If there’s one thing I know both men and women can appreciate, its hair.

We all want it thicker, fuller, longer or all of the above. As we age, each strand seems to become more precious than the last as we watch our luscious locks shed. There are a wide variety of reasons as to why we lose our hair such as stress, genetics, age, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, autoimmune disorders, and damage from over styling to name a few. Suddenly we find ourselves longing to transform into a Chia Pet. If only we could water ourselves in the shower to stimulate our follicles resulting in a new head of hair in just a couple of weeks…but alas that is an on demand request that even Silicon Valley has yet to master.

I myself have been a victim of the dreaded shed. I started getting highlights at 14, bleached it at 16, had it chemically straightened at 17, died it black at 19, and lifted it to light brown at 22. My weapons of mass destruction were (and still are) my curling iron and my blow-dryer and my scalp was ground zero. As if my own form of torture wasn’t enough on my innocent hair, I also had the pleasure of experiencing hair loss due to nutrition deficiencies, stress, hormonal changes, and environmental conditions.

However, hope is not lost! Before you go back to reapplying the Rogaine or poppin’ Biotin tablets like they’re beer nuts, I have two of my most successful alternative methods I’d like you to try.

#1: Viviscal: This magical little tablet promotes existing hair growth from within and it is now the #1 selling hair growth supplement in the US. It’s 100% drug free and delivers essential nutrients that wake up your follicles. The three most active ingredients are AminoMar, Acerola Cherry, and Horsetail. AminoMar is a marine protein, which is comprised of a proprietary blend of shark and mollusk powder. Studies have shown that it provides essential proteins needed to nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair growth. Acerola Cherry is one of the highest natural sources for Vitamin C and with its high anti-oxidant properties, it helps to improve the health of the fair follicle. Horsetail extract is an organic form of silica that increases the strength of hair and is said to revitalize lifeless hair. However, horsetail also contains chromium, so it’s important to stop any other chromium containing supplement while taking Viviscal in order to avoid chromium poisoning. (None of this is FDA approved)

#2: Castor Oil: Castor oil works on nourishing the scalp and strengthening the roots with the help of its unusually high content of ricinoleic acid and omega- 6 essential fatty acids. By massaging these nutrients into your scalp you accelerate blood circulation, hence increasing hair growth. I achieve the best results when I apply the castor oil before bed and leave it protected under a shower cap overnight. Not only will you be stimulating hair growth, but you’ll wake up with silky soft hair and improved split ends. With the added moisture from the oil along with its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, you will also be flake free! (Works on lashes too)