Vitamins That Influence Hair Growth

Ever had that bad hair day when it feels lifeless, lank and never does what you want it to do? Did you know there are vitamins that influence hair growth?

Burning the candle at both ends, or you may not be getting the right nutrients. A bad or inconsistent diet can affect your scalp health and the quality of your hair growth. Having a balanced diet rich in vitamins that influence hair growth and minerals can help to maintain a healthy head of hair. Some tips on vitamins that influence hair growth and put the minerals back into your hair and skin.

Know your vitamins

CALCIUM, may not be the be all and end all in healthy hair but it plays an important role in the development of hair.  Some dairy products are known for the calcium content. For example, raw milk and cheese. For those that are lactose intolerant, calcium content is still possible from beans, dark green vegetables, nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and fish such as sardines, and salmon.

ZINC. A deficiency in zinc is connected to hair loss. According to dermatologists. As it can lead to the deterioration of the protein structure in the hair follicle. As a result, zinc is vital for healthy hair and skin. Including nails. Zinc plays a crucial role in DNA and RNA production. Required for healthy hair growth. Commonly found in eggs, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

IRON deficiency or anaemia can have the end result of affecting hair quality and healthy growth. A low iron count can result in an increase in hair loss, but with enough iron, your hair quality and hair growth can be strong in texture and calibre. Commonly found in red meats, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits.

SILICA addresses hormonal imbalance. Found in both mineral water and beer. It can counter hair shedding and aid the hair look strong. If not already eating, here are a few ways to improve your intake with bananas, bread, raisins, carrots, and brown rice.

B-Complex Vitamins, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, 8 in total that supports multiple body functions. A deficiency may cause hair loss and weak, brittle hair. B vitamins, particularly biotin (B7), may support hair growth by strengthening the keratin structure of the hair shaft, the part the hair structure that is visible.

More vitamins that influence hair growth

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. Commonly found in eggs, walnuts, flaxseed, and if not naturally in supplements. The body doe not make them but they are necessary for good health.  Omega-3 fatty acid supports hair growth by supporting and improving the flow of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.

Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen and needed for healing wounds and maintaining healthy teeth and bones. It´s necessary for the development and repair of all tissues throughout your body. Vitamin C can help support hair growth by assisting with collagen production and with the absorption of non-heme iron. Good sources of vitamin C are dark leafy greens, broccoli, and citrus fruits.

Vitamin D low levels are linked to alopecia, hair loss and research suggest may help create new hair follicles. Most people don’t get enough vitamin D. As a result, an increase in intake is recommended if the case. Vitamin D include fatty fish, cod liver oil,  and fortified foods.

Understand hair growth

Healthy looking hair is, in general, a sign of good health. As a result, hair nutrition is vital. Therefore, part of any healthy treatment regime.

Genetics and health are factors in the health of your hair. It derives its nutrients from blood. Health concerns e.g. stress, trauma, medications, medical conditions, heavy metals, smoking etc. can affect the hairs quality and growth.

Anagen is the growth phase of hair and it lasts about two to three years. Telogen is the resting phase of hair growth and it lasts only three to four months. During the growth phase, your hair can grow up to one inch per month. At the end of the resting phase the hair strands in this pattern fall out and new hair enters the growth phase with the average person shedding from 50 to 100 hairs each day.

The average rate of hair growth is 0.5cm – 1.7cm per month depending on ethnicity. Optimal growth occurs from age 15 – 30 and reduces from age 40 – 50. although men find beard hair grows faster beyond the age of 50 years.

There are three major types of ethnic hair: Asian, African and  Caucasian. People of Asian descent will have a low density of hair,  which remains straight along the length. The individual hairs are coarse and will give an appearance of thick hair. Ethnic African hair has the characteristic of irregular curling along the length, which gives high coverage and the appearance of high density, yet it is of fine diameter. Caucasian hair is between these two extremes and shows great variation. People with blonde hair have the highest number of follicles and those with red hair have the fewest, although they will have coarser individual hairs.