I always dreamed of becoming a mother, and finally, my dream was coming true. But the joy of expecting a child was overshadowed by my husband’s unexpected business trip and the arrival of a stranger who turned out to be connected to my past.
My husband David and I had been preparing and planning for a child for a long time, but for many years, nothing worked out. We had tried everything we could think of, and the constant disappointment was heartbreaking.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
But eight months ago, everything changed. I finally saw those coveted two lines on the pregnancy test. This pregnancy was the best thing that had ever happened to me.
The joy I felt was indescribable. I knew I would never abandon this child as someone once did to me. Even though I was adopted when I was a year old, and my adoptive parents were wonderful, learning that I was adopted broke me at the time.
It felt like a part of my identity was missing. But now, I was eagerly awaiting our baby, ready to give them all the love I had received and more.
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David and I decided to have a partner birth, so I knew it would be a special moment for both of us.
One evening, when David returned from work, he looked very tired and worried. I tried to find out what had happened, but he only responded that everything was fine.
We had dinner in silence, and I felt he wasn’t telling me something. The tension in the air was thick, and I could see he was struggling with something.
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“David, please talk to me. It’s hard for me to see you like this,” I said, my voice soft but insistent.
David sighed heavily and rubbed his nose, looking down at the floor. “Alright,” he began slowly. “I’ve been sent on a business trip in ten days. I’ll be paid very well for it, and I thought it was a good opportunity since the baby is coming soon.”
“That’s great. Why do you look so sad then?” I asked, feeling a knot form in my stomach.
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“Because they don’t know how long they’ll need me there. They said to expect anywhere from two weeks to a month,” David said, his voice strained.
“But the birth could happen during that time,” I said, placing a hand on my stomach, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.
“I know. That’s why I’m in this state,” David replied, his eyes filled with worry.
“Then refuse,” I suggested, trying to keep my voice steady.
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“I can’t. It will affect my future work, and we could use the extra money,” he explained, frustration evident in his tone.
“But you might not be there for the birth,” I said, my voice breaking slightly.
David got up and came over to me, hugging me tightly. “That’s why I found a doula for you. I want you to have support while I’m away,” he said, his voice gentle.
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“I want to give birth with my husband, not some stranger,” I said, dissatisfied.
“I know. But Martha is very good, and many people recommended her to me,” he tried to reassure me.
“I don’t like this idea,” I said, shaking my head.
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“I’ll try to return as soon as possible, but I want us to have some backup. Let me arrange a meeting with her while I’m still here. If you don’t like her, we’ll look for other options,” he offered, trying to find a compromise.
“I don’t want other options. I want you to be with me,” I insisted, feeling tears well up in my eyes.
“I want to be with you and the baby too,” David said, placing his hand on my belly. “That’s why I feel awful about having to leave. But we’ll get through this, and I hope to be back before you start giving birth, okay?”
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“Okay,” I said softly.
That evening, we just lay together, hugging, as if not wanting to let each other go for even a moment. The fear of him not being there for the birth was heavy in my heart, but I knew we had to face this together, even if it meant being apart for a little while.
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Two days after that conversation with David, I was on my way to meet the doula, Martha. To be honest, I wasn’t very positive about this meeting because I didn’t fully understand how a stranger could support me during such an important moment.
I parked near the café where Martha and I had agreed to meet and went inside. The café was warm and inviting, with the rich smell of coffee filling the air. I looked around, not knowing which of the people there was Martha.
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Suddenly, a woman sitting alone at a table waved at me, and I realized it was her. She looked older than I expected, around 50, with kind eyes and a gentle smile. I approached and sat at the table.
“Hi! I’m Martha, and you must be Sheila,” she said, her smile warm and inviting.
“Yes, but how did you know it was me?” I asked, a bit surprised.
“You looked confused… and pregnant,” she added with a gentle laugh.
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“Right, I just feel like this belly has always been with me,” I said, laughing too.
“I understand, but believe me, you’ll feel such relief when it’s gone,” Martha said, nodding.
“I can only imagine,” I replied, trying to picture that moment.
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Martha and I talked for two hours. She explained what her work would involve and how she could help me. She spoke about different techniques for pain management, relaxation, and support during labor.
I described how I envisioned the process, emphasizing the importance of a calm and supportive environment. It turned out our views were very similar, and we immediately found common ground.
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Martha’s experience and empathy reassured me, and I was grateful to David for coming up with this idea.
As the conversation was ending, Martha asked, “Do you have any more questions for me?”
“Yes, I don’t want to be tactless, but do you have children?” I asked, feeling a bit awkward.
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“No, I decided to dedicate my life to medical school and then to working in this field, but now I’m here,” Martha said, smiling. “But I have given birth,” she added softly.
“Oh…” I said, sensing it might have been something very personal and possibly traumatic for her.
We stood up from the table, and Martha came over to hug me goodbye. As she hugged me, I noticed her looking at the large birthmark on my shoulder.
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“In my teenage years, I thought about removing it because I didn’t like it, but now I consider it my unique feature,” I said, trying to make light of it. Martha looked at me, puzzled. “I’m talking about the birthmark,” I added for clarity.
“Oh, yes. It’s very nice,” Martha said, rushing off. I didn’t understand her behavior but decided to ignore it. Maybe she remembered she was late for something.
As I left the café, I felt a mix of relief and curiosity, wondering more about this woman who would be by my side during such an important moment.
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Time passed, and my due date was approaching. It was hard without David during this period, but Martha was very supportive. She visited almost every day and even helped with household chores.
Her presence was comforting, and she always knew how to calm my nerves. I felt like Martha understood me like no one else. It was as if we were related, and I couldn’t shake that feeling.
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David was supposed to fly back home that day, and I just hoped he would make it before our baby started to arrive. Martha and I were checking my hospital bag, probably for the tenth time, due to my anxiety.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure everything you need is there. If anything is missing, I’ll definitely bring it,” Martha said, her voice calm and reassuring.
“I know, I just want everything to go perfectly,” I replied, trying to hide my anxiety.
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“Oh, dear. This is childbirth; it can’t be perfect. But your baby will be, and that’s what matters,” she said, smiling.
“Thank you, Martha,” I said, feeling a bit better. I went to the kitchen to pour myself some cold juice. As I approached the fridge, I felt something was wrong. I realized my water bag had broken. I immediately went to Martha.
“My water broke,” I said, panicking, my voice trembling.
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“Quick, sit down,” Martha said, helping me to the couch. Within seconds, I felt the first contraction and screamed.
“Breathe, remember how I taught you to breathe,” Martha said. But the pain was too intense for me to think clearly. “Breathe, Amber, breathe,” she said, and it snapped me out of my panic.
“What did you call me?” I asked, confused.
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“I meant Sheila, sorry, I made a mistake,” Martha said quickly. “But you need to focus on your breathing now.”
“When I was born, they named me Amber. But my mother abandoned me, and my adoptive parents renamed me when I was a year old, right after they adopted me. Don’t tell me this is a coincidence,” I pressed her, my heart racing.
“Sheila, it truly is just a coincidence,” Martha said, her face serious.
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“What happened to the baby? You said you gave birth but have no children. What happened to that baby?” I asked, my voice rising.
“I gave her up for adoption,” Martha answered quietly.
“It was me, wasn’t it? I felt something was off. I noticed we were too similar,” I said, my voice shaking.
“Sheila, you need to focus on your baby now,” Martha said, trying to keep me calm.
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“It was me?!” I shouted, feeling a mix of anger and confusion.
“Yes,” Martha admitted.
“And how long have you known?” I demanded.
“Since our first meeting when I saw your birthmark,” Martha said, her eyes filled with regret.
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“I can’t believe you’ve been lying to me all this time!” I cried, feeling betrayed.
“Sheila, I wanted to do the right thing,” she said, her voice breaking.
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to see you,” I said, struggling to get up from the couch, grabbing my hospital bag, and heading to the car.
“What are you doing?” Martha shouted after me.
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“I’m driving myself to the hospital, and you can leave. I don’t want to see you,” I replied.
“That’s dangerous!” she shouted, but I ignored her. The contractions were coming fast, but I couldn’t think about anything other than getting to the hospital and being away from Martha.
I got into the car, feeling intense contractions but trying to drive anyway. The pain was overwhelming, making it hard to focus on the road. The drive to the hospital felt endless, each bump and turn amplifying the agony.
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I kept trying to call David, but he wasn’t answering his phone. He was probably still on the plane. I prayed he would make it in time.
When I finally reached the hospital, nurses surrounded me with concern. They asked me many questions I couldn’t answer in my state. They quickly put me in a room, and a doctor told me I would give birth within two hours.
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My labor was progressing rapidly. David still hadn’t called me back, and the worry added to my pain. My whole body was in agony, and I felt like I couldn’t bear it any longer.
Suddenly, I saw the door to the room open, and Martha walked in.
“I don’t want to see you!” I screamed, my voice filled with pain and anger.
Martha calmly approached me. “I called David. He was leaving the airport and should be on his way here,” she said. “I know you’re angry, but I can help you until David arrives.”
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“I don’t need anything from you!” I shouted, but then another contraction began, making me cry out in pain. Martha breathed with me and applied a cold compress to my head.
I decided to stop arguing. I really needed support, even if it was from the woman who had abandoned me and then lied. An hour later, the pushing began, and the doctor said it was time to give birth.
“I don’t want to give birth without David!” I cried. “He should be here soon.”
“Sweetheart, the baby is the priority now, and we can’t delay,” Martha said gently.
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“No! I want my husband by my side!” I pleaded, but they didn’t listen. The doctor and nurses gathered around me. “Please, wait for David!”
Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and a breathless David walked in. “It’s okay, I’m here,” he said, taking my hand. Relief washed over me as I felt his strong grip.
David and Martha supported and helped me as much as they could. Martha held my hand and reminded me to breathe while David stayed by my side, encouraging me.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, my daughter was born. It was the best and happiest moment of my life. Her first cry filled the room, and tears of joy streamed down my face.
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A few hours after the birth, Martha came to me. David was asleep in a chair, holding our daughter.
“I’m sorry for abandoning you and lying, but—” Martha began, her voice soft and filled with regret.
I interrupted her, “I don’t want to talk about this now. But we will discuss it later, and you will explain everything to me.”
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I didn’t want to spoil this day with unpleasant conversations. Martha nodded sadly and was about to leave the room.
“Can you bring me some cold juice? I didn’t get to drink it,” I asked her, trying to keep things light.
Martha smiled. “Of course,” she said and left the room. As I watched her go, I thought that now that I was a mother myself, maybe I could understand why she did what she did.
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11 products with honest reviews that speak volumes
Were you ever super close to buying a product until you saw the awful reviews and immediately walked away? Well, this article is exactly the opposite, since each and every item is highly reviewed and has thousands of buyers every single month. From everyday necessities to smart gadgets, you will surely find something that interests you.
1. Jewelry polisher is perfect for at-home or on-the-go cleaning. The package contains 3 poms that safely and naturally remove tarnish and bring back the shine on all metals and gemstones, including gold, platinum, silver, brass, diamonds, pearls, emeralds, ruby, and sapphire.
4.3 stars out of 5
The poms are soft and non-abrasive, so they will not scratch or leave streaks. They are made of a latex-free, hydrophilic material that absorbs and traps debris. They also pick up all the dirt, oil, beauty buildup, and other residues.
Benefits: Happy customers mention that the product is very gentle on the hands and cleans diamonds perfectly. It also has a very pleasant scent.
Flaws: Some customers had trouble with the nozzle and pump, giving them a hard time to use all the cleanser available.
Promising review:
- OMG!!!! I have purchased more than one, I cannot do without these. You keep your jewelry on. Hard to remove pieces that you tend to wear for a while come out, shiny and beautiful. I keep one in my shower and wash my jewelry as the conditioner sits in my hair. I love it! @Nicha
2. Wig dryer head that allows you to dry your hair inside and outside effectively. It takes only 10–15 minutes to dry the hair net and the hair roots. It causes no damage to your wigs. Wash and dry your hair hands-free, since the item allows you to style it at the same time as drying.
4.5 stars out of 5
This is super easy to use. Simply place the end of your hairdryer nozzle into the opening (under 60mm), secure the wig on the head using the wig clip strap provided, switch onto cold or warm, and you are ready to go.
Benefits: People note that it takes even as little as 5 minutes to dry wigs, and up to 30 minutes for larger ones. It is especially lifesaving for hairstylists.
Flaws: Some customers mention that the product does not come with a stand and, therefore, can tip over and fall if you don’t pay attention.
Promising review:
- First of all it works! I used it on LOW for safety reasons, since I saw a review that said it caught fire. The LOW setting worked PERFECTLY. The hair was dried thoroughly from the roots, was flat ironed, curled and voilà beautiful once again. Definitely a time saver from letting it air dry. @Winter
3. Moisturizing cream with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and MVE technology ideal for 24-hour hydration. It is absorbed quickly and softens your skin without making it greasy or sticky. Ceramides are important for keeping your skin hydrated and getting rid of itchiness and dryness.
4.7 stars out of 5
It is made for face and body use but can be used as a hand cream for dry skin relief. It holds the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance. Also, it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic.
Benefits: The tub is quite big, and it will last you for a long time. People with flaking have noticed a major improvement. Also, you won’t have to reapply after a few hours.
Flaws: A few customers had an issue with delivery and mentioned that the product comes without a protective seal.
Promising review:
- The tub isn’t fancy but this product WORKS. And you get a tub-sized portion, so you can use it every day without running out in a month like some other moisturizers that come in tubes.
I use this on my face, neck, hands, and dry patches on my elbows and legs. I like that it’s fragrance free because I don’t need that in a moisturizer. Best part is that the product is non-greasy, and you can work it in without having a residue on your hands afterwards.
My skin is sensitive to cosmetic products, so I have to be choosy. This moisturizer is soothing and does exactly what it promises without irritating my skin. @Kat Mandu
4. Smart scale that offers a very easy setup with many fitness apps, including Fitbit and Google. It features high-precision sensors that measure in increments of 0.2 lb, with a 400 lb capacity. It is recommended to wrap the four corners of the glass with soft objects to avoid breaking them.
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Apart from your weight, the scale measures body fat, BMI, body water, visceral fat, protein, BMR, bone mass, muscle mass, metabolic age, skeletal muscle, and subcutaneous fat.
Benefits: Customers mention that the scale graphs your weight so you can easily check your progress over time. Also, the batteries are very strong, and the measurements are accurate.
Flaws: Connectivity might be a bit tricky sometimes, but once you connect it to your device, everything is smooth.
Promising review:
- We’ve used the same scale for the last 10+ years, it was accurate and reliable, but we decided to upgrade and after tons of product reviews we decided to purchase this scale. Shipping was fast, the scale was packaged securely. Although a little smaller than our original, it fits perfect in the bathroom.
If you want to track your weight and BMI, downloading the App was simple and easy. Once you set up the account, it syncs with the scale with ease. If I had to point one negative thing out, it would be that the App needs to be open and running for it to track your weight and BMI. @Mike Myers
5. Instant pot that cooks anything from rice and meats to making cheesecakes and yogurt. It features 13 different programs based on what you’re making. It prepares food 70% faster than traditional cooking methods, or you can opt for the slow cooking function.
4.7 stars out of 5
It is fingerprint resistant and includes over 10 safety features, including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid. It can cook for up to 6 people, and you may use the pot even for sautéing.
Benefits: Customers are very happy with handles on both sides of the lid, the large display, and the dual pressure setting that is especially useful for vegetables.
Flaws: While the product comes with instructions, one customer mentions that it does not say how long each cooking style lasts or what temperature you need to reach to sauté things.
Promising review:
- We like to cook our food and skip the bad additives such as too much salt. After several months we’ve used it about four times weekly. We love to cook raw beans and freeze them away. They are easy to cook in the Instant Pot. I also like to make soups with plenty of fresh veggies and other ingredients and freeze most of it.
This unit works great and cleans up easily. It has all the bells and whistles that almost anyone would need. There are plenty of YouTube videos on how to use them and also for making good meals.
We have two crock pots that we’ll probably get rid of. This unit is also excellent at steaming foods which helps preserve the nutrients. @Rick
6. Pet hair remover glove that brushes away mats, light tangles, and loose undercoats with a soft, flexible groomer that turns petting into an effective de-shedding tool. Such a procedure stimulates skin oils and improves coat softness and shine.
4.2 stars out of 5
The glove is great for dogs and cats with short, medium, curly, or long coats. It can be used daily or during bath time for an even deeper clean. It’s flexible and breathable and fits most pet owners thanks to the adjustable wrist strap.
Benefits: Happy customers mention that the glove cleans even leaves and other types of dirt pets roll into. It seems to be working well with pets that refuse to sit with traditional grooming tools.
Benefits: One customer mentions that you need to gather a lot of hairs on the glove to remove all of them. Otherwise, you need to store it for next time.
Promising review:
- I had my doubts, but it really does remove the fur! I have a short hair pinscher mix, and he is shedding like crazy right now.
The hardest part is conditioning him so he doesn’t play with it like a toy. And a little mist of water is key in getting the fur OFF the glove. I’m tempted just to, but another one has a backup. @Amazon Customer
7. Robot vacuum that cleans up daily dirt, dust, and debris with a 90-minute runtime. It learns your cleaning habits to offer up personalized schedules, while Google Assistant and Alexa allow you to start cleaning with just the sound of your voice.
4.4 stars out of 5
Its advanced sensors allow the vacuum to navigate under and around furniture and along edges. The detection sensors keep it from falling down stairs. It automatically adapts its height to effectively clean carpets and hard floors.
Benefits: According to reviews, the vacuum picks up every small piece of dirt and reaches even the smallest corners. It also charges very quickly within an hour.
Flaws: It is quite loud while operating and only one phone in the house can be connected to the app and control the vacuum.
Promising review:
- This robot vacuum is a convenient addition to any household, offering reliable cleaning performance with minimal effort. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy control via the iRobot Home app, where users can schedule cleanings and monitor the robot’s progress from anywhere. It is equipped with a three-stage cleaning system and dual multi-surface brushes.
It captures dirt, dust, and debris on carpets and hard floors alike. With compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it supports voice commands for added convenience. While it may lack some advanced features of higher-end models, it strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a popular choice among homeowners looking to streamline their cleaning routines. @Amazon Customer
8. Drain protector that effortlessly catches any type of human or pet hair, preventing clogged drains and costly plumber visits. It fits any standard 1.5″ — 1.75″ tub drain and does not disrupt the water flow. To clean it, you just collect the hair, throw it away, and rinse the protector.
4.5 stars out of 5
Thanks to this product you won’t need to use harsh chemicals damaging your pipes and the environment. The item has been honored as a 2018 KBB Product Innovator Award Winner in the home improvement and bathroom gadgets category.
Benefits: Installation is very easy and does not require too much maintenance. The material also looks very good, ensuring longevity. The affordable price is a big plus, too.
Flaws: The bottom of these protectors tend to get moldy, something that is very hard to clean. It may need cleaning after every use to prevent soap residue sticking to it.
Promising review:
- This tub mushroom is great at catching my hair. I can’t believe how many years I went without one (sorry, drain)! It’s incredibly easy to use, and the hair pulls right off after your shower. I leave mine to dry on the edge of the tub until my next shower.
I will say that no matter how often I clean mine, I find it eventually (after many, many months) starts growing mold/mildew. I just buy a new one at that point and start over. So happy to have an affordable and effective solution to prevent hair from clogging the drain. @Beth
9. Handheld milk frother that creates foam in 10 seconds so you can make your own cappuccino, latte, and hot chocolate. You may even beat egg whites with it. Thanks to the premium materials and high-resolution motor, it gives you an amazing experience.
4.3 stars out of 5
The tool is battery-powered and requires 2 AA batteries that are not included. To clean it, whisk in hot water and clean it in 5 seconds. You can store it in your utensil drawer next to your forks and spoons.
Benefits: People seem to love the fact that it doesn’t come with a cord and is super simple to use. It is also used to create protein shakes.
Flaws: A few people mention that the batteries don’t last for too long. One person was not able to mix their protein shake using this tool.
Promising review:
- I recently added the Battery-Powered Hand Mixer Milk Frother to my coffee routine, and it’s become a real game-changer. The convenience of having a frother that’s not tethered to an outlet is a total win.
Powered by batteries, this little gadget is perfect for on-the-go frothing. The compact size still has great performance and whips up a creamy froth for my coffee in no time. Has plenty of power and batteries last long.
I like the simplicity and ease of use, pop in the batteries, touch the button, and I’ve got froth for my morning brew. It makes it a breeze to clean as well. @AdamH0101
10. Foot peel mask that addresses problems like calluses, dry skin, and cracked heels. The plastic-like booties contain a blend of ingredients that easily exfoliate, moisturize, nourish, and revive your feet. It contains aloe vera extract, lavender extract, and fermented milk extract.
4.3 stars out of 5
The booties fit foot sizes up to 11. At first, your feet will start cracking, then they will start peeling, and at last, they will look refreshed. The instructions are very easy to follow.
Benefits: Customers seem to be excited about how effective this product is and how easily it removes calluses and dead skin, revealing soft skin.
Flaws: You need to keep the booties on for a few days, remove them, and wait a couple of days until your feet start to peel. The whole peeling process might take up to a week.
Promising review:
- I’ve used these before, but I promised myself this time I’d take photos. Sadly, I forgot to take them as often as I would have liked, but did get three in. I used both treatments, two weeks apart. Note there is some peeling still happening in the middle of the foot.
BE PATIENT as it takes about a week for it to start exfoliating, but you will be thrilled with the results! Oh, and keep the booties on for the FULL hour. @Denise
11. Biotin shampoo is essential for thinning hair since it does not contain sulfates and contains gentler ingredients. It moisturizes your locks and makes your hair look fuller and hydrated. It smells amazing and features essential oils to help improve your scalp’s appearance.
4.3 stars out of 5
This shampoo is paraben-free and packed with panthenol argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. The vital ingredients are absorbed instantly to provide your hair with much-needed hydration.
Benefits: Happy customers mentioned that they noticed a difference even 1 week after first using this shampoo. Someone with very thin hair said that the products provided extra thickness.
Flaws: Some people noticed that the shampoo made their scalp dry and itchy, while others haven’t noticed a change in thickness.
Promising review:
- Bought this on the recommendation of a friend, and I’m really glad that I did. Had been trying to grow my hair out to all one length, and naturally it felt like it was taking an eternity. My friend told me about biotin, and I thought why not give it a try.
I am on my second bottle, and already I can feel that my hair is getting healthier, and longer. I also just ordered biotin conditioner as well, so I’m hoping my positive results will be even greater in the days and weeks to come. @cyberchum
Whether your motivation is low and needs fixing or your cleaning regime needs updating, Amazon has every solution. And we always make sure that the products we suggest have triumphant reviews that prove one item’s usefulness.
Bright Side gets commissions for purchases made through the links in this post. Reviews may have been edited for length and clarity.
Preview photo credit Megan Geare / Amazon
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