conditioner. It was only $5 so I thought it was worth the risk. I sprayed it on and not only did it smell fantastic--it made my hair softer in seconds. It also did not make it look greasy or dull. It has healthy ingredients and my scalp felt soft for the first time in months--score!

shedding

So I was freaking out recently because I have noticed a lot of shedding throughout my scalp. My hair tends to fall out in a diffuse pattern rather than large, neat clean areas. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. But anyway I came across an article that minoxidil can cause shedding while stimulating the hair to grow. This makes sense. Again, it will vary with individuals as to how much and how long the process will go on. But just knowing that this is a side effect is comforting. I had recently decided to ramp up the medication because my scalp was feeling so little irritation and my doctor's appointment is not until October. I can feel growth all over my scalp and the shedding has calmed down a bit. I am still wig free but I am open to the fact that this is a process and it may not be over. But I am still feeling fortunate.

kiss my face

So I stopped using the OOKISA products. I enjoyed the follicle serum for a bit but I still have been noticing that my hair seems more dry than normal. The only think that was different is the shampoo/conditioner so I am giving that up and returning it for my cancellation. I have gone back to Kiss My Face. I love their products. The shampoo and conditioner are mild and leave my hair light and fluffy. I am sticking with that!

It still appears to be thinner in some parts as well so I am doubling up on the meditation to relax more. Summer is the time for invites and parties which tend to leave me sleeping less. I need to catch up on my rest too.

back on track

After my set back I feel so much better. My compound medication is now being applied regularly--which is a relief. I feel some more stubble in sparse areas and a little less loss.

I also have decided to try yet another hair product OOKISA. One thing I like is that they offer a "free trial". After 30 days if you do not like the product you can return it with no commitment to purchase. It only cost me a few bucks to get started and I figured it was worth the hassle of canceling if necessary.

It has been 2 days since I tried OOKISA. Most ingredients are very different from the standard grapeseed, jojoba, rosemary standard and the night serum is really fun. You spray a couple of pumps on to your dry scalp and within seconds it starts heating up. The tingling sensation is supposed to stimulate the blood to the scalp. I am not sure if it actually works but I absolutely love how it feels and makes me think its working. Maybe thats worth the price.

Other people liked it too but alopecians have to be cautious.
Product Review
Women's Hair Loss Project

set back

I am not sure if I am being paranoid or not but I feel like my hair is falling out a little lately. A bit thinner in some places that had been covered by longer strands. It is hard to determine the exact cause--although it seems like the perfect storm of letting my compound medication lapse, a gap in yoga and diligent meditation and night time oil rituals combined with a bit of personal stress. Most likely it is all of the above. While I was experiencing a slight funk, this possible regression is a reminder that I need to continually maintain all self-care rituals no matter what is happening in my life(good or bad). I got a bit sidetracked and relaxed from all the work I was doing. Things had been going so well and the slightest misstep caused me to abandon my healthy routine. I start today dedicating more time for my healing--I am just not there yet. I need to be patient during this process and so many others in my life. This is a lesson I keep having to relearn.