Vitamins for your hair: do they really help?
- Jul 13, 2021
Luscious, long and shiny locks: all you have to do is open a magazine or scroll through your Insta and smiling men and women with the most beautiful hairstyles beam at you. It may seem like it should be achievable for everyone, but unfortunately the reality is different. The combination of genes and lifestyle often determines the condition of your hair. Hair vitamins can also help in promoting longer, stronger and more beautiful hair. You may be wondering, do such hair supplements really work? And which one should you have for optimal results? In this blog we take you into the world of vitamins for hair growth!
How does your hair grow?
Some numbers and facts: an adult has on average about 100,000 hairs (!) on the head. If you lose more than 100 hairs per day, we speak of hair loss. But how does a hair actually grow? A hair consists of two parts: the follicle and the shaft. The follicle, the root of the hair, grows out of the hair shaft. As new hair develops in the follicle, the hair shaft pushes it out. This mechanism causes your hair to grow. In this way, every hair goes through a so-called hair growth cycle.
Hair growth = no priority
A special property of hair follicles is that they contain the fastest dividing cells of all parts of the body. They need a lot of nutrients for that rapid cell division to proceed properly. Unfortunately, hair growth is low in the 'ranking' in terms of priorities of our body: building materials that you ingest are primarily used for essential functions of organs. Only then is hair growth next. If you do not get enough vitamins and minerals, your hair growth can suffer. Your hair follicles grow more slowly, which can lead to thinner and weaker hair. Problems with your hair can also have an underlying cause. If in doubt, it is wise to contact a naturopathic therapist or your GP.
Do hair vitamins really help?
It is obvious: for healthy hair growth and strong, beautiful hair, it is important that you get enough substances by eating a healthy and varied diet. But yes, we all know that such a healthy diet is sometimes quite difficult in practice. Fortunately, there are supplements with vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts for healthy hair follicles, hair growth and nails that can lend you a hand. But do such supplements really work? And the choice is huge, so which one should you have? That depends on a few factors: the person using them, the brand you choose, and the discipline with which you take them. One thing is certain: the best supplements for hair (growth) and nails contain an extensive composition of vitamins, minerals and other building materials (such as herbal extracts).
The 8 best vitamins and minerals for good hair growth
Are you looking for a supplement with the best vitamins and minerals for your hair? Then it is good to know which substances have been scientifically proven to promote healthy hair. We list them for you, so that you know what to look for when you check a label:
- Vitamin A – supports the growth of new cells, including your hair follicles. Vitamin A also helps keep your scalp and hair healthy and hydrated.
- Vitamin B – B vitamins affect healthy cell growth, energy levels, metabolism, nerves, muscles, hair, skin and nails. Below we highlight some specific B vitamins.
- Biotin (Vitamin B8) – an important and well-known vitamin for hair and skin.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) – nourishes the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.
- Vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that protects hair follicles from harmful substances. Vitamin C also helps your body produce collagen: an essential component of the structure of hair and skin.
- Vitamin D – a low vitamin D level in the blood is linked to a reduced condition of the hair.
- Vitamin E - a real hair vitamin and antioxidant that, like vitamin C, protects the hair follicles from harmful substances.
- Zinc – important mineral for cell division and protein production. Both are essential for healthy hair growth.
Other vitamins and minerals that can support healthy hair growth and strong and beautiful hair: vitamins B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B11 (folic acid) and B12, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, iodine and choline.
Balanced formula with keratin
Golden Naturals Hair, Skin & Nails is packed with the best hair vitamins and minerals for a healthy scalp and regular hair growth. A balanced formula of 23 key ingredients that keep hair, skin and nails in good condition. One of the best ingredients in this product is bioavailable keratin, the patented Cynatine® HNS. Golden Naturals Hair, Skin & Nails also contains vitamins, herbal extracts and natural building materials. Biotin, horsetail and selenium contribute to normal hair growth and keep your hair strong and healthy. Horsetail is also important for hair, skin and nails*. Vitamin B2 and biotin support the regenerative capacity of the skin. Selenium is good for maintaining strong nails and vitamin B6 ensures a normal hormone balance. *Evaluation health claim is ongoing.
The benefits of an all-in-one product for hair, skin and nails
As you probably noticed above, we often mention hair, skin and nails in the same breath. Many top brands, including Golden Naturals, have an all-in-one formula for hair, skin and nails. Not for nothing: these three 'body parts' often need the same building materials to stay healthy, strong and beautiful. In addition, it is often easier and cheaper to take one supplement every day instead of several individual products. When it comes to hair growth supplements, discipline is key: if you take your hair vitamins consistently, you should see results in about six weeks. As long as your hair's nice!
