Nutritional Supplements that may help to improve overall hair health, appearance and rate of growth Vitamins and minerals are essential building blocks for the wellbeing of all the body’s functions, including our hair. Whilst a healthy diet is undoubtedly the best way to meet our nutritional needs there are times when supplements can be of value.

Nutritional supplementation can potentially assist with pattern baldness and hair growth in two ways. Firstly, to aid in concealment by improving hair thickness and overall health. Improved thickness enables better manageability and increases your styling options. Secondly, supplements may augment results from primary pattern baldness treatments through enhanced rate of growth.

Nutrients commonly reported as capable of influencing hair growth include folic acid, biotin, (other) B complex vitamins, vitamin A, iron, zinc and proteins (clearly not a vitamin or mineral, but included for completeness):

Biotin (Vitamin B7) and Hair growth

Biotin Appears to metabolise fatty acids which are an important growth factor in numerous processes in the body, including the hair. Biotin has also been said to play a role in preventing hair turning grey. Found in egg yolks, liver, milk, yeast and kidney. Works best when taken together with other B-complex vitamins.

Folic acid (Vitamin B9): A member of the B complex, folic acid is required for the production of red blood cells in the body and improved blood circulation, including to the scalp. Food sources include collard greens, peas, papaya and lentils.

Other B vitamins and Hair growth

They Help the body to handle stress. Inositol, one of the B vitamins, may speed hair growth while B12 is a component of the hair itself. Vegetarians may be particularly deficient in B12 which is mainly found in meat and eggs. The B vitamins are best taken together and are frequently sold as a (super) B-complex.

Vitamin A (Retinol) and Hair growth

Vitamin A Helps the scalp produce sebum which is essential for hair volume and fullness. Fish, egg yolks, organ meats (e.g. liver) are all good sources. Dark green, yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of beta-carotene which the body turns into vitamin A.

Vitamin C and Hair growth

Vitamin C is Vital for the production of collagen, an essential building block of a hair strand. Lack of collagen can cause noticeable hair damage. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron. The human body does not make its own vitamin C, so food or supplement sources are required, such as citrus fruits, red sweet peppers and mango.

Vitamin D and Hair growth

Vitamin D Called the sunshine vitamin, is an essential fatty acid that aids in bone growth and calcium absorption. Taking vitamin D helps healthy hair growth by working with calcium, an important dietary need for growth and strength. A lack of vitamin D may result in dry, easily damaged hair.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E improves blood circulation to the scalp by increasing the uptake of oxygen. It’s also an important antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage. Rich sources of vitamin E include almonds, corn oil and cereals.

Zinc and Hair growth

Zinc plays a vital part in many bodily processes and functions such as in cell reproduction, hormonal balance, proper absorption of vitamins and in protein synthesis. All these processes are vital for proper hair growth. Wheat germ is one of the best known sources of Zinc. Other sources are brewer’s yeast, pumpkin seeds, oysters and mussels, shrimps and egg yolks. Zinc is also said to stop hair turning grey.

Protein: Protein is a basic ingredient in many hair shampoos and conditioners and is also the major ingredient of hair itself, which is at least ninety per cent protein. Whilst this should not necessarily be the main ingredient in your diet, its importance should not be ignored.