Vitamins For Hair

Hair growth can be a fickle process for many people, which is why they may turn to vitamins for hair growth. Vitamins are necessary for hair to grow, and for hair to grow well. When these vitamins are deficient in a person’s body, or certain vitamin’s are deficient, this can lead to weak, unhealthy hair or even hair loss. In order to understand why you should or may need to take vitamins for hair growth, it is important for you to actually know how your hair grows and why certain vitamins can help your hair grow healthy.

How does our hair grow?

It may seem surprising, but hair growth is actually considered a process all on its own. The hair growth process which occurs in each strand of hair can be broken down into three identifiable stages. The first stage is the androgen or growing stage. During the androgen stage, hair (as you may assume) grows, and grows longer. The androgen stage is followed by the telogen, or the “static” stage of hair growth. During the telogen stage, hair doesn’t grow or fall out, but remains the same. The final stage is the catagen or hair loss stage, during which the hair falls from the scalp. After this, the body starts again at the androgen/growing stage, beginning a new growing process for the hair follicle.

The length of each of these stages in a person is very helping in determining the health of a person’s hair. Hair which remains in the androgen stage for longer periods of time can usually be considered healthy hair, because the hair is receiving enough vitamins to grow long. Hair that remains in the growing stage longer should also be thicker and less prone to breakage, which means that the hair is growing fast and strong. Hair that remains in the telogen stage for longer periods of time may be considered unhealthy, although it is more likely that the hair will quickly proceed to the catagen stage when it is unhealthy.

The catagen stage happen quicker and last for longer periods of time in people who are not receiving adequate vitamins that help promote hair growth. This could mean, for example, that after the hair falls out, it takes the body much longer to begin a new growing stage—which could lead to thinned hair or even hair loss. Someone who is deficient in these hair growth vitamins may also be experiencing brittle hair, thin hair, and more rapid hair loss without speedy re-growth.

Thankfully, there are vitamins which can be taken to promote hair growth and decrease the chances of thinning, brittle and weak hair.

Why do vitamins help with hair growth?

Vitamins promote healthy hair growth due to the fact that the human body needs vitamins to be in good health. Vitamins are essential nutrients that help regulate bodily functions and promote healthy skin and bodily functions, including hair growth. Specific vitamins are more helpful in promoting healthy hair growth due to their role in this particular bodily function.

What kinds of vitamins help with hair growth?

Biotin

This is arguably the most important vitamin when it comes to hair growth. Biotin helps the body biosynthesize the protein keratin, which is a major and necessary component of hair. Biotin helps promote stronger hair and has also been linked to preventing the process of graying, as well as slowing down hair loss. Biotin can be taken in doses of 150 to 300 micrograms each day, or consumed in foods such as whole grains, milk, and egg yolks.

Niacin

Niacin is a vitamin which helps to increase the circulation of blood to hair follicles, which has a positive effect on hair growth. Niacin should be consumed at about 15 milligrams per day, and can also be found in foods like fish and chicken.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A has many beneficial effects on the body. One of them is helping to keep the scalp from drying out, which can aggravate hair loss and slow or prevent hair growth. Vitamin A can be found in carrots, peaches and broccoli or taken in supplement form.

Vitamin E

This vitamin is particularly important in helping to maintain healthy skin. Vitamin E helps keep the scalp healthy, which in turn helps keep hair growth steady and much healthier. Vitamin E also helps to increase the circulation of blood in the scalp, which has been linked to healthier hair growth. Vitamin E can be found in foods like dried beans, soybeans, and green leafy vegetables, or taken in supplement form.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 helps the body produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives color to your hair. This vitamin is essential for hair which has a healthy color, and is considered a vital vitamin for hair loss prevention. This vitamin can be found in egg yolks and whole grains or taken in supplement form.

Iron

Iron deficiencies, in some cases, have been linked to hair loss and poor hair growth. Increasing iron intake has been shown to make a noticeable positive improvement in hair growth. Iron can be found in foods like or taken in supplement form.

Zinc

Zinc is especially helpful for helping to reverse and prevent scalp problems, which are one of the leading causes of hair growth and hair loss problems. Zinc can be found in red meat or taken in supplement form.

Protein

Protein is a major component of hair, and actually comprises about 90% of a hair’s inner structure. Protein is a vital vitamin when it comes to keeping hair strong and healthy. Protein can be found in meats and poultry, or taken in supplement form.

Should I take vitamins for hair growth?

If you are concerned about your hair growth and are unable to meet your vitamin needs through your daily diet, vitamins for hair growth can be an excellent choice which ensures your body and hair receive the vitamins it needs to be healthy and strong. Caution should always be taken to avoid overdosing on vitamin supplements, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider taking vitamins for hair growth.