This celebrity-created hair serum helped my 15-year battle with Trichotillomania
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Earlier this year, after a visit to the talented Trichologist Hannah Gaboardi, I was told my hair pulling habits were a trait of Trichotillomania. While my case isn't severe, over time this could have a serious impact on my hair growth and scalp health.
This 'anxious tick', as some told me I had, was a self soothing mechanism when I felt nervous, stressed, or was bored. I would seek out split ends, pull them like a thread to see the frayed ends ladder, or pull out the entire hair strand.
I was told it annoyed people watching me pull out strands, or leave a trail of hair in my wake. I was even told by former colleagues it looked like I had a receding hairline because I was pulling at my fringe so frequently in the office.
I have tried fidget spinners, ditched coffee, had hypnotherapy, among other stress management techniques to quit the habit, but no avail. I have tried countless hair growth supplements, collagen sachets, serums and shampoos to stimulate hair growth, to undo the damage. So far, only one haircare product has proved to be my saving grace: TypeBea's G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide serum. BUY NOW FOR £34.40 (WAS £43)
Trichotillomania is damaging because tugging at each strand can cause the hair follicle and scalp to become inflamed. Pulling out the hair also impacts the hair growth cycle, can cause scarring and result in the hair follicle closing altogether.
Although my hair wasn't at this stage, the hair expert noticed some inflamed areas around the sides of my head, and she warned if I continued this habit I would, in time, be facing more serious irreparable damage later on.
After this wake-up call I set to work finding an effective solution, and the launch of TypeBea was perfectly timed.
TYPEBEA launched in the UK earlier this year, and is the brainchild of Vida Glow founder Anna Lahey and Rita Ora – an interesting partnership, but the backing of Anna intrigued me.
The G1 serum – otherwise known as the Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum – is part of the brand's six-piece collection. It is a lightweight formula that is non-stick or greasy, but aims to stimulate hair growth no matter your hair type.
Infused with Baicapil and nourishing peptides, this leave-in treatment works to penetrate the scalp, promote healthy hair growth, increase the hair thickness and prevent hair loss. The G1 serum is free from parabens, silicone, and sulphate for a gentle haircare solution.
TYPEBEA has claimed it can prevent hair loss by up to 60%, which are impressive claims. While I would typically swat such bold statements away, I have witnessed first-hand how fast-acting this product is, as I noticed visible results rapidly.
Admittedly, I was dubious about yet another hair growth serum at first, but within one month of using the serum, I noticed fine baby hairs growing along my hairline.
I applied a few drops of the pH-balancing liquid formula along my hairline, as well as the areas I tend to pick at, massaged into my scalp and let it sit overnight. There really isn't much to it, which is why I was so surprised to see new hair sprouting up so quickly.
This serum doesn't need to be washed out, and it doesn't even need to be applied on clean hair, or wet locks, which is unlike other hair growth treatments I have tried, and makes it super easy to use. It is suitable for all hair textures, types and lengths, as well as on coloured and treated hair too. More Trending
I thought the first few months were a fluke, and put those new tufts down to just standard hair growth. Fast-forward a few months and the hair growth has amazed me. I've even visited a separate expert Trichologist at Phillip Kingsley who told me my hair density is now 'phenomenal', as my parting is full. This was the reassurance I needed, as it is a sign my hair, and scalp, have not suffered irreparable damage despite decades of hair pulling.
By no means am I saying this is a cure for hair conditions, such as alopecia, and I am aware there are other factors involved in hair loss, such as diet, environment, and genetics. But, in my experience, TYPEBEA's serum has worked wonders and I will continue to use until the end of time.
Ever the bargain hunter, I have found the G1 Serum in stock and on sale for £34.40 down from £43 at Debenhams.
Though TYPEBEA's G1 Overnight Serum comes with a heftier price tag compared to rival brands, it's worth every penny in my books, so shop fast if you want healthy and fuller tresses.
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