My Hair IS Suffering :(

[Supergirl]

Since cold and flu season hit, I have not been able to stay on a regular, consistent hair care regimen as far as shampoo days are concerned.

I decided this winter season that I would go from 2 to 1 wash day per week. For some goofy reason, I am very susceptible to colds and whatnot this time of year. Being a teacher could be a factor.

I already have allergies and I have had an off and on cold since about October. My doctor wouldn't prescribe anything for me because he says there's no cure for a cold, I just have to wait it out. I still felt like he could have given me something to help me feel better.

So on to my point, me + a cold + a wet head = DISASTER. Sometimes just because it's Winter, me and a wet head equals disaster. (no cold necessary) But since I have had this cold on and off for so long, I have had to go as long as 2 weeks without shampooing and conditioning. Eeewww!

I was GENTLY combing through my hair that hadn't been washed and conditioned in a week and I saw so much hair on the counter--some full-length pieces, some broken pieces. Not that it thinned my hair or anything, but I'm just not used to seeing that much hair.

So what I have learned is that my regular, consistent hair care regimen really does work. My regular twice a week shampoo and condition really is good for my hair. So, if you were wondering about the effectiveness of your hair care regimen--don't bother doing an experiment. I've done it for you. Keep doing what you're doing! (if you're one of those people that never gets sick, of course)

 

[Candy_C]

Very true SuperGirl.

liek the other day i washed my hair and instead of adding my usual moisturizor i added a curling lotion...

hair broke and went stringy.

as SOON as i went back to my regime again it was all fixed.

 

[Cooyah]

hi hi supergirl, have you tried airborne as yet?? when i come to the states or the uk for winter i always end up getting sick but i've been using these ariborne tablets and they knock the cold out pretty quickly or if they have buckleys in your area that is also wonderful for colds. hth

cia

 

[HairPhoenix]

hi hi supergirl, have you tried airborne as yet?? when i come to the states or the uk for winter i always end up getting sick but i've been using these ariborne tablets and they knock the cold out pretty quickly or if they have buckleys in your area that is also wonderful for colds. hth

cia

ITA, Airborne should help you out. My aunt is a teacher and those kids keep her sick, especially this time of year. I told her about Airborne and it does help to alleviate her symptoms. BTW, if you didn't know... Airborne was invented by a school teacher who kept catching colds from her students.

I have also heard that we lose about 50-100 hairs a day due to shedding. If you go for a long period without manipulating your hair too much (not washing or combing as frequently, or putting your hair in braids, etc.), when you finally do manipulate your hair it will seem like you're losing more than usual because those shed hairs will accumulate. That's what I heard. So that could be a factor, as well.

I first read the title of this thread and saw Supergirl, I was like "Oh no! Not Supergirl's beautiful hair!!" You had me scared for a minute...

 

[Supergirl]

ITA, Airborne should help you out. My aunt is a teacher and those kids keep her sick, especially this time of year. I told her about Airborne and it does help to alleviate her symptoms. BTW, if you didn't know... Airborne was invented by a school teacher who kept catching colds from her students.

I have also heard that we lose about 50-100 hairs a day due to shedding. If you go for a long period without manipulating your hair too much (not washing or combing as frequently, or putting your hair in braids, etc.), when you finally do manipulate your hair it will seem like you're losing more than usual because those shed hairs will accumulate. That's what I heard. So that could be a factor, as well.

I first read the title of this thread and saw Supergirl, I was like "Oh no! Not Supergirl's beautiful hair!!" You had me scared for a minute...

For some reason, you posting that made me feel better. I've heard it many times before, about how much hair we shed daily--but you reminding me made me feel better! Thanks

Okay, I've tried Airborne as a preventative, but never as "cure." Shoot, I have some in my kitchen cabinet. I'll give it a try RIGHT NOW!

ETA: HP and Babi, very sweet of you two to offer suggestions on how to get better. Thanks

 

[HairPhoenix]

For some reason, you posting that made me feel better. I've heard it many times before, about how much hair we shed daily--but you reminding me made me feel better! Thanks

Okay, I've tried Airborne as a preventative, but never as "cure." Shoot, I have some in my kitchen cabinet. I'll give it a try RIGHT NOW!

ETA: HP and Babi, very sweet of you two to offer suggestions on how to get better. Thanks

Awww... thanks I'm just trying to help a sista' out.

Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself of the shedding thing. I will put my hair in braids or a bun for a few days and when I take them out I initially freak when I see the hair fall. But I have noticed that most of it is shed hairs and that takes a load off my mind.

 

[Sistaslick]

awwww! *hands supergirl a tissue*
and you're in the south too! The weather has been so iffy down here in Houston too--- I can see you getting sick! My sinuses have been going crazy!

 

[vevster]

Supergirl, get on a Tablespoon of Cod Liver Oil a day to boost your immunity and get back to your hair routine...

The CLO BUILDS your immunity.. I haven't been sick at ALL this winter and I usually get horrible colds 1 or 2x a season.

ETA when I don't wash as often as I should I get ALOT of shedding...

 

[goldensensation]

I hope you feel better. I'm sure being around those little rugrats 5 days a week has a lot to do with it. Unfortunately, I dont have any suggestions on how to make you feel better.

 

[locfreeme]

Supergirl, thank you so much for posting this. I have continued to struggle with breakage despite all my efforts and I'm starting to think it may be because I need to wash and deep condition more often. I have been doing so once every 1-2 weeks. I will try washing twice a week for a while and see if it helps.

Have you tried taking echinacea? As a regular supplement, it may help you become more resistant to colds.

 

[Supergirl]

Vevster,

Thanks for this recommendation--I will try anything! Can I get the Cod Liver Oil at any grocery store or must it be a specialty or health food store? Can I take the oil straight up or should I mix it into something?

Golden,

Thank you for the well-wishes.

Loc,

Definitely don't go more than a week without shampooing and conditioning. (or at least wetting and conditioning) My personal recommendation is every 4 to 5 days, hence my normal-weather routine of doing it 2X/week. Good luck to you.

 

[CinnaMocha]

Supergirl,

I definitely cosign with you, being around those wonderful people we call students has a lot to do with our help. They say as the years progress you build an immunity to their germs (I have yet to experience this). I really don't know what your regime is, but if you mush wash (wish I know helps, and I can't do without myself). Maybe you need to dry your hair immediately so that you are not so prone to prolonging your cold. Sometimes, it's a never winning battle...

As for the Airbourne, I haven't heard to many people my way use it, but it never hurts to try...before you know it, summer will be here! Keep fighting the good fight against those germs!

 

[Synthia]

I co-sign on the airbourne. When I'm in the early stages of a cold it really helps me fight it off.

But once I have it, it doesn't help that much.

That's when I turn to Theraflu. I heat up a cup of Theraflu in the microwave and drink it steaming hot!

It tastes delicious, is soothing, and in my imagination it's burning the germs right out. It is honestly the ONLy thing that helps me get over a cold.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Hi SG...

Have you considered taking echinacea?? I used to get colds a lot when I lived down south, and my seasonal allergies were a nightmare with the pollen down there. If I took echinacea, drank plenty of water, and slept, the cold & icky feelings would quickly subside.

And I agree about the hair. Sometimes I forget how much is normal to lose in a day and when I wash after no manipulation I'm like but with a little TLC I'm sure you quickly nurse you & your tresses back to optimal health!

Good luck!

 

[Supergirl]

Hi SG...

Have you considered taking echinacea?? I used to get colds a lot when I lived down south, and my seasonal allergies were a nightmare with the pollen down there. If I took echinacea, drank plenty of water, and slept, the cold & icky feelings would quickly subside.

And I agree about the hair. Sometimes I forget how much is normal to lose in a day and when I wash after no manipulation I'm like but with a little TLC I'm sure you quickly nurse you & your tresses back to optimal health!

Good luck!

I drink lots of Echinacea tea. Would it be better for me to take some straight Echinacea rather than the tea?

 

[lala]

SuperGirl, sorry to hear that you've been feeling poorly, I'm on day 8 of the flu as we speak. Since I'm in the house, I have kept my hair up and covered with a satin scarf. I don't usually shampoo weekly b/c I go the hairdresser, but I do take my flaxseed either in o.j. (the oil) or I grind the seeds, and put it in my oatmeal. I'm also on an herbal extract goldenseal/echinacea (not sure it's working though). Of course staying hydrated helps...

 

[uofmpanther]

Supergirl, sorry to hear about the colds. One thing that helps me to get through them quickly is this all natural juice of lemon, echinacea, ginger, and honey. i think they also put a hint of fruit juice in it to cut the tastes. It always clears me up in a day or two. I think it's by Knudsen and it's always in the organic foods section of the grocery store.

I know what you mean about the washing. I noticed my hair shedding a lot and then I thought about the last time I washed my hair. I'm actually typing this from underneath my bonnet dryer while I deep condition.

Feel better!

 

[Supergirl]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I got my Cod Liver Oil and I got a homeopathic flu remedy called Oscillococcinum, which has been advertised on television. It got rave reviews on drugstore.com so I picked some up at Vitaminshoppe. I will post an update on the H&F board as the results kick in.

Lala,

You poor thing. The flu is just not fun. I'm surprised you're even able to sit up and type on your computer. I hope it's all gone bye bye soon.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

I drink lots of Echinacea tea. Would it be better for me to take some straight Echinacea rather than the tea?

Hmmm....I don't know. I haven't had any experience with echinacea tea...the tablets definitely work for me.

I hope feel better soon.