My Strands Hair Care Review: How Custom Formulas Rescued My Sad, Broken Locks

If you‘re anything like me, you‘ve had enough bad hair days to fill years of awkward school photos. Despite every serum, supplement and hot oil treatment out there, my hair looked dull, limp and fried at the ends. I pretty much lived in hats and buns, dreaming ofthick, shiny, flowing locks that seemed impossible given my hair type.

That was until I discovered Strands Custom Hair Care – the first company using lab tests of YOUR actual hair to create personalized formulas catering to your unique hair profile. They promised me more than just a generic conditioner – Strands would develop a tailored regimen just for my hair needs.

As a hair care product junkie willing to try almost anything, I dove in head first to the Strands hair quiz and sent in my samples. Could this custom care finally help my hair reach its maximum potential? Here‘s my first-hand review of how Strands personalized shampoos and conditioners completely transformed my strands!

Overview: How Strands Custom Hair Analysis Works

Unlike any brand I‘d tried, Strands starts with an in-depth Hair Profile analysis – looking at the molecular structure of MY hair and scalp to decode what it specifically needs to be its healthiest.

Here‘s how the Strands process played out for me:

1. Took a quick hair quiz describing my hair type, damage, goals and more. This helped their lab know what to look for.

2. Received my Hair Collection Kit with supplies for gathering hair strands and skin cell samples from multiple areas on my head.

3. Mailed my hair samples to the Strands lab with the included postage-paid envelope.

4. In 2 weeks my Hair Profile report arrived – 7 FULL pages of details on my hair‘s unique vitamin levels, weathering patterns, follicle condition and more! I‘ll admit I didn‘t understand everything but was amazed how much they could detect.

5. My custom shampoo + conditioner shipped out about 1 week later. I was so excited to see bottles with MY NAME printed right on them!

The formulas blend targeted concentrates of proteins, amino acids and botanicals EXACTLY matched to my hair‘s needs.

I couldn‘t wait to see if these unicorn products lived up to their magical promises!

My Strands Hair Care Results

I have to say, I was BLOWN AWAY by how amazingly soft and strong my hair felt after just a few weeks using my custom Strands set!

Now 7 months later, these are the incredible results from using my personalized hair formulas twice per week:

• 65% less daily hair loss – I used to see dozens of strands covering my shirts but no more!
• At least 4 inches of new hair growth – I can finally put all my hair in a ponytail again
• My sad, wispy bangs are FULL and healthy
• Split ends have pretty much disappeared!!
• It takes me 10 extra minutes to even dry my thick hair now
• I can gently brush through wet hair with no breakage
• My curls rebounded and frizz has minimized despite the summer humidity
• I kid you not – I had a stranger ask yesterday if my hair was extensions!

Clearly my Strands formulas pack some serious hair-boosting power!

My hair BEFORE using Strands Custom formulas vs. 7 months AFTER

The Magic Behind Strands Hair Analysis

So how exactly does Strands create such transformative results tailored to each unique head of hair?

It comes down to their lab testing capabilities going far beyond anything else available.

Strands hair tests analyze over 15 critical aspects including:

• Hair thickness, porosity and density
• Follicle strength and scalp condition
• Elemental levels of 18 vitamins & minerals
• Protein and lipid concentration
• Cuticle integrity and weathering
• Oxidation damage markers
• Cortisol stress hormone levels

This data fuels their formula development for products precisely matching YOUR deficiencies, sensitivities and hair goals.

I was fascinated to learn my hair skewed extremely low in ceramides, zinc and biotin – while being high in copper. This explained the limp, stressed-out texture!

Strands also found my follicles and scalp were severely congested. So on top of essential building blocks, my formulas included ingredients to clear clogged pores and spur faster regrowth.

After just 2 weeks I was already seeing baby hairs sprouting around my hairline that have kept multiplying!

No generic shampoo could ever address such specific issues. But thanks to Strands custom analysis and nutrient-rich conditioners – my hair is tangibly healthier each day.

Strands Customers Share Their Success Stories

My amazing experience certainly isn‘t unique either. Thousands of women have found their hair holy grail with Strands personalized formulas.

Just listen to these rave reviews:

"I‘ve never felt confident in my thin, African American hair but then Strands gave me a routine that helped my curls start really springing with body! For the first time I‘m wearing braids and twist-outs because I HAVE enough hair to style finally!" – Danielle S.

"My wavy hair was so dry and knotty from coloring that I wanted to just shave it off and start wig shopping. But 9 months after starting my Strands set, it air dries smooth with no tangles. I can even wear it down again! From nearly bald to mermaid hair – I still can‘t believe it." – Lauren G.

"I‘ve always had super oily roots but dry, damaged ends. Regular shampoo made it worse but Strands perfectly balanced my scalp and moisture levels. For the first time in my life I can go 4+ days without needing dry shampoo but still have silky, glossy hair. It‘s a miracle!" – Kimberly P.

Clearly I‘m not alone in being wowed by the magic of Strands custom hair transformation!

Comparing To Ordinary Shampoos: Why Strands is Superior

If you‘re wondering why bother testing hair and making custom washes when Pantene costs $3 a bottle – let me emphasize a big difference:

Ordinary shampoos only coat the OUTSIDE of hair strands temporarily. They can‘t actually repair internal protein structures or replace missing elements.

This leaves hair weak, poropus and broken inside – no matter how shiny it looks initially.

Strands formulas penetrate the hair cortex to rebuild, strengthen and protect from within.

Targeted proteins reconstruct bonds while custom oils and ceramides fill gaps in lipid layers. Hair becomes more resistant to damage over time.

Vitamins, amino acids and minerals missing from your diet or recommended levels optimize growth and luster.

Rather than guessing what your hair needs, Strands analysis followed by deep-conditioning formulations lead to measurably healthier, vibrant hair that gets better with continued use.

If you‘re struggling with lackluster locks, persistent dryness, thinning or breakage – Strands custom approach could provide the solutions.

The Cost of Strands Custom Hair Care

Given all the proprietary testing and active ingredients involved, Strands falls on the pricier side – but far less than in-salon treatments.

These are the costs for Strands hair products and kits:

• Hair Analysis Kit: $15
• Custom Shampoo or Conditioner Bottle:
  • 8 oz: $35
  • 16 oz: $65
• Deep Conditioning Hair Mask: $55
• Complete System (Shampoo, Conditioner, Analysis): $125/$198

Comparing Strands Cost To Salon Services

• Keratin Treatment: $150 to $500
• Japanese Hair Straightening: $800+
• Single Coloring Session: $60 to $300+
• Quarterly Highlights: $240+ per year
• Olaplex No 3 Treatment: $28 per use

Considering how long each Strands shampoo bottle lasts me, it comes out to just over $1 per use – very comparable to high end brands.

But ONLY Strands can actively improve hair quality at the root cause. So while pricey, visible results prove it‘s worth every penny!

Strands Hair Care Reviews: Common Questions

Chances are you still have some questions about whether Strands custom hair care is right for your specificneeds.

Here are answers to the 12 most frequently asked questions:

How many hair strands do you need to test?

Strands recommends submitting at least 70 strands representing different areas of your scalp for the most complete profile. More is definitely better!

Should I switch shampoos before testing my hair?

Yes, avoid using conditioners, oils or styling products for 48 prior so residue doesn‘t skew your results.

Do certain vitamins or medications affect Strands testing?

High-dose biotin supplementation over 10K mcg can artificially boost hair levels. Also inform your technician about any thyroid, cholesterol or hormone medications.

Will swimming or other activities influence my Strands formula?

Repeated, long-term chlorine exposure can necessitate formula tweaks. Also inform them of any significant diet changes. Outside of that, your custom Strands regimen should still perform well.

How often can I redo the hair test for formula adjustments?

Every 4 to 6 months is ideal if you want formula updates to match changing hair needs, health conditions etc.

Can I use other brands of conditioner with my custom shampoo?

Technically yes, but combining products could reduce overall effectiveness. Stick to your personalized set for ideal results.

Is pregnancy safe for using Strands hair products?

Strands formulas avoid any known teratogenic ingredients. But check with your OB-GYN to be safe when expecting.

Will Strands help my post-partum hair loss?

YES! Many new moms use Strands specifically to help regrow thicker hair after having a baby. The custom biotin and keratin do wonders.

Do Strands products work for all ethnicities?

With over 40 natural oils, butters and extracts benefiting various hair types, Strands can improve texture for all ethnicities. Testimonials span African-American, Latin, Indian, Asian and Caucasian groups.

Can kids use Strands customized formulas?

Strands doesn‘t recommend their hair kits for those under age 13. Teen formulas exclude certain actives that could harm young scalps.

Does my hair need to be super long to benefit from customization?

Hair length doesn‘t affect Strands ability to test and treat issues. In fact, short styles often reflect the most damage, thinning and need extra care.

What if I‘m unhappy with my custom Strands products?

The brand offers a 90 day return window if your formula doesn‘t perform to expectations. They‘ll even pay to have your hair retested and reformulate your set if needed.

Hopefully having your top Strands questions answered gives you confidence in how custom hair care can rescue your locks!

How Strands Compares To Other Personalized Hair Brands

Given the huge success of Strands custom shampoos and masks, more brands now offer varying degrees of hair product personalization.

But NONE analyze your actual hair with the precision and molecular detail as Strands labs.

Here‘s how 4 competitors stack up:

Cocotique – This more affordable option has you take a dialect quiz then receive hair masks and accessories catering to your concerns. But without true hair testing, results stay surface level.

Function of Beauty – Very popular custom shampoo brand but you simply fill out an online form then choose add-in ingredients. No proof those elements actually improve YOUR hair.

Prose – Uses an AI quiz to suggest hair goals then lets you filter product ingredients. However efficacy seems hit or miss without analysis.

Form – Focuses on fully customizable hair color rather than scalp or texture needs. So helpful if you want custom dye but doesn‘t treat damage.

While cheaper, these brands can‘t truly guarantee better hair health since they lack Strands‘ microscopic insights. Without knowing your hair‘s vitamin levels, weathering patterns or follicle strength, it‘s all guesswork.

My Final Verdict: Is Strands Worth Trying?

If you feel like you‘ve tried every shampoo, mask and serum out there with no luck, Strands Custom Care could provide the solutions you‘ve been seeking.

Unlike generic products, Strands doesn‘t make assumptions about what your hair needs.

Their comprehensive analysis detects nutrition gaps, chemical overprocessing, inflammation markers and more that NO quiz could ever reveal.

Armed with a 360 degree understanding of your hair‘s deficiencies, their lab custom-designs formulas to Release:

👉 Rebuild weak, breaking strands
👉 Revitalize limp, thinning hair
👉 Increase shine, softness and vibrancy

The patent-protected technology combating the EXACT sources of your damage simply can‘t be matched.

Sure, the initial investment feels steep but so does wasting hundreds monthly trying every new conditioner.

And considering Strands plants the seeds for long-term hair health rather than temporary appearances – you end up saving in the end.

No more bad hair days destroying your confidence and style options.

I‘m 100% convinced consistent use of my custom cleansing conditioners and masks will have my hair stronger than ever in another year!

Ultimately only YOU can decide if Strands custom hair magic is worth unlocking for your specific hair journey. But with a 90 day return policy – there‘s only growth ahead!