For those experiencing thinning hair, finding a suitable supplement to aid hair growth can prove to be quite a daunting task due to the overwhelming number of options available. Seeking guidance, we consulted with hair experts who were able to identify two supplements that do not effectively stimulate hair growth after hair loss, as well as two that are highly regarded for promoting the development of stronger and healthier hair.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology, Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, dermatologist and writer at My Eczema Team, and Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles.
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2 Supplements To Skip If You Want To Grow Stronger Hair:
1. Collagen
If you're looking for a supplement to help reverse and treat thinning hair, Abdullah recommends skipping collagen. She notes that collagen supplements "come from the leftover gelatin" in the meat industry.
"You'll see marine collagen in supplements too, but does it help thinning hair? Collagen can help your hair come in stronger, and it will help the hair follicles hold on to existing hair for longer," Abdullah says. She stresses that "it won't help you grow new hair, however."
2. Elastin
The next supplement Abdullah suggests avoiding if you have thinning hair (and want to save money) is elastin. "This is an ingredient that will give your hair more elasticity so that it doesn't break as easily," she explains. However, she says that it still "doesn't grow hair, and it doesn't help with thinning hair."
So, Which Hair Supplements Can Aid Hair Growth?
1. Biotin
Abdullah deems biotin to be a no-fail supplement choice if your goal is to grow back longer, healthier and fuller tresses. "Biotin is worth it. It increases circulation to the scalp to aid hair growth and stop hair thinning," she says.
"Biotin stimulates hair growth by increasing energy synthesis within the blood and delivering more blood flow to the scalp," she explains. "So whether you're taking it as a supplement or using it topically, it's bringing nutrients to the hair follicle where they are needed most," she adds.
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil
"Pumpkin seed oil is also worth it as a supplement ingredient, or even all by itself," Abdullah concludes. She says that it has "been scientifically proven to grow more hair and aid those who have thinning hair."
She emphasizes that while biotin and pumpkin seed oil may be more beneficial to try than collagen and elastin supplements, it is essential to visit a dermatologist or another hair specialist to decide which solution is best for your personal hair thinning situation.
Ultimately, both Kung and Abdullah stress that visiting a dermatologist and/ or other hair expert to assess your scalp and hair loss is best when looking for a supplement.
One supplement will not treat everyone's individual hair loss or thinning hair problem, they say, and taking many at once will not either.
Hair Growth Dieting Tips From The Pros
When prioritizing your hair health, Factor says to look at your diet, first and foremost. "How fast your hair grows depends on factors like age, health, genetics and diet. Although you can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over," she explains.
"In fact, consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss. On the other hand, eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help promote hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition," she continues.
With that said, Factor recommends foods like "legumes, like lentils, that are packed with nine essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and biotin." She also advises eating more eggs, as they "also contain B12, vitamins A and E, iron, and biotin."
"What you eat can have a huge effect on the health of your hair," Factor stresses while also listing nuts, seeds, liver, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and bananas as more biotin-rich foods.
"A lack of the right nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss," she concludes.
Good to know!
