We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat,” because there’s a lot of truth behind it. Our diets play an essential role in every function of our bodies. From how we feel to how we look, what we eat has a part in all of it, and our hair is no exception. But when we need a little extra support, there are specific nutrients that can give our hair a boost. There are various supplements for hair loss, growth, strength, and shine when it comes to hair.
The big question with supplements and over-the-counter options is often, “do they work?” In a sense, the answer is yes. Though it may not be the instant result that many people look for. Just as the name implies, supplements for hair are meant to be used in addition to your regular diet. Supplements shouldn’t be used as a substitute to a healthy diet. Results will vary by person and will take time to show.
At West LA Hair, we’re proud to offer two of the best multivitamin supplements for hair loss, Viviscal Pro and Votesse. These supplements are formulated from various nutrients that benefit the healthy growth of hair in men and women.
With more than 25 years of continuous research by the world’s leading hair growth clinicians, Viviscal Pro is the most researched hair growth supplement in the industry. These supplements for hair loss are 100% drug-free and clinically proven to promote fuller and thicker hair in men and women. Formulated with key nutrients such as biotin, apple extract, and vitamin C, Viviscal Pro also includes the ground-breaking complex AminoMar®. Derived from key marine sources, this complex is unique to Viviscal Professional and promotes existing hair growth while also nourishing thinning hair from within.
Votesse is a multivitamin supplement that you can incorporate into your diet to stimulate hair growth. This physician-formulated supplement holds various components linked to improving overall hair appearance through the latest advances in biotechnology. Votesse is formulated using a plant-based solution composed of all-natural vitamins that are 100% drug-free and biotin-free. This daily vitamin has been shown to improve hair’s overall appearance and increase hair fullness through custom blends for men and women.
In addition to multivitamin supplements for hair loss, there are single vitamin supplements available to compensate for specific nutrient deficiencies.
Biotin is one of the most commonly recommended supplements for hair. Like other B Vitamins, biotin helps convert food into energy and, more specifically, keeps hair, nails, skin, eyes, the liver, and the nervous system healthy. When there is a lack of biotin in someone’s diet, it can lead to hair loss, skin rash, and heart problems. In adults, the recommended daily intake is 30 to 100mcg.
We can get biotin in our diets through:
- Nuts
- Soybeans
- Legumes
- Cauliflower
- Organ Meats (Kidney, Liver)
Just like the rest of our body, the scalp and our follicles need a blood supply and oxygen to be healthy. When there is an iron deficiency in our system, the body can’t produce the needed number of red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body. Lack of iron can lead to hair loss, tiredness, and a decrease in physical performance. The recommended daily intake varies by age and gender. Adult males should get about 10mg, while adult females should get between 10 to 15mg, with pregnant or breastfeeding women needing additional iron.
We can get iron in our diets through:
- Lean Beef
- Turkey
- Beans and Lentils
- Tofu
- Dark, Leafy Greens
Zinc is a nutrient that our bodies can’t naturally produce, so we have to get it from our diet or supplements. This nutrient plays a role in our growth and health, and in hair, it helps with tissue growth, repair, and protein production. When there is a zinc deficiency, it can lead to hair loss, poor wound healing, and a decrease in the senses of taste and smell. Like iron, the recommended daily intake varies. The recommended amount is 15mg for adult males, while doctors recommend that adult females receive 12mg daily.
We can add zinc to our diets through:
- Oysters
- Red Meats
- Crab
- Whole Grains
- Dairy Products
Vitamin A is a supplement for hair growth and all cells in the body. Though a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to hair loss, too much vitamin A can be toxic and lead to hair falling out. Vitamin A also has various antioxidant properties, though supplements may not offer these properties like they do in foods. The recommended daily oral intake of vitamin A is 900mcg for adult males and 700mcg for adult females.
Foods that naturally offer vitamin A and beta-carotene that the body transforms into vitamin A include:
- Carrots
- Cantaloupe
- Spinach
- Liver
- Dairy Products
Vitamin D is vital for healthy bones and has been linked to hair loss when it is low in our body. This nutrient is one that our bodies can actually produce simply by going out in the sun. Though getting enough sunlight may not always be an option, that’s where our diets or supplements come into play to keep us and our hair healthy. The recommended daily intake level for vitamin D is 600 IU for people between the ages of 1 and 70 and 800 IU for those over 70 years of age.
Few foods naturally provide vitamin D, but options include:
- Fatty Fish (Salmon, Herring, Sardines)
- Egg Yolks
- Mushrooms
