A Journey That Started With Passion and Perseverance
Alaa Abdelgawad, also known as @nesqueeks on TikTok, is carving a unique path in the fields of mental health and haircare. Born on June 11, 2000, Alaa has combined her academic background in pharmacy with her passion for understanding the human mind and body. From a young age, she showed a strong awareness of mental health issues, which laid the foundation for her professional and social media journey today.
The Defining Moment That Shaped Her Path
Alaa recalls a pivotal event in 2024 that changed her perspective about her future. While still an undergraduate, she participated in a roundtable discussion with mental health experts and professors. Each participant was asked to answer a challenging question individually. When it was Alaa’s turn, she presented her innovative idea. To her surprise, the experts were impressed by the creativity and logic behind her proposal.
“That moment made me realize that maybe there is a reason I am so passionate about mental health,” she shared. Hearing validation from professionals in the field solidified her commitment to making a meaningful impact in this space.
Academic Foundations and Personal Awareness
While Alaa’s pharmacy education provided a strong foundation, she credits her upbringing for developing her awareness of mental health struggles. Her academic journey allowed her to study mental health both from a medical standpoint and a theoretical perspective. She has always been vocal about mental health, encouraging others to seek help while staying informed and compassionate.
“I always spoke about mental health on social media because it made sense to talk about what I am passionate about. If your heart is in the right place and you know your facts, it always works out,” Alaa explained.
Turning Personal Challenges Into Professional Insight
Alaa’s journey was not without personal challenges. Major hair loss became a turning point that pushed her to dive deeply into the science behind hair health. Combining her pharmacy knowledge with thorough research, she developed strategies to reverse hair loss and improve hair growth. Her experience became a source of inspiration for others facing similar struggles.
“This taught me that sharing your journey can help others who feel alone. It’s not just about solving a problem for yourself, but also guiding others to take care of their health and confidence,” she said.
Building Expertise Through Consistency and Learning
Alaa’s professional growth has been driven by an insatiable curiosity. She reads tirelessly about topics that interest her, from hair science to psychiatry. During her undergraduate studies, she focused on neuropsychiatry and stayed updated on the latest research, guidelines, and publications in the mental health field.
“The biggest challenge is staying consistent. Passion alone isn’t enough. You need to maintain focus even when things get discouraging,” she shared. Her dedication to continuous learning ensures she can provide credible advice to her audience.
Authenticity in the Age of Social Media
One of the most valuable lessons Alaa learned from social media is the importance of authenticity. In the past, she tried modifying her content to follow trends or fit in, but this approach only diluted her voice.
“Being inauthentic doesn’t work. You lose yourself and fail to connect with others genuinely. There’s room for everyone to speak about what they love without changing themselves,” she said. Her advice encourages creators to stay true to their values, even if success is not immediate.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Alaa hopes her work can positively influence young girls, women her age, and even older women. She emphasizes the importance of understanding self-worth, caring for mental health, and maintaining physical health through proper hair and skin care.
“I hope every girl who sees my videos resonates with them in some way. For those struggling with hair loss or mental health challenges, I want them to know they’re not alone, and things can improve with proper care and nutrition,” she shared.
Through her platforms, including TikTok (@nesqueeks) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/alaa-a-abdelgawad), Alaa continues to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to prioritize their well-being.
The Road Ahead
Alaa Abdelgawad’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, knowledge, and authenticity. By merging her academic background with personal experiences, she has become a role model for many who aspire to make a difference in mental health and personal care. Her story demonstrates that true influence comes from genuine dedication, continuous learning, and the courage to speak up about what matters most.
Do follow her on Instagram
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