Big Brow Energy
The 1990’s - 2000’s gave us many trends that we continue to treasure. Animal print, athleisure, claw clips, high waisted jeans, overalls, slip dresses, tiny bags, velvet. I could go on, but we all know that we won’t be finding pencil thin brows again (fingers crossed). For those of us who were caught up in the times and our beauty routine has yet to be rehabilitated, I’ve got you. Maybe you’ve just always had less than fluffy brows, you’re seeking a more masculine shape or perhaps due to hormone imbalances or age, they no longer have the glory of the past. We all have unique circumstances and biology that has played a hand at our big brow energy. All that to say, I’ve got you too and the solution? Growth serum.
I recently did a poll on instagram to see what you’re biggest needs were and what products I could use to help. This was the number one product, but picking the RIGHT one for you, that was not quite as simple. I set out to do some research (one of my favourite hobbies). There are heaps of serums on the market, all at different price points and ingredients, but all with the same claims. New growth. You also wanted a product that was safe during pregnancy and nursing. Looking into the science behind growth serums was where I started because I wanted to really understand how this all works. Let me break it down for you and start out with the basics.
Hair Growth Cycle
ANAGEN : This is the active phase in our growth cycle where the roots of the hair are dividing quickly. New hair is pushed through a club hair (essentially like a “bulb” that was formed in the resting phase), up through the follicle and out. This stage is also slower in the winter in comparison to the summer. A growth serum aids in the need for stronger cellular matrices around the dermal papilla (these strengthen the junction between the dermis and epidermis to increase oxygen, nutrients and waste) to anchor hair better, for less chance of fall out and an increase to the shaft diameter (think a thicker hair).
CATAGEN : This is a short transitional phase at the end of anagen, signalling the end of growth. Essentially it is the process where the club hair is converted and is cut off from the blood supply to produce the new hair. Using a growth serum stimulates estranged hair follicles for new growth and continuous support.
TELOGEN : This is final phase of the hair cycle, where it rests for a couple months and a new club hair is completely formed. Growth serums impact the speed the aging process by lessening DHT (a testosterone hormone) and improve irrigation of the hair follicle.
Ingredients
Peptides are the messengers designed to do a specific job and for brows, it is to encourage hair growth and healthy hair follicle activity. Serums that focus on essential oils are typically without peptides work to strengthen EXISTING hair that you already have, without stimulating NEW growth, which can be better for those with sensitive skin as peptides can be irritating.
Biotin and Keratin are important for energy production to help promote the growth of additional hair follicles. The keratin protein itself acts to strengthen it. Biotin might be a supplement you’re already using for your nails and hair.
Fatty acids are beneficial to condition, thicken and moisturize the hair as amino acids prevent breakage. Think lipids, panthenol and vitamin b (another supplement you might already be using).
Castor Oil is a common ingredient folks use for new growth, but won't necessarily grow your brows or even accelerate the process. What it will do is prime the hairs, so they're in the best condition to grow. As it contains ricinoleic acid (rich in antioxidants) it may improve the quality of each hair by supporting the keratin in the hair shaft. This can be used as an additional support to the brow serum.
Ginseng extract and Glycosaminoglycans have also been proven to stimulate growth in the hair follicle, which from the ground up so to speak, is essential for new growth.
Adoreyes
After searching high and low through the dark corners of the internet of forums, reviews and articles, I came to the conclusion that Adoreyes was the product that will give you the most fluff for your buck. What I loved about Adoreyes was that their ingredients list was KING:
TRIPLE PEPTIDE COMPLEX : Stimulates growth and restores existing hair follicles for thicker, healthier and natural lashes and brows.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 peptide helps to build stronger cellular matrices around the dermal papilla, which means that lashes will be better anchored for less chance of fall out. Additionally, this peptide has also shown to increase shaft diameter, which means that new lashes will grow in thicker.
Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 plays a significant role as an identifier of lashes that are estranged from the control of the follicle factories. It stimulates these follicles to launch an incessant process of growth and support enabling them to achieve the tremendous length, thickness and volume desired.
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 helps to slow ageing effects (Telogen phase) by lessening the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to improve the irrigation of the hair follicle. Studies showed that Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 increases hair growth, enhances adhesion molecules, stimulates hair strengthening genes, and increases the proportion of Anagen hair.
HYDRO & VITAMINS BOOST : Biotin, Panthenol and Vitamin Complex act as a conditioner to revitalize thin lashes and eyebrow's hair.
Created with a blend of amino acids and natural extracts such as pumpkin and grape seeds, this serum helps to fortify, smooth, condition and boost natural collagen production for healthier and long-lasting eyebrows.
BOTANICAL EXTRACTS : Natural extracts prevent premature breakage and hair fall for healthier-looking lashes and eyebrows.
CLINICALLY PROVEN : Made with clinically-proven and highest quality ingredients (think paraben / phthalates, sulphate / oil free). All products are manufactured in Canada and are cruelty free.
But let’s be clear, serums are not magic. They are a TOOL TO USE TO ENCOURAGE GROWTH. New growth does not happen overnight. Let’s consider everything we just learned about the hair follicle cycle. Within a few weeks you should start to see the beginnings of results, but within 3-6 months of DAILY use for maximum results. But with the aid of a product that is results driven, clinically proven, advanced Triple Peptide formula, you’re going to find an unmatched performance on the market - which is why I wanted in (as someone who y’all know could use a little help from being a teen of the 2000’s).
