Hair growth can be influenced by numerous factors, including genetics, age, hormones, and diet. Proper nutrition plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair and promoting growth.
Vitamins, in particular, are essential for hair health, providing the necessary nutrients to support the hair growth cycle. It’s possible to take supplements that contain all of the key hair growth-promoting vitamins.
But what exactly are the hair growth vitamins? And what role do they play in your hair health?
Vitamin A
Vitamin A promotes cell growth, including hair cells, which are the fastest growing cells in the body. It helps produce sebum, which moisturises the scalp.
Vitamin A also ensures the scalp remains hydrated and healthy, preventing hair from becoming dry and brittle. Retinoids, which are the active form of Vitamin A, are in milk, eggs, and yogurt.
However, you’ll need to strike a balance as excessive amounts can lead to hair loss.
B vitamins
B vitamins, especially biotin, are often associated with hair growth. Biotin (B7) is needed for producing keratin, the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails.
B vitamins support red blood cell production, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Biotin can be found in eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon, and avocados. Other B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, are in whole grains, meat, fish, and dairy products.
B vitamin deficiencies are rare, but when they do occur, they can lead to hair thinning and loss.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps protect hair from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It also promotes collagen production, which is an essential part of the hair structure that strengthens the hair shaft and prevents breakage. Vitamin C also improves iron absorption, a mineral needed for hair growth.
Vitamin D
This vitamin plays a key role in the creation of new hair follicles. According to a 2019 review there is evidence to suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and alopecia areata, which can lead to severe hair loss.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can prevent stress on the hair. It also improves blood circulation, which helps in delivering more oxygen to hair follicles. Its main benefit is that it repairs damaged hair follicles and prevents tissue corrosion, and this encourages healthy hair growth.
Incorporating Vitamin E into your diet can help protect and nourish hair, making it look healthier and fuller.
Vitamins play a core role in maintaining healthy hair and promoting growth. A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins can support the hair growth cycle and prevent hair loss. Supplements can also be beneficial, especially for those whose diets may not allow for easy access to these vitamins.
