Hair Regrowth Journey, Part II: Polysorbate 80 and Sea Kelp Bioferment

Okay, everyone, I'm starting over. The Salicylic Acid regime did not work for me. I am left to conclude that clogged follicles/scalp pores are in fact NOT the issue.


I'm now going to explore the possibility that I have Androgen Alopecia, and try some things to counteract that.

As women age, the hormones shift in proportion to one another. Testosterone production increases, and can cause androgen alopecia (male hormone-driven hairloss).

The major hormone involved in hair loss is called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is the result of testosterone being in contact with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase in the skin and scalp. DHT interacts with the hair follicle's cell membrane receptor and disrupts hair growth.

Here's a snazzy picture from: http://www.hairsciences.biz/services/science-of-hair-loss/

Please see this post for a more detailed explanation.

Polysorbate 80!

So apparently, Polysorbate 80 "kills" or inhibits DHT. It also gets rid of excess sebum and plugs and releases histamines, which may stimulate growth. Again, see this post for more details on that.

Sea Kelp Bioferment!

Bulkactives describes it:

Sea Kelp Bioferment is a natural kelp extract that has been derived by fermentation of Sea Kelp using Lactobacillus, the same bacteria that produces yogurt, sour cream and sour dough breads, among many other foods. The fermentation process increases the bioavailability of many chemical compounds by freeing them from the food matrix to which they are typically bound. In addition, the principle of fermentation allows for the isolation and concentration of naturally occurring phytochemicals. Fermentation breaks down the cellular tissue of the kelp leaf, thereby increasing the bioavailability of the naturally occurring chemical compounds abundant in kelp. Fermentation and subsequent reduction of the kelp liquor results in the concentration of these vital nutrients. Naturally occurring algin, the mucilaginous intercellular material found in kelp thickens this product to a gel consistency.

I'm not finding any studies on the mechanism or efficacy of sea kelp for androgenic alopecia, but I AM finding MANY personal stories and testaments on line. And many of those involve a combo of sea kelp bioferment and Polysorbate 80. Bonus: it's supposedly a great hair gel, too. I'll let you know!

Here's a GREAT thread about it on Skin Care Talk.

Most sites advise using the stuff every day. Since I don't want to shampoo every day, here's what I'm going to try:

EveryDay Scalp Spritz

spritz scalp (especially hairline) with:

1 part SKB
2 parts water

Pre-shampoo Scalp Treatment

1 part SKB
1 part Polysorbate 80
1 part distilled water

Rub throughout the scalp and let sit for 30 minutes. Shampoo and ACV rinse.

I will take pictures and let everyone know how it goes!

Miri

read more about hair care for thinning hair.