💇‍♀️ Life lately + post-partum hair loss saviors

Lots going on

Carol, circa 1960-something

Ok. Where to begin? Thanks for your patience, as there was no newsletter last week because my mom passed away the week of Mother’s Day. It still feels weird to say. It was very my mom, a former actress, to go out in the most dramatic way possible — nothing like losing your mother within days of Mother’s Day.

You can learn more about her on my Instagram highlight labeled Carol, where she shared all manner of Carol Content, from her favorite BritBox shows to astrology tips to her go-to items from Trader Joe’s, even her penchant for in-house grocery store magazines and the gems she’s gleaned from them.

In case you missed it:

My spring makeup capsule wardrobe

Do you really need InnBeauty Extreme Cream?

I don’t want to be a bummer on this Substack — in fact, my mom was so committed not to being a bummer, she would only share her Carol Content when she was in decent shape, which she hasn’t been in over a year when she got diagnosed with cancer. Her last videos are from 122 weeks ago — she simply wasn’t up to it in the last two+ years. Carol believed if you couldn’t go to a party and be fun — you should skip the party. She was adamant about that.

My mom and I dancing with my nephew five years ago

My mom was my best friend; my husband pointed out that I talked to her two to four times daily (in short increments, but yes). Carol was a brand. Carol was a culture. Carol was her high school’s valedictorian and was one of few Jews, at the time, accepted to Penn (there was a quota), where she studied English literature. She was mob-boss levels of loyal and expected it in return. She studied astrology and maintained a love of the discipline throughout her life.

I’m grateful for so many friends, family and readers who reported they raised a cup of tea, cut some fruit and checked their horoscope in the last couple of weeks to toast Carol. I keep thinking I should call her, a few times a day still. And then I remember. This keeps happening because the reality is simply unthinkable.

But I’m grateful she was at my wedding in September. She got to meet my son, Reid, if only for a single weekend in March and at the hospital this month. There were many, many Facetimes in between.

My mom, Reid and I are the only people I’ve ever met with a single dimple. Mine is on the left; Reid’s and my mom’s are/were on the right. I think of myself as my own person — we all, do, right? But it’s become clear to me I’m part of a matching set. And my mom would never have left without someone to be the next part of the set. She passed just as he turned four months old. He’s no replacement, of course. But he’s part of our coordinated collection and I have no doubt he’ll do a great job to preserve her legacy.

Anyway.

So I was grieving, taking care of a baby while getting some work done and managing a shiva. I don’t recommend this combo — but I’m massively grateful for my family friend Mandy who stepped in and did the lion’s share of the shiva planning, prep and shopping. It was at this exact time I started noticing — power alleys. The thick, lush hair of my pregnancy (which still grew really slowly, P.S.) was going back to its old ways but also was THINNING around my hairline.

I can handle a lot but I could not handle this at this time. You know? I knew it was coming, but what timing. So I got to work quickly on a strategy and here’s the situation. It involves supplements, powders, a good haircare combo and an oil treatment.

The shampoo & conditioner

I’ve long heard that Kirkland (as in, the house brand at Costco) is actually white-labled Pureology, one of my favorite brands. I finally tried out the moisturizing shampoo and conditioner (which I purchased on Amazon — despite being suburban once again, I still don’t have a Costco membership). And I was totally wowed. It doesn’t recall the current Pureology formula, but it’s an exact replica (at least in terms of how my hair responds) of the old formula, before the brand was sold to L’Oreal. To clarify, I’m a fan of both formulas but the scent and sunflower-oil infusion I detect in there is a dead ringer for that old-school blend. I’m a big fan and for $33 for two liter bottles, you can’t go wrong. I told my dad to pick some up for his house (since we’re going to be spending a lot more time there this summer), too.

The treatment

Miele Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil is an inexpensive godsend. I just apply a little to my roots, especially where I’m experiencing the thinning and keep it on for a good half hour or so before washing my hair every few days. I’m already seeing a little bit of a difference in growth.

The styler

Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue, which I’ve talked about before, is my go-to styling product while I’m managing this loss of all sorts. It reminds me of an iconic product of Wella’s, called Liquid Hair, of yore that was tremendous. I spray it on wet hair before blowdrying and using a curling iron and it keeps my ends sealed, adds heft to my fine strands and repairs damage without looking greasy.

The supplement

Dr. Formulas Hair Omega DHT with Biotin Supplements are my former go-to for longer, stronger hair quickly — they work phenomenally, but alas, I can’t use them until I’m done with nursing in a few months. But you better believe that’s the first thing I’m going to return to because nothing thickens up a thinning mane faster.

The powder

ColorWow Root Coverup Powder is the gold standard. My shade is dark blonde, and a little application around my hairline will keep my hair looking robust, come rain, snow, wind or hail. It lasts until you wash it out. One compact will last you forever.