If you are looking for ways to grow your hair faster or battle hair loss, you may be wondering about the role of vitamins in hair growth. Hair is a complex structure, made up of protein and minerals, and your body needs an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals to form hair properly.
Some essential vitamins for hair growth include the B-complex group (B12, biotin, niacin) as well as vitamin A, C, and E. These nutrients help keep hair follicles healthy and promote hair growth. Deficiencies in any of these vitamins can lead to problems such as hair loss, dry scalp or thinning hair.
While it is best to get your nutrients from food, many people find that they need a supplement to ensure an adequate intake. If you are concerned about your hair health, consult your doctor to see if you need a vitamin supplement for hair growth.
There is no one miracle vitamin that will make your hair instantly grow, but certain essential vitamins play an important role in promoting healthy hair growth. Read on to find out more.
Best Vitamins for Hair Growth
The best vitamins for hair growth include B-complex vitamins, biotin, and vitamin C. All of these nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth. Make sure you're getting enough of these vitamins in your diet by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables or taking a multivitamin supplement.
If you're looking for a specific vitamin supplement to promote hair growth, try biotin or niacin (vitamin B-3). Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to strengthen hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. Niacin is another B-3 vitamin that helps to improve blood circulation to the scalp, which can promote hair growth.
1. Vitamin C
This water-soluble vitamin is important for collagen production, which helps keep hair follicles strong. Vitamins C also helps the body absorb iron, which is important for hair growth.
Collagen production declines with age, so it’s especially important for seniors to make sure they are getting enough vitamin C in their diet. When it comes to hair growth, vitamin C is most beneficial for people who have problems with dry scalp or static electricity.
Your body doesn’t store vitamin C, so you need to consume it regularly through diet or supplements. Vitamin C is crucial for healthy hair growth and can be found in abundance in foods like oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and strawberries.
If you believe you have a vitamin C deficiency, then supplements might be the way to remedy this. Try looking for a vitamin C supplement that also includes bioflavonoids, which are beneficial compounds found in plants.
You can find vitamin C in various forms of multivitamins, including liquids, gummies, and tablets.
2. Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or H, is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for healthy hair growth. This vitamin helps to produce keratin, which is the primary protein in hair. Keratin is what gives hair its strength and thickness, and it’s important for preventing hair from breaking and splitting.
You should be able to get all the biotin you need through your diet, but if you’re struggling with hair growth issues, then taking a biotin supplement might be a good idea. Biotin is found in foods like eggs, nuts, and avocados.
While biotin is beneficial for all hair types, it’s especially important for people with dry, brittle hair. It can also help to improve the condition of the scalp, which is helpful for preventing hair loss.
Biotin works by strengthening the hair shaft, so it’s a great supplement to take if you are experiencing hair breakage.
3. Vitamin A
This vitamin is important for healthy skin and scalp health, which is essential for promoting healthy hair growth. Vitamin A helps to produce sebum, which is an oil that helps to protect the scalp and hair follicles. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to dry hair, dandruff, and scalp infections.
Your scalp and hair can benefit from foods that are high in vitamin A such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach. You can also take a vitamin A supplement if you’re not getting enough of this nutrient from your diet. When looking for a vitamin A supplement, be sure to choose one that is based on beta-carotene, as this is the form of vitamin A that is best absorbed by the body.
Multi-vitamin formulations typically have vitamin A included, or you can ask your doctor if they have a recommendation.
4. Iron
Iron is another essential nutrient for hair growth. It helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles, which are necessary for promoting healthy hair growth. A deficiency in iron can lead to a condition called anemia, which can cause brittle and thinning hair.
Foods that are high in iron include beef, poultry, pork, fish, legumes, and leafy green vegetables. If you’re not getting enough iron from your diet, you can take an iron supplement. Just be sure to speak with a doctor before starting any supplement regimen to ensure that it is appropriate for you.
Iron deficiencies are quite common, so be sure to get your iron levels checked if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.
To ensure the iron is being well absorbed, consume vitamin C (found in loads of fruits and veggies). Vitamin C helps to increase absorption by as much as 3 times.
5. Zinc
Zinc is another nutrient that is essential for hair growth. It helps to preserve the health of the scalp and hair follicles, and it’s also necessary for protein synthesis, which is important for cell reproduction and healthy hair growth. A deficiency in zinc can lead to dry scalp, dandruff, and hair loss.
Foods that are high in zinc include oysters, beef, pork, chicken, cashews, and almonds. If you’re not getting enough zinc from your diet, you can take a zinc supplement. Just be sure to speak with a doctor before starting any supplement regimen to ensure that it is appropriate for you.
As with iron, zinc deficiencies are quite common, so be sure to get your zinc levels checked if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.
6. Protein
Protein is important for hair growth because it helps to build and maintain the cells that make up the hair shaft. A deficiency in protein can lead to weak and brittle hair. With a protein deficiency, hair might also grow slower than normal.
Foods that are high in protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts. If you’re not getting enough protein from your diet, you can take a protein supplement. Just be sure to speak with a doctor before starting any supplement regimen to ensure that it is appropriate for you.
Best Natural Oils for Hair Growth
Castor oil is one of the best natural oils for hair growth. It helps to increase circulation to the scalp, which promotes hair growth. Castor oil also contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps to condition and moisturize hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Olive oil is another good natural oil for hair growth. It contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which are essential for healthy hair growth. Apply a small amount of either castor or olive oil to the scalp and massage it in using your fingers. Let it sit overnight, then shampoo and condition as usual
Other oils that may help promote hair growth include coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil. These oils are all rich in essential fatty acids, which help to nourish and condition the scalp.
Hair Growth Tips
1. Eat a balanced and healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Eating a nutritious diet is important for your overall health as well as the health of your hair. A balanced diet provides all the nutrients that your hair needs to grow strong and healthy.
2. Drink plenty of water each day. Drinking adequate amounts of water is essential for healthy hair growth. Water helps to hydrate your scalp and hair, keeping them both healthy and functioning properly. Dehydration can lead to hair loss, so be sure to drink plenty of water each day.
3. Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type. Using high-quality hair care products is critical for healthy, shiny hair. Shampoo and conditioner should be pH balanced to protect the scalp and hair shafts. They should also contain nourishing ingredients that help to promote healthy hair growth.
4. Reduce your stress levels. Stress can have a negative impact on hair growth and health. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can inhibit hair growth. Finding ways to reduce stress in your life is essential for maintaining healthy hair growth.
5. Avoid over-styling your hair. Using heat styling tools and other chemical treatments can damage the hair shafts, leading to frizzy and brittle hair. Try to limit the use of these products and allow your hair to air dry as often as possible.
6. Use a hair growth supplement. If you are struggling with slow or stunted hair growth, using a good-quality hair growth supplement can help to promote healthy hair regrowth. Look for supplements that contain B-complex vitamins, biotin, niacin, and other essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.
7. Massage your scalp regularly. Stimulating the scalp by massaging it can help to encourage hair growth. Use your fingertips and massage in a circular motion around the entire head, focusing on areas where you are experiencing thinning or balding.
Look Out For These Ingredients In Your Shampoo
Some ingredients that you should look out for when choosing a shampoo are sulfates, parabens and phthalates.
Sulfates are harsh chemicals that can be very drying and irritating to the scalp. They are often used in shampoos as a way to create more foam, but they don't do much else in terms of cleaning your hair. They can also strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. Some common sulfates include sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Parabens are a type of preservative that can be found in many different types of cosmetics. There is some concern that they may be harmful to our health, as they have been linked to breast cancer and other health issues. Some common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben and Propylparaben.
Phthalates are a type of chemical that is used to make plastics more flexible. They have also been linked to health concerns, such as damage to the reproductive system. Some common phthalates include dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP).
Other Ways To Grow Out Hair
Male Pattern Baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is a hereditary condition that results from hormones called androgens. Androgens are the male sex hormones that include testosterone.
The hair on a man’s scalp is sensitive to these hormones and when they react with certain cells in the skin, they can cause the hair follicles to shrink. The shrunken follicles produce shorter and finer hairs until eventually, no new hair growth occurs.
There is no known cure for Male Pattern Baldness, but there are a number of treatments that can help to slow down or stop hair loss. These include:
1. Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription medication that is taken orally. It blocks the DHT hormone, which is responsible for hair loss in men. Finasteride can be effective in slowing down or stopping the progression of Male Pattern Baldness and may also regrow lost hair when taken for 6 months or more.
Finasteride can cause some side effects, including decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory problems. It is important to speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any of the potential side effects. Some people also experience a rash, itching, or swelling of the skin around the hair follicles.
Because Finasteride is a prescription-only medication, many men don't seek help for their hair loss. If you're concerned about male pattern baldness, make an appointment to virtually chat with a doctor.
Phoenix is a telehealth company that offers online consultations with licensed Canadian physicians for a variety of medical issues, including hair loss. Best of all, the consultations are all camera-free. You can get a prescription for Finasteride or any other hair loss solution from a qualified physician, with just a text-based chat.
2. Rogaine
Rogaine is a topical medication that is applied to the scalp. It helps to improve blood flow to the hair follicles and can also stimulate new hair growth. Rogaine must be used on a continuous basis in order to maintain results.
Some people experience skin irritation or redness when using Rogaine, as well as a temporary increase in hair shedding. It is important to speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any of the potential side effects.
The combination of Rogaine and Finasteride has been shown to be more effective than using either medication alone. These two treatments can be used together to help stop hair loss and regrow lost hair.
Conclusion
Phoenix is a telehealth company that offers online consultations with licensed Canadian physicians for a variety of medical issues, including hair loss. Best of all, the consultations are all camera-free. You can get a prescription for Finasteride or any other hair loss solution from a qualified physician, with just an easy text-based chat. Make an appointment today!
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.