If you've been following my Instagram stories for a few months, you might be familiar with my disturbingly-dubbed "Project Tushy Hair". I started PTH because I was frustrated that my hair seemed to reach a length past which it wouldn't grow. And at that length, it was quite thin and scraggly-looking (yup, making it a word). I've always been envious of gals, or guys, whose hair would grow healthily down to their tush, and I decided to see if I could do anything to overcome my hair plateau.

As I was discussing this on my Stories and mentally formulating a game plan, a Nashville company called Zenagen reached out about their hair restoration products, Evolve and Revolve. It was meant to be!

Zenagen was found by Jared Reynolds, a scientist who was frustrated by the ineffective and damaging products he had tried for his own thinning hair. As the website describes:

Jared hit the books and the lab in search of a fresh, effective remedy to his own harrowing hair loss problem. In his medical pursuits, Jared’s focus was Nutraceutical Science: the study of natural compounds, ingredients and extracts that have pharmaceutical-grade qualities and effects on the body. After two more years of research and development, Zenagen released two professional hair therapy lines: Zenagen Revolve for men and women’s hair loss, and Zenagen Evolve for accelerated hair growth and damage repair...[both] are convenient, natural and color-safe, delivering revolutionary results through easy home applications, and without the use of sulfates, Parabens, alcohol or formaldehyde.

When Maggie, a Zenagen marketing manager, offered to send me some Evolve (increased length) to try, I was admittedly skeptical. However, after 10 weeks using it consistently and according to directions (5 full minutes on the head, every other day), I am a believer! My hair has grown longer than ever before and the ends don't look nearly as pitiful as they used to...and I haven't even gotten them trimmed.

Y’all know I haven’t done very much product endorsement on my website. But I also know that hair growth (or lack thereof) is a real place of vulnerability for many people, men and women alike. And If I find something that I believe in, which is aligned with my values, and it can make y’all feel better about yourselves? I’m sure as shootin’ going to share it with you!

Want a testimonial other than mine?! One of my readers reached out to share her Zenagen experience. Paige had always dreamed of an updo on her wedding day, but when she chopped her hair off to a bob, she didn't think her wedding day was anytime soon...and then her boyfriend proposed! Devastated that she might not be able to have the wedding hair of her dreams, Paige tried a touted hair growth product to no avail. Then, as she says:

Enter: Zenagen...This stuff is LEGIT. My hair went from about 2 inches above my shoulders to full on, up-do, no extensions necessary wedding hair, in about 6 months. That may seem like a long time, but we are talking about 6 inches of growth for someone who's hair grows at a fairly slow to normal rate. An inch or more a month? You would've had to pull me down from the clouds. It was everything and more than I was looking for. Yay Zenagen and yay wedding hair!! Would recommend this to ANYONE wanting to grow theirs out!

If you want to give Zenagen a try, you can use the discount code "llea01" for 10% off. Note: you may return your products for a full refund if you are dissatisfied. Talk about customer service!

In addition to using Zenagen’s Evolve Shampoo and Conditioner, there are two products I have been using fairly consistently, which have improved the thickness and strength of my hair. When I say “fairly consistently”, that means approximately 3-4x/week throughout the last 10 weeks…enough to know that they have been effective. Especially because I wasn’t using them much at all prior.

The first is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.

Collagen is the primary protein that makes up our skin, nails, hair etc. We naturally lose some collagen over time as we age, but in our modern world of environmental toxicity, toxic beauty products and toxic foods, we also lose collagen to free-radical damage. This translates to damaged skin—wrinkles, dullness—and weak hair and nails. Good news though! Companies like Vital Proteins have started creating high quality powdered collagen from 100% Pastured-Raised Cows that can help replenish our collagen stores, thus improving the health of our skin, nails and hair! This powder is completely neutral in flavor, dissolves instantly in hot or cold liquid, and it doesn’t have a gritty texture (like others I’ve tried). I have been adding 1 scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides to my smoothies, hot tea, yogurt or oatmeal each morning 3-4x/week, and I have noticed that my hair is strong: it’s harder to pull out strands, and they don’t break as easily in a ponytail holder.

The second product I have loved and seen a decipherable different using is BE Biotin.

Created by hairstylist, Giulia Heiman, BE Biotin mimics the drug Propecia, but avoids the nasty side effects, “…through a unique combination of ingredients including Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed and Pygeum, three herbs that, when combined in studies, have proven to naturally lower DHT hormone levels safely and effectively.” DHT is a conversion of testosterone that increases in men and women with age, which causes hair to become weak and thin. Giulia paired this formula with high-quality biotin, or Vitamin B7, a nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining and nourishing our hair, nails and skin. Many of us don’t get enough B vitamins from food, and as a result, we are often lacking in their crucial benefits. While I credit my new hair length to Zenagen and strength to Collagen Peptides, I credit my improved hair thickness to BE Biotin. I have completed two full bottles of the supplement, and I won’t be stopping anytime soon!

Giulia has been generous enough to offer a discount code on BE Biotin, "LLBiotin" for 20% off...this only runs for ONE WEEK so take advantage! (ends 7/8)

And now, LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!!! THIS ACAI Bowl is an amazing edible way to promote hair growth! It is packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants from acai & minerals from spirulina (which allow your body to turn attention to growth and repair), grassfed collagen and healthy fat from avocado (soothing and moisturizing to your scalp, with Vitamins B & E). Plus, it tastes absolutely delicious!

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