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Vitamins for hair – how can you stop hair loss and promote hair growth?
What determines the beauty and health of your hair? Answering this seemingly simple question is by no means easy. There are, in fact, a whole host of factors that influence its condition. Among the most important are ongoing illnesses, hormonal changes, and poor nutrition. In today’s post, we’ll take a closer look at how a vitamin deficiency can affect your hair, and which specific vitamins you should focus on in particular if you want to promote hair growth.
What is causing the deterioration in the quality of your hair? Where is your hair care routine falling short, and how can you get it right? We can help you with this and more at our specialist hair clinic.
Vitamins for hair – their importance in the context of hair care
It’s not for nothing that they say beauty comes from within. The condition of your hair is, of course, largely determined by how you look after it – whether you use high-quality hair products and whether you wash and blow-dry it using the correct technique. However, another key factor is the internal processes taking place within our bodies. And eating a balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins is an integral part of this. So if you do not provide your body with enough of the right ‘fuel’, even very expensive cosmetics will not save you.
There are situations where even the most carefully tailored hair care routine and diet won’t help with hair problems. The only solution in such cases is a hair transplant. This is a very popular procedure for both women and men, restoring lost self-confidence and a zest for life. Would you like to find out more about this option? Let’s arrange a personal consultation.
Why are vitamins for hair so important?
To better understand their role, it is necessary to take a closer look at the structure of hair itself. What exactly is it made of? As well as keratin, it contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, water, nitrogen, iron, copper, zinc, iodine and other substances such as lipids, amino acids, etc. It is precisely an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, as well as the right amount of proteins and fats, that plays a huge part in ensuring that hair grows normally, has a smooth texture, does not split, and does not fall out more than usual.
An overview of the best vitamins for hair
The following can significantly improve hair quality:
- vitamin B (complex)
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
In the following paragraphs, we will outline their specific effects.
B complex – essential vitamins for hair and nails
This is the largest group of vitamins we know of. It includes:
- vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- vitamin B3 (niacin)
- vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- vitamin B6
- vitamin B7 (biotin)
- vitamin B9 (folic acid)
- vitamin B12
Each of them performs a different function, though some have functions in common. They are important for energy metabolism, improve blood circulation and the associated distribution of nutrients, and provide the energy required for cell growth. If you want to promote hair growth, these vitamins in particular can help you.
Sources: Look for them in offal, poultry, pulses, leafy green vegetables, nuts, whole grains and dairy products. Vitamins B1, B3 and B7 are also found in large quantities in brewer’s yeast, liver and meat in general.
Vitamin A – a great aid to hair growth
This is classified as a fat-soluble vitamin. It contributes to normal vision, the proper development of the foetus in the mother’s body and the healthy functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin A is essential for cell growth, including hair growth. It is also utilised by your skin glands, which use it to produce sebum. This keeps the scalp hydrated, which is one of the basic requirements for healthy and strong hair. However, do not overdo it with this vitamin – an excess can cause hair loss.
Sources: You’ll find it in animal-based foods (liver and dairy products), or in vegetables and fruit such as carrots, tomatoes, spinach and apricots.
Vitamin C – for hair and youthful skin
We are most familiar with vitamin C in relation to boosting the body’s immune system and preventing and treating colds. However, it is also one of the most powerful antioxidants, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and premature ageing.
Vitamin C is one of the most effective nutrients that contribute to hair growth and strength. It helps to produce collagen, which is vital for these processes. At the same time, it can prevent the hair’s structure from being compromised or breaking down as a result of oxidative stress.
Sources: The main sources are fruit and vegetables, typically blackcurrants, kiwis, papayas, citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli and cabbage. Red rosehip is also a good alternative.
Vitamin E – the one that helps with hair loss
Vitamin E is essential for healthy skin and a healthy scalp. It supports the scalp by reducing oxidative stress and preserving its protective lipid layer. At the same time, it provides the hair with a strong foundation for growth.
Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of excessive hair loss. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E also prevents hair loss and premature greying. It has also been shown to increase capillary circulation in the scalp, thereby promoting faster hair growth.
Sources: Vegetable oils are the richest source. It is also found in butter, milk, meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, cereals and nuts.
Zinc – an essential mineral for hair
Zinc plays a significant role in the formation and regeneration of hair tissue and ensures the smooth functioning of the sebaceous glands around the follicles. A deficiency of this micronutrient leads to changes in the protein structure of the hair follicles, which weakens their integrity and causes new hair to fall out more quickly than usual. The powerful effect this mineral can have is evidenced by documented cases where people, thanks to a diet rich in zinc, have restored not only the structure and strength of their hair, but also its colour.
Sources: Natural sources of zinc include seafood, such as prawns, crabs and lobsters. Other sources include red meat and poultry, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashew nuts and almonds, egg yolks, and dairy and soya products.
Receding hairline, excessively oily hair or an itchy scalp – we’ll help you identify the cause of your hair problems and find a way to solve them.
How should you take vitamins to combat hair loss?
Ideally, you should supply your body with these vitamins and nutrients through a balanced diet. However, this isn’t always possible due to a hectic lifestyle or specific dietary habits (vegetarianism, veganism).
If you want to be sure your body is getting the optimal amount of these nutrients, try taking natural dietary supplements over the long term. You’ll also notice their benefits in the form of improved nail and skin quality.
Which is more important: a healthy diet, hair supplements or hair care products?
Choosing high-quality hair care products is just as important. We can wholeheartedly recommend natural products free from parabens, sulphates and silicones. Make sure their formulations contain the vitamins mentioned above, or ingredients that contain them. Popular examples include:
- argan oil – vitamins E and A
- jojoba oil – vitamins E, A and D
- castor oil – vitamin E, omega fatty acids
- herbal extracts – nettle, dandelion, horsetail, sage and peppermint, aloe vera, green tea
Are you worried about thinning hair, but still hesitating about a hair transplant? Our clients’ experiences will convince you that this choice will significantly improve your quality of life. Take a look at the results of their transformations in our photo gallery. You too can undergo such a transformation with us.