There are numerous factors that can contribute to thinning hair, slow growth and lack of volume – and sometimes we understand our hair just needs a little bit of TLC to pick it back up again.
It may seem simple enough to look to miracle home treatments like rosemary water spritzes and aloe vera masks or even coconut oil massages to grow our hair, and lately hair growth vitamins are the product to watch, but when it comes down to it – does it actually work? And if not, what does?
We spoke with trichologist, Chelcey Salinger, from the Australian Trichology Centre to investigate how vitamins play a part in hair growth and what we can do to actually get the gorgeous luscious locks of our dreams.
Do vitamins actually help with hair growth?
There is no magic potion that will make your hair grow overnight, however ensuring your locks are healthy and strong enough to allow them to grow is truly the key to hair growth.
“The main benefit of vitamins is as antioxidants, which protect the cells from damage by oxidants (free radicals)”, Chelcey tells Now To Love.
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Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules that scavenge the body for electrons, causing oxidative stress and damaging cells. When it comes to hair, exposure to free radicals from sources like cigarette smoke, polluted air, and UV rays can accelerate hair aging, leading to thinning hair and hair loss. While genetics play a role, reducing free radical exposure can help maintain healthier hair.
“Many types of hair loss are, in part, associated with these free radicals, known as Reactive Oxygen Species or ROS”, says Chelcey.
Which is why introducing vitamins that work against these free radicals into your morning routine will help keep your hair healthy and happy, allowing it to grow stronger and subsequently longer.
What vitamins are best for hair growth?
According to Chelcey, the best vitamins to add to your diet are antioxidants like Vitamin A, C, D and E in particular.
“It normally takes at least three months for nutrient supplements to have an effect on hair loss (because of the hair cycle) but they should have a quick effect on hair strength with the new growth if they are going to make a difference.”
“Ensure to read the label of any supplements you are taking and consult with your doctor first.”
Vitamin D + Bone + Heart Health formula, $29.99 at JSHealth
Vitamin D + Bone + Heart Health formula, $29.99 at JSHealth
Always read the label and follow directions for use.
“The most important vitamin is Vitamin D, which helps maintain the hair follicles’ immune privilege or, in other words, helps prevent autoimmune problems affecting the hair”, says Chelcey, “…many people are low in Vitamin D because of our reduced exposure to sunlight and put putting on sunscreen protection. Vitamin D is also important to the absorption of calcium.”
The benefits for Vitamin D are truly endless, not only will they help with your hair but they will also support bone mass, strength and density, healthy skin and teeth as well as brain health.
Vitamin C Plus, $12 a month at Vitable
Vitamin C Plus, $12 a month at Vitable
Boost your immune system and support healthy collagen formation with the super vitamin that is Vitamin C. The Vitamin C Plus from Vitable is a great option to add to your routine, and the great thing about Vitable is you can organise monthly deliveries of all of the vitamins you need!
“Vitamin C is important to the formation of the strong chemical bonds in the hair – disulphide bonds – which contribute to the hair’s strength. Vitamin C is also important to the absorption of iron; low iron levels and low levels of iron stores are common causes of general excessive hair loss”, says Chelcey.
21st Century Vitamin E, $9.94 at iHerb
21st Century Vitamin E, $9.94 at iHerb
As Vitamin E is an antioxidants, it will help fight against those free radicals and try to reduce cell damage – thus allowing your hair to grow longer and healthier.
NOW Foods Vitamin A, $19.90 (usually $24) at iHerb
NOW Foods Vitamin A, $19.90 (usually $24) at iHerb
Another antioxidant, Vitamin A is particularly potent for promoting healthy cell formation and reversing cellular damage that can effect your hair.
It’s also great for eye health and immune boosting.
What are other ways to stimulate hair growth?
“Diet is obviously critical to everything including hair growth. Hair is mainly protein (as are most things in the body) so complete proteins are essential in the diet (or mixing foods to ensure all the essential amino acids are eaten)”, says Chelcey.
“… Having the hair pulled too tightly for long periods of time (ponytails/braids) can lead to hair thinning (traction alopecia). Over-drying the hair with hot combs/hair dryers can lead to dry hair/breakage [and] too much exposure of hair to sunlight can lead to the same problems.”
It seems the key to hair growth is hair and scalp health, so focusing your efforts on ensuring you are doing the best for your hair is going to lead to stronger locks that have the opportunity to grow.
Other supplements, vitamins and minerals like collagen, zincs and fatty acids can also help to support hair health. Protective measures that work to reduce damage from heat and exposure to elements can also help the longevity of your strands.
Apotecari Crowning Glory, $54.95 at a-beauty
Apotecari Crowning Glory, $54.95 at a-beauty
Always read the label and follow directions for use.
This supplement is was formulated by naturopaths and trichologists to target the scalp and support healthier hair whilst nourishing and reducing itchiness. It includes Omega 3 which provides essential proteins and nutrients to the follicle, along with Vitamin D3 and green microalgae.
Natural marine collagen peach flavoured, $70 at Vida Glow
Natural marine collagen peach flavoured, $70 at Vida Glow
Always read the label and follow directions for use.
Collagen provides amino acids to help build keratin (which your hair mostly made of) and is also an antioxidant to fight against those damaging free radicals. This delicious tasting sachet is also super easy to add to your daily routine.
Slip Skinny silk scrunchies, $50 at a-beauty
Slip Skinny silk scrunchies, $50 at a-beauty
Reduce breakage when wearing your hair up thanks to these silk scrunchies made from the highest grade Mulberry silk. They’ll also prevent those awful ahir ridges when you eventually let your hair down.
Slip Silk pillow case, $95 at a-beauty
Slip Silk pillow case, $95 at a-beauty
Commit to the silk lifestyle and invest in a ultra soft silk pillow case that will not only reduce the friction between your pillow and hair, leading to breakage and damage, but it will also help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your skin.
Davroe Luxe leave-in masque treatment, $27.95 at a-beauty
Davroe Luxe leave-in masque treatment, $27.95 at a-beauty
Australian made, sulphate free and vegan, this leave-in masque treatment is great for those wanting to protect their locks from the elements. Apply to dry or damp hair before swimming or styling and protect your hair from chlorine, sea and sun damage!
The Crown Fix scalp serum, $28 at STRAAND
The Crown Fix scalp serum, $28 at STRAAND
Help to relieve your scalp from stress and damage with this serum that uses lactic acid and Defenscalp to nourish, hydrate and strengthen.
This is a particularly great product for those with protective hairstyles like cornrows or braids or even colour treatments or bleaching that may put stress on the scalp.
ghd Bodyguard spray, $38 at THE ICONIC
ghd Bodyguard spray, $38 at THE ICONIC
Protect your hair from the damage of heat styling with this expertly made protection spray from ghd that uses conditioning agents and protecting polymers to smooth and protect.
LEAD IMAGE: Instagram /@gregoryrussellhair
