Featuring Dr. Kalea Wattles

Photo by Dr. Kalea Wattles

Photo by Dr. Kalea Wattles

What is your name? Kalea Wattles, ND

How old are you? 32


Where are you from? Seattle, WA


What is your background? I  earned my undergraduate degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University, where I studied alongside Naturopathic and Acupuncture students. I fell in love with the Naturopathic philosophy and decided to continue my studies in the ND program (you can read my full naturopathic story here). I was very fortunate to begin an internship at the Institute for Functional Medicine while I was a med student. I have continued to serve as a Clinical Content Developer at IFM for the last three years, where I develop curriculum in male and female hormones, gut health, and cardiometabolic conditions. 

In a few sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do: My clinical focus is on fertility and women’s health. I am also mama to two amazing little ladies – Becoming a mother was such a transformational experience that I deeply want for anyone who wishes to be a parent. My training in both Naturopathic and Functional Medicine allows me to take a really well-rounded approach that considers all of a patient’s determinants of health. We know that humans are complicated creatures and our health histories, lifestyle, and genetics all play a role. I utilize functional laboratory diagnostics and a body system-based method for information collecting to provide patient-centered, root-cause care. 

What are you currently doing for hair health and care? My hair story revolves around post-partum hair loss. Nobody really warned me that this would happen before my first daughter was born, and I was alarmed (to say the least!). By the time my second daughter was born, I had been pregnant or breastfeeding (or both) for three years, plus working crazy hours and stress was really high. I suspect some nutrient depletion and the stress caught up to me, and my second post-partum hair situation was so much worse! I have a nutrition degree and am definitely a “food first” type of doc – so I dove into the research to figure out what I could do. Here is what worked for me: 

  • First thing first, I had to make sure that this wasn’t something more serious than “normal” post-partum hair loss. Hypothyroidism and anemia are common in women who have just had a baby, so I ruled those out with simple lab testing.

  • Nutrients for hair thinning: It was important to me that my nutrition was on point. For thinning hair, it’s really important to focus on adequate dietary protein, zinc, and selenium. In addition to my multi-vitamin, I focused on eating protein with every meal, my favorite zinc-rich foods (oysters, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds) and food sources of selenium (Brazil nuts are one of the best sources and I love to eat them with a square of dark chocolate).

  • Nutrients for dry hair: My post-partum hair was extremely dry, so I amped up my intake of essential fatty acids. Not only did I take a fish oil supplement, but I also incorporated lots of nuts and seeds and fatty fish into my diet.

  • Collagen peptides: I used a collagen powder, stirred into my morning coffee (I often add it to baked goods and pancakes as well). After a few weeks of using this, I noticed more baby hairs growing along my hairline, and my hair felt more lustrous in general. I also liked that it was a very easy protein source in the morning since I am rarely hungry for breakfast.

Are you using any natural hair products (if yes, what are they and what do you like or not like about them)? One major goal I’ve had is to use products that are certified as safe through the cosmetic database compiled by the Environmental Working Group (https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/). I tend to use Beatycounter products because they feel luxurious and are free of hormone disrupting chemicals. Here are a few of my favorites: 

  • Beautycounter split end serum: I love this product because I do heat-style frequently and my ends can get a little crunchy if I’m not careful

  • Beautycounter Volume and Shape shampoo

  • Beautycounter Repair and Nourish conditioner

What works well for you and what doesn’t? My hair is really dry, so I don’t wash it often. One to two times per week is the sweet spot for me. I do utilize dry shampoo most days – there are a number of powder based products that are pretty flawless when massaged into the scalp, Qet Botanicals has a great one. 
What do you like about your hair and what has taken some time for you to accept about your hair? I like that my hair grows fairly quickly and holds a style really well without hairspray (I do large iron-curls most days). I do have hair envy for “wash and wear” hair, it would be so great if I loved the way my hair looked when it air dried!
What are some helpful tips you can share with other readers?  Your hair is a reflection of your internal environment – changes to your hair can signal changes in your nutrient status, hormone balance, and stress level. A treatment plan for hair loss will likely involve multiple interventions, and it will take TIME to see results (hair normally grows about a centimeter every month).

If you would like to link information about yourself and how to contact you please list your website for other readers to look at.

Featured Person, Hair Care, Hair Health, Hair Health and CareLena RobertsonHair Health and Care, Hair Health FocusComment