The Collagen Low Down

Ever find yourself staring at a bottle of hair growth supplements, wondering if they’ll really turn you into Rapunzel? You’re not alone. Many people invest in these products with high hopes for luscious locks, only to be met with slow or barely noticeable results. But don’t worry—hair growth supplements can be incredibly effective if you know how to use them right. So get your cup of tea ready and let’s dive into some of the best ways you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your hair growth supplements.

 

Know Your Ingredients: The Hair Heroes

 

First things first, understanding all the helpful ingredients that make up your hair growth supplements can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of some key players and why they’re important, so you know what to look out for on the back of a bottle:

 

Biotin (Vitamin B7) - Biotin is often hailed as the queen of hair growth vitamins. But how does it actually work? Biotin plays a crucial role in the production of keratin, the protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. It helps your body convert certain nutrients into energy, which is vital for cell growth. Think of biotin as the event planner for your hair's big party, making sure everything is organised, on time, and looking fabulous.

 

Zinc - Zinc is a multitasker. It helps maintain oil glands around your hair follicles and keeps your scalp in good shape while promoting tissue growth and repair. Without enough zinc, you might notice your hair thinning or even shedding more than usual.

 

Iron - Iron is a heavy lifter when it comes to hair health. It helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your cells, including those that stimulate hair growth. Low iron levels can lead to hair loss because your follicles don’t get enough oxygen to stay strong and healthy.

 

Vitamin D -  Vitamin D isn’t just for strong bones—it also helps create new hair follicles. These tiny pores on your scalp are where new hair grows. So, if you’re low on Vitamin D, your body might not be able to create new hair as efficiently.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Found in fish oil and flaxseeds, these fatty acids are like a deep conditioning treatment for your scalp. They keep your hair hydrated and nourished, reducing inflammation that can lead to hair loss.

 

Consistency is Your Best Friend

 

Imagine you’re planting a garden. You wouldn’t water the plants sporadically and expect them to flourish, right? The same goes for hair growth supplements. You need to take them consistently to see real results.

 

Consistency Tips:

 

- Set a daily reminder on your phone.

- Keep your supplements in a visible spot, like your bathroom counter or next to your toothbrush.

- Pair your supplement routine with another daily habit, such as drinking your morning coffee or brushing your teeth.

 

Pair with a Balanced Diet

 

Supplements are designed to complement your diet, not replace it. For hair growth supplements to work their magic, you’ve got to give them a little help with a balanced diet.

 

Nutrient-Rich Foods:

 

- Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. Include sources like eggs, nuts, and lean meats.

- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, they help keep your scalp healthy.

- Vitamins and Minerals: Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins like C and E, which promote healthy hair.

 

Staying hydrated is also vital. Water aids in the absorption of nutrients and helps keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. So make sure to keep sipping on your Stanley cup.

 

Stress Less, Grow More

 

Stress is a known enemy of healthy hair. High stress levels can lead to hair shedding and even slow down growth. Taking a bit of time for you and making sure you are looking after number one can help you get the most out of your hair growth supplements.

 

Stress Management Tips:

 

- Exercise: Get thought steps in. Regular physical activity boosts overall health and reduces stress.

- Meditation: Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. Or if meditating isn’t your thing you could try having a bath and reading a book.

- Hobbies: Carving out some time in your week for activities that you enjoy can help you relax.

 

Track Your Progress

 

Tracking your hair growth journey can help you stay motivated and to see where your routine might need a little tweaking.

 

Tracking Tips:

 

- Take Photos: Snap a picture of your hair every month to visually track progress.

- Journal: Buy yourself a cute new notebook and jot down any changes you observe in your hair, skin, and nails.

- Set Realistic Goals: Understand that noticeable results can take time, often 6-12 months for optimum benefits, so don’t feel downhearted if you don’t see results in the first few weeks.

 

Patience is a Virtue

 

Finally, remember that your hair growth journey is a gradual process and can change from person to person. Some may start to notice benefits within as little as 12 weeks, others may take longer. Patience is key and if you follow all of our tips and tricks, your hair will be as long as Rapunzel in no time.

 

Why GLOWWA’s HAIR FOOD™️ is a Great Choice

 

If you’re looking for a high-quality hair growth supplement, GLOWWA’s HAIR FOOD™️ is an excellent option. This multi-award winning, vegan-friendly supplement is loved and recommended by hair professionals for its results-driven formula. The expertly formulated blend of ingredients includes Biotin, B12, Folic Acid, Zinc, L-Lysine, MSM, Niacin, B5, B6, Vitamin C, and Coconut Water.

 

Regular use of HAIR FOOD™️ has shown numerous benefits:

 

- Healthy Hair Growth: Promotes stronger, thicker hair.

- Reduced Shedding: Helps minimise hair loss.

- Restored Hair Health: Improves overall hair condition.

- Glowing Skin: Enhances skin health.

- Stronger Nails: Fortifies nails against breakage.

- Health & Wellbeing Benefits: Supports overall health.

 

Each bottle contains 60 capsules, a one-month supply, and results can often be noticed within as little as 12 weeks. For optimum results, continued use for 6-12 months is recommended. HAIR FOOD™️ can be used all year round to support and maintain your hair health and wellbeing journey.

 

Your Hair Growth Journey Awaits

 

Maximising the effectiveness of your hair growth supplements is all about consistency, a keeping on top of a balanced diet and a happy, healthy you. By following these tips, you can support your hair health journey and enjoy the benefits of stronger, healthier hair. Remember that patience and dedication are key. Stick with your routine, and you'll be on your way to achieving the luscious locks you’ve always dreamed of.

Trick-oh-till-oh-may-nee-ah. Sometimes known as TTM or even trich.

 

But what exactly is trichotillomania?

 

Trich is an uncontrollable urge to pull out your own hair, and something which wasn’t recognised as a disorder until 1987. The repetitive behaviour of pulling out your hair happens because you may want to remove an overwhelming feeling of tension/stress, or it may just be an automatic/unaware habit. Some sufferers of trich report being in a trance-like state when they are in the action of pulling out their hair. Others say their hair pulling occurs when they are in a stressful situation. Post hair pulling, people with trich have a massive sense of relief.

 

Here in the UK, it is estimated around 1.1 million people are currently suffering from trich. Most sufferers focus their hair pulling attention on their scalp hair; however, others may focus their attention on their eyelashes, eyebrows, beard/moustache, armpits or genital areas. It’s a habit which is extremely difficult to stop, and once the sufferers begin, they don’t want to stop. Using their own fingers to remove the hair is the approach for most trich cases, though tweezers and other instruments are sometimes used.

 

There isn’t a clear cause for trich. What experts do know is that this hair pulling behaviour tends to begin in adolescence, typically around 10 – 13 years old. By adulthood, trich cases are 80-90% women. Some suggestions as to why trich begins are listed below…

 

- Puberty hormone changes

- A manner of dealing with stress

- An imbalance of chemicals in the brain

- A genetic condition

 

As this form of hair loss is caused by the physical action of pulling out your own hair, bald patches on trich sufferers’ may impact one side of their head more than the other. The areas of no hair can be unusual shapes too, rather than other forms of hair loss. Some camouflage tactics that trich sufferers may utilise are wearing hats, scarves, disguising hairstyles, coverup makeup and using false eyelashes.

 

Although trichotillomania is not the same as OCD, it is in fact listed under the  ‘Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Related Disorders’, similar to skin picking (dermatillomania). Once upon a time it was thought to be an impulse control disorder; experts now believe trich may be better sat under the title of ‘body-focused repetitive behaviours’ (BFRBs). Even in the modern world we live in, BFRBs are an area which are poorly understood and massively under-researched. This could well be due to the fact many people with BFRBs suffer in silence and the behaviours are frequently hidden. Those sufferers who have the confidence to go seek help are often met with a GP or other healthcare professional who hasn’t even heard of the disorder, therefore unsure how to help.

 

50% of people with trich never seek treatment. And less than half of those who go for treatment feel like the professional had any knowledge of their disorder. Medication is no longer considered an effective treatment for trich, although it may be needed for co-morbid (another medical condition that exists) depression/ anxiety. Habit Reversal Training (a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is the go-to treatment for trich. The focus of this is helping the person replace their hair pulling with a habit that’s not as harmful. This is usually broken down into the following steps…

 

• Learning what triggers your hair pulling and how to avoid those triggers
• Learning to tolerate the resulting discomfort of not pulling your hair out
• Replacing the action of hair pulling with something else e.g. squeezing a stress ball
• Keeping a diary of your hair pulling
• Telling your loved ones to provide you with encouragement and emotional support
• Telling your loved ones to tell you when you are pulling your hair, helping you recognise the behaviour

 

There are some simple techniques you can try yourself though, which can help:

 

• Keep your hair short
• Wear a bandana or tight-fitting hat e.g. beanie
• Practice deep breathing until the hair pulling urge passes
• Using a fidget toy/ Squeeze a stress toy
• Form a ball with your fist and tighten the muscles in that arm
• Take a soothing bath to ease stress
• Exercise
• Join a trich support group
• Put plasters on your fingertips or wear gloves
• Don’t keep tweezers or implements you use for hair pulling in an easy to access location

 

If you are suffering from trich, remember it is important to share what is going on. It will help with feelings of embarrassment and anxiety that are associated with disorder. We understand that the compulsive behaviour of pulling out your own hair does cause a huge amount of toxic shame. ‘Just stop’ is a comment many trich sufferers are faced with, something which only stirs up more feelings of shame. Please remember, you are not alone.

 

Whilst you are recovering, GLOWWA can be a real helping hand in a hair regrowth journey. GLOWWA’s Hair Food provides you with that additional nutritional support needed for healthy hair growth, reduced shedding, and wellbeing benefits. In as little as 12 weeks results can be noticed and can help you start your healthy hair growth journey.

Shout out to all our curly, coiled, kinky, type 4, afro haired girlies… You’re going to want to read this!

 

You’ve probably had quite a journey with your hair. Maybe had a long period of time where it was wrapped in protective styles, maybe you’ve dabbled in an experimental phase of dyes, or been religiously since you can remember relaxing your natural volume. Your hair soaks up water like a sponge, and compared to finer hair, is much more fragile and vulnerable to damage. Constantly reminded on how keeping our hair hydrated is the be all and end all, making sure we don’t let any moisture escape. Research has shown that women with this hair type are more likely to cite that thinning hair/hair loss as their top hair concern, compared to other hair types. Not to mention spending up to six times more on hair products… Yikes.

 

Enough is enough. We want to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decisions for your hair. Hair health means so much to us. And loving our hair is a big part in us feeling our best and strong enough to face the day. So here it is, GLOWWA’s top 10 tips on the best afro hair care routine.

 

1) Hair wash once a week or every other week. Listen GLOWWA readers - We recommend washing your gorgeous locks every 7-10 days. It will help prevent your locks becoming dry with build up from haircare products. Please remember though, this is just a suggestion – hair washing very much depends on your lifestyle, how active you are and even where you live. Top tip: When washing your lovely locks, treat yourself to a good old scalp massage, and then begin your detangling regime. Don’t forget always to work bottom up aka tip to root.

 

2) Don’t skimp on the conditioner. Did you know that every time you wash your hair you should use hair conditioner? Focus on getting a good all over coverage, to ensure every little hair fibre is given all the TLC it deserves. Your hair ends are the oldest gals on the block and also the most fragile, so don’t forget about them when you are doing your coating of conditioner.

 

3) Before styling, get in a hot oil treatment. If you plan on styling your hair, and want to minimise heat damage, get your hot oil in your hair while it is still wet after washing. The oil will be a life saver in minimising the damage caused by heat tools. Furthermore, another moment for you and your scalp. Rub your fingers against your scalp to improve your blood circulation as well as stimulating your natural sebaceous scalp oils. Voila - A spa treatment in your own home!

 

4) Use relaxers with caution. GLOWWA experts would suggest if you plan on using relaxers, try and book yourself in with a hair stylist to perform this treatment. It will really help in minimising the damage and will ensure the treatment has been performed safely. So, how often should you be going for touch-ups? Give yourself a window of a relaxer every two to three months, and only apply it to newly grown hair. You should not apply relaxer to hair that has already been relaxed.

 

5) Limit use of straighteners and ceramic combs. Heat tools aka our ultimate love hate relationship. You may be the sort of girly who wants to use them all the time but know deep inside they are not the best for your hair’s health. So, let’s try and use these bad boys once a week. Yes, you heard us right. Team GLOWWA would also recommend using heat tools that have a temperature dial, meaning we can ensure it’s not too hot. The aim is to go as low as you can for the style you desire.

 

6) Don’t go too tight on your braids, cornrows or weaves. Sometimes it’s hard to override the well-known phrase – beauty is pain – however in this case, pain does mean damage! It is

essential to stop your stylist and ask them to redo your protective style if it hurts. After a session in the chair, allow your scalp to repair itself, so make sure you avoid brushing and pulling your braids.

 

7) Treat your hair to a silk scarf or invest in a silk/satin pillowcase. With summer just around the corner, we need to be doubly aware of storing as much moisture in our hair as possible. If we stick to our routines, moisture will be retained, and our hair will continue to be healthy and hydrated. Let’s begin by sacking off those cotton pillowcases, they are friction fiends and will cause major breakage. Your curls are precious and need protecting – hello silk and satin! These materials are much preferred if you want shinier, healthier, softer and tangle-free hair.

 

8) Stick to warm hair washes, not boiling. Although a really hot shower may make us feel super clean and ready to take on the day - your hair will certainly not thank you for a boiling hot shower! Hair can become dry when washed in hot water. Meaning going forward you’re going to have to pinkie promise us you stick to warm water instead. Yes, your hair will still be cleansed in this temp aaaaaand it will be gentler on your hair cuticles.

 

9) Watch out for hair tie bad habits. Who knew a silly hair band could do so much damage? Hair breakage is often linked back to these sneaky little things. This is because they create friction and rub your tiny hair follicles, causing major damage to your cuticle layers. Leaving you with weakened hair structure. Sometimes you can even see a section of your hair that has been damaged over the years from where you have been tying it up. Going forward, make sure you always fully unwrap your hair bobble before taking it out i.e. don’t yank your tight wrapped round band through your hair. And make sure you are holding the root of your hair when you are sliding the tie out.

 

10) Take GLOWWA Hair Food. Our Hair Food supplements are a natural way to support hair health and promote hair growth. Made with natural ingredients like Biotin, L-Lysine, and Folic Acid, GLOWWA Hair Food supplements nourish hair from the inside out.

 

There you have it, our top 10 tips on the best afro hair care routine. Whether you are wanting to keep a low maintenance routine or keep switching things up with your locks, you should always try to follow the advice above to ensure you are able to get the most out of your natural texture.

As we bid farewell to the chilly winds of winter and eagerly await the blossoming flowers of spring here in the UK, our bodies undergo subtle shifts in response to the changing seasons. Among these changes, you may notice a peculiar phenomenon: seasonal hair shedding.

 

If you've ever found yourself wondering why you seem to be shedding more hair as the seasons transition, you are not alone! Seasonal hair shedding, also known as telogen effluvium, is a common occurrence that affects many of us, regardless of age or hair type. Today we are going to delve into why it happens and how those of us who struggle with seasonal hair shedding can manage it. So, get a cup of something nice and let’s unravel the mysteries behind seasonal shedding and provide practical tips to manage it effectively, just in time for spring.

 

The Science Behind Seasonal Shedding

 

At its core, seasonal hair shedding is a natural response to a variety of factors that influence our hair growth cycle. Let's take a closer look:

 

Hormonal Harmony - Yes, you guessed it, hormones play a significant role in regulating our body's functions, including hair growth. Seasonal transitions orchestrate subtle shifts that impact our hair growth cycle. During longer winter nights, our bodies ramp up melatonin production, potentially affecting the hair growth cycle and contributing to shedding. Additionally, decreased sunlight exposure in winter can lower serotonin levels, potentially influencing mood and hair growth. Moreover, seasonal changes can influence cortisol levels, with stress-related spikes potentially disrupting the hair growth cycle. Understanding these hormonal fluctuations is key to navigating seasonal shedding and nurturing our hair's health accordingly.

 

Environmental Influences - From the chilly winds of winter to the gentle warmth of spring, our hair is exposed to a range of environmental stressors. Changes in temperature, humidity, and sunlight can impact the health of our scalp and hair follicles, influencing the shedding process(to learn more about how these elements can affect your hair check out our blog Summer Hair Care Tips and Routines.).

 

Stress Factors - Seasonal transitions, coupled with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, can be stressful for our bodies. Stress is known to disrupt the hair growth cycle, Cortisol, our stress hormone, is often associated with hair loss as it affects the function of our hair follicles by pushing more of them into the shedding phase which often results in increased hair loss.

Nutritional Considerations - Our dietary choices have considerable influence over our hair health and growth. Variations in eating habits across different seasons can impact the availability of vital nutrients crucial for optimal hair growth, potentially shaping seasonal shedding patterns. Whether you're someone who loses their appetite amidst the summer heat or seeks solace in comforting winter food, maintaining a balanced diet remains paramount to fostering healthy hair. So, as the seasons change, remember to nourish your body with a diverse array of nutrient-rich foods to fortify your locks from within.

 

Navigating the Seasonal Shedding Journey

 

Now that we understand the factors contributing to seasonal shedding, let's explore some practical strategies to manage it effectively as we welcome the arrival of spring:

 

 

Handle With Care - Treat your hair gently to minimize stress and damage. Avoid excessive heat styling, harsh chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles that can strain the hair follicles and exacerbate shedding. Opt for gentle hair care products and practices to keep your locks healthy and resilient.

 

Stress Management - Take time to relax and unwind, especially during seasonal transitions. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Managing stress levels can help mitigate the impact on your hair growth cycle.

 

Protective Measures - Shield your hair from environmental stressors, such as sunlight and humidity, by wearing a hat or using products with UV protection. Taking proactive steps to protect your hair can minimize damage and reduce shedding.

 

Nourish From Within - Embrace a healthy lifestyle by fuelling your body with nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, and prioritizing regular exercise. A balanced diet and proper hydration support optimal hair growth and help minimize shedding.

 

Consider Extra Nourishment - Alongside gentle hair care practices, giving your body an additional boost can support your hair health journey. Supplements like GLOWWA Hair Food™️ offer a blend of essential nutrients, aiding in healthy hair growth and shedding reduction. This subtle approach complements your hair care routine, providing the nourishment needed for vibrant locks. Remember, it's all about finding what works best for you and your hair's unique needs as you embrace the changing seasons.

 

Seek Professional Guidance - If you're experiencing excessive or prolonged shedding that persists beyond the usual seasonal patterns, consider consulting a healthcare professional or dermatologist. They can assess your condition, rule out any underlying medical issues, and provide personalized recommendations for treatment and management.

 

As we embrace the arrival of spring and all its beauty, let's not forget to give our hair the care and attention it deserves. Seasonal hair shedding may be a natural part of the seasonal cycle, but with the right approach, we can manage it effectively and maintain healthy, vibrant locks year-round.

 

So, here's to welcoming spring with open arms and embracing our hair's seasonal journey with grace and confidence.

Bride to be?

 

Whilst you are organising your something old, something borrowed and something blue, you might not have even begun to think about a hair care routine in prep for the big day!

 

Getting your hair in tip-top shape just doesn’t happen overnight sadly, so it’s crucial to establish a pre-bridal hair care routine well in advance – we’d say at least 3-6 months before you say ‘I do’. Avoid last-minute experiments and stick to what you know works best for your hair type and style preferences. Remember, you’re already beautiful just the way you are – and your wedding day look should enhance your natural beauty, not overshadow it.

 

Our GLOWWA experts have pulled together the ultimate hair care routine for brides to be. We vow these helpful tips and simple steps will be small saviours before those wedding bells ring…

 

• Hair washing: First things first, it’s time to get into a good routine of washing your hair that’s best for your hair type (you can determine your hair type in our blog: Scalp Care 101):
  • Oily hair: Every day or every other day
  • Balanced hair: Every 2-3 days
  • Dry hair: Every 3-4 days
  • Mixed hair: Every 2-3 days

Also invest in a gentle shampoo and a good conditioner, this will allow your scalp to replenish its natural oils. You could even consider using a scrub for your scalp, this will help circulation and remove any build up. Scrub away!

• Balanced diet: Just like skin, your hair will love you forever if you feed it a healthy balanced diet filled with those key vitamins to promote hair health. So, next time you write your shopping list, get the following grub written down:
  • Chicken (Protein)
  • Eggs (Protein and Zinc)
  • Legumes (Protein)
  • Nuts (Protein and Vitamin E)
  • Broccoli (Iron)
  • Kale (Iron)
  • Kiwi (Vitamin C)
  • Sweet Potatoes (Vitamin C and A)
  • Oranges (Vitamin C)
  • Walnuts (Omega-3)
  • Avocado (Omega-3)
  • Mackerel (Omega-3)
  • Salmon (Omega-3)
  • Wholegrains (Biotin)
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will keep your hair looking shiny for tying the knot. Proper hydration is fundamental for maintaining our mane’s moisture balance. If you become dehydrated it can make your hair dry, brittle and can increase its chances of breakage. Urgh!! Being hydrated can prevent hair loss and reduce frizz. Pass us that water bottle, asap!
• Schedule a hairdresser appointment: You may already have in mind exactly what you want for your bridal hair do. But before we get carried away with daydreaming, it’s always best to check the style you are planning with your hairdresser. Whether it’s gorgeous flowing locks or a stunning styled updo – just verify with them the best length and condition for your bridal hair goals. For example, if you are wanting a dramatic updo, maybe don’t get loads of layers put in!
• Regular trims: Another hairdresser focussed tip – yes, they are your guardian angels during wedding prep. To prevent split ends and maintain a strong neat look for your hair, it’s essential for the months leading up to your wedding to visit the hairdressers. Our GLOWWA experts would suggest going to have a trim every 8-12 weeks.
• Avoid heat styling and use heat protectant: Heat is not your friend when you are trying to get your hair in its greatest condition of all time! Blow dryers, curling irons and straighteners all fall under into heat styling domain. Now, we aren’t saying go cold turkey and let your hair go wild, just be aware of how often you are using these tools and make sure you always use a protectant.
• Deep conditioning masks: These little dream makers can strengthen, repair and hydrate our hair. Perfect for brides who want to revitalise their hair before their nuptials. If used regularly (every one to two weeks) a hair mask can really refresh tired looking hair – defo worth the investment.
• Come up with a colour plan: If you do colour your hair, get in your diary a visit to your colourist. You’ll want to make a plan on what hair colour is the most flattering for you and one that will keep your hair in good health.
• Invest in a silk pillowcase: The smoothness of a silk pillowcase can help to reduce nasty knots and tricky tangles. Within a few weeks your hair will be more manageable and have less frizz when you wake up in the morning. Yay! See ya bed head!
• Soft hair ties: You want the strongest hair possible for your wedding day. Beautiful bride = no breakage. A key culprit of breakage are those cheeky hair ties we use most days. Let’s ensure you have the right ones! Try go for ones that are soft and silky, rather than rubbery or plastic.
• Manage your stress: Okay, so organising a wedding is a tincy bit stressful, even for us level-headed girlies. It’s essential that you try to focus on yourself and your mental health, amidst all the appointments and bookings. Meditation, yoga and getting out into nature will really help relieve stress. Stress is not our hair’s friend, and when left to takeover it can lead to hair loss. So, remember to take big deep breaths and make sure you check in on you.
• Hair supplements: GLOWWA Hair Food supplements are a natural way to support hair health and promote hair growth aka a bride’s best friend. Made with natural ingredients like Biotin, L-Lysine, and Folic Acid, GLOWWA Hair Food supplements nourish hair from the inside out.

 

 

There you have it, a full breakdown of everything you need to know about haircare before the big day. Remember to eat those veggies, get your hairdresser on speed dial and treat yourself to regular conditioning masks. Embrace this time in preparing your hair for the big day, it is part of the whole wedding experience after all. Pamper yourself and enjoy focusing on getting your body as healthy as possible for your wedding.