We all want to look our best: a healthy weight, clear skin, and a head full of thick, luscious hair. And considering that the average person sheds 50 to 100 hairs per day, it’s extra important to keep all hair strands healthy and intact.
But if hair breakage is a problem for you, you’re facing an uphill battle. How does one maintain a thick head of hair if those precious strands are splitting and breaking off?
We have the answers. Read on to learn 8 of the best supplements for hair so you can prevent breakage and maintain that gorgeous mane.
1. Biotin, the Important B Vitamin!
Most of us have heard of biotin, given its key role in supporting healthy hair, skin, and nails. Biotin is a B-vitamin and is frequently used in hair loss patients due to its ability to send red blood cells to the scalp and hair follicles.
Biotin assists in hair health by supporting strong hair strands that can handle repeated damage from hair styling or environmental factors, like UV waves. And supplements are the only way to obtain biotin since the body cannot create it on its own.
2. Vitamin C Isn’t Just for the Sniffles
When we talk about Vitamin C, it’s often in the context of preventing the common cold. But your hair strands care about this vitamin, too!
Just like the other cells and tissues in your body, your hair strands are susceptible to what is known as free radical damage, caused by things like alcohol intake and air pollution. One of the best neutralizers to these free radicals is Vitamin C.
Load up on that orange juice, because vitamin C is also necessary for the production of collagen, which we’ll discuss next.
3. Collagen is One of the Key Supplements for Hair
Collagen is one of the most common proteins found in our body, and for good reason! Our skin is our largest organ, and skin is full of collagen. Collagen assists in renewing healthy cells, and supports elasticity and flexibility in our various body tissues.
When considering vitamins for hair growth, don’t overlook this one. Bonus: collagen supplements will help greatly with skin health and reduce the signs of aging. As you age, your body produces less collagen which results in dry, wrinkly skin.
4. Vitamin A Supports Sebum
While bone marrow is the fastest-growing tissue in the body, hair comes in number two. In fact, the average person grows hair at a rate of 1/2 inch per month. The body needs vitamin A in order to produce any new cells, which includes hair.
Vitamin A also supports the production of sebum, that oil that leaves your scalp greasy when you haven’t washed in a few days. But that “unpleasant” oil is actually necessary for a healthy, moisturized scalp. If you wash your hair every few days and take a vitamin A supplement, you’ll have a clean scalp and see the benefits of ample sebum production.
5. Iron & the Impact of Anemia
Iron, one of the most important minerals in our diets, is necessary for the production and transport of red blood cells throughout our body. Without enough iron, we have insufficient levels of oxygen in our body which means lower energy and possibly anemia.
One symptom of anemia? You guessed it: hair loss and breakage.
Just like our bones, which may become brittle from insufficient nutrient intake, our hair strands can become brittle, too. If you’re doing everything in your power to repair damage with hair products but you’re still not seeing progress, consider whether you might have an iron deficiency.
6. Protein is a Powerhouse
A protein is a chain of amino acids, and our body is loaded with them. In fact, every cell in our body is essentially a collection of proteins. This includes hair follicle cells and the tissue in our scalp, so we must get enough protein to support these tissues and prevent hair breakage.
Without protein, life would not exist. Our bodies wouldn’t be able to grow, heal, or change (e.g. build muscle) and this includes our hair. No matter how much breakage you’re dealing with, you must ensure adequate protein in order to grow and repair your hair.
There are countless protein supplements on the market today, including those derived from both plant and animal sources. Luckily, the average Western diet provides plenty of protein, but if you’re dealing with hair loss or breakage, consider supplementing as needed.
7. Vitamin D from Sunshine
The good ol’ sunshine is a mixed bag: on the one hand, UV rays are harmful to skin and hair. But on the other hand, the vitamin D that our body produces during sun exposure is crucial for strong bones and, you guessed it, healthy hair.
Studies show that three-quarters of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. If you live in a low-sun part of the country and you’re not able to take a vacation to sunny Florida, or if you don’t get enough of this vitamin from your diet, a Vitamin D supplement should be toward the top of your wish list.
8. Niacin, Not to be Overlooked
It might seem like one of those unimportant vitamins listed at the bottom of cereal boxes but take heed: niacin is not only an anti-oxidant (reducing free radicals, which we mentioned above) but it also helps hair grow stronger over time.
Niacin is in the family of Vitamin B, just like biotin. It brings nutrients and oxygen to the hair and scalp, helping you achieve that thick head of hair we all so badly desire!
Another perk? Niacin is one the key vitamins supporting good cholesterol and a healthy heart. We love two-for-one vitamins, don’t you?
Hair Breakage is a Thing of the Past!
There’s no reason you should suffer from hair loss and hair breakage. But if your diet isn’t providing the vitamins and nutrients that you need, there are plenty of supplements for hair to help you achieve that gorgeous mane.
For more information on the amazing benefits of vitamins and supplements, including managing deficiencies, check out the rest of our site today!
