October 15, 2021
My experience with hair thinning, a few pointers when someone tells you they have breast cancer and Glossier's amazing eyeshadow palette.
Let's talk about hair thinning (again)
And just like that, it seems like everyone I talk to is concerned about thinning hair (including myself—again). There’s no doubt age and hormones play a role, some studies suggest COVID infection and pandemic stress are leading to extra shedding, and in the case of me and my breast-cancer friends, tamoxifen isn’t helping anything. Taking all of the above into consideration and having noticed that my hair is certainly not as bountiful as it used to be, I’m scheduled to get a major chop next week. I’m ready to make lemonade out the lemons that are decreased volume—and perhaps try a new low-maintenance ‘do that embraces my natural texture and just does its thing without too much effort. Stay tuned…
If you find yourself in the same boat (although I am not advocating a dramatic cut), I have a few suggestions (natch). I recently lent these products to my friend so she could try them before she buys them, and she has confirmed her satisfaction. So here we go…
Shampoo: Rene Furterer Replumping Shampoo
Formulated to increase the look and feel of density, promote a healthy scalp and revitalize your strands, this shampoo is a tested and confirmed winner. Be sure to follow the instructions on this shampoo, because the directions say to leave it one for one to three minutes after you lather up.
Conditioner: Rene Furterer Triphasic Texturizing Conditioner
Conditioner is always a must, but many formulas can weigh down fine or thinning hair. This ultra-lightweight formula detangles and leaves you with a soft, smooth, fluff-free finish after styling.
Treatment: Klorane Strengthening Serum with Quinine and Edelweiss
With quinine (yep, the same stuff in tonic water that probably makes gin-and-tonics so good) and edelweiss extract (cue the Sound of Music), this leave-in treatment supports micro-circulation and provides essential (natural) nutrients to combat hair thinning.
In addition to these products that have been officially vetted by at least one outside source, I have a few additional suggestions.
Dry shampoo: Vegamour GRO Dry Shampoo
Full disclosure: I never tried the original Vegamour GRO Serum, (which has some impressive clinical results), but I did try the dry shampoo that contains the same blend of proprietary growth-stimulating botanically-based ingredients (although I’m assuming at a lower concentration). The incredible scent alone was enough to help me blow through the can in record time, but I can’t necessarily attest to its growth-stimulating benefits simply because I didn’t use it exclusively (along with the complementary products) for an extended period of time.
Supplements
OK, I’ve tried more than my fair share of hair supplements, but truthfully it’s hard to definitively say they work without adhering to the same regimen for at least three (and optimally six) months. I have used SugarBearHair and Nutrafol for at least this period of time over the years and believe I saw results, but I can’t say for sure that these supplements alone were solely responsible for any results since I was using other products in addition to taking other hair-health measures. (That would be misleading.)
Just remember that (unfortunately) there’s no quick fix for thinning hair, and it’s imperative to stick to a regimen for at least three months to start seeing results. If you’re really concerned, talk to your dermatologist. There are so many options from prescription-based topicals to microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is an office-based treatment that has shown great promise for hair thinning and loss, but it’s not one and done. You need to commit to a series of treatments as well as follow-up maintenance sessions to maintain results.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning, you’re not alone! Taking a few simple steps starting right now can help restore a full, bouncy, healthy-looking head of hair!
What not to say after your friend or loved one tells you they have breast cancer
When it comes to my breast cancer experience, I’m about as open as could be. No question is off-limits, and if we’re hanging out in person, I’m more than happy to show you “the girls.” (To date, I have only made two exceptions to my no-nude photo policy.) But I wasn’t always this way, especially after first being diagnosed. Sharing “the news” with those I love (well before “coming out” on social media) was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I tried my best to maintain my sunny outlook and focus on the positives—but in many cases I just blurted out, “Listen, I have breast cancer.” (Honestly, there’s no way to sugar-coat it.)
I never expected any specific response from anyone—it’s freaking awkward and we’ve all been on the receiving end of bad news and not known what to say. As with any similar situation, the best we can do is respond from a place of love, care and concern—that’s all anyone can ask.
I came across this article on Everyday Health this morning, and I wanted to share a few of the main takeaways—which are basically a few things not to say, especially when your friend or loved one is considering, scheduled for or has undergone a mastectomy. My only caveat is that we all have our “people” who can say anything without fear of repercussion, and in that case let it fly.
“When I had my boobs done…”
Other than the location of the surgical site, breast augmentation is nothing like a mastectomy. You didn’t have drains or T-Rex arms for weeks when you got your implants, did you?
“At least you get new boobs!”
Do you know what I had to go through for these new boobs? Yes, I’m extremely pleased with them, but they actually aren’t “my boobs” at all. They are a marvel of modern science. (P.S. I’m allowed to say, “At least I got new boobs.”)
“Can I see your chest?”
Just wait for your friend or family member to offer you as peek. If they’re down, it will happen.(Trust me.)
“How amazing, you never have to wear a bra again!”
This was a BIG upside for me at the beginning, but I’ve come to learn this isn’t the case—at least not yet. I can go braless for brunch or a night out (and I love every second if it), but I pay the price in the form of major soreness for a day or two afterwards. Truthfully, I’m more comfortable in a supportive bra than without one and I still don’t think I’ll ever sleep without one again.
“Aren’t you happy you don’t have to think about cancer again?”
This was another “plus” for me initially (probably to make myself feel better about the whole situation), but the fact is I think about getting cancer again every single morning when I take my tamoxifen, every three months when I go to the oncologist for blood work and countless times throughout each and every day.
I’m beyond grateful that I’ve inspired women to get their mammograms, and that my personal experience has been able to help several amazing women navigate the overwhelming process that follows a breast cancer diagnosis. I am also thankful for every person who sent me well-wishes, brought me Bagelworks tuna and Tito’s vodka (you know who you are) and simply checked in with me to see how I was doing. I wish no one ever had to be on the receiving end of the news of a breast cancer diagnosis, but until we find a cure, just try to think for a millisecond before you speak.
Our biggest eyeshadow palette problem has been solved
I challenge anyone out there to show me an almost-finished eyeshadow palette that does not have at least one virtually-untouched shade. It’s pretty much a fact of life… There’s always one that gets less action than the rest, but Glossier has found a wonderful work-around.
A new Glossier launch is always exciting, but the new Monochromes palettes just make sense—and have me wondering why no one else has thought of this. Once you home in on your most used shade (there are currently 10 to choose from), you get buildable matte, satin and metallic shadows that work together seamlessly without veering outside your preferred colorway.
Oh, and there’s more! The palettes are also refillable, and you can choose a new shade your second or third time around. The offerings include versatile neutrals as well as colors (such as green, lilac and even yellow), and at $22 for each trio they’re somewhat of a steal!