Stress + Surgery + Scalp and Thinning Hair

I noticed in the months after my hip surgery in September 2014 that my hair was splitting at the ends and felt less full than ever. I've never been Kim Kardashian in the hair department - don't get me wrong - because having naturally wavy, curly hair means inevitably frizz and dryness are two concepts I know well.
Scalp specialists and hair professionals both attest that stress, trauma and environment are key factors in the condition of the hair and scalp. Using chemical-laden products and heat styling only make a bad situation a zillion times worse.
The stress of knowing I would be out of work and also worried I might never do the more flexible yoga poses or the fully weighted squats I love built in the weeks leading up to surgery (I had planned it a year in advance). During recovery there was the stress of finding a new home, arranging to move, seeing family I don't normally see and having to accustom myself to crutches.

It's been almost a year and a half now and I am doing plenty of squats (heavier than before) and plenty of yoga poses (better than ever). My hair has still not fully recovered though. I have a plan of action, of course.
I will be setting aside the usual shampoo and conditioner and using non-toxic, 100% organic Rahua shampoo ($42.95 at Nourished Life) and conditioner ($43.95 at Nourished Life). I will also be avoiding over-use of the straighteners. That's going to be tough but I am determined!
I've also invested in six months of Maximum Strength Viviscal supplements ($179 for 3 month supply). Now, I am sceptical of supplements but I also know I see much clearer skin and have better energy when I take Fish Oil capsules and I have also noticed much more stable energy levels and better digestion when I take probiotics.

Viviscal regularly does clinical trials and have dermatologist approval and advocacy. There's nothing toxic or completely alien in their ingredients either. Based on marine extracts, the supplement is actually inspired by the Inuits - apparently they have richly luscious thick hair as a result of their fish and seafood based diets. So. Bring on the Viviscal maximum strength supplements daily, non-toxic hair products and a major serve of lobster. Stat.

Hair Makeover - Ombre, Colour Investment Advice and Photos!

 I love a hair makeover – new colour, new cut – to signal the end or the start of something. I just finished up a work contract and I’m approaching more teaching, which I love. Rather than a new Porsche or a trip to Ibiza, I invested in my hair instead.

From dark brown with a bit of copper through the ends, I went ombre – or lighter at the ends with balayage technique. Because red is like a clingy boyfriend you just CAN’T GET RID OF, it took two appointments to tone up the light ends and get rid of the redness. Because hair appointments aren’t cheap and there’s so many options, I want to drill down to some haircare basics that will see your colour last and hopefully you can also see a big improvement in strength and softness.

1.    

   Olaplex: I had this treatment in-salon and also have the at-home conditioning treatment. It is a new system designed to protect colour, strengthen strands that have been highly processed, and create softness and shine. I definitely notice my hair feels softer and easier to style after I’ve used it. It’s early days still!

http://olaplex.com.au/

2.  Protein, silica and vitamins: Your hair is made up

of keratin protein. Just like your skin, muscle and nails it requires protein and essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to build and maintain lustre and strength. I eat lots of lean protein in the form of meat and fish, as well as taking a supergreens supplement every day for multivitamins and I also take a daily silica supplement. I definitely notice my nails get longer when I’m taking silica. By the way, the Q Silica spot gel is freaking amazing. If I need a spot gone overnight, it’s my new go-to.

3. Colour and damaged hair specific products: Depending on the shade of your hair, you may need a blue or red-based toner to maintain the colour.  I use the L’Oreal Vitamino range of shampoo, conditioner and also a new CC cream. Yes, CC cream for the hair! It is Color Corrector which means it ensures the integrity of your colour – no brassiness creeps in. Especially necessary if you are a swimming pool user...chlorine is NOT your friend. The range is available in salons, online or at Hairhouse Warehouse 

4. Non-damaging styling products: Remember the scrunchie? I learned how to sew them and use to pump out neon coloured scrunchies while watching Beverly Hills 90210. The following are absolutely mandatory for being gentle on fragile, post-colour hair.

• Brushology Detangling Comb
• Black Mini Scrunchies
• Bobby Pins in Travel Case

http://www.scunci.com.au/

Healthy Hair, Head and Scalp

So - admission. For the past month or so I've had an itchy scalp and the dreaded D word: dandruff. I know I'm far from alone! In fact, it's pretty common for sporty or active types because sweating into your hair doesn't make for a healthy scalp and using dry shampoo instead of washing doesn't improve the situation.
So.
I tackled the issue on 3 fronts:

1. Diet and lifestyle
2. Hair Products
3. Styling Habits and Utensils

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

A healthy scalp means the skin and hair follicles are not clogged with product, there is adequate protein in your diet and the vitamins and minerals required to nourish healthy skin in general. Biotin, silica, vitamin B and D are all Healthy Scalp and Hair elements. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. The typical mediterranean diet, rich in fish, fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains and healthy fats rather than heavy on white carbohydrates and convenience foods is your best option, but also consider a supplement like Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails 

As for other lifestyle factors? Stress and lack of sleep will impact every aspect of your body, from increasing the likelihood of injuries to sallow skin, moodiness and...bad hair. Rather than get even MORE stressed about it, look at what you can change. Could you reduce some of the activities you feel obliged to do? Could you ask colleagues for assistance? Could you do a yoga class instead of working through your lunchbreak? Could you swap your 3pm jelly bean frenzy for a power walk to the nearest juice bar and get a berry smoothie instead? (Or make a batch at home and take it to work!)

HAIR PRODUCTS

I have just discovered a new range of Australian Made products.
I wanted no nasties (formaldehyde, sulphates,parabens, etc) and salon-quality results. What is especially exciting is it's AUSTRALIAN! So, go local! bhave uses raw natural bioactive keratin extracted from New Zealand sheep wool that is rich in amino acids and proteins to nourish the scalp and hair. Essentially, this binds to damage and rebuilds strength and elasticity.
Here's what you need to know:

• Australian Owned
• Not Tested On Animals
• No Parabens, Sulphates, Sodium Chloride
• Certified Organic Ingredients
• Proven Results

I'm using the damage control rescue shampoo and conditioner as well as the scalp shampoo and since the FIRST WASH, no dandruff and no itching! It's specifically designed to control irritation and the non-toxic formulation is rich in naturally active ingredients to rebalance the scalp environment.

I'm also using the macadamia-oil enriched leave-in creme, fresh ends and riot control oil. It's called "riot control" for frizzy hair. What more could you ask for?

Find your nearest salon and read more on their Website.

Also check them out on

BhaveHair

BhaveHair

HAIR STYLING

I was saying to my Carlton class just a few days ago, I used to idolise the sleek, straight, raven black bob of a newsreader on TV as a child. I was certain that I would grow up and no longer have wild, curly, coppery brown tresses but a sleek, chic bob with a fringe. A perfectly straight, no-nonsense fringe. That is still my dream. So, of course, I am a straightener addict.

When the dandruff and irritation really started impacting on my sleep, I looked hard at both the products I'm using and the fact I've got an ancient hairdryer that only blasts super-hot air and is well beyond it's use-by. So I found a kickass replacement that is SUPER AFFORDABLE! For under $30, I found the Remington Styling Pro 2150 that has:

• Air Curler & Waver attachment
• 2150 watt Hair Dryer
• 6 switch combinations: 3 heat/2 speed
• Cool Shot to set style when you're done!

You can buy it at Harvey Norman for $27 (AU).

As for my straightener, it's still good for action and I use the salon-approved ghd. My pick is the ghd IV Styler (free delivery if you order on the ghd site!)