Several studies have shown positive results (3) when it comes to taking zinc supplements for hair health. Zinc supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and increases thickness. Just as
Some studies have shown that our hair follicles are closely intertwined with parts of the immune system that support healthy hair growth. As a result, a zinc deficiency is thought to be associated with hair loss. For this reason, zinc supplements have historically been recommended as a hair loss treatment.
Those who take high doses of zinc supplements can experience a lack of anagen development, which causes hair loss, but at the same time, one form of zinc treatment can actually encourage hair growth.
“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.
Some experts recommend a dose of 15 mg daily delivered as a chelate, and most hair specialists recommend an upper limit of no more than 25 mg daily. If you are taking the upper limit (25 mg) of zinc for hair loss, you should do this for no more than two to three weeks.
Research shows that adequate levels of zinc in the body can block the production of DHT, which is an androgen.
Adults should avoid taking more than 40 mg of zinc each day. If you accidentally take more than this, it's more likely to cause stomach symptoms than any serious health problems. Check with your healthcare provider if you are considering taking zinc supplements.
Hair growth is no different and, in fact, several nutrients are absolutely critical for regular hair growth — vitamins A, C, biotin (B7), and D, and the essential minerals iron, zinc, and iodine. Together, these minerals provide the nutritional foundation for fuller, thicker, shinier-looking hair.
However, vitamin B12 may give you the appearance of fuller and thicker hair because the increase in oxygen to hair follicles can help stimulate the replacement of lost strands. Vitamin B12 may also help give your hair an overall healthier appearance since intake of enough B12 is responsible for stronger hair shafts.
It often takes 12 weeks before any improvement is seen. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.
Do not take zinc supplements and copper, iron, or phosphorus supplements at the same time. It is best to space doses of these products 2 hours apart, to get the full benefit from each dietary supplement.
Yes, zinc and hair loss are commonly connected. Hair loss can be caused by either an excess of zinc in the body, or not enough. So, striking the right balance of zinc in your diet is the best way to make sure you don't experience hair loss due to your zinc intake.
Zinc Gluconate
This form of zinc supplement is easily absorbed by the body. It also regulates hormones, improves digestion, and promotes healthy hair growth, as well as boosting the immune system, improving skin health, reducing inflammation, and even helping with wound healing.
Biotin, an essential B vitamin, strengthens weak hair and improves its texture. Biotin is found in salmon, carrots, egg yolks and sardines. Vitamin supplements can help weak hair as well.
Add foods that are high in protein, biotin (which promotes hair growth), Vitamin C (an antioxidant that prevents hair damage), and Vitamin A (to promote sebum production), and include fatty foods like salmon, avocados, and mackerel as they contain Omega-3 fatty acids and assist in hair growth.
Hair loss is a well-known sign of zinc deficiency. Although zinc deficiency is not common, restoring zinc may help reverse hair losses in those who are deficient (Almohanna, 2019). This mineral is an essential part of cell growth, protein synthesis, and the immune system.
Castor oil, onion juice, aloe vera gel, avocado and coconut oil are packed with hair-loving vitamins and minerals and are thus believed to take your hair from thin to thick.
Seeing a visible scalp is often a sign of fine hair, and genetics can be the primary cause for this type of hair loss. However, other common causes of thinning hair include stress, hormone imbalances, certain medications, illness or infections and malnutrition.
Sometimes simply addressing a medical condition prompting hair loss will be enough for the hair to regrow. In other instances, a woman might consider a medication like minoxidil (Rogaine), which helps with certain types of hair loss, or another treatment to replace or regrow lost hair.
Zinc supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and increases thickness. Just as zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so can excess levels of zinc. Taking zinc supplements in moderation with proper medical advice is key.
Supplementation isn't required for anyone, but there are certain groups who are at greater risk for deficiency. These include the elderly, vegetarians, those with food insecurities and alcohol use disorder.
Zinc can rebalance these hormone levels through its antiandrogenic activity which will raise estrogen and progesterone back to baseline.