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When I had a kidney transplant a few years ago, I started to notice my hair was becoming very thin. I wasn’t sure if it was the medication, my age or a combination of the two. I tried lots of different products and techniques to hide this, but most didn’t work. I tried growing out my layers, highlights for body, going darker at the roots to look like there was more hair and lots of products.
After a lot of experimenting, I now have three products that I rely on that have made a real difference. So much so that on my last cut, my hairdresser commented how thick my hair was and cut some shorter layers back in!
So what did I use?
cel Microstem Shampoo & Conditioner
These are the products that I believe have actually made a difference to my hair, rather than just making it look fuller, I actually have more hair.
Unbelievably I originally bought this from a Facebook advert, and let’s face it, how many of those actually turn out to be a decent product? It’s now available through Amazon as well and the good reviews on there back up my experience.
The range has a patented complex of ingredients to both prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth. Specific proteins reduce the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone widely thought to cause premature hair loss by shrinking hair follicles, whilst others work to prepare the scalp for new hair growth by removing dead skin cells and stimulating hair follicles.
As well as helping my hair to grow back fuller, it has also kept it in good condition, even though I have long, curly highlighted hair. I
It’s also :
- Paraben and Sulfate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Safe for chemically treated hair
- Safe for color treated hair
You can by the cel range direct here where you can get a discount if you set up a subscription or buy from Amazon here.
Aveda Thickening Lotion
Aveda also do a range aimed at thinning hair called Invati which I used at the beginning. I did find that it made my hair look thicker when I used the shampoo and conditioner, but it was only masking the problem, rather than curing it.
This thickening tonic is one of the best products I have found that instantly adds thickness. I do find that with my hair it is not enough as a styling product on its own though.
I spray a small amount of this through damp hair concentrating towards the roots and then comb through. Then I add styling products.
You need to be careful not to add too much as it can make it feel a bit sticky if you add too much. The nozzle does tend to get blocked quite freuwnetly due to the naturae of yhe product, so just use a pin or needle to clear the nozzle.
The product promises:
thickens hair instantly with just one use
• expands strands from roots to ends
• powered by botanicals—including certified organic amla fruit
• wheat helps boost thickening
• corn helps hold your fuller style
You can buy direct from Aveda here at £22.50 for 100ml. Aveda have their own loyalty scheme called Aveda Rewards.
You get points for every product purchase (10 points for every £1), redeemable for products and services, a 3-day resort stay for two, and exclusive offers.
You pay a one-time £10 enrolment fee to become a member plus receive DOUBLE POINTS on your first purchase as a rewards member. On your birthday you get a full-sized product as a gift. You can join here.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment
This is the final step in my styling process. Again you only need to use a small amount – I use about the size of one or two peas for long hair and find that sufficient. Again, I comb it through damp hair.
The product promises to smooth, volumise, condition, strengthen and polish hair. Apparently they have a patented Healthy Hair Molecule and Thickening Molecule, whatever that may be!
It is also designed to nourish and hydrate hair as well as giving protection against heat styling up to 230°C
I find it works best when I am blow drying my hair smooth, rather than air drying it in a curly style. It definitelt adds visible volume and thickness as well as smoothing. The only thing I don’t agree with is the “polish”. If you use more than a small amount it can make your hair look a bit matt.
You can buy 60 ml from Look Fantastic for £10 if you want a small size to try or they do a larger one at 116ml for £24, which strangely is worse value!
Look Fantastic have 20% off with code LFBEAUTY.
If you can’t find this, the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Blow Dry Crème is pretty similar.