On Losing my Hair and Growing it Back
Even though I had gone through my first round of chemo, had dropped 20 pounds in a week and ended up back in the hospital for a hydration transfusion because my sodium levels had dropped drastically, it was still hard for me to believe I had cancer. Sure, I was a little skinnier and super pale, but anyone who saw me passing by wouldn’t know about the war raging in my body and the six inch tumor I named Ricardo growing in my leg. I still looked like a regular 15 year old girl, granted a little bit of a rebel one, because of the bright red hair.
I died my hair fire engine red the day after I was diagnosed. My “last hurrah” before it all came out, although it was hard to believe that would actually happen. Two weeks later, the tell tale signs of shedding had begun and before I knew it, I found myself sitting at my hairdresser’s booth, a huge bald spot at the top of my head and getting ready for the rest of it to come off. It was only then, with a shiny bald head, did I realize I really had cancer. I really was sick. And, I really needed to prepare to fight for my life.
Fast forward nine years later, post chemo, and I’ve got a head of hair again! While I’m so grateful to have my hair back, chemo certainly did a number on it. My eyelashes grew in at funny angles, my eyebrows came in patchy and my hair grew back three shades darker, thinner and more brittle. It seems to dry out faster and I have constant snarls and split ends; way more then my pre-chemo hair. Granted, it probably didn’t help that I started dying it a few months after it started coming back in, but I finally had hair to play with again, so I couldn’t help myself. It also has problems getting past a specific length; once it hits below my shoulders, it just seems to stop growing.
I have tried a slew of products to try and keep my hair strong and healthy, some with success, others with none. I was really excited when Pura’dor offered to send me their Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Hair Loss Prevention shampoo, conditioner and their
Pure and Organic Argan Oil. I’ve seen them on Amazon before (they are number one rated there) and love their respect for nature and animals; plus anything that might help me regain some thickness in my hair is something for me to try!
The shampoo is sulfate free, so it doesn’t soap up like traditional drugstore shampoo. That threw me off a little at first; I felt like I had to use a ton to clean my hair thoroughly. However, the shampoo has 12 DHT Blockers (DHT is the hormone that causes hair loss) so it helps grow thicker hair and reduce shedding! The conditioner is lavender vanilla scented and smells so heavenly and adds shine and volume. After getting used to the lack of bubbles and using the pair for a while, I can honestly say that I have seen a difference in thickness in my hair. I definitely notice a difference in the overall shine and health of it, as well. It’s not immediately noticeable yet, but it’s there and that brings me hope! I’m sure with more time, there will be more results!
The Pure Organic Argan Oil is great for skin and I’ve been using it on my face for the last weeks after having a major break out. I rubbed some in over the trouble areas and literally, the next day, my skin was almost back to normal. I couldn’t believe it. Chemo caused a lot of damage to my immune system and my ability to heal at a normal rate, so it usually take twice as long as normal for my skin to heal from break outs. Basically, I am convinced that this Argan Oil is a miracle worker!
If you are looking for an organic solution to skin health and/or hair growth, I highly recommend Pura’dor! They ship anywhere in the continental U.S. for free!
Thank you to Pura’dor for sponsoring today’s post, powered by Brand Backer!
