Hair and its beauty is a multimillion dollar industry, so many people wonder what they can do at home to help their hair grow healthy and beautiful. The old adage "you are what you eat" applies to hair growth. Proper diet, or supplementation, is crucial to hair's vitality.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A assists in sebum production. Sebum is the oil of the scalp, which helps keep hair shiny and healthy in normal quantities. Because it acts as a natural moisturizer for the hair, it prevents hair from breaking and allows it to grow longer. The daily recommended dose of vitamin A is 5,000 international units, and too much excess can inhibit hair growth and even become toxic.
B Vitamins
According to Dr. George Obikoya, of the Vitamins and Nutrition Center, B vitamins help maximize the genetic growth cycle. Specifically, many B vitamins aid growth of hair, prevent hair loss, help create melanin for healthy hair color and aid in cellular growth. Some forms of B vitamins are not stored well by the body and require supplementation. Daily recommended doses of B vitamins depend on which B vitamin and often can be found in a B-complex supplement.
Biotin
Biotin is one of the B vitamins but is particularly important for healthy hair growth. When taken alone it promotes faster hair growth and protects from dryness. This is important because it also improves the hair's elasticity, which reduces the amount of breakage. Also, biotin is thought to reduce graying of hair. The recommended daily dose of biotin is based on body weight, but generally 30mcg daily is appropriate.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps in the repair and growth of cells. This means the cells responsible for hair growth are able to work more efficiently and hair growth is faster when it is taken in the right amounts. It is also an antioxidant and is beneficial in helping other vitamins and minerals be properly absorbed. The recommended daily dose is 60mg.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E improves scalp circulation by increasing oxygen uptake, which in turn enhances hair growth. It also acts as a retardant to aging and may help prevent graying. The recommended daily dose is up to 15mg.
Member Comments