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Our diet and lifestyle (as well as genetics, of course) play a huge role in the texture and quality of our hair. While we may not be able to pop a few supplements and go from fine hair to voluminous curls, there are certain vitamins that are recommended for hair health — and that could promote hair growth so that your locks are thicker, stronger, and less prone to breakage.
There are no miracles in a bottle — but these four vitamins and supplements are often touted by dermatologists as some of the best to incorporate into your diet if your goal is to get the healthiest hair possible.
Zinc
One of the leading causes of hair loss and thinning is vitamin deficiencies — particularly when it comes to B6 and zinc. A zinc supplement provides enough of the essential trace mineral to regulate hormone levels, produce healthy cells, and aid in the absorption of all nutrients so that your hair can benefit from those nutrients.
It's important to consult a doctor before taking zinc — too much can actually disrupt the absorption of nutrients and increase testosterone levels, which can lead to hair loss.
Vitamin D
It may be known as the sunshine vitamin that is vital for healthy bones and teeth, but a recent study actually showed that vitamin D can help create new hair follicles and can even "wake up" hair follicles that have become dormant. Of course, you can get vitamin D from foods like salmon and milk and from sitting in the sunshine for a few minutes each day, but vitamin D supplements are important if you find your body is lacking in this vitamin.
Biotin
Biotin, part of the Vitamin B complex, helps metabolize fatty acids, amino acids, and gluclose and can keep hair from getting brittle and falling out. As with most new vitamin and supplement regimens, it's important to consult a doctor first if you are concerned with your hair in order to find out if you have a biotin deficiency. The majority of the time, biotin can be obtained from food sources like avocados, salmon, eggs, raspberries, and cauliflower.
Viviscal
One hair growth supplement that is getting quite a bit of attention lately is Viviscal Extra Strength vitamin supplements, which contains a blend of biotin, zinc, vitamin C, horsetail extract, iron, and a marine complex called AminoMar. It's 100 percent drug free and has been proven to reduce hair shedding and increase hair thickness within 3-6 months on some participants.
As always: check with your doctor first.
