Hair Vitamins For Growth – Everything You Need to Know

What are hair vitamins for growth?  

Hair vitamins can help to prevent hair shedding. Deficiencies in key nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D can cause hair to fall out. Research is still required to see if reintroducing these nutrients can help to promote hair growth. 

Studies have indicated that supplements can help people who have thinning hair as a result of alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis, and androgenic alopecia (also known as pattern baldness). Supplements typically contain a wide range of ingredients besides vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are found in multivitamins. 

Natural extracts and other components that are included in these supplements are thought to promote the growth of hair. See the FAQs below to find out more about hair vitamins for growth and see how they compare to hair growth shampoos or minoxidil.

Highlights

• Hair vitamins for growth can help stop shedding in different forms of hair loss
• These supplements often contain other beneficial nutrients for hair growth
• Vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss which supplements can help counter

Core Evaluation Criteria

Hair vitamins for growth effectiveness

There have been some studies into hair vitamins for growth. A popular clinically tested supplement called Viviscal saw positive results in studies. Viviscal, when combined with marine protein complex and a range of other vitamins and minerals were administered to men with pattern hair loss. After 6 months hair count and density were significantly improved. 

Viviscal was also effective in a 12-month study for the treatment of alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis. Another supplement being researched is Lambdapil. This contains an amino acid known as L-cystine, saw palmetto extract and vitamin B7 also known as biotin. 

Hair volume was significantly increased after 6 months as part of a study using Lambdapil. Improved hair growth was noted in the group who had pattern hair loss and the group who had telogen effluvium had fewer hairs that could be pulled. 

Forti5 is a supplement that has also been tested in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. It contains green tea extract, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, soy isoflavones, beta-sitosterol, melatonin, and vitamin D3. After 6 months patients were able to see a major improvement in hair count and hair mass among 80 per cent of participants.

Hair vitamins for growth cost

Hair vitamins come in a range of supplement types which can vary in cost. The price can depend on the amount of the supplement and what is in it. 30-day supplies of pills or gummies usually cost around $20 AUS to $40 AUS. Purchasing in bulk can lower the ongoing cost and results won’t be apparent immediately. 

Typically it should take 3 to 6 months to start seeing an improvement in hair growth. The price will also depend on the kinds of vitamins in the supplement. Some suppliers may offer bundles which can help to reduce the price in the long run. A 2-month supply can be acquired for between $30 and $50 and a 4-month supply can be purchased from $60 to $80. 

It’s important to do your research before investing in a long-term supplement as certain vitamins may be more beneficial for your hair loss and for promoting hair growth. Consult with a doctor before beginning any supplement in case you are deficient in certain vitamins and to ensure you are not in excess of others.

Hair vitamins for growth treatment duration

While hair vitamins are more of a short-term treatment option, they will still require time to be effective. Initial results may be visible within 3 months but more significant results should be apparent after 6 months. The time taken to see improvements will also depend on whether you are taking anything alongside these supplements. 

In one study that combined minoxidil with hair vitamin supplements, hair thickness was improved by 18 per cent and hair density was improved by 23 per cent after 4 months. Hair loss was decreased by 35 per cent. While most improvements in studies occurred after 6 months of consistent intake, others took up to 12 months to see results. 

Consistent use daily is needed to see results over time. Supplements should not cause too much interference in your daily life as they can be taken as a pill or gummy. Hair vitamins may also be administered as a topical treatment like a serum which will require less regular use.

Hair vitamins for growth safety

While many supplements can help to encourage hair growth, others may contain harmful levels of vitamins, minerals, or other nutraceuticals which can cause toxicity leading to hair loss. The nutritional information on supplements should be checked before committing to a daily supplement. 

You should be aware of the daily recommended intake of vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, selenium, and zinc since these can cause hair loss if they are found in excess. Over-supplementation of amino acids can cause health issues. An excess of the amino acid lysine can cause an overload of iron. 

This can cause issues in your liver and heart as it affects iron absorption. You should consult with your doctor before starting any supplement as additives in multivitamins can have negative interactions with medications. 

Ginseng can interact with blood thinners like warfarin making it less effective and clots more likely to form. Ginseng is usually added to supplements as it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DHT-blocking properties.

Hair vitamins for growth ease of use

As supplements can be taken as a daily oral pill or gummy, they can easily be incorporated into your routine. You may need to visit a doctor before starting any supplements to see if you have any deficiencies that vitamin supplementation could help with. 

Deficiencies can sometimes be the cause of hair loss and maintaining healthy levels can help to recover hair loss. To check that you have healthy levels of vitamins and minerals, blood tests taken by a doctor can help to inform you before starting any supplements. 

While deficiencies in minerals like zinc and iron can lead to hair loss if you have an excess of minerals like selenium you can also cause hair loss. The goal should be to hit a balance of vitamins and minerals to encourage healthy hair growth. 

Hair vitamins may be incorporated into other routines like hair growth shampoos or in combination with other hair loss treatments like minoxidil.

Hair vitamins for growth accessibility

Hair vitamins are widely available from drug stores and pharmacies along with online outlets. You may need to do some research beforehand to see which supplement is best suited to your needs. Hair vitamin subscription services are available which can be a convenient solution to maintain results. 

If you are starting a hair vitamin you should consult with your doctor beforehand in case there are any interactions with the medications you are on or if you are deficient in any vitamins. Additionally, you should get support if taking a new hair vitamin supplement to ensure that you do not have an excess of vitamins or minerals. 

Your doctor should be able to monitor your progress while taking hair vitamins to see if there are any issues with taking the supplements. You can take supplements regularly and you can observe some improvements after 3 months with more noticeable results visible after 6 months. 

Hair vitamins for growth sustainability of results

The length of time that it takes to see results can depend on what the supplement contains. In the short term, you can start to see some benefits within 3 months of use. Most results will become visible after 6 months. 

If your supplement contains natural DHT blockers these will work in the long term and will require consistent use to see results. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is responsible for hair shedding in many cases of pattern hair loss. DHT blockers are available as medications but natural DHT blockers can often be included in hair vitamin supplements. 

These include saw palmetto berries, shiitake mushrooms and green tea leaves. DHT blockers only work when there is a consistent amount in the body so you may need to take the supplement in the long run to enjoy the results. If you are taking a supplement to rectify a deficiency, you may be able to get a prescription from a doctor who can help you monitor the progress of hair growth.

Hair vitamins for growth compatibility with other treatments

Treatments like minoxidil, finasteride and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can be used while taking hair vitamins. Finasteride works to block DHT production. Minoxidil increases the flow of blood to your scalp which can help promote hair growth. LLLT can help to regrow hair in a range of hair loss conditions. 

While these treatments provide a targeted approach, hair vitamin supplements can provide a boost to your body to stimulate hair growth meaning they can be an effective combination. In a study that combined these treatments with ketoconazole (an antifungal shampoo DHT blocker shampoo) hair regrowth was achieved for different grades of hair loss. 

This was a safe and effective treatment combination with hair count increasing after 4 months by up to 52 per cent. Hair thickness was also improved by up to 47 per cent during the same period. More research is required as to what role the vitamins played in the results compared to existing alternatives.

Hair vitamins for growth emotional appeal

Testimonials provide more anecdotal evidence of treatment responses compared to scientific backing. Professionals will tell you that a vitamin will never cause hair to grow but the right nutrients can make a difference in the quality of hair. 

This will have a direct impact on your hair’s potential to grow healthier and longer. Because of this quality improvement, people who take supplements can often report improvements over time. Users reported a reduction in shedding in the shower and an improvement in hair strength after as little as 5 weeks. 

Additionally, hair growth of 1.5 inches was noticed on the same supplement. Others noted the increase in the quality of the hair texture with a shinier appearance. Furthermore, it was more manageable and fuller. Some benefits could be observed from as soon as 1 month into taking supplements with no reported side effects and the treatment was not intrusive to their daily life. 

Hair vitamins for growth health benefits beyond hair loss

Vitamins can provide a range of benefits beyond helping with hair growth. While vitamins can be found naturally in many foods you eat, others may be lacking because of your diet. Vitamin C can help you maintain healthy tissue while improving dental health and promoting wound healing. 

Vitamin D is important to absorb calcium so that your teeth and bones are healthy. Vitamin E is needed for healthy organ function. Biotin is important for metabolizing proteins and carbohydrates to produce hormones and cholesterol. Vitamin B6 can help maintain healthy brain function along with forming necessary red blood cells. 

Vitamin B12 can help to maintain your central nervous system while also forming red blood cells and is important for your metabolism. Niacin can help to maintain your skin and your nervous system. Vitamin K can help clot your blood. Vitamin A aids with your vision and supports the formation and maintenance of your teeth, skin, bones, and soft tissues.

Hair vitamins for growth environmental impact

There are some environmental impacts from taking supplements. Hair vitamins often contain a range of nutrients that can be an ethical sourcing issue. Many supplements for hair growth contain omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. The overfishing problem globally has caused consequences like algae overgrowth. 

This has been shown to cause harm to coral reefs. While much of this is due to fishing for food, around 20% of all fish caught goes to other industries like supplements. The manufacturing industry can cause dangerous levels of carbon emissions if there is not a sustainable supply chain. This includes the production of vitamins like vitamin C which are used in supplements for hair growth. 

The ingredients used for supplements are often grown on farms where sustainable practices are not adhered to. This includes cutting down forests to grow certain types of plants that are used in hair vitamin formulations. Furthermore, they used pesticides and artificial fertilizers which caused degradation to the soil and air pollution.

Treatment Method

Hair vitamins for growth are typically taken as an oral supplement. This includes pills and gummy formulations. These are often taken daily but you should adhere to any instructions provided. There are also topical hair vitamin treatments like serums. The treatment process for these are straightforward:

• Make sure the scalp is clean and dry
• Apply the serum as directed
• Allow time for the serum to soak in

Before starting any supplements consult with your doctor to make sure there are no interactions with medications you are on. Additionally, you should check if you have any deficiencies that need to be targeted with supplements and ensure you are not over-consuming any vitamins that could be causing hair loss.

FAQs

Can vitamins help with hair growth?

Vitamins are important for the healthy growth of hair. It is not fully understood yet if adding vitamins into hair growth supplements can be an effective treatment, however. Deficiencies in a range of vitamins like A, B-complex, C, and D have all been linked to hair loss. In these cases, supplementation can help to stop hair loss. Over supplementation in vitamins A and E can actually lead to hair loss so the right balance is needed for healthy hair growth.

How long does it take to see results from taking hair vitamins?

The time taken to see results can vary depending on several factors from your environment to whether you have any deficiencies you are treating along with the quality of the vitamins you are taking. Typically you should start to see results anywhere from between 2 to 6 months if consistently used. It takes time for your body to absorb and use the nutrients provided through supplementation.

Are hair vitamins safe to take?

Hair vitamins are typically safe to take once directions are followed. Most hair vitamins contain natural ingredients and most people do not experience negative side effects. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before starting a hair vitamin in case it has any interactions with medications you are currently on or to ensure you are not over-supplementing any vitamins.

Can hair vitamins help with hair loss and thinning?

There are a range of factors that can cause hair loss or thinning from genetics to hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Hair vitamins can aid in increasing the number of nutrients that can support hair follicles and encourage healthy growth which has the potential to reduce hair loss and thinning.

Can hair vitamins help with brittle and dry hair?

A nutrient deficiency could be the cause of hair that feels dry, lacks shine, and breaks often. There could also be external factors causing this. If you take hair vitamins that include vitamins A, C, E, and biotin this can help with nourishing and hydrating your hair to restore its natural shine and strength.

Can hair vitamins improve slow hair growth?

The rate at which your hair will grow is influenced by many factors such as genetics and overall health. Hair vitamins can’t change your genetic makeup, but they can allow your hair the chance to grow healthily meaning that the speed at which your hair grows could be increased.

How important is diet alongside taking hair vitamins?

It is crucial to have a balanced diet that is rich in essential nutrients to maintain healthy hair. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals are required for hair growth and strength. By having a nutrient-rich diet alongside hair vitamins you can give your hair the best chance for nourishment from both the inside and the outside.

What does biotin (vitamin B7) do for your hair?

Biotin promotes the growth of healthy hair as it supports the production of keratin. This is the central protein found in hair and can help to prevent hair thinning and breakage. It is often referred to as the “hair growth vitamin” so it is included in many formulations for hair growth.

What does vitamin A do for your hair?

Vitamin A is needed to maintain the health of your scalp and hair follicles. It is needed to produce sebum which is a natural oil that helps keep your scalp moisturised and prevents dryness and flakiness. If you over-consume vitamin A it can cause hair loss so it’s important to not exceed your recommended daily intake of vitamin A. 

What does vitamin C do for your hair?

Vitamin C protects your hair follicles from damage that is caused by free radicals since it works as an antioxidant. It can also help in the production of collagen which is crucial for maintaining the strength and elasticity of your hair strands.

What does vitamin D do for your hair?

Your hair grows in a cycle and vitamin D is needed for hair follicle cycling and hair growth. While most of your hair is in the growth phase, it also needs to rest and fall out to maintain a healthy growth cycle of new hairs replacing old hair that may be damaged or weak. Vitamin D can help to create new hair follicles and therefore reduce hair loss.

What does vitamin E do for your hair?

Vitamin E is also known for its antioxidant properties. This helps to protect the hair and scalp from oxidative stress. It can also aid in promoting blood circulation to the scalp which can encourage healthy hair growth. Over-consumption of vitamin E can lead to hair loss so stick to the recommended intake and consult a doctor before beginning supplementation.

What does iron do for your hair?

Iron is required to transport oxygen to your hair follicles. An iron deficiency can leave your hair looking dull and brittle and also lead to hair loss. Hair vitamins will often contain iron to help maintain healthy hair and prevent any anaemic iron-related hair issues.

What does zinc do for your hair?

Zinc is needed in a range of processes that support hair health. These include the production of DNA and protein synthesis. It also aids the oil glands around the hair follicles to properly function and can help to prevent hair loss.

What kinds of hair vitamins are available?

Vitamins for healthy hair can come in a variety of forms such as pills, gummies, powders, and serums. Hair vitamin formulations are often designed to tackle specific issues like hair loss or thinning while others are created to provide a comprehensive blend of nutrients to support the overall health of your hair. It’s important to pick a hair vitamin supplement that works for your specific needs and preferences. 

What should I bear in mind when taking hair vitamins?

There are some things you should keep in mind when starting to take hair vitamins. They need to be taken consistently to see the potential benefits as it can take time to see results. Hair vitamins are best utilised when combined with a holistic approach so take care in other aspects of your life. See if there are underlying medical reasons for your hair loss that could be causing hair loss before starting supplementation.