Welcome!
Let me introduce myself, my name is Andrea. I have been married for 35 years, we have two grown children and I just turned 63. I’m writing to talk about the slow subtle changes I noticed, that occurred to my body since turning 60. I went from simple everyday makeup to needing a bit more effort. After waking up my eyelids looked so heavy, as the day went on it would correct itself. I have almond shaped eyes and never really noticed heavy lids before. As some of you may know, it’s called hooded eyes. There are some great makeup techniques that work amazing, but that’s not the reason I am writing this blog; I could deal with that. The reason I am writing is because, about two years ago I noticed my hair suddenly thinned and the texture changed dramatically. Normally I have fine medium blonde hair on the limp side, so it’s always great when you’re having a good hair day. But suddenly, or what seemed suddenly I woke up to a thin frizz. I was afraid to do anything to my hair. I went from shampooing everyday to every few days, if I could get away with it. I carefully brushed and only dried my hair on the lowest setting, to get some style to it. I am a licensed hairstylist and have worked in expensive salons for many years, so I do know a lot about hair. The average person can shed up to 50 – 100 hairs a day, which is considered within normal range. Many people are blessed with thick hair, but when you are starting out with fine hair, you try to hold on to as much as you can. I immediately did a coconut oil treatment and there was a some improvement on the texture. I will explain more about that later.
I decided to go to the doctor for an annual visit after not going for five years or so. I didn’t let the doctor know about my concerns, I was terrified she might say something was wrong with me… I had the regular blood tests and exams etc. And waited for the results, finally… The results were better than I thought, but there were some concerns. My cholesterol was higher than it should be and my blood pressure was on the higher side too. Thinking about how I can correct that, I thought about my usual vitamin intake which was a simple calcium, D3 & magnesium multi. I started researching vitamins that are good for our heart, blood pressure and hair. Apparently taking calcium after the age of 60 can create issues, such as calcification of the arteries; which not only leads to hair issues but more important, issues with the heart and blood pressure etc. Which is very concerning. While researching I came across Dr Eric Berg’s YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Drberg and a couple others with a wealth of information.
Vitamin D3 is so good for many different things, along with K2. I never knew much about K2 but learned it’s an important vitamin that directs calcium from the blood & arteries, directing it to our bones. While strengthening veins & arteries, it can potentially aid in preventing varicose veins too, fascinating. Magnesium is also very important and many people are deficient. Since taking these vitamins, I noticed I am feeling more relaxed and my heart doesn’t feel like it’s racing all the time. In addition, I take Biotin & B1. We know Biotin is good for our hair and B1 is good for our nerves, heart, digestive system and more! So of course I added that. Some ingredients in our vitamins are not good for us and potentially harmful which is crazy, it’s so important to check the label. Doctor’s Best D3’s added ingredient is extra virgin olive oil not seed oils, and the cost is very reasonable https://amzn.to/3FD1OMO – Interesting fact, we get over 10,000 IU’s just spending an hour in the sun. So, most likely we may be lacking during the colder months. Healthy Origins Vitamin K2’s is a great choice with its high quality ingredients https://amzn.to/41NqDNH . Garden of Life Vitamin Code C is a Raw Vitamin C Blend, not synthinic, I love that. All organic fruit & vegetables, supporting the immune system & hair https://amzn.to/4iRZ2Sh . Most recently, after seeing ads about Grass Fed Beef Liver supplements, I thought I would give it a try. My hair actually stopped shedding! So I’ve been taking it ever since Nov 2024 https://amzn.to/4hR1Heh this one is less expensive than the rest. I do want to let you know there is a distinct beefy aroma (not sure if they all have it) but it’s so worth it! I am looking for a better Biotin & B supplement though, with high quality ingredients that’s not so expensive.
I continue coconut oil treatments and add a few drops of rosemary oil. Both encourage growth and are super healthy for your scalp & hair, and it shampoos out easily. Consider using organic products in glass jars (plastic chemicals get pulled into the oil if it comes in a plastic bottle). I use Parachute Natural Virgin Coconut Oil 100% Organic once or twice month, and leave it in for about two hours. If the oil hardens you can melt it for a minute in the microwave https://amzn.to/4iLcTKJ . After working with so many shampoos in salons through the years and trying them on myself, I recommend BC Bonacure Fibre Force Fortifying Shampoo with one of their conditioners. The shampoo is great for nurshing hair of any type https://amzn.to/4bUp5WT it smells amazing leaving my hair feeling healthy. My hair gets a nice boost from one of the BC conditioners, I only recommend this one if you have fine hair looking for volume https://amzn.to/4ivfdFs .
While going through these changes, we were planning a trip to Cartagena & Bucaramanga Colombia, back in October 2024. That was an amazing experience! Our son married a wonderful girl from there and we had the opportunity to meet her family. We stayed at some really nice hotels & properties. (I have great travel information to share about that adventure)! As I was making plans, thinking about safe travels & packing Etc. I was also thinking about how to avoid sun damage to my hair in the tropical sun. At the time I was using, and still do “It’s a 10” Leave in Conditioner. It protects hair from heat, sun damage & frizz, I highly recommend it. I left it in my hair combed back into a bun while at the beach and pool. It looked nice and was an effective conditioning treatment. The bottle lasts me almost a year, https://amzn.to/41PmV6d Another thing to consider is the pillowcases we are sleeping on. They are usually made from cotton, which absorbs moisture and drys out our hair & skin. I switched to silk and noticed a big difference. My hair looks better when I wake up, and if you ever have fallen asleep with makeup on like I have, it actually stays in place. Mulberry Natural Silk Pillow Cases are anti acne & cooling, and they come in many beautiful colors. I bought an extra one for travels, that I put over the hotel pillows https://amzn.to/4l0q6AG . It’s been about a year and a half, I’m feeling good and my hair is looking so much better!
As I think back, I was trying to lose a few pounds for a surprise trip to Vegas with my husband; to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in 2019. We know a poor diet can contribute and cause problems over time to our bodies. I was dieting to try to fit into a black leather skirt which, was my inspiration. I actually bought it in the 80’s from The Limited Express in the mall. That skirt held up remarkable and is still in great condition. With goals achieved, I wore it with a royal blue sleeveless blouse and sheer black stockings. That was such a great trip! When my husbands brother found out we were going, he wanted to join us with his girlfriend; along with their cousin & her husband. I didn’t think much about it, but eventually thought it was a great idea. I had them meet us without my husband knowing. His cousin arrived before us and was already at the restaurant, sitting at the table with her husband. Surprise! Then, about a half hour later his brother tapped him on the shoulder. We had an amazing time, and yes we renewed our vows’ at The Little White Wedding Chapel by Elvis! I will leave that for another blog.
Of course these are my personal experiences, some vitamins or products might not be good for everyone. Depending on your health needs, consult your doctor first.
To be continued, I hope you will join me for my next blog
Las Vegas Day One.
