Growing African American hair can be a difficult process for some, but it is possible. Lack of hair growth can result from illness, infections, medications, hormones and improper nutrition. African American women also face hair growth problems caused by hair styles such as weaves, braids and chemical relaxers that add excessive tension and damage the hair. Some general rules for growing African American hair include staying away from chemicals, not overworking your hair, managing stress, exercising and keeping proper nutrition. Vitamins are one way to provide essential nutrients to encourage stronger hair and contribute to hair growth. Your doctor or health-care provider can recommend the correct vitamin values for you.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports soft tissues, skin, mucus membranes and good vision. This essential vitamin also supports the growth and maintenance of your hair. Vitamin A helps to create and protect oils in the hair that keep it shiny and nourished. The North American Hair Research Society notes that Vitamin A is essential for the development and maintenance of multiple epithelial tissues, including hair. The best way to absorb Vitamin A is by consuming it. You can find vitamin A in liver, kidney, eggs and dairy products.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another important vitamin for your hair. This antioxidant has roles in forming an essential protein used to make blood vessels and skin, promoting immune functioning, collagen production and scalp circulation -- all of which keep your hair healthy and nourished. As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects your body from free radical damage that can cause your hair to turn weak and thin. Vitamin C also helps your body consume iron, which is often deficient in African American women and supports hair growth. You can find vitamin C in many fruits and vegetables including kiwi, oranges, red sweet peppers and leafy greens.
Vitamin E
Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant and an essential vitamin that supports hair growth and improves scalp circulation. Vitamin E supports blood flow throughout your body and provides stability to cell membranes, including those in the hair follicle. Vitamin E also benefits your hair by protecting it from ultraviolet light, which can damage hair and prevent growth. Foods such as eggs, olives, nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E.
B Vitamins
B vitamins include vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7 and B-12. Each has a role in your body, such as making energy from food and forming red blood cells. B vitamins also have roles in new hair growth and increasing blood flow to the scalp -- creating a better environment for your hair. Dr. Seymour Weaver of blackhairmedicalexpert.com also notes that hair is protein, and that amino acids and B-vitamins are the building blocks for protein, so eating a healthy diet or taking hair vitamins or supplements are critical to enabling your body to produce strong healthy hair. You can find B vitamins in eggs, fish, beans and leafy green vegetables.
References
- North American Hair Research Society: Immunolocalization of Enzymes, Binding Proteins, and Receptors Sufficient for Retinoic Acid Synthesis and Signaling During the Hair Cycle
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Fact Sheets
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Braids, Weaves May Lead to Balding in Black Women
- Black Hair Medical Expert: Hair Loss Solution
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