Jane Ferguson, an 86-year-old patient who suffered from severe alopecia for more than a decade, successfully reversed her hair loss after trialling a daily nutritional supplement produced by haircare brand Glowwa.
Ferguson had spent thousands of dollars on private consultations with dermatologists and trichologists after bald patches began appearing across her scalp when she was 75 years old.
The condition, known as alopecia, causes sudden and patchy hair loss that can shift location across the scalp, leaving hair thin and sparse even when it grows back.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, leading to unpredictable spot baldness or widespread hair loss.
Years of Unsuccessful Hair Loss Treatments
When the symptoms first appeared 11 years ago, Ferguson consulted her doctor, who suggested the hair loss might be linked to back surgery she had recently undergone. However, the doctor offered no formal treatment or detailed explanation, advising her simply that the hair would return.
Ferguson recalled being told that her hair would grow back, but she questioned how her doctor could know for certain without a crystal ball. Meanwhile, her hairstylist, Karen, attempted to style her remaining strands as bald patches repeatedly moved across her head.
Desperate for answers, Ferguson searched drug store shelves for over-the-counter remedies labeled for hair repair and volume, purchasing numerous shampoos and dietary supplements. When retail products failed to deliver results, she sought private medical care.
She paid for consultations with trichologists and dermatologists, with individual appointments costing $200 and $400. Specialists took photographs of her scalp and scheduled follow-up visits, but provided no effective solution. Over five years, Ferguson spent thousands of dollars without seeing any improvement.
Trichologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the human hair and scalp, whereas dermatologists are licensed medical doctors who manage broader diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.
The Glowwa Supplement Trial
The ongoing hair loss severely impacted Ferguson's daily life and confidence. To conceal her scalp, she wore hats, sat at the back of social gatherings, and washed her hair daily in an effort to create temporary volume. Eventually, the embarrassment left her reluctant to leave her home.
Her situation changed when her stylist attended a hair show and met Suzanne Cooper, the founder of haircare brand Glowwa. Cooper had previously experienced hair thinning caused by stress and was developing a new hair supplement.
Seeking individuals to test the product, Cooper offered Ferguson a free three-month trial. Ferguson accepted immediately, noting that she felt so desperate at the time that she would have taken arsenic.
Ferguson began taking two capsules each day. Although no changes occurred during the first two months, she continued taking the pills to fulfill her three-month commitment.
During the third month, small spiky hair growth appeared on her bald patches. Over the following months, her hair grew back stronger and healthier than before, fully transforming her head and removing the need to buy a wig.
Long-Term Recovery and Mindset
Ferguson has now taken the Glowwa supplement daily for five and a half years, paying $49.99 per month for the product.
In addition to regrowing her hair, Ferguson noted improvements in her cognitive function, such as an improved ability to complete crossword puzzles. She attributed this gain to reduced mental anxiety after no longer worrying about total hair loss.
Ferguson encouraged others experiencing hair loss not to feel embarrassed and to discuss the condition openly, noting how important it is for patients to know they are not alone.
Glowwa is a specialized commercial brand that manufactures daily oral supplements formulated with specific vitamins and minerals intended to support hair follicle health.
Trichologist Assessment of Hair Loss Supplements
Evaluating the supplement formulation, trichologist Sofia Baig noted that Glowwa Hair Food contains biotin, zinc, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C, which aids in collagen synthesis and iron absorption.
The formula also includes B vitamins for energy metabolism, alongside L-lysine and rice protein, which supply essential amino acids necessary for protein synthesis and keratin formation.
The product incorporates methylsulfonylmethane, an organic sulfur compound. However, Baig pointed out that clinical evidence demonstrating that MSM directly stimulates hair regrowth remains limited.
Baig explained that while such nutritional ingredients support the environment needed for healthy hair growth, particularly in people with dietary deficiencies, they do not directly stimulate hair regrowth when underlying causes are complex.
Biotin and B vitamins play essential roles in cellular metabolism within hair follicles, while keratin serves as the primary structural protein forming human hair strands.
Investigating Causes and Maintaining Scalp Health
Baig recommended that individuals facing unexplained hair loss seek a professional evaluation to identify the root cause rather than relying solely on supplements.
Clinical evaluations by trichologists assess factors including recent illness, emotional stress, rapid weight loss, surgical procedures, medication changes, and dietary habits, alongside scalp health.
Baig suggested discussing targeted blood tests with a medical practitioner, including tests for ferritin levels, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, thyroid function, and hormone levels where appropriate.
Hair loss can stem from nutritional, hormonal, genetic, or medical causes, each requiring distinct treatment approaches. Hormonal factors can include perimenopause, menopause, and postpartum changes.
Baig emphasized that supplement use must be supported by foundational health habits, including a balanced protein-rich diet, adequate caloric intake, good sleep, hydration, and stress management.
She also highlighted the importance of scalp care, gentle hair handling, and avoiding excessive heat or chemical treatments, noting that visible hair regrowth is a gradual process taking three to six months.
