Travel | Reinvent | Glow

Cyan GAFL

Hair Rehab: How to Grow, Strengthen & Thicken Long Hair After Shedding + Stress

Let’s be honest — hair is emotional. Mine is long but not as thick and lush as I would like… but,
it’s on its way. After COVID, hormone shifts, and a bad balayage in Mumbai (don’t ask), I knew I
wanted more than just length.

I wanted thicker, fuller, stronger strands — less fine, more wow. And that’s where this
root-to-tip glow-up began. This isn’t a “just use this serum” kind of post. It’s a full strategy —
inside and out — backed by intention, science, and consistency.

This is my personal hair regime. I always try to analyze the issues I’m having and systematically
start the healing journey. It doesn’t happen overnight, and results take time — but eventually,
you will have hair you truly love.

This is my home routine. As a travel blogger and hospitality professional, I’ve had to learn
how to adapt. When I’m on the road, I simplify — but I don’t slack. I stick to core principles and
adjust my products based on the destination. Depending on the length of my stay, I’ll purchase
just enough product when I land and leave it all behind. Glow-up mode: always on — no matter
where I am.

If you’re growing your hair out, or just want to level up what you already have, here’s what’s
actually working for me — part of my massive action plan for glowing up, Soft Glow style.

The Supplements That Made a Difference

Hair health starts at the cellular level. After major shedding and stress, I got serious about what I
was feeding my follicles. My goal isn’t just to stop shedding — it’s to build volume, reduce
fineness, and support thicker regrowth over time. That means layering in internal support
that actually works.

Liquid Glow Essentials

● Mary Ruth’s Hair Growth Liposomal – Fast-absorbing with biotin, selenium, and
essential B vitamins. This liquid formula helped slow my shedding fast.
● SpoiledChild Collagen Type I & III (Liquid) – For elasticity, repair, and glow. I use this
daily for hair, skin, and joint health.
● Silica (Bamboo Extract) – Strengthens strands and supports shine. I use a liquid
bamboo silica for better absorption.

Capsule Support Stack

● Hair Growth MAX Biotin Complex – Supports follicle strength and promotes new
growth (plus it’s great for nails).

● Liposomal Vitamin D3 – My levels were low — and D3 is essential for hair health and
hormone function.

● Zinc & Lysine (Liposomal) – Zinc helps regulate DHT (a hair-loss trigger), and lysine
supports keratin production. 

● Saw Palmetto Supplement – Supports DHT blocking and is especially helpful for
women balancing hormones.

● Seed DS-01 Probiotic – Gut health = nutrient absorption. If your gut isn’t happy, your
hair won’t grow.

Reminder: Not every supplement is for everyone. Test your levels and monitor what’s
changing — that’s how you build a protocol that works for YOU.

Grey Guard: Fighting the Fade

While going grey is natural, I personally prefer to slow that process down — especially when it
starts showing up in places I didn’t expect (like my brows or bikini line). I’ve tried a few things
that didn’t work — like Mary Ruth’s Grey Guard — which tasted awful and didn’t deliver any
noticeable results for me.

Here’s what I’m testing instead:

● Neofollics Anti-Grey Tablets – A science-backed formula targeting melanocyte activity
and hair pigmentation.
● Neofollics Anti-Grey Serum – For brows, scalp, or other targeted areas.

I also take L-Tyrosine to support melanin production, and have He Shou Wu (fo-ti) on hand —
a traditional herb used to help delay greying.

Still in early testing, but for now — I’m team “not ready to go grey.”

Scalp Love: Red Light, Microneedling & Occasional Oiling

I have started to oil my scalp religiously as part of an intentional ritual. The goal? Support circulation, nourish the follicle, and encourage thickness without buildup or stress. Less is more when it’s done right.

Red Light Therapy (3x/week)
iRestore Red Light Cap or Theradome EVO – I use it for 20 minutes, 3x a week. It stimulates follicles and extends the growth phase.

Microneedling (1x/week)
GLOV Hair Regrowth Microneedling System is a proven formula designed to transform your hair
using advanced micro-infusion technology. Tiny 24-karat gold needles deliver essential nutrients
directly to your scalp, stimulating growth for fuller, thicker, and healthier-looking hair. They claim
noticeable results in 6 weeks

Oiling (1–2x/month, pre-wash)
My blend: Argan oil + a few drops rosemary essential oil. I massage in and leave it for 30–60 minutes.

Step-by-Step: How to Gently Remove Scalp Oil

1. Apply shampoo before wetting your hair
Yes, dry shampooing is the secret.
● Apply a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo directly to the oily areas on dry hair.
● Massage it in with your fingertips to start breaking down the oil.
● THEN add warm water and lather.

2. Rinse with warm water (not hot)
Hot water dries your scalp and weakens your hair. Use lukewarm water to emulsify and rinse
out oil.

3. Double cleanse (if needed)
● First wash = removes oil.
● Second wash = cleanses scalp.
● Choose a pH-balanced, non-stripping shampoo (look for aloe, argan, or oat-based
formulas).

4. Conditioning
● Follow with a light conditioner like K18 or aloe vera scalp spray if your scalp feels
tight after cleansing.

5. Hydrosol Mist
● Follow with a light mist of Peppermint or Rosemary Hydrosol. You can find more
information about Hair Oiling

It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing it well.

Tools I Actually Use for Scalp Circulation & Glow

Flea Comb – Yes, really. Gently exfoliate before washing so treatments absorb better.
Maëly’s Handheld Stimulator – Cone-tipped tool I use dry or during oil massage. Feels
amazing and boosts blood flow.

What Didn’t Work: Maëly’s System – Overpriced. Didn’t deliver real gains.
Add to your Sunday ritual for low-effort, high-reward scalp love.

My Ride-or-Die Hair Products

Shampoo + Conditioner

● Pura D’or Shampoo & Conditioner – Affordable, clean, gentle, and effective for weekly
washes.
●If your budget allows: Upgrade to Virtue Recovery Shampoo or another
protein-reconstructing shampoo for deeper repair.

Leave-ins + Masks

● IGK Anti-Social Dry Conditioner – I mist it on before bed for silkiness.
● Seibella Detangling Spray and Seibella Hot Iron Prep Spray – Lightweight protection
● K18 Molecular Repair Mask – Weekly reset post-color.
● Olaplex No.6 – Smoothing and strengthening.
● Color Wow Dream Coat – For glassy, humidity-proof shine.
● IGK Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray – Strengthens, detangles, heat-protects, seals
shine.

Styling + Volume

● Seibella Root Lift Spray – Crown volume without crunch.
● Seibella Styling Cream & HWG Hair Paste – Subtle shape.
● Dyson Airwrap – A Blow Out Must Have! Curls, bounce, no damage. Effortlessly
Amazing!
● Seibella Finishing Spray – Light hold.
● IGK First Class Dry Shampoo – Rarely used, but the cleanest one I’ve tried.

What About Oils?

Castor oil might be hyped — but for me:
Too heavy for fine hair, causes buildup. I only use it on brows.

What I Use Instead:

● Argan – Lightweight shine
● Jojoba – Balances scalp oil
● Almond – Softens ends
● Mustard Seed – Growth stimulator (double cleanse needed)
Glow Blend:
1 tbsp Argan + 1 tbsp Almond + 3 drops rosemary + 1 drop peppermint
Massage. Leave 30–60 min. Shampoo dry hair. Rinse. Repeat.
Oil should support, not stress. Use with intention.

Nighttime Hair Tips: Satin vs. Silk + Sleep Prep

Satin and silk are not the same — but both reduce breakage, frizz, and moisture loss.
● Silk is natural, hypoallergenic, and more breathable.
● Satin is affordable, effective, and better than cotton.
I currently use a satin pillowcase and wear a satin bonnet (if I’m alone lol).

How I prep for sleep:

● Gently detangle with a wide-tooth wood comb.
● Mist dry conditioner, hydrosol or detangler.
● Light braid or loose top bun.
● Slip on my bonnet or rest on a satin pillowcase.
Consistency at night = better hair by morning.

Wash Frequency: Less is More

I only wash my hair 1–2x a week.
Why? Over-washing strips oils, dries the scalp, and can trigger more shedding.
Instead:
● I rinse with water or use a scalp refresh spray mid-week.
● I let natural oils work their magic between washes.
Everyone’s scalp is different — but if you can stretch your wash days, your follicles will thank you.

Final Thoughts: Hair Is Your Crown

When I want added volume, I use halo extensions — easy, damage-free, and camera-ready.
Hair isn’t just appearance — it’s identity. It’s emotion. It’s power.
The shedding may be temporary — but this glow-up? Permanent.
Own your glow, from root to tip.

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