Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin is one of the eight B vitamins and one of the best vitamins for thicker hair. Biotin helps your body break down the food you eat into energy. It also plays a vital role in the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair.
Best Supplements for Hair Growth and Thickness. Iron, protein, and biotin are three of the nutrients that most commonly impact hair growth, according to Dr. Boham. These three nutrients can have an effect on the number of strands sprouting from your scalp, the thickness of your strands, or both.
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.
Yes! Your hair will grow back as soon as you treat the deficiency. On restoration of vitamin B12 in your body, your hair cells will replicate adequately and support your hair follicles to grow healthy hair. It just takes a few months of following a systematic diet plan to reverse vitamin B12 deficiency hair loss.
What vitamins are good for hair? Experts say that over-the-counter vitamins for hair growth and thickness often contain B complex vitamins, iron, protein, and vitamin D. "We know that low levels of these vitamins are associated with hair thinning," Dr. Zeichner tells Health.
Dr. Cheruki explained that "Magnesium plays an important role in energy production, helping to break down carbohydrates into energy for the body. This energy is essential for healthy hair growth as it helps to promote cell regeneration and circulation in the scalp, leading to thicker, healthier-looking hair.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
“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.
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.
A good basic multivitamin can go a long way in encouraging hair growth, says Dr. Friedler. That's because multis contain your mane needs: biotin, vitamins C and D, zinc, and iron.
No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth.
Hair type. Fine hair features thinner strands, which can make the scalp more visible. This is a natural characteristic and not necessarily a sign of hair loss or thinning. On the other hand, those with thicker hair strands usually have less visible scalps due to the increased volume and density of their hair.
Best overall vitamin for hair growth
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that supports healthy hair, skin and nail growth. It is especially useful in breaking down foods such as proteins and carbohydrates, boosting energy. Nature Made's Biotin supplement contains 1,000 mcg of biotin.
Collagen supplements have been shown to increase the body's hair building proteins, which can result in longer, thicker hair. Collagen may help reduce the appearance of gray hair by supporting the healthy structure of the hair follicle (where the pigment that gives hair its color is produced).
Magnesium has a direct impact on hair growth. It regulates hair follicle production and the overall hair growth cycle, making it an essential mineral for healthy hair growth. When magnesium levels are low, hair follicles go into a resting phase and stop producing new hair, leading to hair loss.
Both vitamin D deficiency, as well as vitamin D excess, may cause hair loss.”
Androgens, such as testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and their prohormones dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (A) are the key factors in the growth of terminal hair.