And you…. looook…. MAHVELOUS!
Ah, Billy Crystal, no matter how old I get, that line will still make me smile…
One of the things I like best about both MS and Seizure Disorder is that they are “invisible” illnesses. That means, of course, that a lot of us hear, “But you look great!”
For some of us, the idea of looking good but feeling like crap is a negative thing, but in my mind, I think if you got it, you should enjoy it! There’s no reason to make yourself look as bad as you’re feeling, and by taking care of your appearance, you’re more likely to feel better about yourself and you may even notice your symptoms getting better. (I’m thinking about things like depression, anxiety, dry/itchy skin from being dehydrated by various medicines, and fatigue.)
Of course, everyone will tell you the benefits of exercise, and they are numerous! …But this isn’t a post about that. It’s much more shallow. This, my friends, is a post about hair care products.
Ok, I know it’s going to sound nuts, but it seems like everywhere I look recently, there are people on MS boards and other blogs or answer-sites where people are complaining about hair loss. Now, don’t get me wrong, but *everyone* sheds more in the winter – at least that’s what I have always learned. Sure, MS can make you feel itchy, and if you scratch too much, that will lead to hair loss. There are other things to think about too, though – the meds you’re on, the amount of stress you’re under, and what kinds of things you have done or continue to do to your hair. (Bleaching, hot styling, etc.)
Anyway, I ran out of my Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner recently when I mused (for at least the bajillionth time), “What am I paying for with this shampoo that makes it worth about $1/oz.?” I decided to do a little reading (Don’t Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me: Over 4,000 Products Reviewed, Plus the Latest Hair-Care Information), and when it comes right down to it – I’m paying for a name.
My hair is dry from my meds (oh yeah, and from me bleaching my hair almost white and then dying it blue and then purple…and then back to auburn), so it’s important to me that I moisturize it, have volume, and that my hair is shiny. According to the book, here are some of the best volumizing/moisturizing shampoos that cost less than $8.

• Charles Worthington Results Moisture Seal Shampoo
• ISO Color Preserve Cleanse
• John Frieda: Frizz Ease Smooth Start
• KMS Curl Up Shampoo
• L’Oreal Vive Color Vive Shampoo (Vive Pro is good too.)
• Quantum Moisturizing Shampoo
• QUEEN HELENE Ginseng & Tea Tree Shampoo

Of course, there are others, but taking more than that from the book would seem cheap. Then again, if you ARE cheap (like me), you can always hit the Amazon site and do a search within the book for your kind of hair, and that will supply you with even more information.
Here are some of the Best Conditioners for Normal/Fine Dry or Damaged Hair for $8 or Less:

• Charles Worthington Results Moisture Seal
• L’Oreal Natures Therapy Mega Moisture Nurturing Creme
• Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask
• Infusium 23 3-minute Treatment Frizz Control Intense Infuser

Anyway – when it comes right down to it, the following things will really help with hair loss:

• Using a shampoo and conditioner regimen that is made for your hair type
• Keeping your scalp in good condition by wearing a hat if you’re going to be in direct sunlight for any significant period of time to avoid a sunburn
• Brushing your hair before taking a shower or bath
• Using a wide-toothed comb to work with wet hair instead of a brush or small comb
• Using a product like Rogaine if appropriate
• Not scratching your head all the time!
• Taking enough Vitamin E, which is good for your hair and nails
• Not overprocessing or dying too frequently

I’m sure there are other things too, but that’s what stylists are for!