Beauty

Hair Growth Supplements: Game Changer or Just a Gimmick?

Published

6 months ago

17 July 2025

You notice more hair in your comb. Maybe it’s on your pillow, in the shower drain, or just a sense that your hair isn’t as full as it used to be. You haven’t changed your routine, but something feels different. Then, you scroll through your feed and see it — shiny capsules and sugary gummies promising longer, thicker, glossier hair in just weeks. They’re everywhere, and the promises sound tempting. But do these supplements actually deliver? Or are we just buying hope in a bottle?

The Promise in a Pill

Hair supplements have carved out a massive space in the beauty market, offering an easy fix for everything from thinning edges to slow growth. Most contain familiar nutrients — biotin, zinc, collagen, folic acid — all ingredients linked to hair and skin health. The logic seems simple enough: give your body what it may be missing, and your hair should respond.

But hair health isn’t always that straightforward. If your diet is already balanced and your body isn’t lacking any key vitamins, adding more may not make a difference. And if your hair loss is driven by stress, hormones, or genetics, no supplement — no matter how well-reviewed — can fix that on its own.

When Supplements Might Help

That said, not all hair supplements are a waste of money. Some people do see improvement — less shedding, stronger strands, maybe even faster growth. But results vary, and they usually take time. Hair grows slowly, and most changes, if they happen at all, can take a few months to show up.

Supplements tend to work best when they address an actual deficiency. For example, if someone’s losing hair due to low iron or a lack of certain B vitamins, then the right supplement might help. But taking a product blindly, without understanding what your body needs, is unlikely to produce noticeable results.

The Factors We Often Overlook

Hair loss and thinning can be triggered by a wide range of issues. Stress, hormonal changes, thyroid conditions, certain medications, heat damage, tight hairstyles, and harsh chemicals — all of these can affect hair growth. Sometimes it’s not about what’s missing inside your body, but what’s happening on the outside.

Before reaching for a supplement, it’s worth asking: have you ruled out medical causes? Are your styling habits doing more harm than good? Are you nourishing your body overall? It’s easy to blame a vitamin shortage, but the real cause might be sitting quietly in the background.

A Market Light on Regulation

Unlike medicine, supplements aren’t held to the same regulatory standards. That means what’s written on the label isn’t always a guarantee of what’s in the bottle — or whether it works. Some brands are reputable. Others are more interested in branding than science. This makes it even more important to approach supplements with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Talk to a healthcare provider or nutritionist before starting anything new. A simple blood test might reveal exactly what you need — and what you don’t.

The Bottom Line

Hair supplements aren’t miracles, but they’re not entirely useless either. When used thoughtfully, they might support healthier hair. But they’re just one part of a bigger picture. Sleep, stress, diet, styling habits, and genetics all play a role — and no single product can override them all.

So before you spend a few hundred rand on the next trending hair supplement, pause. Look at your routine. Listen to your body. And maybe ask your stylist or doctor what they think — before

you trust the label on a bottle.

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Beauty

Modern Sew-In Hairstyles: How to Wear This Classic Trend in 2026

Published

1 day ago

14 January 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo Credit - Google

Sew‑in hairstyles continue to appear in hair and beauty features as a popular option. The technique involves braiding natural hair close to the scalp and stitching wefted extensions onto that base, creating length and volume.

Hybrid sew‑in braids combine cornrows with sewn‑in weaves in specific sections to create contrast, defined part lines, and structured forms. Stylists report that these configurations allow for style variety without requiring a full-head installation.

Photo Credit – Google

Sew‑ins provide length, volume, and styling flexibility while reducing daily manipulation of natural hair, which can help lower the risk of breakage. Modern installs are treated by stylists as a styling option similar to a precision cut or colour service.

Popular shapes and textures currently observed include middle parts with soft waves, bobs, and asymmetrical forms. Colour techniques such as honey blonde, balayage, and root-blended tones are used to create depth and dimension in the extensions.

Photo Credit – Google

Technical methods such as invisible and knotless techniques make installations appear natural. Stylists note that precision parting and strategic leave-out placement can help the extensions blend with the wearer’s hair.

Sew‑ins originate within Black hair care traditions, combining hair protection with styling versatility. Terminology, technique, and stylist expertise vary across salons and regions.

Options for wearers include straight lengths, bobs, angled cuts, or blended textures. The base braiding pattern, type of hair used, and part placement influence both the final appearance and the protective effect on natural hair.

Modern sew‑ins are typically expected to last several weeks, and stylists recommend scalp care, hydration, and appropriate products to maintain both natural hair and extensions. Protective styles are now commonly integrated into a planned hair care routine.

Current features in hair and beauty media show sew‑ins as a styling option that combines protective benefits with versatility. Wearers can choose from a range of textures, lengths, and parting options to achieve different looks while keeping natural hair protected.

Beauty

The Best Zinc Supplements,According to Dietitian

Published

7 days ago

8 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Istock

When people start suffering from frequent colds, slow-healing cuts, poor appetite, or even changes in taste, it can be linked to a lack of enough zinc. It supports immune defenses, skin repair, hormones, and metabolism. When levels drop, the effects show up in everyday life. Choosing the right zinc supplements is one way to improve your health condition.

Zinc Picolinate

Zinc Picolinate: Yu Pharmacy

Zinc picolinate is one of the best supplements around. It is bound to picolinic acid, which helps the body absorb zinc more efficiently. It is generally effective at moderate doses, especially for people who may not absorb minerals well.

Zinc Citrate

Zinc Citrate: Amazon

Zinc citrate is another reliable and well-absorbed option. It works well for general immune support and short-term use during periods of illness or high stress. Zinc supplements like these should not be taken with high fiber supplements as there is an absorption interference.

Zinc Gluconate

Zinc Gluconate : Amazon

Zinc gluconate is one of the most common forms found in immune and cold support products. It has a history of use and solid research behind it. This supplement works best for short-term supplementation. Some people respond very well to it, while others benefit more from forms.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide: Health plus

Although Zinc Oxide contains a high amount of zinc theoretically, It is best used in topical products for skin protection rather than as a dietary supplement.

Zinc Methionine and Zinc Bisglycinate

Zinc Bisglycinate: Amazon India

These forms help improve absorption and reduce digestive discomfort. They are recommended for people with sensitive digestion or chronic gut issues. They are effective at lower doses and tend to be easier on the stomach.

Despite the benefits, high amounts are not meant for long-term use and can interfere with other minerals like copper. When chosen wisely, zinc supplements support immunity, healing, and overall health.

Beauty

Fun Ways to Experiment with Hair Colour Without Committing

Published

1 week ago

5 January 2026

Tega Ekeri

Changing your hair colour can be exciting, but not everyone is ready for a permanent transformation. Fortunately, there are ways to try bold or playful shades without long-term commitment. South Africans are increasingly experimenting with hair colours that suit their lifestyles, from office-friendly subtle highlights to festival-ready bright streaks, while keeping their natural hair healthy.

Photo Credit – Google

Hidden or peekaboo highlights are one of the easiest ways to introduce colour without making it obvious. Placing vibrant shades beneath the top layers keeps the hair looking natural from the front, revealing colour only when styled in a ponytail, bun, or braid. This technique works well for people who need to maintain a polished look during the week but want something more expressive after hours. Deep purple or burgundy tones sit especially well under black or brown hair, offering contrast that becomes visible only when the hair is styled.

Photo Credit – Google

Temporary colour sprays provide another low-commitment option. These products wash out after a few shampoos and are commonly used for weekend events, concerts, and celebrations. They allow experimentation with brighter or metallic tones without affecting the hair long-term. Across South Africa, they are often seen at music events in Johannesburg, beach gatherings in Cape Town, and creative social spaces in Pretoria. Applying the spray to dry hair and lightly sealing it with hairspray helps the colour last through the day.

Hair chalk offers even more flexibility for those who like to change their look frequently. It allows you to create streaks, pastel ends, or blended colour effects and washes out easily with shampoo. While chalk shows more clearly on lighter hair, darker hair can still achieve visible results by applying in layers or concentrating on the ends. Starting with small sections helps manage intensity and avoid uneven colour.

Photo Credit – Google

For a stronger visual impact without chemical contact, coloured clip-in extensions or wefts remain a reliable choice. They allow bold colour to be added instantly and removed just as easily. Extensions work across settings, from casual daytime outings to formal events and festivals, and protect natural hair from unnecessary processing. Because they can be reused, they offer flexibility for people who like to rotate styles rather than commit to one look.

Photo Credit – Google

Semi-permanent dyes sit between temporary sprays and permanent colour. They deliver richer pigment and usually fade after several washes, making them useful for testing shades such as pastel pink, purple, or auburn before deciding whether to go permanent. Strand testing is essential, as results vary depending on starting colour and hair texture.

Creative placement techniques let colour be used selectively rather than across the entire head. Face-framing strands can soften the look while adding interest, and dip-dyed ends keep roots natural while introducing colour at the tips. Stencil patterns create short-term designs for themed events or festivals, giving room for personal expression.

Photo Credit – Google

Hair type also plays an important role in how temporary colour appears. Lighter hair tends to show brighter results that wash out more quickly, while darker hair may require layering or alternative methods such as extensions to achieve stronger colour payoff. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations and avoids disappointment.

Experimenting with hair colour does not need to involve long-term risk. With temporary sprays, chalks, extensions, semi-permanent dyes, and careful placement, it is possible to explore different looks while keeping hair healthy. The key is choosing options that fit your lifestyle, your work environment, and the occasions you dress for, allowing personal style to evolve without pressure or permanence.