Vitamins for Hair Thickness

Healthy hair calls for a healthy diet, and consumption of vitamins that support hair growth may help thicken hair and reduce hair breakage. Improvement in the length and thickness of your hair occurs when the rate of hair growth exceeds the rate of breakage. Vitamins may also increase the presence of natural oils that are needed to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy. Consult your doctor before adding vitamin supplements to your diet.

Biotin

Biotin is essential for proper hair growth. Your hair is made up of strands of protein, which contains amino acids. Biotin facilitates the production of amino acids inside your body and enhances moisture content and shine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biotin is recommended for strong hair and nails, and it is a popular ingredient in many hair and skin products. Shampoos that contain biotin get to the root tips faster and promote hair growth more efficiently. Healthy sources of biotin include green peas, walnuts, soybeans, yeast, oats, sardines, eggs, bananas, cauliflower, mushrooms and legumes.

B Complex Vitamins

Vitamin B complex contains niacin, or B-3, and it is essential for hair growth. It works as a catalyst toward promoting proper bodily functions to improve delivery of nutrients to the hair. Vitamin B-6 is another healthy vitamin for the hair, containing nutrients such as magnesium, sulfur, zinc and biotin. Consumption of vitamin B complex has been shown to reduce hair loss and enrich the overall thickness and health of hair.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps support blood circulation to the scalp and is essential for hair growth. The growth of your hair is enhanced when blood is circulating properly and follicles are stimulated to produce strands of hair. Asparagus, liver, canola, sunflower seeds, eggs, soybean, green leafy vegetables and nuts are rich sources of vitamin E. This vitamin is also available in supplement form. Consult your doctor before adding vitamin E supplements to your diet.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that accelerates the rate of new growth, repair and renewal inside your body's tissues. It reaches each strand of hair to make it healthy and strong. Vitamin C also prevents tissue damage to hair, because it is an antioxidant. Healthy sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, lime, kiwi, broccoli, red pepper and pineapple.

References

Article reviewed by Leah Ann Crussell Last updated on: Nov 6, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments