How I Grew My Hair Post-‘Rona

Soooo I had the ‘Cron and it was no big deal. I am, however, a little bit worried about hair loss post-infection, after reading stories of so many women experiencing it. My hair is already fine and thin to begin with and if I were to quickly lose a bunch of it, I would be sad.

Hair shedding is common after a viral infection, and usually occurs in the months after an infection (just when you thought you were done with all the bs). Stress and other health factors can lead to hair shedding as well.

I decided to get proactive. I researched and implemented a few ideas, noticed my hair growing super fast, and now I’m sharing them with you!

2 DIYs and 2 store-bought products made noticeable difference … let’s dive in.

Hair Growth DIY Spray

You know I love my essential oils and I have a whole arsenal to play with. Many essential oils are great at promoting hair growth, hair strength, and a healthy scalp. Rosemary in particular stimulates circulation around the hair follicles, almost like waking them up and telling them to go to work! A pretty bottle, and a few drops of plant magic, and I had myself a DIY hair growth spray.

Here’s what went down:

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon carrier oil (like jojoba oil)
• 1.5 tablespoons alcohol-free witch hazel
• Distilled water (or tap water, it’s fine)
• 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops Rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Cedarwood essential oil

Instructions

1. Add witch hazel and carrier oil to 2-ounce spray bottle.
2. Add essential oils to the bottle.
3. Top up with water, leave a bit of space to get that spray top in!
4. To use: shake well before use. Spray onto hair at the roots and brush through daily. I love using this when my hair is damp after a shower.

Hair Growth Scalp Serum DIY

The right hair growth serum will contain ingredients that moisturize the scalp and increase circulation. A scalp in good, healthy condition will encourage the follicles to grow strong, healthy hair, at a faster rate. For my DIY hair growth serum, I took the best oils for hair, and put them together in one amazing little pump bottle.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup carrier oil (jojoba or castor oil are great for this).
• 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 3 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
• 3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 3 drops Thyme Essential Oil
• 3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
• 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions

1. Add essential oils to a pump top, or a dropper top glass bottle (I use a 2oz bottle for this recipe).
2. Add your desired carrier oil. Swirl to combine.
3. To use, place several drops of hair growth oil on fingertips and rub your fingers together to evenly distribute. Massage scalp with fingers, starting at the front hairline and finishing at the base of the neck.
4. Allow the oils to absorb for about 20 minutes before washing hair, or leave overnight and wash hair in the morning. If I’m going to wear a toque all day (so Canadian of me) I’ll let this serum stay on all day.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT COLLAGEN

If you want to grow your hair, the first thing you want to get is a collagen supplement. The amino acids in collagen build hair proteins and strengthen the skin that contains your hair roots. Collagen encourages growth and sets a strong foundation. I am sure that my daily collagen habit led to noticeable hair growth.

You can buy collagen in liquid, powder, or capsule form. I prefer the powder and I toss a scoop into my morning coffee (it dissolves and has no taste), or in a smoothie. I haven’t tried a liquid collagen yet, and the only reason I didn’t do capsules is because I already take a bunch of supplements.

I’m not loyal to any particular brand of collagen but these are my two favourites:

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen

Organika Marine Collagen 

I do want to try a liquid collagen, as I have heard the liquid form is more bioavailable to you. If you have a recommendation for a good one that is unflavored and can go in my coffee – let me know!

BIOTIN

Biotin (AKA vitamin B7) stimulates keratin production in hair, which can increase the rate of follicle growth. Biotin plays a key role in hair, skin, and nail health. I went on the hunt for a badass biotin supplement.

I settled on Biotin Beauty Gummies from HerbaLand. They are sugar free, vegan, non-GMO, and made with ingredients that made me happy. I love that they are a local company to me, and they taste great.

Update: guys, I am in LOVE with the Herbaland gummies! I am on my 4th bottle and I have no plans to stop. Out of the biotin gummies I compared, the Herbaland ones contained the most biotin (2500mcg per gummy).

I’ve been doing these things for a few months now, and I have a lot of new hair growth. There is a definite crown of baby hairs on my head that makes styling difficult, but I’m just really happy to see all the new growth happening.

Give these a try!

Disclosure: I may make a small commission when you purchase items linked in my blog! I always make sure to link products that I personally use and love.