The term 'growth aid' is used to refer to a topical product that can be applied to accelerate our genetically predisposed hair growth rate. There are a few growth aids out there, but the four that I've had experience with are Megatek, Ovation Cell Therapy, Boundless Tresses, and Shapley's MTG. I do not consider vitamins a growth aid because they feed our bodies with nutrients we are deficient in that are prohibiting us from reaching our maximum genetic growth rate.
Growth aids can be a sensitive topic, to say the least, in the hair care community. Many people do not believe in growth aids while few can testify to their effects.
From August 2008-January(ish) 2009 I used Megatek and Ovation Cell Therapy. I mostly used Megatek because it was cheaper and more convienent to purchase. My results were phenomenal and can be seen in my Fotki. After that I got lazy and stopped using it. I would apply it to my scalp as if I was greasing it every other day. I would wash twice a week to combat any buildup. I would take two small odorless garlic tablets to combat the excessive shedding. My largest results were from the first 7 weeks of consistent use which can be seen in the first pic in that album of my Fotki.
Now, to my point...
I've tried, unsuccessfully, to achieve the same results in 2009. I used the same methods with consistency only to have nothing happen.
After much thought, research, and hypothesizing I've come up with a theory. Growth aids are not products meant for consistent, long term results.
I had incredible results, but there was a big factor that I feel can be overlooked. My hair and scalp were very damaged and it lacked essential proteins, vitamins, and amino acids needed for healthy hair growth. By applying a product rich in those key ingredients directly to my scalp, my scalp and hair greatly benefitted.
After my scalp had time to heal and my hair was nursed back to health, there was nothing no growth aid, Hairfinity vitamin, Fast Gro vitamin, Nioxin vitamin, and sulfur/oil mix could do for me. Nothing. And I used ALL of these for at least 3 months consistently with no results.
In an information .pdf file found at Valleyvet.com under its product description for human crossover benefits says, "For men and women losing hair." This product is meant for people deficient in something that is causing them to lose their hair. I don't think it's equally as effective on a healthy scalp, especially if you are receiving enough vitamins and minerals beneficial to optimal hair growth.
Now, I'm not discouraging growth aids. I'm simply explaining my experience and theory of why they are no longer working for me. I believe every experience is unique. And I will not knock anyone's decision to use or not use them. I used them and got great results!
While I like to show off my great results, I hesitate because many people hear Megatek and just blank out. It should be understood that basic healthy hair tips and practices should be followed for a healthy scalp and head of hair. Your hair will always grow. Just concentrate on keeping what you have!
Happy Hair Journey!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Growth Aids: My Experience and Opinion
4 comments:
Thanks for the GREAT article. I am currently using Ovation Cell Therapy. I have been using it since September 2009. I have obtained four inches of growth during that time. It's good to know that it may become less effective in the future. I plan to stop using it in May anyway, since I'll be at my goal length and hair health. I'll pay attention to see if it becomes less effective in the coming months. Thanks again!
I tend to be skeptical of the benefits of growth aids, but your progress while using them always amazes me. Your theory for why they no longer produce results for you is very interesting...I think you are definitely on to something. Thanks for another great article!
Just had a mini-epiphany! Do you think stress can reduce the effects of growth aids? The reason I ask is because I remembered that during the month of my wedding, I didn't see any additional growth from using Ovation Cell Therapy. Then right after my life got back to normal, I saw results again. I was thinking that you were leading up to your graduation recently. Don't know if you were stressed or not, but I wonder if life changes / major events have an effect. I don't know, just a thought.
Hmm interesting. Stress can inadvertently affect hair growth anyway. So that could be possible. But even prior to my graduation I'd tried this. It was also during the same time of year. There could be an X factor there but I'm over it... For now. Lol. My PJ might kick in and make me decide to review another one.
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