Vitamins to Get Healthy Hair

Vitamins to Get Healthy Hair
Photo Credit Long hair blonde woman braids one's hair image by Alexey Kozhevnikov from Fotolia.com

Frizzy, gray or balding hair can be embarrassing. To prevent this, it's important to take vitamins, not just for your health in general, but for the maintenance of your hair as well, especially as you grow older, and particularly because we live in a world full of pollution and toxins that can damage hair.

Vitamin A or Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is a significant part of growing hair. When ingested, this compound is changed into vitamin A. Among other jobs, vitamin A is a protector of nerve fibers, a promoter of hair growth and a maintainer of hair health. Foods from animals , such as eggs, milk and liver are all rich in vitamin A, but it also can be found in vegetables, such as broccoli, kale and carrots.

Vitamin C

Collagen is formed by vitamin C. In order for hair follicles to stay strong and healthy and produce strong hair, they need collagen. You can get vitamin C through foods, such as oranges, guava and strawberries.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for survival as well as hair health. Without enough B vitamins, the cells do not thrive, which causes the hair to shed, grow slower and break more.

Vitamin B-3 or Niacin

Vitamin B-3, or niacin, is a water-soluble B complex vitamin. This vitamin is crucial for hair health and can be obtained through foods such as salmon and tuna.

Vitamin B-5 or Pantothenic Acid

Vitamin B-5, also called pantothenic acid, is often found in hair care products. This is because vitamin B-5 keeps hair strong and prevents graying and balding. Meats and whole-grains contain vitamin B-5.

Vitamin B-6 or Pyridoxine

Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B-6 takes care of your skin, nails and hair. Eggs, chicken and peas all contain B-6.

Vitamin B-7 or Biotin

Vitamin B-7 is sometimes called biotin, or vitamin H. This vitamin is important for hair health and hair growth. Mayo Clinic reports that deficiency -- though rare -- can result in hair loss. You can find it in eggs and nuts.

Vitamin B-9 or Folic Acid

Vitamin B-9, or folic acid, is important for your hair. Lack of it can cause gray hair. It can be found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, legumes and beans.

Vitamin Bh or Inositol

Sometimes referred to as a B complex vitamin,or inositol, Bh is considered a water-soluble nutrient and carbohydrate. It carries out a variety of jobs in the human body, including nourishing hair by stimulating hair growth and strength while preventing balding. With its antioxidant properties, inositol fiercely guards your hair follicles and maintains your cell membranes.

Vitamin E or Tocopherol

Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is an antioxidant that protects your cells against free radicals. Vitamin E also helps keep circulation of the blood flowing through your scalp to your hair follicles, and it may prevent unhealthy hair traits, such as frizzy strands and breakage. You can get this antioxidant through sunflower seeds and almonds.

References

Article reviewed by Kaydee Lowrey Last updated on: Feb 19, 2011

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