This Is How to Reverse Your Hair Loss, According to a Beauty Director

I think everyone can agree that hair loss is decidedly Not. Fun. Whether it’s from postpartum hormones, illness, stress, or just the reality of aging, watching your formerly thick, luscious hair thin out in a dramatic way takes a serious emotional toll. I should know—in 2022, following a gut-wrenching breakup from a long-term partner, I watched roughly a pomeranian’s worth of hair go down the drain every time I showered. It got to the point where I didn’t want to wash my hair anymore because I was so afraid to lose even more chunks (which, as you can imagine, did a number on my mental health).

After a few months of this vicious cycle, I decided to kick my regrowth strategy into high gear and tackle the hair loss any way that I could. That meant visiting some hair loss experts for targeted solutions, swapping my usual shampoo and conditioner with follicle-stimulating formulas, and sticking with a consistent routine month after month after month—because nothing will happen if you’re spotty with your regrowth products. Just like having a diligent skincare routine will help you achieve an even-toned, glowy complexion, the work you put into your haircare routine will pay off in your search for thicker, fuller mane.

Ultimately, battling hair loss is a unique process for everyone, but given that mine was due to stress, and the corresponding cortisol, I had a good chance of both regrowing the hair I had lost and minimizing a future significant shed. Now, three years later, I’m still in the process of gaining back my former thickness (remember, hair only grows about six inches per year, and that’s for healthy follicles) but I’m confident, if slightly impatient, that my regimen will help return my long, wavy hair to its former glory.

Brush Before You Shower

I know this might sound counterintuitive, but brushing your hair can stimulate your scalp, bringing more blood flow (and therefore oxygen) to the area, which in turn encourages growth. I’ve also found that brushing before I hop in the shower removes any hairs that are about to fall so the number of strands I find in the shower isn’t so dramatic.

Massage Your Scalp

Another tactic I’ve turned to is giving my scalp a little love before hopping in the shower (again, more stimulation means more oxygen) so I apply a nourishing hair oil before going in for a five-minute massage pre-shower.

Invest in a Nourishing Shampoo

You may think that a shampoo’s sole purpose is to clean your hair and scalp, but when you’re dealing with hair loss, it’s also an opportunity to impart active ingredients to kick start your growth cycle.

Indulge in a Hair Mask

Half the challenge of hair loss is hanging onto the strands you already have, so it’s important to invest in nourishing and strengthening formulas that guard against breakage. I use a hair mask once a week in place of conditioner to really baby my locks and add much-needed moisture.

Add a Scalp Serum

I know, I know, adding in yet another step to your styling routine can feel like a pain, but trust me, you want even more stimulating, conditioning, and nourishing ingredients for your scalp to jump-start growth and promote a healthy environment.

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