We’re frequently asked in our comment section about: what are the best vitamins for hair growth and thickness. Truth is we’ve been delaying this article for a while until we had enough information & facts to allow us to enlighten our readers.
1. Vitamin A
All cells need vitamin A for growth. Diets deficient in vitamin A may lead to several problems, including hair loss While it’s important to get enough vitamin A, you don’t want too much.
Studies show that too much vitamin A can also contribute to hair loss Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, and kale are all high in beta-carotene, which is turned into vitamin A. Vitamin A can also be found in animal products such as milk, eggs, and yogurt. Cod liver oil is a particularly good source.
Shop now at Amazon Summary Your hair needs vitamin A to stay moisturized and grow. Good sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, and some animal foods.
1. Biotin
Most people get their biotin naturally through meat, so vegans and vegetarians are at particular risk for deficiency and may benefit from a B7 vitamin.
Our bodies also use vitamin C to produce collagen, which is a protein that plays an essential role in hair structure. If you’re struggling with hair loss as a symptom of anemia, you might also consider taking vitamin C, since it can help support iron absorption. Recent studies have shown a connection between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss, and vitamin D deficiency is a common problem throughout the U.S. Vitamin D deficiency affects an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.
Research has shown that incorporating vitamin D into your routine can help promote follicle growth, which is why it’s one of our top vitamins for healthy hair. Zinc is often cited for its immunity-supporting benefits, but it’s also been researched for its positive impact on hair growth and repair. If you don’t get much protein through your diet, incorporating a protein powder can help ensure you’re giving your body what it needs to help support strong muscles, hair, and nails.
Take our quiz to get a personalized recommendation for vitamins, protein, and more, tailored to your diet and goal.
Do Hair Supplements Work?
But don’t expect a miracle overnight, you’ll need to take hair supplements for at least three months to notice any improvement. The glaring red flag with supplements is that they are not independently regulated, meaning brands can claim miraculous results on their marketing materials.
Most of our rightly discerning testers saw marked improvements in their hair health after taking the below supplements, but some barely noticed a difference. This is likely because most supplements only ‘work’ if your body is already lacking the vitamins they provide. If you’re already getting a healthy level of nutrients from your diet, you’ll unlikely to see a change, as there’s a limit to how much of any one vitamin your system will absorb.
Which Hair Supplements Work The Best?
Choosing which hair supplements to try can feel overwhelming, with a huge range of tablets, gummies and liquids on offer. Medical studies have found that our bodies absorb liquids the fastest, in just one to four minutes. Tablets, meanwhile, can take up to half an hour to break down and be liquidised in our stomachs.
Because the body does not need to break down a liquid, a higher percentage of its goodies are absorbed – 98% compared to 53% from tablets, according to Medicare. Some people also find tablets difficult to swallow. The upside of tablets is that they are easier to take with you when travelling, quicker to take each day, and often have a longer shelf life.
Gummies may be the most fun and tasty way to take a supplement, but they tend to have a higher sugar content than liquids and tablets. You’ll find their favourites below.