I made a post a while back about my hair. It really hadn't been doing well since chemotherapy. Honestly I didn't so much as trim it throughout the whole thing because I figured I'd lose it anyway and anything I managed to actually keep was pure luck. I did lose a good 50% thought it was hard to tell because I had it in a ponytail every day. Right before my last chemo I chopped it off up to right above my shoulders. New growth started coming in right after chemo ended and it stuck straight up through the rest of the hair. It gives a whole new definition to *fly aways*. Literally you couldn't smoosh them down. Anyway I tried to be patient but my hair kept feeling dry and brittle. I ended up cutting again after it grew back because it still felt unhealthy. The stylist said my new growth felt strong and healthy just not the outer hair. I do color and blow dry/flat iron my hair but I have always done that and my hair was always pretty healthy. I was told hair can be very fragile after chemo and basically I probably started doing those things too soon. I started doing all that as soon as it grew in pretty much. I've needed some serious help and I think I've found it. I finally gave in and bought salon products. I bought Redken Intense Renewal. I leave it on for about an hour with a towel on my head though the label says 5 to 15 minutes.
I also realized I needed to start using a product to protect my hair from the heat styling I do. Shame on me for not using anything to protect it from the ever present flat iron. My hair is kinda (ok a lot) curly without it. I found this:
This product is also great for control. Spray it on then flat iron or blow dry and it will hold it, trust me. Careful to not use too much though. Or you will have a stiff hairdo. haha :) Anyway these are the new products to me anyway, that I have been trying. I may buy a leave in conditioner soon and probably start using the shampoo from Redken too. I still have a practically full bottle of Bed Head shampoo for color treated and damaged hair. It is better than using other shampoos that strip your hair but it didn't do the trick on it's own. My hair feels better but I really do want some length back.
I got some blog awards today! I'll be posting those later tonight.
Wow, I just came across your blog and I am totally inspired. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I think your hair looks pretty good. I think my roommate uses Redken...and I think she likes it too!
I work a company that distributes salon products to hairdressers. My home office is in Joliet, but my territory includes the Mattoon area. Keep my link and let me know how your Redken works. I have a line called Davines that has some very good products for re-growing hair as well as strengthing hair from chemo.
ReplyDeleteI just happen to stumble upon your blog. I admire your courage with everything you have been through. I'll be back to read more.
FYI I have just tagged on my blog :) ~ http://livinglifetodfullest.blogspot.com/2008/10/whoa-this-is-my-first-tag-ever.html
ReplyDeleteI have the very dry hair so this is great, great advice for me. I am going to get some of this over the weekend. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much. I hope this can help your hair! My hair has been so dry and this stuff has so far made it feel a lot softer. I see less flyaways too. I hope that over time it will make a great improvement. Oh and Lorelai I actually would love a product that helped my hair to grow in! I'll have to find that stuff.
ReplyDelete