Fill-In Hair Powder for Thinning Hair

I've done a lot of posting recently on hair removal methods.  But I haven't really talked at all about thinning hair (on the scalp).  Luckily, this is not an issue for me *knocks on wood* but is for many women with PCOS.  I read somehwere that more than 30% of women with PCOS have thinning hair or bald spots.  I know a few personally who suffer with this.  So, I started asking around.  I asked people that I knew what products they used for thinning hair.  I asked cysters and non-cysters alike, anyone who had ever expressed distaste from thinning hair.  A few different products were mentioned, but hair powder seems to be the easiest and most affordable solution (short-term). 

There are many brands of hair powder out there, but essentially they all do the same thing.  You choose a powder that best matches your hair color, and you either sprinkle it on or use a cosmetic brush to apply it to thin spots on the scalp.  It acts as a "mask" on your scalp, basically.  Where the pale scalp used to glare out between the sparse hairs, becomes almost invisible as the powder colors the scalp and "blends" the hair in.  However, this solution is only temporary.  Once you wash your hair (or if you sweat profusely, I would imagine) the powder washes away.  But other than maintenance, I've not heard any bad reviews.  It gets the job done fairly quickly and easily. 

Though I may not have issues with thinning hair, I certainly know the woes of an oily scalp!  This stuff will help remedy the oil problem as well.  If you didn't know (or if you forgot), powder absorbs oil.  All dry shampoos contain some kind of powder - it's what makes your hair appear less oily.  But if you've ever used regular dry shampoos, you know that the darker your hair is, the more the dry shampoo will tend to make it appear "gray."  Personally, I'm not ready for any gray hair just yet.  I use a colored hair powder for my "oilier" days.  The brand I like can get pricey, so for a cheaper option, scroll down to the next paragraph.  If you're interested in the stuff I use, I prefer Finley.  You just sprinkle the powder on your roots or (as in my case) apply with a large kabuki brush.

         
I've done some scouring, and I've found what I think is a pretty affordable hair powder (depending on how much you use, of course).  I'm sure better deals spring up here and there, but for those, you'll have to do the legwork on your own.  In the meantime, I've found this one for $9.57 (currently).

A Quick Note About Facial Hair Removal Methods

I do not have any official products or methods to review today, but I did want to share a few words of wisdom with all of you when it comes to removing facial hair.  I have heard people say that they tried a product, only to find out that they are allergic or sensitive to it.  In extreme cases, I've heard people say that the hair growth became worse - coarser, thicker, or darker.  To all of you who try facial hair removal methods - PLEASE test the ALL of the products/methods first on your legs!  I cannot stress this enough!  If you break out in acne or a rash, or if the hair growth becomes worse (God forbid!) it is far better to have it happen to your legs than to your face.  Even if it is a product that I have used and recommended myself, everyone is different, and therefore everyone's hair is different.  It is also important to note that there are some hair removal methods (such as shaving and laser hair removal) that are notorious for making the hair grow back in thicker.  This is not always the case, and I've seen some people have laser hair removal done quite successfully.  Yes, it may cost a bit more to test on your legs first, but by doing this you will get a better idea of what your results will be and perhaps save yourself the pain and anguish of having any negative effects on your face.

Avon's Facial Wax Strips

It's no surprise to anyone I know personally (and many readers of this blog as well) that I genuinely love Avon products.  I recently had the opportunity to try out (and now review) Avon's Facial Wax Strip Kit.  I've always stood by the Facial Hair Removal Cream, but I've had people ask how long the results of the cream last.  For me, the cream hair removal lasts for about 3 days (give or take), and I know that there are some of you out there who would like longer-lasting results.  So, I asked my Avon cyster if I could get a sample of the wax strips to test and review for my blog.  She kindly obliged, and I'm ready to give my official review.

The size of the strips is pretty standard for facial hair removal.  These strips fit perfectly above the upper lip.  I was pretty wary about using these, because the last time I tried wax strips (Sally Hansen brand), I broke out in painful, cystic acne everywhere the wax strip touched.  It was not pleasant!  But because I have faith in Avon products, I really wanted to give their version a try - and I'm quite glad that I did!  I'm not sure if it was the wax ingredients or the "soothing oil" ingredients, but I did not break out in any acne at all!  The redness only lasted for about an hour, so don't do this right before you walk out of the house.  The soothing oil feels wonderful after the hair removal, and I personally love the smell of it!  Now for those of you wondering how long the results lasted - while the cream lasted for 3 days, the wax strips lasted for about 7 days!  I don't claim that your results will be identical to mine, as it all depends on the hair itself and the speed at which it grows.  But if you're thinking about giving facial wax a try, I highly recommend that you try the Avon brand.

To see more of Avon's products, and/or to support a fellow "cyster," feel free to take a look around her Avon shop:

www.youravon.com/pcossupport