Okay, so you know I'm always on the hunt for the next big thing in beauty, especially when it comes to hair. And lately, I've been obsessed with scalp health. I mean, it makes sense, right? Healthy scalp, healthy hair. Duh! But actually putting that into practice? That’s where the fun begins.
My Thinning Hair Nightmare
Look, here's the thing... my hair hasn't always been this luscious. After having my little one, my hair went through a major shed. I'm talking handfuls in the shower, thinner-than-ever ponytail... it was a total nightmare. I tried everything. Special shampoos, expensive serums, even those weird hair gummies that tasted like sugary sadness. I wasted money on these, trust me. Some things helped a little, but nothing gave me that 'wow' factor.
Then, I stumbled across derma rolling for scalp health. At first, I was like, "Needles? On my head? No way!" But the more I read about it – how it stimulates blood flow, encourages collagen production, and basically wakes up your sleepy hair follicles – the more intrigued I became. I mean, what did I have to lose, besides more hair?
Taking the Plunge: My Derma Rolling Experiment
So, I ordered a derma roller online. I went for one with 0.5mm needles – seemed like a good starting point. I got the one by Sdara Skincare. It had good reviews and seemed easy enough to use. I also picked up some rosemary oil because I read that it boosts hair growth too. I'm all about natural solutions when I can find them.
The first time I used it, I was terrified! It felt… strange. A little tingly, a little scratchy. Definitely not painful, though. I made sure my scalp was clean and dry, and then I gently rolled the derma roller across my scalp in different directions – horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. I focused on the areas where my hair was thinnest, especially around my temples and hairline.
Pro Tip: Don't Overdo It!
Seriously, less is more with derma rolling. You don't want to damage your scalp. Start slow, and don't press too hard. I did it once a week to start, and now I do it twice a week.
After derma rolling, I applied a few drops of rosemary oil to my scalp and massaged it in. The scent is lovely and I feel like it helps calm my scalp after the derma rolling. I just mix a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba oil to dilute it.
The Results? Prepare to Be Amazed!
Okay, here's the juicy part. Did it work? YES! Absolutely, positively, 100% yes! It didn't happen overnight, of course. It took a few weeks of consistent use before I started to notice a difference. But around week four, I started seeing tiny little hairs sprouting up around my hairline. Baby hairs galore!
And then, a few weeks after that, I noticed my hair felt thicker overall. It had more volume and bounce. I was actually getting compliments on my hair again! My confidence soared. It was like I had my pre-baby hair back.
My Favourite Products for Scalp Health
* Derma Roller (0.5mm): Sdara Skincare is a great starting point. Clean it with isopropyl alcohol before and after each use!
* Rosemary Oil: I get mine from Neal's Yard Remedies. Make sure it's 100% pure.
* Jojoba Oil: As a carrier oil. I love the one from Fushi Wellbeing.
* Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner: This is amazing for keeping your scalp balanced and healthy.
Scalp Health Tips That Actually Work
Okay, so derma rolling is amazing, but it's not the only thing you can do for scalp health. Here are a few other tips that I've found helpful:
* Scalp Massage: Give yourself a scalp massage every day! It increases blood flow and helps to loosen any buildup.
* Exfoliate Your Scalp: Just like your face, your scalp needs exfoliation. I like using a scalp scrub once a week. The Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt is amazing but a bit pricey. I have been using The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo as a more budget friendly alternative and it works really well too.
* Eat a Healthy Diet: What you eat affects your hair. Make sure you're getting enough protein, iron, and vitamins.
* Reduce Stress: Stress can wreak havoc on your hair. Find healthy ways to manage stress, like yoga or meditation. After a stressful day, I find that using the Aveeno Oat Cleanser really helps calm my skin.
* Use a Silk Pillowcase: Silk is gentler on your hair than cotton, which can reduce breakage.
Things to Watch Out For
Derma rolling isn't for everyone. If you have any skin conditions on your scalp, like eczema or psoriasis, talk to your doctor before trying it. And if you're prone to keloid scarring, it's probably best to avoid it altogether. Also, don't share your derma roller with anyone else – it's a personal hygiene thing!
Final Thoughts: Is Derma Rolling Worth It?
For me, absolutely! Derma rolling has made a huge difference in the thickness and health of my hair. It's a relatively affordable and natural way to combat thinning hair and promote hair growth. But remember, consistency is key! You won't see results overnight. Stick with it, be patient, and you might just be amazed by what you see.
So, what are you waiting for? Give derma rolling a try! And let me know how it goes! I'm always here to chat about all things beauty.
Lots of love,
Emma xx