WTF is going on with my hair
Hair loss can be a devastating experience—especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it or how to fix it. For me, it started as I was gaining weight (see my previous post on my journey with Hashimoto’s and inflammation). As a hairstylist, my hair was a big part of my identity. To see it become brittle, fall out in handfuls, and need to be cut short was heartbreaking.
But something surprising came out of it: when I opened up to my clients, I discovered just how many of them were facing similar struggles. Thyroid disease affects an estimated 20 million Americans, with women making up about 80% of those affected. Hashimoto’s, the leading cause of hypothyroidism, is especially common among women. Many of my clients shared stories of similar challenges, from fatigue to hair loss, and we connected on a whole new level. I never would have known so many women were experiencing this if I hadn’t gone through it myself. Through these conversations, I met some incredible ladies I’ll never forget. Each salon appointment became a chance for us to learn more about our health, sharing advice, experiences, and encouragement along the way.
Trying Everything: My Hair Loss Journey
Being in the beauty industry, I tried countless salon products, searching for “the best of the best.” But no product seemed to make a lasting difference. Eventually, After meeting my Functional Nutritionist (who was also a client at the time) I realized that my hair loss was more than just a surface issue—it was coming from within.
With a Hashimoto’s diagnosis, anemia, and various nutrient deficiencies, I learned that real healing needed to start at the root of the problem. This journey ultimately led me to an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, one that focused on nourishing my body from the inside out. Today, studies show that about 50% of Americans are considered malnourished, primarily due to the typical American diet, which is often high in processed foods and lacking in essential nutrients. This realization reinforced the importance of prioritizing real, nutrient dense foods in my healing journey and eliminating nutrient negative foods.
The Turning Point: Real Food, Real Results
It wasn’t an overnight transformation. After nearly two years of committing to anti-inflammatory changes, my hair began to regrow. Slowly, it went from brittle and sparse to soft, shiny, and finally long again. I worked with a nurse practitioner that came highly recommended in a thyroid Facebook group. She treats the thyroid with a holistic approach rather than just relying on numbers and prescriptions. My overall strategy included reducing stress, eating organic, and eliminating preservatives and toxic feminine hygiene products, which often contain harmful ingredients.
Did you know that the average woman uses 12 personal care products daily, exposing herself to hundreds of chemicals? Many of these unregulated chemicals can have serious long-term effects on our health. One common ingredient, "fragrance," is a blanket term that encompasses a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals that can disrupt hormones and trigger allergies. Alarmingly, companies aren’t required to disclose the contents of these fragrances, leaving us unaware of what we’re applying to our bodies. Awareness of these issues drove me to be more mindful about my toxic load, and I began choosing fragrance-free products whenever possible. I was still in the salon industry so I was able to remove the toxic load completely from my home but I was still going to work in it every day. More on that will come in a future post!Anyway, I was most shocked when i found out that while Europe bans over 1,300 chemicals in these products, the U.S. only restricts about 30.
As I continue my journey toward healing, I realize that the path isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about understanding my body and making choices that nurture it. Each small change adds up, and by prioritizing my health, I’m reclaiming not just my hair, but my confidence and well-being. I hope my story inspires you to reflect on your own health journey, explore the impact of what you put into your body, and embrace the power of informed choices. Together, we can foster a healthier, more supportive community.
