According to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michelle Green, M.D., various vitamins, including vitamin B, vitamin D, and vitamin E, can help improve hair retention and prevent hair loss. That said, hair loss due to vitamin deficiencies is very rare in developed countries, where people often get all the nutrients they need through a balanced diet, except for those on strict dietary restrictions like vegans, Green says.
So, how? many “Whether or not a vitamin or supplement will help your hair grow faster will largely depend on the underlying cause of your hair loss,” says Dr. Green, which is why Dr. Davey recommends understanding the underlying cause of your hair loss before turning to vitamins or supplements so you can take a targeted approach.
Those who do have vitamin deficiencies can benefit greatly from taking supplements, but for those who aren’t nutritionally deficient, or whose hair loss is due to factors unrelated to nutrition, like genetics (or another medical condition), the benefits of hair growth vitamins and supplements “may not be as great,” says Dr. Del Campo.
Also, it is worth noting that vitamins and supplements can Dr. Greene says that while hair restorers can help strengthen hair, they are often not effective enough on their own to fully grow and maintain it. She explains that some people may need to add other hair care treatment options along with over-the-counter vitamins and supplements to reduce hair follicle shrinkage and increase hair growth and maintenance. This is where topical and oral medications like Propecia and Minoxidil can help. Dr. Greene suggests consulting a board-certified dermatologist for personalized advice.
Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
Hair is made of protein, and to make protein, your body needs a variety of amino acids, as well as vitamins, which are important coenzymes for protein synthesis, says Joyce Davis, M.D., board-certified cosmetic dermatologist.
Vitamin D, in particular, stabilizes hair follicles, so a deficiency can affect hair health. Vitamin D deficiency is so common that Dr. Davis recommends a vitamin D3 supplement as “almost essential” for anyone concerned about their hair health.
Dr Davis adds that iron deficiencies and vitamin B12 deficiencies can also affect hair, while too little zinc can also affect hair, Dr Del Campo adds. excessively Excessive intake of vitamin A and the mineral selenium can also cause hair loss, says Dr Del Campo.
How to determine which vitamins and supplements you need
“Which supplements to take will vary from person to person,” says Annabelle. “Everyone has a slightly different diet, different health conditions, and different gut absorption factors,” she adds. But here are some of the most common requirements…
If you are menstruating
“People who menstruate are likely to benefit from supplements that contain iron, vitamin C (which helps with iron absorption), L-lysine (which helps the body store iron) and vitamin B12,” says Annabelle.
If hair loss is severe
“Iron and ferritin (iron stores) deficiency is one of the most common causes of excessive daily hair loss in women,” says Annabel.
Looking for something more general?
“Vitamin D3 is a supplement ingredient that everyone, including men, should look out for. Vitamin D deficiency is very common and can affect the hair growth cycle. All hair follicles have vitamin D receptors,” explains Annabelle. However, if you’re looking for an all-purpose supplement, “a general multivitamin will suffice for most people,” says Kate.
