The Better Blog

Biotin and collagen have risen in popularity in the beauty supplement world. Yet, many of us remain unsure of the difference between the two and if we should choose one over the other. Truthfully, much of your decision about what’s right for you will depend on your beauty goals. 

For example, if hair loss is bumming you out, you may need to ensure you're getting the proper nutrients for stronger, shinier hair. Likewise, to achieve healthier skin elasticity, you may need products that can help you boost protein building blocks for smoother, thicker skin. 

Because of your hair’s growth cycle, it can take two to three months between a stressful event and the first signs of mass shedding. Doctors have reported seeing an influx of patients detailing with temporary hair-loss symptoms several weeks after their COVID-19 symptoms resolve. 

The condition, telogen effluvium, is not considered a coronavirus symptom, but it is a result of the infection. Though this hair loss temporarily lasts six to nine weeks, it can feel like an eternity while you wait for it to grow back. Thankfully, you can manage it in the meantime with a COVID hair-loss treatment.

Are you finally done with chemotherapy and ready to take on the world, but don’t know what to do with your new post-chemo hair as it grows in? We’ve got you covered.

It’s perfectly normal for your new hair to regrow in a different texture or color than before. Your baby hairs will likely grow in as soft and fluffy as a newborn kitten. These changes are usually temporary—but even if they’re not, we’ll be here every step of the way. 

Need some inspiration on how to rock your new locks? Try searching #chemohair, #chemocurls, and #hairgrowth on Instagram, Pinterest and other social media sites to see how other women are styling their post-chemo hair.

Your new hair may be thinner, thicker or even a different color than it was before treatment. You might even be able to finally live your dream of having naturally curly hair, as the altered follicles that grow after treatment may have a different structure than before. This change in wavelength could be temporary or permanent. Post-chemo hair is different for everyone!

If your hair is frizzy, dull, and unruly, it could be because it is damaged. Chemical treatments, high-heat styling, and the inevitable passage of time converge to weaken the structure of your strands. This leads to unsightly split ends and breaking along the hair shaft, which also thins your hair and makes it harder to manage. 

Although nothing can completely bind your strands' layers back together or permanently fix your split ends, repairing shampoos can go a long way toward helping. These hydrating products smooth your hair’s outer layer to improve shine and moisture retention. They also work to fortify your strand composition against future damage. 

Once you know what to expect from your hair during chemotherapy, you can begin to prepare your hair for what’s ahead. Sometimes getting yourself ready and prepared for what’s to come can actually take a lot of the stress and anxiety off your shoulders when it’s time to begin.

There are a number of things you can do during the treatment to augment your hair care, and even more decisions to be made beforehand. Take your time and focus on all the things you can do to make your treatment less stressful and give yourself as much of a headstart as you can.