8 Dermatologist-approved Vitamins for Hair Growth and Repair

How to Choose Vitamins for Hair Growth

If you have ever tried to buy a hair growth supplement, Ton That can mean sifting through a bunch of bottles. “That’s why it’s best to read the label and make sure it’s got the ingredients you want,” says Dr. Jaliman. Dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the same way that drugs are, so it’s important to examine the ingredients carefully. And: everytime Consult with your doctor before taking any to ensure there won’t be any interactions with any medications you’re taking. Below are some other tips to keep in mind when choosing the right hair growth vitamin for you:

Check for nutritional deficiencies: Thinning hair and hair loss are usually caused by deficiencies in certain vitamins, iron, and biotin. A blood test can determine if you have a nutritional deficiency, and your doctor can recommend dietary changes and vitamins to take.

Check your hormone levels: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition that can cause hair loss in women. If you have other symptoms that suggest PCOS, such as irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, and weight gain, visit your gynaecologist or endocrinologist. They will diagnose PCOS and prescribe medications and vitamins to balance your hormone levels.

Ingredients in vitamins for hair growth

While a daily multivitamin can be beneficial for general health and wellness purposes, be sure to check for active vitamin and mineral ingredients that support healthy hair growth. Ife J. Rodney, M.D., founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics and professor of dermatology at Howard University and George Washington University, recommends looking for vitamins for hair growth that contain the following ingredients:

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): This is a water-soluble vitamin that helps produce keratin, the protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. “It primarily helps with nail growth, but it may also have some effect on hair growth,” says Dr. Rodney.

• Vitamin C: This vitamin aids in the production of collagen, a protein that helps strengthen the skin at the hair root, and ultimately helps the body produce keratin, “both of which are important for hair’s elasticity, strength, and luster,” says Dr. Rodney.

• zinc: This “helps boost your overall immunity,” says Dr. Rodney, and may have a positive effect on hair growth. Studies have found a correlation between low zinc levels and telogen effluvium and male pattern baldness (two common types of hair loss).

• Folic Acid: Folic acid (folate) is a B vitamin (a group of vitamins that Dr. Engelman recommends as a whole for hair health) and is a common ingredient in hair growth vitamins. Although more research is needed, its importance in DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation suggests that folic acid may promote hair growth.

• Omega fatty acids: Dr. Engelman recommends looking for vitamins and supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are often found in fish oil supplements. One study found that subjects who took omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids experienced increased hair density.

How do vitamins for hair growth work?

When you take oral supplements, they are absorbed into your bloodstream and nourish all your cells, including your hair follicles. Know that hair growth vitamins work through an indirect process. “When it comes to vitamins, there are very few that specifically target hair growth,” says Dr. Rodney. But some vitamins “benefit your overall health, which may ultimately impact hair growth,” she adds.

“We know that certain conditions, such as nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, are associated with hair loss. For example, if you have anemia or vitamin D deficiency, patients may notice hair loss,” says Dr. Zeichner. “So you should always make sure you have adequate levels of vitamin D and iron.” Essentially, if your health or vitamin intake isn’t on point, your body will focus on that and potentially redirect the good vitamins away from your hair.

Are hair growth vitamins safe?

“For most people, there’s no harm in trying hair growth supplements, and they can even be helpful, so you can start as soon as you notice the first signs of hair thinning,” says Blair Murphy Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center in New York City. However, she recommends seeing a dermatologist to diagnose the underlying issue that’s causing your hair loss.

To avoid issues, choose supplements that have been specifically tested for safety and effectiveness, suggests Vivian Bukai, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Bukai Dermatology & Cosmetic Center. “There are countless supplements touted as effective for hair growth, but only a few over-the-counter formulations that contain combinations of vitamins and minerals have undergone rigorous testing to prove they work,” says Dr. Bukai.

According to Mount Sinai Hospital, there are risks associated with taking too much iron, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A, so it’s best to check with your doctor first and only take supplements if you have low levels or a deficiency of a particular vitamin.

If you decide not to use supplements, there are plenty of hair growth foods you can incorporate into your diet to benefit your hair. Also, take a look at our favorite hair growth shampoos and oils that are easy to incorporate into your hair care routine.

Why does hair thin?

While genetics play a big role in hair thickness, and it’s common for hair to thin as you age, sudden or extreme hair loss could be a sign of an underlying health condition, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune disease, or nutritional deficiency.

“Androgenic alopecia (aka hormonal thinning) and telogen effluvium are two of the most common causes I see in my practice,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Others include nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiency or vitamin D deficiency, underlying conditions such as thyroid disease, and a number of inflammatory skin conditions that can lead to hair loss.”

Beyond genetics and your internal health, lifestyle choices can also contribute to hair loss: Heat damage from curling irons and straighteners can lead to hair loss, says Dr Bukai, who adds that hair styling practices like chemical straightening and tight braids can also contribute to hair loss.

When should you see a doctor for hair loss?

If you do try supplements, you’ll need to give them some time to kick in. “If you’re already using supplements at home and haven’t seen any results after a month or so, it might be time to talk to a dermatologist to make sure you’re using the right products for your hair’s needs,” says Dr. Zeichner.

If supplements don’t work, if hair loss started suddenly, or if you feel like you’re losing an unusual amount of hair, it’s best to see a doctor. “In cases of sudden, unexplained hair loss, you should see a dermatologist to rule out specific diseases such as alopecia areata (autoimmune) or autoimmune causes such as thyroid disease or systemic lupus erythematosus,” says Dr. Bukai. “Once the cause of your hair loss is determined, your dermatologist can advise you on treatment options with prescription and over-the-counter medications.”

Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for underlying nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances, which can help determine a more direct treatment plan.

How to Choose the Best Vitamins for Hair Growth

We are joined by Vivian Bukai, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Bukai Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatological surgeon in New York City, board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology PC and Suzanne Friedler, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Skin Rules; Blair Murphy Rose MD, FAAD, Board Certified Cosmetic and Medical-Surgical Dermatologist at New York Laser & Skin Surgery Center; Sapna Palep MD, Founder of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City; Ife J. Rodney MD, Founding Director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics and Professor of Dermatology at Howard University and George Washington University; Joshua Zeichner MD, Director of Aesthetic and Clinical Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Additionally, we conducted our own research and scrutinized online reviews to pick the best options.

Why trust us?

For over 70 years, Prevention is a leading provider of trusted health information, providing readers with practical strategies for improving their physical, mental, and emotional health. Our editors interview medical experts to guide our health-focused product selections. In addition, Prevention We also research hundreds of reviews, and often conduct personal testing by our staff, to help you make an informed decision.

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