3 Lesser-Known Causes Of Female Alopecia

According to a BBC news report, women aged sixty-five and above are more at risk of losing their hair, with 50% of this group experiencing female-pattern baldness. Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that affects the scalp and other parts of the body and is more common than you probably thought. Apart from the genetic and hormonal factors, research has proven that other factors contribute to a woman's chances of experiencing alopecia, including the following.

1. Nutrition

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Nutritional deficiencies have vast repercussions that medical research continues to explore. However, what has been proven is its effects on hair growth. Poor nutrition, especially regarding iron and vitamin D deficiencies, is known to impact hair follicles. The human hair follicles process these two vitamins to support hair growth. Unfortunately, in their absence, the hair roots grow weaker and thinner. Due to zero stimulation of hair follicles, new and existing hair growth become stunted. The apparent lack of these vitamins over a long period finally takes a toll, especially in advanced years.

If the deficiency is extremely high, hair loss can begin as early as in your thirties or forties. People diagnosed with various forms of hair loss are prescribed vitamins D and iron. It is done with the hope that they will stimulate the follicles to begin a new hair growth cycle. Therefore, if your nutrition isn’t right, you may want to do something about it.

2. Over-processed hair and related matters

Over the years, there has been an intense need to process natural hair to make it look and feel a certain way. Additionally, more women dye their hair either for fashion or to change their appearance as often as desired. Although these things are not much of a problem when done moderately, the issue is with over-processing. For example, women of colour who braid their hair excessively are at an increased risk of developing a form of alopecia.

The scalp contains follicles that produce and act as the support for each strand of hair. However, when there’s excessive pressure over a long period, the result is an overburdened scalp. In the same vein, over-colouring with hair dyes can cause brittle strands. Eventually, they break off and, if left untreated, can lead to bald patches or premature alopecia. Remember that dyes and hair relaxers are chemicals that need to be used moderately. While there is the option to cover up balding patches with wigs and extensions, it is also crucial to take precautions. For example, you are better off finding professionals like Vixen & Blush Hair Technicians so that you don't make matters worse.

3. Thyroid issues

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The front part of the neck contains the thyroid gland, which controls several metabolic processes in the body. Therefore, women with underactive or overactive thyroids usually have an increased alopecia risk. When you notice excessive hair loss, you may have to see a physician to run tests to rule out any thyroid problems.

Alopecia is a medical condition, but the effects can impact people socially, emotionally, mentally, and even financially.

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Avon Legendary Lengths Mascara

If you’ve followed by Instagram stories you will have seen that I have raved about the newly launched Legendary Lengths Mascara from Avon.  In recent months I’ve been lucky enough to use some amazing products from Avon and this Mascara is incredible.

Mascara is my favourite makeup product and the one thing I apply every singly day without fail. From Avon, Legendary Lengths is described as giving “total lash satisfaction”. It uses next-generation polymers that glide onto lashes to create a film that builds extra length, and as it does so, it manages to build up without clumping. 

For me, I am picky about a mascara. however is that I am really picky with a mascara formula. I cannot stand those overly wet formulas which when applied make your eyelashes feel really wet and then every time you blink, you splash your own face with flecks of the product, but then I also don't like an overly dry formula either, it has to sit somewhere in the middle, not giving me that spidery leg look if I want to apply more than one or two coats. But it isn’t all about the formula, the wand also plays a big part in the application for mascaras, it absolutely has to work with the formula and from Avon, the Instalength Tapered Brush works to separate and define those hard-to-reach lashes, especially those in the corner of the eyes.

So do I love it? Without question, it has been one of the best mascaras I have used in a very long time and from the formula which is smudge and flake free, it applies without clumping, even two coats, three if you really must and whether you want that natural fluttery look or you want to build up your lashes, the wand, well it’s flexible and is tapered to make it easy to use and it holds just the right amount of product. It also happens to be packed with amazing ingredients which include:

• Safflower Oil - Made up for more than 70% omega-6, safflower oil is rich in nourishing fatty acids and vitamin E.
• Omega-6 - Also known as linoleic acid, it helps to rebalance the skin’s lipid levels to encourage a healthy complexion.
• ​Vitamin E - is an oil-soluble antioxidant that can protect the lipid parts of the cell from free radical attack.
• ​Moringa Extract - A natural cleanser and antioxidant, it works to draw dirt, impurities and pollution to itself so they can be easily cleansed away.

An incredible list of ingredients and for £9, this is the best budget mascara I have tried for as long as I can remember and if you haven’t tried it yet, you definitely should!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Glossybox Spring Softness - April Edition

This months Glossybox is aptly titled “Spring Softness” which is said to be centered around sumptuous soft textures and deliciously delicate scents. It features five products, which are worth £70 and you will have a mixture of skincare, hair care, body care and makeup.

The joy of boxes like Glossybox is that it gives you the opportunity to try brands and products that you might not ordinarily come across or even think to try.

The first product out of my box is from Sand & Sky with their Emu Apple Super Bounce Mask.

I have tried this mask before and it is designed to not only deeply hydrate the skin but to also brighten and protect it. Powered by the brands unique Glow Berries complex, the formula contains an impressive concentration of antioxidants to protect, 5 types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump, jojoba oil to soften and kakadu plum to tackle pigmentation and boost radiance.

The second product on this month's box is from This Works with the Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum.

Enriched with powerful blend of wheat-based 2% Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, this serum is designed to tackle skin concerns such as dullness, dehydration and fatigue. The advice is to use this serum daily and massage it into the face and neck to achieve a plumper, smoother complexion.

The next two products I’ve come to know via beauty boxes. The first is Mitchell and Peach and the product this time is their Flora No.1 Body Soufflé.

Described as being light and easily absorbed, this body soufflé is enriched with Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Honey to ensure your skin is left feeling nourished. Scented with the oils of Lavender from the Mitchell’s fifth generation farm in Kent, there is also the inclusion of Ylang Ylang, Sweet Violet and Rose to give it a really lovely, calming yet fresh scent.  On the skin, I do like how lightweight this soufflé feels, almost like a whipped texture but it does have depth to it.

The next product is from DWTN Paris with a liquid eyeshadow in shade Rose Gold.

Not a product I use a lot of, I prefer a cream rather than a liquid for most makeup products but this isn’t quite the product I expected. Instead of being quite runny, there is a fairly good texture to it, so it works really well being applied with a brush or your finger.  It definitely has a shimmer to it and, I have accidentally used it as a highlighter too.

The final product in this months box is hair care and it comes from a brand called Wild Science Lab and there is three different products that have been chosen, but only one will appear in your box.

I have the Smooth Start Bond Reconstruct Shampoo. Said to be perfect for all hair types, this shampoo is described as being a hydrating, reparative shampoo that helps fortify the hair shaft with a smoothing, anti-static complex including keratin repair peptide complex, vitamin rich avocado oil, soothing Marshmallow Extract, moisturising organic Shea Butter, and a restful complex of 4 essential oils - Lavender, Magnolia, Benzion and Ylang-Ylang. So I’m looking forward to giving this a try once I’ve finished using my current shampoo.

For me, once again, I have absolutely loved the theme of this months Glossybox and continuing on from last months box, they have produced three very good boxes for 2022.

As you will all know, Glossybox is a beauty box subscription service and it costs as little as £11 per month here*. By subscribing to these boxes, it gives you the chance to get your hands on the Limited Edition boxes.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser

The word peptide is one that seems to be popping up everywhere right now and one product I am loving which features them is the one I am sharing today - Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser.  I have been really lucky to test and try out quite a few products from Ole Henriksen, with the Lemonade Smoothing Scrub being up there as one of my favourites.

Described as being Ole Henriksen's first ever barrier cream (another beauty buzz word), this Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser is further described as being 

"A daily moisturiser, packed with peptides, collagen and hyaluronic acid, that’s clinically tested to instantly double hydration, boost elasticity and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while also reinforcing your moisture barrier".

So the ingredient Peptide is one which is being banded about quite a lot at the moment and whilst it isn't something new, it is worth explaining what they are. In short, peptides, which our body naturally makes, are described as being short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin. Using a serum or moisturiser that contains peptides can lead to firmer, younger-looking skin, and there is extensive scientific research which has proven that peptides can support your skin on multiple levels, for example firming, soothing and hydrating the skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Peptides – encourages skin to perform better and improve appearance
• Amino Acids – reduce inflammation, promote cellular repair, deeply hydrating
• Ceramides – repairs the skin
• Niacinimide – increase lipids, reduce water loss
• Hyaluronic Acid – super hydrator, plumps and smooths the skin

Putting all of these together and you get one incredible product, which I have absolutely loved using for a few reason.

I absolutely love the texture, it isn't what I was expecting to find at all. I was expecting to find a thick, rich cream but instead, the texture is very similar to the lemon part of a lemon meringue, only it is bouncy.  One the skin, it absorbs very quickly and is one of those creams that is perfect for both morning and evening applications and I love that it isn't too rich, it is lightweight enough that you don't nice it on the skin after it has been applied, but rich and bouncy enough when you apply it, to know you have applied a cream and of course, it doesn't leave behind any kind of greasy residue on the skin.

For me, Ole Henriksen can do no wrong when it comes to skincare, absolutely everything I have used has been incredible, i'm sure by now, I don't need to mention just how much I love the Lemonade Smoothing Scrub

The Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser is available now exclusively to Boots, priced at just £40.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.