Is Quarantine Hair Loss a Thing?
Quarantine and this new normal has definitely done a number to our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. As our country is coming to a mend with new changes and a ‘moving forward’ concept, it’s about time we take better care of ourselves!
If you haven’t read Part One(Drunk Elephant Lippe) and Part Two(Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye), please check out the links.
Let’s get straight into it!
Quarantine has not only increased my stress and anxiety to a new level, it has also decreased my hair dresser visits to none. I have not seen so much dark brown/black hair in literally five years.
During any other time, if I allowed my hair to go natural I think it would be healthy and thick, but during these unprecedented times it has only resulted in a lot of stress-point hair loss. Since March, I have been in work-from-home mode and the center of my hairline has become quite sparse in the front part of my scalp. This is due to the constant tugging from tying and clipping up my overgrown hair.
Somethings I’ve Changed:
(Please keep in mind to consult with your doctor/nutritionist prior to attempting any of these. Also, don’t forget to check supplement ingredients thoroughly prior to consuming! These are some of the solutions which have helped in assisting me with my issues — your experience may be different.)
- Trim-Snip-Cut!:
Due to a lot of split ends, dead bits, and dryness I decided to take off 6-8 inches with a pair of scissors. This will enable the gears of hair growth to go into active mode. It will also prevent hair loss resulting from dry ends tangling up. - Scalp Exfoliation:
This is a step that I have skipped for so many years, guilty as charged! Not only does the exfoliation help to get rid of any dryness, flakiness, and buildup of product. It also helps provide extra stimulation when massaging the product into the scalp.
Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub w/ Sea Salt ($53) - Alternate Haircare Lines/Products:
Don’t just constantly go back to the same products over and over again. As human beings we are such creatures of habit. It’s actually more beneficial if you evaluate the condition of your hair over time and search for something suitable for your hair type at that given moment.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo ($28)
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner ($28)
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo ($34)
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner ($34)
- Incorporate Ingestible Supplements:
Lastly, and certainly not least is the topic of the day; do hair supplements work? My short answer is yes, but continue reading to find out my thoughts in detail.
HUM, Hair Sweet Hair (First Impressions):
Let’s start off with the packaging. As a beginner to supplements, the HUM packaging made the product contents very easy to comprehend. The label is able to highlight dosage intake as well as key ingredients that is expected of a hair-growth supplement. Additionally, the lid of the product also features a built-in mechanism in it to prevent it from being confused with other consumables. It requires a push-down prior to twisting to release the lid from the rest of the container.
Now, let’s discuss the gummy’s texture and taste. It is also important to point out that this gummy does not contain Gelatin nor does it contain Agar Agar which is often used as a Gelatin supplement. So if you proceed to consume this and expect it to taste like Haribo Gummy Bears, you will be extremely disappointed. These gummies have a stiffer consistency and are more reminiscent of Swedish Fish and Jujubes.
Ingredients:
| Primary Name | Secondary Name | Purpose of Ingredient: |
|---|---|---|
| Biotin | Vitamin H, B7, B8 | Assists in protein synthesis, production of more keratin |
| B-12 | Cyanocobalamin | Synthetic B-12, assists in production of oxygen rich red blood cells to feed hair follicles |
| Folic Acid | Synthetic Folate/B9 | Promotes healthy cell growth |
| PABA | Para-aminobenzoic Acid/B10/Bx | Reduces hair loss /graying of follicles |
| Zinc | Zinc Citrate | Zinc helps with hair tissue growth/repair & balances out oil glands surrounding hair roots |
| Fo-Ti Extract | He Shou Wu | Adaptogen herb to prevent pigment loss |
| Evaporated Cane Juice | Sugar Cane Molasses (Diluted) | |
| Tapioca Sugar | Sugar from Tapioca Starch | |
| Purified Water | ||
| Pectin | Thickening Agent | |
| Citric Acid | ||
| Organic Fruit Powder Blend | Organic (Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Tart Cherry, Pomegranate, Cranberry, Orange, & Lemon) | |
| Natural Flavors | (Mixed Berry) | |
| Potassium Citrate | Food Preserver | |
| Natural Color | ||
| Vegetable Oil | ||
| Carnauba Wax |
All of the key ingredients in this product help with hair growth and scalp health the most. However, I was shocked to learn that PABA is in it as well. Para-amino-benzoic acid is often used to treat autoimmune diseases that cause loss of pigmentation in skin.
Here’s a brief, but interesting read titled “Darkening of Gray Hair During Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid Therapy”. It was a small study done with only 20 patients who were administered the medication for a primary disease but also experienced other non-targeted changes as well. In the study’s result, PABA had a 25% chance of success at regenerating pigment of hair follicles. However, it is also important to keep in mind that this is a very small sample size and lacks additional data to prove that PABA can in fact return color to hair strands. Additionally, those being treated with PABA generally consume a much higher dosage measured in grams versus milligrams.
Hum’s Product Philosophy:
All of Hum’s products are formulated without GMOs, soy, gluten, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Although their products tend to have mid-ranged price tags, their ingredient lists are short and concise for the purpose of the product. Hum’s ingredients are also sustainably sourced and independently tested.
Efficacy:
Even though I’ve only been trying out these gummies for a little over a month, I do find that it enhances hair growth. Due to the sheer amount of breakage from the first 6 months of quarantine, it is visibly obvious that baby hairs are sprouting in the sparse area. The long term efficacy of this product will require a 3 month and/or a 6 month check-in.
Price & Value:
Hum’s Hair Sweet Hair are at a $25 price point for a monthly supply. A similar contender would be the Olly’s Heavenly Hair that cost $20 for the same quantity. Olly’s products are more for the mass mainstream market, while Hum’s products are seen as more niche. Additionally, Hum’s gummies fit under the vegan category so if consumption of animal byproducts is a no no for you, then the Hair Sweet Hair is the more suitable choice.
Final Thoughts:
These hair growth gummies are definitely worth the money. Initially I had purchased two bottles of these because I wasn’t expecting quick results. As someone who has had a lot of experience with skincare products, reactions, healing, pigmentation and dermatitis — nothing happens overnight. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to see gradual differences by week 3.
Even though supplements really help our bodies utilize nutrients and resources efficiently, it is also important to prioritize other tasks that help with hair growth. There is no point in hair growth if the strands are also constantly being damaged by heat, products, and treatments. In order for strands to grow long and healthy, scalp treatments, periodic trims, emotional well-being and balanced diets are all crucial in a healthy hair journey.
Cheers to better, healthier and stronger hair! Hope you enjoyed it!
To Purchase: HUM, Hair Sweet Hair Gummies ($25)
& For Limited Time: Hum, Hair Sweet Hair Gummies Duo Pack ($35)
Disclaimer: Please note that all images unmarked are my own and those marked are credited and not intended for any copyright infringement. If you would like to use my images please just ask for permission. All images and links are affiliated, meaning that with every purchase it will generate a tiny commission for the referral. This post is not sponsored and not paid for, all opinions are my own and always will be.