Sue's Hair Regrowth Journey

Midlife Hair Loss: Sue McLea’s Hair Regrowth Story & Why She Chose MONAT Hair thinning and hair loss are among the biggest frustrations I hear from women in midlife. Our hair can feel like part of our identity, so watching it become thinner, more fragile or seeing our scalp where we never used to see it can have a surprisingly big impact on confidence. For this episode, I invited my longtime friend and client Sue McLea to share her own experience. I’ve known Sue for years, so I knew what her hair looked like before. Over the last several months I started noticing the incredible difference in her hair — not simply longer hair, but visibly thicker hair and new growth in areas where she had previously experienced significant thinning. Sue has now been using MONAT for approximately eight months and is also a MONAT ambassador. She joined me to explain what she experienced, what she uses and exactly how she uses it. Sue’s Hair Loss Story Sue began experiencing significant hair thinning around age 59–60, particularly around her temples. It progressed to the point where she described having noticeable bald areas on either side of her head. Hairstyles she had worn for years suddenly became difficult because pulling her hair back exposed those areas. Initially, she assumed this was simply another part of getting older. Eventually, after watching the results her niece was experiencing with MONAT, Sue decided to try the products herself. She was skeptical and gave herself a simple test: Two months. If she didn't see a difference, she was done. Instead, Sue says she began seeing tiny new “baby hairs” within approximately 30 days. Eight months later, the difference in her hair is remarkable. Her hair has become so much thicker that she says she now needs to rethink her hairstyle because of all the new growth coming through. The Big Philosophy: Your Scalp Is Skin One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was the emphasis on scalp health. We spend enormous amounts of time and money taking care of the skin on our faces, yet most of us give very little thought to the skin underneath our hair. Sue’s approach is to create a healthier scalp environment while also protecting the hair itself from breakage and damage. Hair naturally moves through different stages — growth, resting and shedding — so the goal isn't simply to coat the existing hair and make it temporarily look better. The discussion centered around supporting the scalp and follicle environment while also protecting the hair you already have. Sue’s MONAT Routine Sue didn't simply add another shampoo to her shower. She committed to a complete routine. 1. Rejuveniqe Oil – Before Washing Sue uses Rejuveniqe Oil as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment approximately once or twice per week. She applies the oil throughout the scalp, massages it in and brushes it through the hair. She often applies it at night and leaves it in before washing. The oil contains a blend of plant-based oils and is designed to hydrate the scalp and hair while helping reduce dryness, frizz and breakage. It can also be worked through the lengths of the hair rather than simply used on the scalp. 2. Double Shampoo MONAT shampoo is highly concentrated, so Sue uses only about a dime-sized amount. She emulsifies it thoroughly in her hands before applying it primarily to the scalp. She then shampoos twice. The first wash is used to remove product, oil and environmental buildup. After rinsing thoroughly, she repeats the process. Sue says the second wash produces considerably more lather. Rather than piling shampoo through the ends of the hair, the focus is the scalp. 3. Conditioner Conditioner goes primarily from the ears down, rather than being applied heavily to the scalp. Sue recommends allowing it to sit for several minutes before rinsing so it has time to work through the hair. 4. IR Clinical Hair Thinning Defense Serum – Every Day This was one of the most important products in Sue's routine. Sue keeps the serum somewhere she will see it every day — initially beside her toothbrush — because consistency matters.