By: Plume Community Member
Hair care can be a daunting task, especially if you’re using gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, sometimes also called HRT or hormone replacement therapy). Nonbinary and transgender people who take GAHT might notice changed hair growth patterns, texture, and thickness. It can be hard to know where to start in order to keep your hair healthy and looking its best. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips that can help you maintain a healthy head of hair, no matter what your hair type may be.Â
With the right products and a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your hair healthy and looking great. So don’t let the fear of not knowing how to care for your hair keep you from looking your best. Read on for some essential tips for healthy hair care for nonbinary and transgender people when hormones change your hair growth patterns, texture, and thickness.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Every person’s hair type is unique, but there are certain characteristics that many hair types have in common. For instance, you can determine your hair type based on its texture and thickness. Your hair texture can be straight, wavy, curly, or coiled. As for your hair thickness, thin or thick hair growth patterns are the norm. People who use testosterone will likely notice some hair loss over time or even baldness.
Keeping all of this in mind, it’s easy to see how hormone changes can affect your hair. For instance, if you have coarse, thick hair and your gender-affirming hormone therapy transforms this hair type into thin, fine hair, you’ll have to change your hair care routine to accommodate your new hair type.Â
Hair type can also determine what types of styles you can wear. For example, if you have straight hair, you can probably wear just about any hairstyle you want. On the other hand, if you have thin, curly hair, you may have to opt for more low-key styles to keep your hair looking its best.
Finding the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
If your hormones have thinned your hair, you may have to change your shampoo and conditioner. Remember, fine hair growth patterns are different from coarse hair growth patterns, so coarse shampoo and conditioner don’t always work well with thin hair. Instead, you’ll want to find products made specifically for thin hair.Â
You can also consider trying natural shampoo and conditioner that is free of chemicals and dyes that can weigh down your hair. In addition to shampoo and conditioner, there are many other products you can use to keep your hair clean and healthy. For instance, you can use a hair mask every once in a while to seriously boost the health of your hair. You can also use hair sprays to add volume and hold to thin hair to make it look thicker.
Regular Trims and Haircuts
If your hormone changes have thinned your hair, you may want to add regular trims to your hair care routine. You may also want to consider regular haircuts if your hair has gotten too thin. Strands for Trans is a helpful directory of salons and barber shops that offer inclusive services for transgender and nonbinary folks.Â
Regular trims and haircuts can keep your hair healthy and looking its best even if it’s thin. They can also help you avoid the risk of your hair breaking off or falling out. If your hormone changes have given you thicker hair, you will have to make sure to get regular trims just as often as anyone else with thick hair. While thicker hair can look great, it can also get weighed down if you don’t let it grow long enough to maintain healthy ends.
Protecting Your Hair from Heat
Transgender and nonbinary people often worry about their hair thinning as a result of transitioning to a new hormone regimen. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can protect your hair from thinning even as your hormone levels change. One of the simplest ways to protect your hair is to avoid heat altogether. This includes things like styling tools and heated irons. If you must use heated styling tools, opt for the lowest heat setting possible.Â
Furthermore, you can use thermal protectant sprays or creams to help shield your hair from the heat of certain styling tools. If you’re worried about thinning hair as a result of transitioning, you may also want to consider wearing your hair up more often. Hair tends to break off more often when it’s exposed to the elements, so keeping it covered up where possible can help protect it from damage.
Eating Right for Healthy Hair
Healthy eating is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for transgender and nonbinary people who use gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, also sometimes called HRT or hormone replacement therapy). Eating a healthy diet can help promote hair growth, protect against thinning, and promote thicker hair. A diet rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B-12 can do wonders for your hair.Â
For a more specific meal plan, you can consult a nutritionist. A nutritionist can work with you to create a healthy, balanced diet that will promote your hair growth. You can also look up healthy eating plans online or in books.
Regular Scalp Massages
If your hormone changes have made your hair thinner, you can boost its health and thickness by regularly giving your scalp a massage. You can do this on your own at home or with a friend or partner. This can stimulate hair growth, along with hair restoration medications.
To massage your scalp, locate your hairline, and slowly work your way back. You can use an oil or lotion to make this process easier. Giving your scalp a massage regularly can help increase blood flow to your hair follicles, which can help promote healthier hair growth.
Using Natural Hair Treatments
Sometimes, you’re not able to avoid thinning hair, but you can take steps to make it look thicker. For instance, you can regularly use a natural hair treatment to make your hair look thicker. Hair treatments come in a variety of forms, including sprays, creams, and gels. They usually contain natural ingredients like oils, vitamins, and proteins that can help strengthen your hair and make it look thicker. You can find hair treatments at most beauty supply stores and drugstores.Â
Natural hair treatments are easy to use. Simply apply them as directed on your hair after you’ve washed and dried it. You can even use them as a styling product to add volume to your hair or hold a hairstyle in place.
Combating Dryness
Dryness can lead to breakage and thinning hair, so it’s important to combat it if your hair is starting to get dry. One way to do this is to use a deep conditioner once a week. Deep conditioners are thicker than regular conditioners. They can help moisturize your hair and protect it from breakage.Â
If you have trouble finding a deep conditioner, you can also use a hair mask. Simply apply it to your hair as you would any other conditioner. Leave it in for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it out. Hair masks can be more effective than conditioners at moisturizing your hair, so they may be a better option if your hair is very dry.
Conclusion
Regardless of what your hair type is, you can keep it healthy and looking its best by following a few simple tips. First, you should drink plenty of water since it’s great for your body and your hair. Next, you should make sure to get in plenty of vitamin B, protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. You can do this by eating a balanced diet rich in these nutrients. Finally, you can use hair treatments and natural hair treatments to boost the health of your hair and make it look thicker.Â
With these tips, you can maintain healthy hair no matter what your hair type may be or what type of gender-affirming hormones your Care Team prescribes.
