Wow! Will you look at these beautiful women who are blessed with lock upon lock of long gorgeous tresses, that exude the ideal of feminine health and vitality! I swear, they must belong to the "Rapunzel Club", right? I don't think such a club exists in reality, as far as I know, because I just made it up. But if it did exist, I assure you, I would not be a card carrying member, and I wouldn't be on their club member's mailing list either.
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Sigh! Was there ever a time in my life when I could have been able to join this fantasy feminine hair-club? Well, not really -to be honest, I've never had a copious amount of hair as seen here, nor has my hair ever been this healthy looking either.
Well, maybe when I was a small child, or right after a rare visit to a nice hair salon do I recall my hair ever looking smooth and shiny. But these days, I'd say it has been rather ratty, or mousy or any other rodent related adjective would currently suffice in describing my unfortunate faded multi-tone frizzy mop. So what gives? Why are some women blessed with such cranial splendor while others are plagued with hair that socially labels them as a blight on the backside of resplendent womanhood?
My younger sisters both have amazing hair, even as children, their hair far surpassed mine in looks, I was so jipped. I'm the oldest sister, I should have been endowed with the best hair, right? I realize that the texture of human hair can change over our life time, and the type of hair can go from oily to dry as well. Like all physical traits, is this condition merely a question of the "gene factor"or can we chuck this one up to the bookoo bucks these folliclly well-endowed sirens shelled out, for their over-priced designer hair care products? Hmmm- maybe both, but I'm more inclined to say it is the gene factor, or maybe even cleverly contrived photo shop techniques. Either of those scenarios would make it so I couldn't really take the blame for my lack of follicle grandeur, and that thankfully, soothes my ego a bit.
Well, maybe when I was a small child, or right after a rare visit to a nice hair salon do I recall my hair ever looking smooth and shiny. But these days, I'd say it has been rather ratty, or mousy or any other rodent related adjective would currently suffice in describing my unfortunate faded multi-tone frizzy mop. So what gives? Why are some women blessed with such cranial splendor while others are plagued with hair that socially labels them as a blight on the backside of resplendent womanhood?
My younger sisters both have amazing hair, even as children, their hair far surpassed mine in looks, I was so jipped. I'm the oldest sister, I should have been endowed with the best hair, right? I realize that the texture of human hair can change over our life time, and the type of hair can go from oily to dry as well. Like all physical traits, is this condition merely a question of the "gene factor"or can we chuck this one up to the bookoo bucks these folliclly well-endowed sirens shelled out, for their over-priced designer hair care products? Hmmm- maybe both, but I'm more inclined to say it is the gene factor, or maybe even cleverly contrived photo shop techniques. Either of those scenarios would make it so I couldn't really take the blame for my lack of follicle grandeur, and that thankfully, soothes my ego a bit.
As a Christian, I do realize that this subject can be seen as being vain, after all, both Peter and Paul exhort Christian women to be more concerned with the inner beauty of a gentle and quite spirit, that is precious before God, rather than fleeting outer beauty. However, the Bible also claims that a woman's hair is her crown and glory, and also states, that it is shameful for a woman to be bald. Is this an example of a biblical contraction? No, a woman can't really choose what kind of hair she is born with, but she can control her attitude regarding it, and how she chose to wear it, and her motives in the way she styles it. I'm really not trying to be vain, all I want is my fair share of glorious hair, but as it turns out, this life isn't all that fair, wouldn't you agree?
So, should I just live with what, I feel was so cruelly dealt me, a lack luster display of hair, or should I do something about it? Sadly, not only is my hair's visual condition a dreary sight to behold, as if that weren't bad enough, I'm also currently experiencing an alarming phenomenon known as 'hair-loss' to boot. A double blow to my sense of feminine esteem. I don't know if you have experienced this yourself dear reader, but as for me, it is very disconcerting, no - more like terrifying, and emotionally devastating to look down, after I've carefully combed out my scraggly mane, only to find copious amounts of it, lining the porcelain bowl and tile counter top of my bathroom sink. Even though many, including myself, would not consider my hair to be worthy enough for "Locks Of Love", I'd still prefer to keep it attached to my scalp.
So, should I just live with what, I feel was so cruelly dealt me, a lack luster display of hair, or should I do something about it? Sadly, not only is my hair's visual condition a dreary sight to behold, as if that weren't bad enough, I'm also currently experiencing an alarming phenomenon known as 'hair-loss' to boot. A double blow to my sense of feminine esteem. I don't know if you have experienced this yourself dear reader, but as for me, it is very disconcerting, no - more like terrifying, and emotionally devastating to look down, after I've carefully combed out my scraggly mane, only to find copious amounts of it, lining the porcelain bowl and tile counter top of my bathroom sink. Even though many, including myself, would not consider my hair to be worthy enough for "Locks Of Love", I'd still prefer to keep it attached to my scalp.
About a year ago, when I first really started noticing the wads of hair that were leaving my scalp and clinging to my special wide toothed comb, I was motivated to begin doing some research. Since I'm not on any medication, or pregnant, I decided to consider the hormone, and nutritional angles of my problem. I already know I am progesterone deficient, thanks to a test done years ago, between the span of having my two children. There is a four year span between them, because I miscarried during the 10th week of my second pregnancy. From other on-line investigations, I know my sluggish thyroid might be another contributing factor to my thinning hair, but in order to be sure, that would require shelling out a lot of co-payment cash for several doctor visits. Doctors whom may or may not care to find and treat the actual source of my problem, but instead, will most likely resort to the current medical precedent of treating the symptoms or insinuate that I'm a mental case.
A few days ago, it dawned on me that I was experiencing a great deal of scalp irritation. My scalp was very itchy all over, and very tender, like when it's been in a tight ponytail all day, especially at the front of my hair line and crown -- the areas where I'm losing most of my hair. Also noticed was that my scalp looked "angry", it was dotted with red spots. Even my eyebrows get itchy and flaky at times - weird. And then, there are the times that I can feel crusty sores on my scalp, as I run my fingers through my steadily decreasing supply of hair. Some times my scalp itches so badly that I scratch until I fear I might draw blood, this made me think that was the reason I had the crusty sores. The maddening itchiness isn't constant, so I rarely use dandruff shampoo, and I don't want to buy the "itchy scalp" shampoo just for myself. I considered using Rogain for women, but opted for the store brand instead- it has the same ingredients, minus the marketing price tag, only to find it wasn't working for me.
A few days ago, it dawned on me that I was experiencing a great deal of scalp irritation. My scalp was very itchy all over, and very tender, like when it's been in a tight ponytail all day, especially at the front of my hair line and crown -- the areas where I'm losing most of my hair. Also noticed was that my scalp looked "angry", it was dotted with red spots. Even my eyebrows get itchy and flaky at times - weird. And then, there are the times that I can feel crusty sores on my scalp, as I run my fingers through my steadily decreasing supply of hair. Some times my scalp itches so badly that I scratch until I fear I might draw blood, this made me think that was the reason I had the crusty sores. The maddening itchiness isn't constant, so I rarely use dandruff shampoo, and I don't want to buy the "itchy scalp" shampoo just for myself. I considered using Rogain for women, but opted for the store brand instead- it has the same ingredients, minus the marketing price tag, only to find it wasn't working for me.
I finally kinda made peace with the idea that soon I'll look like a fransciscan friar or a Klingon. I decided that I'll just have to wear a wig, since getting hair plugs is a financial impossibility. I even reasoned and comforted myself with the thought that it might even be better to wear a wig rather than have my own hair. I mean, think of all the shampoo I'd save, and I'd finally have a beautiful head of hair that would never go grey! However, my husband wasn't exactly as enthusiastic about this possibility as I was, or at least as I was trying to be. Don't get me wrong, he loves me and not my hair-thank God, but I think he'd actually prefer me to sport a bald cranium rather than wear fake hair, or someone elses "pre-owned" hair- go figure. Doesn't he know that at one time, only women of high social standing, and wealth wore these skillfully hand crafted cranial prostheses ?
So then I decided to sit myself in front of my computer to try one more research session, by adding the newly noted sore itchy scalp issues, along with the hair-loss and whamo! I have to say, common sense isn't that common these days, and even yours truly can run low on this valuable mental commodity at times. I say this because after reading a couple of articles written by others who were in my same situation, I finally realized that my situation was probably about the shampoo products I have been using - hormone and genetic issues aside. Dear reader, I don't mind naming names, so I have found in my case, that Suave isn't all that suave, and Tresseme diminished my tresses, and Alberto needs to try formulating Vo6, because Vo5 isn't the model for me. Before I get slammed by the hair care snobs, the expensive shampoos on the market aren't all that much better to be honest. What reinforced this realization for me, was that my little Kyle too is suffering with a flaky itchy scalp. No matter how little shampoo he uses or how much he rinses his hair, he still suffers. This was an "uh-der", moment for me.
So then I decided to sit myself in front of my computer to try one more research session, by adding the newly noted sore itchy scalp issues, along with the hair-loss and whamo! I have to say, common sense isn't that common these days, and even yours truly can run low on this valuable mental commodity at times. I say this because after reading a couple of articles written by others who were in my same situation, I finally realized that my situation was probably about the shampoo products I have been using - hormone and genetic issues aside. Dear reader, I don't mind naming names, so I have found in my case, that Suave isn't all that suave, and Tresseme diminished my tresses, and Alberto needs to try formulating Vo6, because Vo5 isn't the model for me. Before I get slammed by the hair care snobs, the expensive shampoos on the market aren't all that much better to be honest. What reinforced this realization for me, was that my little Kyle too is suffering with a flaky itchy scalp. No matter how little shampoo he uses or how much he rinses his hair, he still suffers. This was an "uh-der", moment for me.
In The Beginning...
I highly doubt Eve ran to the corner drug store or to the high end salon of the latest hair guru for her hair care products. And I'm willing to bet money that she had amazing locks of gorgeous hair, granted that she was our Lord's crowning touch to his creation. Still, what did she use in lieu of our modern chemical ridden detergents to maintain it? Natural ingredients of course. Our infinitely wise Creator said that he gave us all the green plants and herbs for food, and I would say my scalp is in dire need of being properly fed with simple and natural things, and I'm not talking about opiates or v.o.c.'s, as these compounds can be classified as "organic" or "natural" compounds. Now, I would like to say this, I'm not on board with the "worship Mother earth" movement that prevails in most health food establishments. New Age mysticism hangs around those places like flies on rotten fruit.
That being said, I do understand that natural products are far better for us than chemically derived hair products. There is a plethora of natural oils like avocado, olive, sunflower and nut oils. Herbs that not only can provide aroma therapy but also contribute oil soluble cleansing power or hair color reinforcement. Then there are the natural humectants like honey and aloe vera, and fragrant oils that bring their own value to the potpourri of healthy hair treatments. All of these wonderful ingredients are available to us here and now, just as there was back in Eve's day. And so, I'm now on a quest to create my own natural, chemical free, hair follicle nourishing and scalp soothing shampoo.
Theoretically speaking, according to others who have gone before me and blazed hair solution trails for their own hair-loss nightmares - if the human scalp is happy, and not madder than a wet, long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chair grannies, than ones hair should grow back on its own. Wow, now this makes sense! And hey, its worth a try, after all, what have I got to lose - more hair? Please! -I can do that in my sleep, so I might as well do something to stem the tide, or reverse the process. Sure, there's a chance that my hopes of having a shot at being able to join the mythical Rapunzel Club will be dashed, but its better than just waiting for the inevitable baldness that is sure to come.
Now, I realize dear reader, that there are already a myriad of natural products that weigh down holistic store shelves, but they are expensive. Just by having the word "organic" on their labels makes it possible for them to charge at least $15 for an eight ounce bottle. Making my own natural shampoo will be the most cost effective way to go, while satisfying my creative side, and inner control freak, its a win win as far as I'm concerned. So, I will keep you posted, dear reader, on the progress and results. And now... to the laboratory Rapunzel -Rapunzel!
I highly doubt Eve ran to the corner drug store or to the high end salon of the latest hair guru for her hair care products. And I'm willing to bet money that she had amazing locks of gorgeous hair, granted that she was our Lord's crowning touch to his creation. Still, what did she use in lieu of our modern chemical ridden detergents to maintain it? Natural ingredients of course. Our infinitely wise Creator said that he gave us all the green plants and herbs for food, and I would say my scalp is in dire need of being properly fed with simple and natural things, and I'm not talking about opiates or v.o.c.'s, as these compounds can be classified as "organic" or "natural" compounds. Now, I would like to say this, I'm not on board with the "worship Mother earth" movement that prevails in most health food establishments. New Age mysticism hangs around those places like flies on rotten fruit.
That being said, I do understand that natural products are far better for us than chemically derived hair products. There is a plethora of natural oils like avocado, olive, sunflower and nut oils. Herbs that not only can provide aroma therapy but also contribute oil soluble cleansing power or hair color reinforcement. Then there are the natural humectants like honey and aloe vera, and fragrant oils that bring their own value to the potpourri of healthy hair treatments. All of these wonderful ingredients are available to us here and now, just as there was back in Eve's day. And so, I'm now on a quest to create my own natural, chemical free, hair follicle nourishing and scalp soothing shampoo.
Theoretically speaking, according to others who have gone before me and blazed hair solution trails for their own hair-loss nightmares - if the human scalp is happy, and not madder than a wet, long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chair grannies, than ones hair should grow back on its own. Wow, now this makes sense! And hey, its worth a try, after all, what have I got to lose - more hair? Please! -I can do that in my sleep, so I might as well do something to stem the tide, or reverse the process. Sure, there's a chance that my hopes of having a shot at being able to join the mythical Rapunzel Club will be dashed, but its better than just waiting for the inevitable baldness that is sure to come.
Now, I realize dear reader, that there are already a myriad of natural products that weigh down holistic store shelves, but they are expensive. Just by having the word "organic" on their labels makes it possible for them to charge at least $15 for an eight ounce bottle. Making my own natural shampoo will be the most cost effective way to go, while satisfying my creative side, and inner control freak, its a win win as far as I'm concerned. So, I will keep you posted, dear reader, on the progress and results. And now... to the laboratory Rapunzel -Rapunzel!
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