Viviscal Review *Updates*

2012 was a year were I worked pretty much flat out, so you can imagine that I was pretty stressed sometimes. As a result my hair was not looking it’s best. I decided to do something about it and luckily a PR company sent me some natural food supplement, Viviscal to review.

I took Viviscal for three months. So, the result….

I do think it made a difference to my hair. It definitely grew faster. I have to get my hair cut twice as much. In fact I got it cut and less than a month later a friend commented on how long my hair was. It also definitely has more oomph, is shinier and feels so soft that I keep stroking it. Over all my hair has more volume. Would it work for actual hair loss or actually give you more hair overall? I’m not sure. I took it for three months and you have to take two pills for six months and then one pill after that. The results were promising though. I reckon it is possible. Read more about the study below.

*Update* We bought over six months of Viviscal with our own money for a writer, who wants to remain anonymous, to review. She is suffering from hair loss. After the six months her hair loss was worse, not better, despite the huge expense of the pills. Obviously the Viviscal did not make it worse, it just did not help. She did think her hair was shinier overall. We were also told by two trichologists that no hair supplements actually work. So for actual hair loss we would recommend going to your GP or a Trichologist. We have our very own trichologist who can answer your hair questions.

Kate Hudson apparently gets her amazing hair from taking Viviscal. According to David Babaii, hair stylist,

“Kate’s naturally long and full hair is a result of taking Viviscal”

The principal ingredient AminoMar CTM was originally developed in Finland in the 80’s, when a Finnish Professor discovered that the Inuit’s great hair and skin was a result of their fish and protein rich diet. By isolating the key ingredient molecules to replicate the Inuits’ secret of beautiful hair, he created AminoMar CTM, a ground breaking proprietary marine protein complex.

This was the basis of the first hair growth supplement. Since the professor’s discovery, Viviscal has been tried and tested by doctors, dermatologists, trichologists and hair stylists worldwide. A study of a third male and two thirds female patients, published by the Swedish Alopecia Society, showed that following six months of treatment with Viviscal, 95% of patients showed regrowth of hair. More recently a US study showed an increase in terminal hair after 90 and 180 days of taking the Viviscal supplement verses placebo and as the results were so promising this study is being continued.

Beautiful hair growth begins from within. As well as the AminoMar C marine protein complex, scientifically formulated Viviscal supplements also contain Vitamin C, Niacin, Biotin*, iron, zinc horsetail extract and millet seed extract. These are all essential for maintaining normal healthy hair growth and the basic structural building units of proteins that are essential in the formation of the hair structure.

Viviscal Maximum Strength is priced at £49.95 for 60 tablets (one month supply) and should be taken twice daily – once in the morning and then again in the evening. It is available from Superdrug, Lloyds Pharmacy (including Selfridges), pharmacies and health stores.

Frost Beauty Special | The Top Products

I have been lucky enough to have a chance to review some excellent beauty products recently. So here is my beauty low-down.

The people from Trilogy showed me how to make a moisturiser with a syringe, hot water and a waxy substance. After you syringe the hot water in the tube with the waxy substance you use the syringe to create air pressure. A lot of pumping later, ta-da, you have a moisturise. Very fun.

Manuka Doctor Skin Repairing Cream. This cream uses a unique purified form of Bee Venom along with UMF 18+ Manuka Honey. I have been using it and my skin is definitely more radiant. Independent survey’s say it makes a difference to your skin in four weeks. Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham and Danni Minogue are all fans. Made in Chelsea star Mille Mackintosh is their new brand ambassador. Mille had acne in her youth and loves the range as it clears up her skin. They also won ‘Best New Brand’ at the annual beauty awards which are hosted by Cosmetics Executives Women UK.

I love dry shampoo. It is great for volume or those days in-between washes. Klorane’s mini sized Gentle Dry Shampoo Oat Milk is a super handy 50ml can. It’s pretty natural and just pops into your handbag. It’s also only £3.10.

Another travel, and summer, essential is Eau Thermale Spring Water Spray. It’s the same size as the dry shampoo (50ml) and only 5p dearer. It cools and calms the skin. Angelina Jolie is a fan.

Aloe Vera should be in every make-up bag. Celebrity fan Jemma Kidd uses Aloe Vera Gel after being out in the sun to sooth and heal the skin: She says: ‘I religiously put it on when I’ve been in the sun. It’s so soothing and healing. We have hundreds of aloe plants in our garden and when we’re burnt we pick a leaf.’

Miaflora Argan Oil is an excellent moisturiser. It is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree. Kylie Minigue says: “I picked up some argan oil on a recent trip to Morocco…it really does work!” She’s right, it does.

Miaroma Rose Blended Essential Oil is brilliant. You can apply straight to skin or put it in the bath. Rose oil is one of the ingredients of the moment. It does improve skin.

Bio Oil is a classic. Use it for stretch marks and scars. It is a household name now and rightly so.

Another favourite is the Micro Pedi. It is this excellent battery-operated portable device that gives your feet an amazing pedicure. It is available from Boots for £39.95.

Keromask is a new generation of cover-up. You can even use it to cover tattoos and acne. It comes in 24 shades of camouflage cream (£14.99 each) and four finishing powders to achieve the perfect blend. The results are waterproof and heat-resistant. You can buy the Keromask Starter Kit for just £4.99. Go to coverwithconfidence.co.uk for advice on make-up application.

Dehydrated skin can be tight, flaky and sore. If you have lots of very fine lines (as opposed to deep wrinkles), and you’re prone to a dull complexion, then you probably have dehydrated skin. Don’t panic though – this can quickly be brought back to health.

Hydrate skin and achieve that ‘A-list’ complexion with an intensely moisturising honey treatment from Manuka Doctor

Celebrities such as Catherine Zeta Jones and Scarlett Johanssen swear by Manuka Honey facials.

Manuka Honey has the ability to absorb and retain moisture, which supports the natural collagen and elastin structure of skin. With 80% of skin made up of collagen, it’s an ideal natural ingredient to help keep skin hydrated, firm and lifted.

Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Rejuvenating Face Mask contains a UMF 18+ Manuka Honey to deeply nourish the skin and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This deep penetrating skin renewal treatment should be applied to dry clean skin and either left on for 15-30 minutes before washing off or it can be left on overnight for an intensive moisturising treatment. The Rejuvenating Face Mask from Manuka Doctor costs £49.99 and is available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide or www.hollandandbarrett.com.

I will also be reviewing Viviscal Maximum Strength and Colladeen Visage so watch this space! Around 70,000 women take the Colladeen so I have high hopes.