Voluminous Hair Despite Hair Loss + Alopecia Areata

HELLO SASSY LADIES + GENTS!

We are getting so close to the end of quarantine here in Charlotte!! What about where you are??

Anyways, since we are going to be going out and about soon, I wanted to share all of my hair tips, tricks, and secrets with y’all so you are looking fab when you go back out into the real world 🤪 I will link ALL of the products I talk about to this post, so that you can shop them with ease. If you click the pictures below will take you to the links!

Before we jump in... disclaimer: I am not an expert + I do have Alopecia Areata. AA is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to recognize hair as an invader and attack it—causing it to fall out in patches.

Step 1: Washing

• I only wash my hair every other day. I try to go longer, but for me, this is the washing schedule that works for me!

• I use Kristin Ess Gentle Shampoo + Conditioner every time I wash my hair.

• Once a week (usually on Sunday) I use the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector. You use this on damp hair before you wash your hair and it acts as a bonder. You leave it on for 10+ minutes and then rinse, following up with your normal shampoo/conditioner combo. I have seen huge improvements since using it!

• Once a week (usually Wednesday) I use the K-Pak Color Therapy Luster Lock. I use a nickel-sized drop in my conditioner and leave it in for 10-15 min before rinsing. This is amazing stuff—keeps it smooth, color protected, shiny, and soft!

Step 2: Drying

• I prefer to wash it at night and let it air dry until its 75% dry and then I use my hairbrush dryer from Amazon. This thing is a GAME CHANGER. Instead of having to use a hairdryer AND a round brush. It is all in one. SO FREAKING EASY!

• I also use It’s A 10 Miracle Lite and Kristin Ess Style Assist Blow Dry Mist (cuts down time needed to dry hair). I only use a few sprays of each or else my hair looks greasy!

Step 3: Styling

• When I straighten my hair I use a Chi Straightener (mine is OLD, so linking the newer version)--I don’t have any secrets to how I straighten my hair. I start in sections, starting at the bottom and working my way to the top. I use any clip laying around, but linking some fun ones!

• When I curl my hair I use a Hot Tools Curling Iron (mine is OLD and limited edition, so linking the newer version)--I have 2 different ways to curl my hair. I always spray dry shampoo all over before I start. I use the Kristin Ess dry shampoo (regular, not for brunettes).

  • Way # 1 is pin curls. I start at the bottom and work my way up in sections. At the top, I tease + spray with each piece before curling. I use my curling iron to wrap a tight curl; then I release it into my hand—not letting it unravel. Then I clip it at the base and spray with hair spray.

  • Way # 2 is more common and easier! I just curl my hair normally and let it fall. I spray each section with hairspray after curling it before moving to the next.

• Whenever I’m done with my hair, I spray a thin veil of: dry shampoo, dry conditioner, and hair spray. I don’t love my hair spray so I’m not linking it, and I am open to suggestions. Once I feel I have the right amount and my hair isn’t warm, I brush out my curls with my Wet Brush detangler hairbrush!

• The final step is using my FAVORITE product! The Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast. You use this at the root of your hair and fluff it. I get SO much volume!!!

• If my hair is looking dry, I will use the Hask Argan Oil Repairing Shine Oil on the ends to make it shiny and smooth!

Products I use For Alopecia:

• I use Men’s Strength Rogaine every other day before I go to bed. (This was recommended by my dermatologist for ME).

• I take collagen daily in my coffee, I love the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides because I don’t even notice it! It dissolves completely.

• I try to take daily vitamins, but my old dermatologist had me taking 10 EVERY MORNING. That doesn’t work for me.

• Rosemary Essential Oil (I got mine off of Amazon). I mix this with a carrier oil, like Jojoba oil and massage this into my scalp every other evening. IT IS STRONG, so a little goes a long way.

• Massaging the scalp is a good way to stimulate hair growth, I do this when using my products.

Tips:

• I do not tease my hair! I can’t risk pulling it out more.

• I do not have extensions, nor will I get them. These actually cause your hair to fall out more, especially with alopecia. Every doctor I have had to treat my alopecia has advised against extensions.

• I try not to have my hair pulled back tightly, as my main thinning/loss is at the temples.

• I constantly change the part of my hair. This helps me to hide existing patches and give certain parts of my hair a rest.

WOW—what a long post! I hope you got something good out of it! Hair has been my LEAST favorite beauty topic for… well forever! Losing nearly 75% of your hair at the age of 10 is traumatic. I’ve never gotten back to 100% and I probably never will. I will continue to get my steroid injections and hope that helps my hair grow, but I’ll keep doing my at-home remedies and limit the heat + product I use! :)

What's your favorite hair product? Let me know in a comment below!

Disclaimer 2: The links posted are affiliate links and I do receive a *small* commission from purchases.