Losing your hair can feel like a huge blow to your self-confidence, and re-growing may seem like an impossible task. Some people like to get surgical procedures like a hair transplant in Turkey to try and restore their locks. Other people may look at more natural solutions like supplements and different vitamins. There are lots of different supplements on the market, and it can be hard knowing which one is right for you. So, keep reading and find out what different vitamins can do for your hair growth.
Biotin
Also commonly called vitamin B7, biotin is often said to help boost your hair growth. Biotin works to create the red blood cells in your body which carry oxygen and nutrients around. They also need to reach your scalp and hair follicles, so you can easily see how low biotin levels can cause hair loss. Healthy hair needs oxygen, and without it, you’ll soon notice how much it thins out. Biotin also helps with the production of keratin, which is one of the major parts that makes up your hair. So, the better your biotin levels, the higher production of keratin you should have which will encourage hair growth. Many hair supplements contain biotin for this reason, but there isn’t a whole lot of research to support it completely. You also need to make sure that any supplements you take don’t exceed the recommended daily amount as you may start to encounter some unpleasant side effects.
Keratin
As mentioned above, keratin makes up most of your hair, so it only makes sense that you take it as a supplement, right? However, doctors recommend that you get your keratin intake from more natural sources like food, as they can be better absorbed by the body. Keratin can be found in foods like eggs, fish, and beans, so it’s very easy to get enough of it in your diet. While there is some supportive evidence that keratin helps increase your hair growth, again, there needs to be more research to definitively confirm it.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is another B vitamin that’s vital for hair growth. B12 encourages the production of red blood cells, so if you’re low in this vitamin, your scalp will be deprived of oxygen. Without plenty of oxygen on a regular basis, your hair will struggle to grow and will become brittle. B12 can be found in lots of foods such as eggs, dairy, and meat. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, then there are fortified foods you can get with B12 in them so you can ensure that you aren’t lacking at all. With a regular intake of B12, you should see an improvement in your hair growth and health.
Zinc
While your body only needs very small amounts of zinc, it plays a vital role in the growth of your hair. Zinc does everything from developing DNA to growing cells, so it’s vital that you get enough of it on a daily basis. Low levels of zinc have been said to cause hair loss and thinning, so you want to eat things like beans, seeds, nuts, and meat. This way you’ll get a natural amount of zinc without taking too much in a supplement.
Vitamin C
We all know vitamin C is good for us, but did you know that it’s vital for strong hair. A great antioxidant, vitamin C helps boost your blood circulation which then carries more oxygen to your scalp. The better your circulation, the more your scalp is stimulated which then promotes healthy hair growth. Vitamin C is very easy to incorporate into your diet, and you’re probably consuming enough without even realising it. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and even white potatoes have vitamin C in them, so you shouldn’t need to go reaching for the supplements just yet.
Iron
Iron is important for your general health, and low levels can have a detrimental effect on your hair growth. Depleted iron levels is most commonly seen in menstruating people, as heavy periods can completely drain your body. If you don’t get enough iron in your diet, your body won’t be able to product enough haemoglobin, which then prevents oxygen from being carried around your body efficiently. Without a bountiful amount of oxygen reaching your scalp, your hair growth will suffer immensely as your hair will begin to fall out. You need to ensure that you’re eating iron rich foods like red meat, spinach, and even lentils to keep your levels where they need to be. With healthy iron levels, you’ll be able to not only support your hair growth but also prevent the development of anaemia.
There are lots of vitamins that are vital for the health of your body, which in turn makes them important for hair growth too. If you’re unhealthy in general, you can’t expect your hair to be strong and healthy. Hair growth isn’t something that happens overnight either. In fact, it can take up to a year for you to see a significant difference in the length of your hair, so don’t expect to see results right away. If you feel like you may be lacking in certain vitamins, make sure you speak to a medical professional who will be able to run the appropriate tests to determine any deficiencies. With the right diet and knowledge behind you, you’ll soon be able to achieve the hair growth you so desperately want.
