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Hair Thinning & Falling Out? A Doctor Explains The Three Supplements You Should Be Taking For Thicker, Fuller Hair

February 2, 2024 by Lisa Cupido

 
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Hair shedding and thinning is one of the most stressful things that can happen in life, especially when you’re a woman. We aren’t always told the truth about how common it is for hair to shed from culprits that include a genetic predisposition to hair loss, stress, hormonal shifts like menopause, and even certain medications that you take. If you’ve been caught off guard and are suddenly finding more loose hair in your brush and on your bathroom floor, you may feel desperate. It can become tempting to throw money at the problem and buy expensive hair growth serums or supplements. But, if you aren’t careful, you will wind up spending a lot of money and time on products and so-called solutions that only offer false hope.

Before you do anything, visit a dermatologist or trichologist and uncover the root reason why your hair is shedding. Only then can you address the issue in the best way possible. There’s a good chance you will be advised to start taking a supplement to boost your hair’s health. In that event, it’s very one of these three ingredients will be added to your regimen to help boost your hair follicle health and curb shedding. 

Biotin


There’s little doubt you’ve heard about the importance of incorporating biotin into your routine for healthier hair, skin, and nails. Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a crucial ingredient, but studies haven’t shown that it’s effective as a standalone ingredient. And that’s why, if you’re searching for a hair supplement, selecting plain biotin supplements over a supplement that incorporate biotin as well as ingredients like zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, is not the best way to go about this journey. 

Capsaicin 


A supplement that contains capsaicin, which is the active ingredient found in chili peppers, along with isoflavones, has been shown in studies to increase insulin-like growth factor-1, and a deficiency in this hormone has been linked to hair loss. Some of the plant-based ingredients that have also been shown to treat people with alopecia areata include licorice and peony plant extracts. 

A Multi-Ingredient Supplement 


Some of the most highly rated hair supplements on the market contain a varied list of ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, the hair protein keratin, DHT synthesis blockers to help stop hair loss, antioxidants, and plenty of anti-inflammatory botanicals. When it comes to specific supplement brands, you’ll find names like Nutrafol, Viviscal, and Pantogar dominating the multi-ingredient hair supplement landscape. 


Although you may tolerate a supplement well, it’s always a good idea to receive a thorough exam from a doctor before self-diagnosing or treating your hair loss. 

Hair loss and shedding can cause you a lot of anxiety. But there are treatments out there that have helped many women deal with the issue and help re-grow hair. It won’t happen overnight, but consistency and choosing effective products that your doctor agrees can help you can take you a long way. 

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