If you feel like your hair isn’t as strong or able to grow as long as it used to, you aren’t alone. It is common to experience hair thinning, shedding, and dryer hair as we age and our hormones begin to shift (the depletion of estrogen can a lot to do with it). Your hair may also change because of genetic factors like hair loss that runs in the family, high amounts of stress, and poor nutrition or certain illnesses and medications.
Whatever the cause of your hair issues, the right supplements can help you improve your hair health and get back on track.
A doctor reveals the top five supplements you should be taking for hair growth — and you may have some of these in your cabinet right now.
Biotin
Biotin is one of the most important nutrients for your hair because it helps maintain hair’s elasticity and prevent dryness, aids in the metabolization of amino acids to build proteins that strengthen hair, and promotes keratin production — keratin is a protein that is important for strong hair. If you have a biotin deficiency, your hair can experience shedding, but these deficiency types are rare. It’s important to remember that more isn’t more when it comes to nutrients like biotin — taking the recommended amount is sufficient, while taking too much can make you sick or not really have any added effect.
Vitamins A, C, E, and Silica
This tip is all about combining the powers of vitamin A, which promotes sebum production for moisture, vitamin C to boost collagen production, vitamin E for moisture and antioxidant benefits, and silica — which strengthens hair, promotes hair growth, and prevents hair thinning. If you can find a multivitamin that includes all of these nutrients you are getting several important nutrients at one time.
Collagen Powder
Although more research is needed to determine how effective collagen powder is for hair growth, it continues to be recommend by many experts for hair, skin, nails, and joint health.
In addition to taking supplements, be sure to maintain a healthy, balanced diet to promote healthier hair and faster hair growth. Getting regular trims is important to snip off split ends and damage, and keeping heating tools and chemical treatments to a minimum can also encourage healthy hair growth. Lastly, be patient. It takes time for your hair to grow, but by focusing on the gains you can make in your health, you’ll feel better, look great, and your hair will be stronger and longer in no time.
