Best Vitamins & Supplements for Hair Growth

Table Of Content

• Anagen phase
• Turn to Powerful Ingredients
• Can I use natural hair regrowth methods with other treatments?
• Coconut oil
• Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
• Professional Treatments for Hair Loss

"It makes hair stronger, more resistant to breakage, and thicker in appearance." Legumes are a great source of protein—especially if you're vegetarian or vegan. According to Meryl Pritchard, holistic nutritionist and creator of Kore Kitchen, B vitamins are excellent for hair growth. "B vitamins like biotin and niacin stimulate hair growth and help keep it healthy and nourished," she says.

Anagen phase

The 11 Best Shampoos for Hair Growth in 2024, According to Experts - Business Insider

The 11 Best Shampoos for Hair Growth in 2024, According to Experts.

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Therefore, “the best guidance is to ask questions and rely on trusted sources for scientific evidence and advice that is tailored to your individual need,” she instructs. With that in mind, consider these the serums worth trying to achieve your unique hair goals. A 2022 study on in vitro (out of the body, typically using test tubes and similar equipment) human dermal papilla cells and mice found some potential positive effects from fish-derived collagen peptides.

Turn to Powerful Ingredients

It also noted that female hair follicles are more sensitive to caffeine. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) note that hair grows quickly and that a person can expect their hair to grow around 6 inches per year. Contrary to popular belief, trimming your hair regularly (every 8 to 12 weeks) may actually help grow your hair in the long run.

Can I use natural hair regrowth methods with other treatments?

Any unusual hair loss should be addressed with a doctor, no matter the time of year. If your scalp is slightly oily but your ends are not, try a dry shampoo in between washes. This is a once-daily formula that’s gentle enough to use on color-treated hair. It may be combined with certain prescription treatments recommended by your dermatologist. Topical ointments are generally recommended for people who experience hair loss and may help your hair grow. The set includes almond, avocado, castor, coconut, and grapeseed oils.

Generally, it’s best to get protein from your diet instead of relying on supplements. Good sources include certain vegetables, nuts, yogurt, and foods like lean meat and fish. Hair grows because matrix cells shed some of their structure as they reach the upper follicle. The shed structure combines with keratins to form hair strands that exit your skin’s surface. Stress hair loss can be traced back to the stress hormone cortisol, which triggers your hair to enter its resting phase.

Coconut oil

Several factors play a role in how fast hair grows, some of which a person cannot change. However, there are some steps a person can take to slow down hair loss and improve the appearance of their hair. Because certain essential oils—particularly when used in large doses—may cause allergic reactions or other side effects, it's a good idea to perform a small patch test or ask a healthcare provider before trying it out. Certain essential oils have been shown to help promote hair and scalp health.

Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

While there isn't a magic pill that'll help you grow long hair overnight, there are certain things you can do to encourage speedier growth. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. It’s important to note that little research supports these natural treatments. Applying antioxidants to your scalp may help reduce hair loss and improve the condition of your scalp. This medication may not work for everyone and it could take up to 12 months before you see results. It’s best used as part of your hair loss treatment plan, rather than on its own.

Professional Treatments for Hair Loss

As collagen supplementation research continues to grow, we believe the scalp and hair growth to be important areas where additional research would be very helpful. On top of that, robust research has demonstrated hydrolyzed collagen peptides' ability to encourage the body's natural production of collagen, promoting skin hydration, elasticity, and density12. While there are limitations to both studies (one being a small sample size, and the other being self-reported), the research suggests there is potential for hair regrowth with consistent standardized scalp massages. "I warn all my patients that for the first month of topical minoxidil use there can be a paradoxical worsening of shedding which recovers if you continue using the medication," McMahan explains. "For all my alopecia patients I also recommend supplementation with 1500IU of vitamin D, 3500mcg of biotin, and 90mg of zinc gluconate." You’re born with all the hair follicles you’ll ever have, including around 80,000–120,000 on your scalp.

According to most Sephora reviewers, the product has helped drum up noticeable volume and regrowth. One reviewer calls it “a complete game-changer.” Reviewers with thinning relating to health issues, like anemia, hypothyroidism, postpartum hair loss, and alopecia, have shared promising before and after photos. The Ordinary is a fan favorite for low cost, effective beauty treatments. This product is a concentrated serum that’s designed to help hair look thicker, denser, fuller, and healthier.

This keeps the hair and scalp healthy and moisturized, supporting an optimal environment for hair to grow. An over-the-counter (OTC) medicated topical treatment known as Rogaine (minoxidil) is commonly recommended by healthcare providers to promote hair growth and enhance hair thickness and density. Luckily, the simple practices we rounded up above like avoiding hot tools, washing with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, or taking a high-quality hair supporting supplement are a few good places to start. Some supplements are formulated with these nutrients to support hair growth, strength, and thickness.

Our bodies can't produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own, so it's important to get these fats through our diet. Avocados are a great source, and they're also rich in vitamins E and B(s). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is used as a treatment to promote hair growth in individuals experiencing hair loss. PRP contains growth factors that may stimulate hair follicles, improve blood flow to the scalp, and encourage the growth of thicker, healthier hair. Castor oil is the unsung hero of the hair world—you might even be tempted to ditch your coconut oil for it after reading this.

Best Foods for Hair Growth: What to Eat, Drink & Avoid

Table Of Content

• Factors That Affect Hair Growth
• Happy Head Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil
• Natural or Essential Oils
• Coconut oil

Low iron levels may cause iron deficiency anemia, which has been linked to hair loss (1). Berries are loaded with beneficial compounds and vitamins that may support hair growth. The researchers found that there was a significant improvement in hair thickness at the end of the study, suggesting that boosting circulation to the follicles by massage could help promote thicker, healthier looking hair. A 2016 study looked at how performing a 4-minute scalp massage every day for 24 weeks affected hair growth in a group of Japanese males.

Factors That Affect Hair Growth

Luckily, there are certain products and ingredients out there that can help slow down or even reverse the thinning process and keep hair looking thick and healthy. Olly hair vitamins are a good gummy option for individuals who prefer not to, or cannot swallow pills. They contain zinc, as well as amla extract, which may support hair density and growth. Supporting your body's natural collagen production is an alternative to taking collagen externally. Collagen production gradually drops as we age, but other factors, such as certain lifestyle habits, can prompt production to drop more quickly.

Happy Head Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil

"Fortunately for many, hair is in the growth phase over 80 percent of the time, meaning the opportunity is there," says William Yates, MD, FACS, a board-certified hair loss surgeon based in Chicago, Ill. Both B vitamins and zinc play a role in hair follicle health, with B vitamins helping in the creation of red blood cells. In the same vein, green leafy vegetables are one of the best foods for hair growth. Rich in antioxidants, they'll ward off pesky free radicals that can damage your skin's natural collagen supply. St. Surin-Lord recommends incorporating superfoods like kale and spinach into your routine, as they're high in vitamin A.

Natural or Essential Oils

Hair growth stems from the follicles on our scalps, not the ends of our hair; that said, shearing off dead ends doesn't actually affect the follicles up top. "Significant stress can lead to shedding and hair loss," board-certified dermatologist Christine Shaver, M.D., FAAD, of Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration in New York City tells mbg about stress hair loss. For example, "You never want to repeatedly do the same thing to your hair," says hairstylist Levi Monarch. This doesn't necessarily encourage growth, but it does protect the hair length you already have. Physical stressors—caused by daily wear and tear, harsh brushing, or the shower—leads to breakage. Thus, extrapolating the study’s promising effects to biotin alone is simply not possible based on the research to date."

Best Hair Growth Products for Hair Loss and Thinning in 2024

Citrus is an incredible source of vitamin C, which boasts plenty of important health benefits. And, it's especially helpful for hair growth as it protects and maintains collagen stores, which as our experts told us, is key for hair growth. "In addition to being necessary for collagen production, vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant, which is necessary to fight off free radicals," says St. Surin-Lord. "Vitamin C also enhances iron absorption, and iron is important in maintaining hair health as it is a co-factor for DNA and it delivers oxygen to tissues." Salmon (and other fatty fish like sardines, mackerel, and high-quality tuna) are great for feeding hair from the inside out with the shine- and growth-encouraging likes of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and B vitamins.

Eating enough protein supports hair growth because hair follicles are mostly made of protein. Some of the best foods for hair growth are foods with high nutritional value, like eggs, leafy greens, and fatty fish. One 2014 study found that peppermint oil was more effective at promoting hair growth than saline, jojoba oil, and minoxidil. Minoxidil is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat high blood pressure and hair loss. In recent years, several studies have looked into which essential oils have properties that can encourage hair growth.

Coconut oil

“Prevention and management are important lines of defense to maintain luscious hair,” he adds. Breakage is enemy number one when it comes to growing out your hair—your locks won’t appear any longer, no matter how quickly they grow, if your ends keep snapping off. Beyond weekly strengthening treatments like the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, using a molecular bond repair treatment can actually reverse damage from heat and color by using amino acids to restore each strand. There’s a reason why this growing category is one of the top hair trends of 2024. The protein in meat aids growth and helps repair and strengthen hair follicles. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked sirloin steak provides as much as 29 grams of protein (34).

Blot your wet hair gently if you’re towel drying.

Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, disrupting the hair growth cycle and leading to conditions like telogen effluvium, in which hair prematurely enters the resting phase and eventually sheds, resulting in hair loss. One study found that regular use of a scalp massage device over a period of time increased the activity of genes linked to hair growth—and decreased the activity of genes linked to hair loss. While a scalp massaging tool may be a great way to get the job done, experts theorize that a manual (using your hands) massage may be just as beneficial. Castor oil products have also been making the rounds as popular methods for adding thickness and length to hair. High in vitamin E and a certain type of fatty acid, castor oil may help promote scalp circulation—contributing to healthier, stronger, and shinier hair. At least one study has highlighted that regularly taking supplements with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants can promote thicker hair and less hair loss.

Rosemary oil and hair growth: Research, effectiveness, and tips - Medical News Today

Rosemary oil and hair growth: Research, effectiveness, and tips.

Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Hair is such a sacred (or, as Beyoncé would say, Cécred) part of us, and the state of our tresses can have a huge impact on how we feel and carry ourselves. So naturally, there are plenty of reasons you might be hunting for a way to make your hair grow faster, from a big chop gone wrong to bangs you regret to breakage-prone strands and genetic or stress-related hair loss. Research has shown that vitamin A can affect the production of sebum, which helps keep hair healthy (14).

A 2016 study examined the effectiveness of daily 4-minute scalp massages. After 24 weeks, the nine participants had thicker hair than at the start of the study. A 2021 study found that after 3 months, pumpkin seed oil applied topically significantly increased hair regrowth in participants with female pattern baldness. The blood in your scalp goes to the follicle and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the hair root, which helps your hair grow.

The best step you can take is to prevent hair loss and thinning caused by poor nutrition. For example, minoxidil topical treatments for hair loss may take 3 to 6 months to work, while the correction of any nutritional deficiencies can vary in duration. Caffeine has been shown to promote hair growth, with women being more sensitive to its hair follicle effects. It’s always best to check with a dermatologist before applying essential oils to your hair and scalp. Generally, it’s best to get your vitamins and nutrients from your diet. Still, you may also look into taking certain supplements — particularly if you have a deficiency.

The amount of time it will take to see results will vary by individual and will depend on which nutrients you may need to support hair growth and how deficient you are. For example, oral iron supplementation generally takes three to six months to correct a deficiency. Puello explains, "It's best to set your expectations that results should be noticeable in six months." So, if you’re losing hair, a healthcare provider may check your blood iron levels. If you're iron deficient a supplement is an effective way to replenish your iron stores. Now Foods Iron tops our list for a hair growth iron supplement because it contains iron bisglycinate, a form that is usually better tolerated than other forms of iron.

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You can also add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and conditioner daily. However, avoid using essential oils directly on the skin, and always mix them in a carrier oil or shampoo. Fish oil supplements are filled with nutrients, such as proteins and omega fatty acids. It’s flavorless so you can mix it into your favorite foods or drinks like smoothies, oatmeal, energy balls, or coffee. Although changes in hair growth are not life-threatening, they can cause distress and can negatively affect your quality of life.