I lost all my hair!
I had always taken pride in my long, healthy locks, but after a round of antibiotics for pneumonia I lost about 75% of my hair. Looking in the mirror, I was devastated to see my once thick, luscious hair now thinned and broken. It was a difficult adjustment to say the least. My self-confidence took a hit and I felt like I had lost a part of my identity, but then I found my secret hair guardian angel... Ashley Allen (@ashleydoesfinehair)!
My Hair Loss Journey: Before, During, and After
Ashley to the rescue!
Before I lost all hope, I called up my nearest Aveda Hair Salon and asked to be set up with a hair stylist who specializes in hair loss and fine hair. Thankfully, they paired me with the amazing Ashley Allen!
Ashley Allen is a hair stylist that specializes in dealing with hair loss and fine hair. When I went to see her for the first time, I was really struggling to find a hairstyle that made me feel good about myself. Ashley was able to instantly put me at ease and give me a gorgeous cut and blowout. She also shared some amazing tips for fuller hair! Keep reading to learn Ashley's top 5 tips for fuller hair after hair loss!
Ashely’s 5 Top Tips for Fuller Hair:
Tip 1: Time to cut it off
I know this is a tough one to start off with, but sometimes we just have to cut your hair. Get those dead ends off!
When our body's have been through trauma our hair gets the brunt of it. I love to offer clients a fresh blunt cut. Let's just start over! Blunt cuts are timeless. They also help us move you into growing out your hair.
Naturally, when your hair starts to come back you are going to have new growth to navigate. You will have a layered look as it is. Sometimes layers take away from the fullness at the bottom and we want all the fullness we can get at this time. There are ways to make it look like you have fuller hair which we'll go over next!
Tip 2: Styling for a fuller look
Just because your hair is short doesn't mean you can't do anything with it! Whether it's beach waves or curls, you can do it all!
If you are used to layers and want to keep that look, I always suggest sectioning your hair out into three sections. Make the bottom section straight to add the illusion of length and curl the top two sections. This will give you movement, but keeps the length and gives you a versatile hairstyle with it being all one length.
Another go-to style is a pony with a purpose! Add some fun Bead & Tassel statement earrings and you'll be killing this look! A little trick I always do with my pony is back combing the ponytail. It helps to keep the pony in place and makes the tail of your hair look fuller.
Most of the time people think bigger is better, but I suggest styling with a small round brush or small curling iron. When drying the hair you will want to flip your head upside down or use your hair brush to lift the root up while drying for extra volume.
Tip 3: Let’s talk products!
Here are my go-to products for fuller hair:
- Amika Dry Shampoo - Not only is it great for between washes, but it gives you a ton of texture and makes your hair feel fuller.
- Aveda's Shampure Shampoo and Conditioners - These are great for fine hair! They smell great and they're not too heavy. Remember to keep the conditioner focused on the middle and ends of your hair. This will keep it from feeling weighed down and helps you stretch out washes.
- Aveda's Pure Abundance Line - These post shower styling products are heat protectant as well as thickening and volumizing. The more we can get multi-use products the better because it cuts on weighing the hair down.
- R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray - I always recommend finishing spray. This product pumps up the hair strand and makes your hair feel full which we love!
Tip 4: Supplements to try
Collagen is a popular supplement for many different purposes, but it can also be helpful for hair growth! I like to take a scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides every morning, either in a smoothie or my morning coffee.
Biotin is another great supplement for hair growth. It can take a while to start working, but when it does, the results are impressive! I take a biotin multivitamin gummy every day, which provides me with the recommended dose of biotin, as well as other vitamins that are good for hair, skin, and nails.
Consistency is key! If you want to see results from collagen and biotin, you need to be super consistent in taking them in order to see a difference in your hair growth.
Disclaimer: We are not healthcare professionals. Please, always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Tip 5: Extensions
Extensions are not always a go-to for me, but definitely something to talk to your stylist about. There are so many different kinds and methods. Your stylist will have the knowledge to see what the best option is for you!
Thank you, Ashley!
I'm so thankful for Ashley's wealth of knowledge after my hair loss.
If you're looking for fuller hair, give Ashley's tips a try! Not only are they easy to follow, but they'll improve the overall health of your hair!
And remember to always wear your Bead & Tassel earrings to give you that extra boost of confidence while you're going through this phase of regrowth. Let your Bead & Tassel earrings do the heavy lifting for you!
You can find Ashley Allen on Instagram @ashleydoesfinehair. To make a reservation with Ashley search for her profile at Aveda Salon Norrell or call 813-265-2000!