Give your hair a nourishing boost by incorporating these five best vitamins for hair growth into your daily routine
Looking for a holistic way to nourish your hair? According to experts, a healthy and balanced diet is vital for long, strong and shiny locks. Moreover, the best vitamins for hair growth can promote its innate health and prevent further hair loss.
Why are vitamins essential for hair growth?
Hair-related issues, particularly hair fall and hair loss, may be an indication that your scalp and hair are nutritionally deficient. Slathering strands with topical products cannot always compensate for an unhealthy diet. And while age, hormones, and genetics also impact hair growth, optimal nutrient intake is essential. Therefore, it is imperative to consume the best vitamins for hair growth that will not only give you voluminous and lustrous tresses but will also help reduce scalp problems that impede hair growth.
What are the best vitamins for hair growth?
Since our scalp nourishes the hair follicles to create strong hair, it is important to consume nutrient-rich foods and build a robust hair-care routine that keeps the scalp and strands healthy. Let's take a look at the five best vitamins for hair growth that are crucial for healthy-looking hair:
1. Vitamin A
All cells need vitamin A to grow and this is also true for the fastest growing tissue in the human body, hair. Among various health issues, a vitamin A deficiency may damage hair follicles, sweat glands and cause hair fall. This is mainly because a lack of vitamin A in the body can hinder the generation of new cells. Vitamin A also helps in sebum production, which moisturizes the scalp and works to keep hair healthy.
Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, pumpkins and carrots. Vitamin A can also be found in animal products such as eggs, milk and yogurt. Fruits like guava, watermelon, mango, tangerine, papaya and grapefruit are also good sources of this hair-loving vitamin.
2. Vitamin B
One of the best vitamins for hair growth, B vitamins, play a significant role in producing red blood cells that carry oxygen to the scalp and allow the generation of new hair. Biotin is a potent B vitamin that has been used as an alternative to hair loss treatment and studies have also shown a link between biotin deficiency and hair loss in humans. Biotin is also known to reduce inflammation and promote keratin production, allowing the hair to become internally strong. Vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin) and B5 (pantothenic acid) are known for promoting flexibility, strength, and overall health of the hair. Foods like whole grains, fish, meat, almonds, seafood and leafy greens are all very good sources of vitamin B.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a very important source of nutrition for the hair. It is a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and helps protect the hair against oxidative stress. Free radical damage can obstruct growth and cause the hair to age. Vitamin C is also needed to create collagen, which helps build keratin, a primary protein in your hair that prevents breakage. This powerful vitamin also helps absorb iron, a mineral vital for hair growth.
You can get vitamin C from many foods including peppers, guavas, strawberries and citrus fruits. Additionally, vegetables like brussels sprouts and broccoli also contain vitamin C content that aids hair growth.
4. Vitamin D
A Vitamin D insufficiency is linked to alopecia or hair fall. Vitamin D may help develop new follicles. Follicles are small pores in the scalp from where new hair grows. Direct exposure to the sun for 10-15 minutes every day is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D. Good dietary sources of vitamin D include mushrooms, fortified foods, cod liver oil and fatty fish.
5. Vitamin E
Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that combats oxidative stress caused by free radicals to improve the quality and strength of the hair. Its natural antioxidant properties avert hair fall while improving the texture of the scalp. In a study, people with hair loss witnessed a 34.5% increase in hair growth after taking vitamin E supplements for 8 months.
Sunflower seeds, avocados, almonds and spinach are all good sources of vitamin E. Foods rich in this potent vitamin may also contain healthy fats that provide extra emollients to your scalp, thus, boosting hair growth.
How to infuse some of the best vitamins for hair growth into your scalp using topical products?
Moringa
Moringa is a nutrient-dense plant, rich in vitamin C and essential amino acids, the anti-inflammatory properties of which help soothe scalp sensitivities. The Moringa Oil With Clary Sage+Vetiver is a cold-pressed premium hair oil that moisturizes dry scalp, reduces breakage, and stimulates hair growth.
Neem
Neem is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants that effectively nourish and strengthen your strands. Handcrafted by wood artisans in Bardhaman, India, the Handmade Neem Wood Comb contains soft bristles that are very gentle on your scalp. This wooden comb provides nutrients to your hair follicles and removes impurities to give you strong and long tresses.