Vitamins are responsible for the growth and maintenance of every part of the body, including the hair. The hair needs vitamins to maintain the health of the hair follicles, tissue, scalp and the hair strands. You can take vitamin supplements to maintain hair health and use products that contain vitamins, such as shampoos and conditioners.
Vitamins B-1 and B-2
Two important vitamins responsible for the strength, maintenance, growth and overall health of the hair are vitamins B-1 and B-2, according to Harvard Medical School. Vitamin B-1 --- thiamin --- is a water-soluble vitamin found in soy milk, watermelon and acorn squash. It is needed to maintain the health of the blood, brain, muscles and hair. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B-1 is 1.2 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women. Vitamin B-2 --- riboflavin --- is needed to convert food to energy and to maintain healthy skin, hair and blood. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B-2 is 1.3 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women. Sources of vitamin B-2 are milk, yogurt, enriched grains, cereal and liver. Both vitamins can be taken separately or together in a multivitamin or a B-complex supplement.
Biotin
Biotin is a vitamin used to prevent and treat hair loss and brittle nails. Moreover, oral supplements of biotin are used to treat and prevent biotin deficiency-related symptoms, which often include hair loss or thinning along with loss of hair color. There is inconclusive evidence to show that biotin can be used to treat hair loss on its own, although hair loss may be reduced if biotin is taken by mouth with zinc supplements while using a topical cream containing the chemical compound clobetasol propionate, according to MedlinePlus.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant, important for cell health, immune system maintenance and the health of the skin, bones and connective tissue. Vitamin C is also used to absorb the mineral iron. Without vitamin C, heme and nonheme iron cannot be absorbed into the body. When there is a deficiency in vitamin C, iron will be absorbed poorly and you may display symptoms of vitamin C deficiency, which include brittle and split hair, gingivitis, rough and dry skin, anemia, and weight gain. Vitamin C supplements can be purchased as an individual vitamin supplement, and vitamin C is included in most multivitamins and prenatal vitamins.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that works to protect the cells from free radicals, which can damage the cells, organs and tissues. Vitamin E helps produce capillaries, which work to increase blood flow to all parts of the body, including the scalp. Poor circulation to the scalp can cause hair to thin or fall out of the follicles. You can take vitamin E in a gel-cap supplement or you can take a complete multivitamin, which contains a percentage of vitamin E.
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