6 Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth

Last Updated on February 26, 2019 by Marc Seward

You may have always had thin hair or you may have noticed that it has become thinner with age. There is certainly a huge market in hair products that promise that your locks will be fuller and more attractive.

Because if the natural desire for full, thick hair, more people are looking towards natural supplements and oils to give their hair a boost from the inside and out. How effective are these treatments? The answer is uncertain but some of them have scientific backing and other have a strong amount of anecdotal evidence to back them up.

We will take a look at some of the most popular supplements and oils which may fulfill their promise of helping you attain a fuller, healthier looking head of hair.

Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth

While there has been a rise in popularity for taking vitamins for the hair, there is little evidence that they will work unless you are actually vitamin deficient. The following are some of the most popular in terms of hair strength and growth.

1) Biotin

Biotin is a B complex vitamin which plays a vital role in processing energy and aiding metabolism. According to various studies, biotin is also an essential vitamin for hair texture, strength and growth.

A biotin deficiency can cause fatty acids to be metabolized abnormally resulting in the potential for hair damage and loss. Unhealthy hair can become brittle and more prone to dropping out so by taking supplementary biotin you can reverse this damage and improve hair growth.

2) Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions and many experts are certain that it also plays an important role in the health of your hair. The exact way that the sunshine vitamin works on the hair is unclear but many experts believe it is important.

This is especially the case if you are deficient in Vitamin D and if you find it difficult to get enough of it from natural exposure to the sun.

3) Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant found in many commercial supplements for hair and skin care. Most people should be able to get sufficient Vitamin A from their diets and you are deficient, supplements should not be necessary. Ironically if you take excessive amounts of the vitamin, it can actually cause several adverse effects including hair loss.

4) Saw Palmetto

Some small scale studies have demonstrated that saw palmetto, a herbal remedy derived from the fruit of a pine tree, may benefit the hair including its growth.

One study published in 2002 found evaluated its use on patients with androgenetic alopecia. The study found that 60% of the patients who were treated with a saw palmetto supplement experienced hair growth which was significantly greater than the placebo group. (1)

5) Eclipta Alba

Eclipta Alba is a popular Ayurvedic herb that has been used to treat various ailments for centuries. Several recent studies have demonstrated that it has the potential to aid in hair growth and may be even more effective than over the counter treatments like minoxidil.

Unlike minoxidil, eclipta alba is natural and free of unwanted side effects. It is able to stimulate the hair follicles into life and help keep them active for longer which ensure the hair grows better and stronger.

In one study conducted on rats, researchers found that animals treated with 500 grams of eclipta alba powder experienced a significant acceleration in hair growth. The animals treated with the herb started to regrow hair in around 5 days which was half the time of the placebo animals.

Rats that were fed the herb also regrew their hair entirely significantly quicker than rats not given the supplement. (2)

6) Cinnamon

Cinnamon smells great, gives your a hair a glowing experience and can also stimulate the growth of hair by improving the circulation of blood to the scalp.

Simply mix a few tablespoons of cinnamon powder with a suitable vegetable oil like castor, olive or argan oil and apply it to your hair and scalp when wet. Leave it sit for at least ten minutes before rinsing it out.

Oils For Hair Growth

Certain oils are definitely good for the hair. They help to keep it attractive and moisturized naturally. Others are excellent for the scalp and can help prevent dandruff but can oil really make your hair grow faster?

The jury is still out but there are plenty of testimonials to draw from. Here are some of the most popular oils for hair growth….

1) Castor Oil

Castor oil is a very popular hair treatment that can work real wonders. It contains vitamin E and is rich in various healthy proteins and minerals. It also has natural antimicrobial properties which help to treat scalp problems like dandruff. It is also a rich source of ricinoleic acid which further helps to treat inflammation of the scalp.

The Internet is awash with testimonials regarding how quickly your hair will grow if you use Castor oil on your hair. It may achieve this because it helps stimulate blood circulation in the scalp which will help the ricinoleic acid helps the hair grow faster and stronger.

2) Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil contains omega 6 fatty acids as well as being rich in various vitamins and minerals. It can help soothe scalp irritation, strengthen the hair and research has even demonstrated that oral supplements may help hair growth in patients with alopecia.

A Korean study published in 2014 analyzed the effects of pumpkin seed oil in 76 patients with a moderate form of male pattern baldness. After 6 months of treatment they found that the group who took the supplement experienced better hair growth than those who took a placebo. (3)

3) Argan Oil

Argan oil is becoming increasingly popular over recent years and for good reason. This oil which is derived from the fruit of the Argan tree penetrates deeply and helps moisturize and nourish. It is rich in natural antioxidants ans vitamins which are perfectly suited for a healthy appearance.

Many of the growing number of converts say that as well as all its other benefits, it actually helps the hair to grow faster.

4) Amla Oil

Amla oil is highly recommended as a natural hair treatment. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients and can cure your hair of a range of problems. It can also stimulate blood flow in the scalp area and help your hair to grow faster and healthier.

5) Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has a number of uses for the hair. It can eliminate dandruff, repair split ends, moisturize and even prevent hair loss. Whether or not it can help your hair grow faster is unclear but it is an excellent choice for a broad range of issues.

Essential Oils for Hair Growth

A number of essential oils are replete with properties that can help treat your scalp and your hair. They have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that help treat the scalp and improve the health of your follicles. Some of the best essential oils to stimulate the circulation in the scalp and promote hair growth include:

Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil
Rosemary Essential Oil
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Clary Sage Essential Oil

Have you ever used any supplements or oils to help your hair grow faster and did you see any positive results?

Please let us know…we would be very pleased to hear from you and ad your recommendations to the list.

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12006122
(2) http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00403-008-0860-3
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725/