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Hair shedding can happen throughout our lives for a variety of reasons that include everything from hormonal fluctuations and stress to illness and certain medications. There are few things more jarring than showering and pulling out strands of hair. Or, perhaps you have naturally thin hair that seems to be getting thinner as the years go on. You aren’t sure of the cause — or if there is a cause — but you’re frustrated and fed up with the density of your hair and products don’t seem to be working.
Before you turn to pricy topical solutions, it’s important to visit a doctor and find out whether there is more going on beneath the surface that could be contributing to thinning hair. A thyroid disorder or nutritional deficiencies can play a major role in hair loss.
If it goes turn out that you are getting enough of the right nutrients to sustain hair growth, these four supplements for thinning hair could help (but, again, always consult a doctor before popping pills).
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Multivitamin
If your overall diet is lacking in several key nutrients, it’s going to show in your appearance — and sooner in your hair, skin, and nails health. Incorporating a quality multivitamin into your routine is the first step toward restoring the balance of vitamins and minerals in your system.
Biotin
Known as the hair vitamin, biotin is a B-complex vitamin associated with hair growth. That isn’t to say it will make your hair grow like Rapunzel, but if you have a biotin deficiency, it’s extremely important to get enough of this mineral into your system. The purpose of biotin is to help your body get energy and nutrients from the protein, fat, and carbs you eat so if you’re not following a well-balanced diet, this supplement won’t help much. The general daily recommended dosage of biotin is 2,500 mcg.
Fish Oil
You already know how beneficial omega-3 fatty acids are for your body and health. But a few studies have found that the nutrient you can get from fish oil is also nourishing to the scalp and can help with hair regrowth.
In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 80 healthy women with mild female pattern hair loss with given fish oil, blackcurrant seed oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, and lycopene supplements every day for six months. Hair density increased in 62 percent of the women and 90 percent experienced a decrease in overall hair loss.
Zinc
Zinc is a tricky supplement to master and one that, more than any other on this list, requires a doctor’s consultation and supervision. Too little zinc can cause hair loss — but too much zinc can also cause hair loss because it disrupts the absorption of key minerals like magnesium and iron (which is also important for hair growth). But just enough zinc can keep your hair follicles strong and healthy.
