What dietary supplements really work for hair growth

What dietary supplements really work for hair growth: a full guide

Understanding the growth of hair and factors affecting it

Before plunging into the world of dietary supplements, it is important to understand how hair grows and what factors can affect this process. Hair grows cyclically, passing through the three main phases:

  • Anagen (growth phase): This phase can last from two to seven years and determines the length of the hair. At this time, the hair follicle is actively divided, forming new cells that push the hair up.
  • Katagen (Phase of Transition): This phase lasts about two to three weeks. Hair growth stops, the hair follicle is reduced, and the hair is separated from the base.
  • Telogen (Phase Salm): This phase lasts about three months. The hair remains in the hair follicle, but does not grow. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out, and the cycle begins again.

Many factors can affect hair growth, including:

  • Genetics: Heredity plays a key role in determining the thickness, texture and hair growth rate.
  • Age: With age, hair growth slows down, hair becomes thinner and more prone to loss.
  • Hormones: Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, thyroid diseases and other conditions can affect hair growth.
  • Nutrition: The lack of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to weakening of the hair, slowing down and loss.
  • Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the normal cycle of hair growth and lead to heterogeneous loss.
  • Diseases: Some diseases, such as alopecia, dermatitis and other skin diseases, can lead to hair loss.
  • Medicines: Some drugs, such as chemotherapy, antidepressants and contraceptives, can cause hair loss.
  • External factors: Excessive use of thermal styling tools, aggressive chemical procedures (staining, curling) and tight hairstyles can damage the hair and lead to its loss.

When it comes to dietary supplements for hair growth, it is important to understand that they can be effective only if the problem is associated with a deficiency of nutrients. In other cases, for example, with a genetic predisposition to baldness or hormonal disorders, dietary supplements may be ineffective.

Key vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy hair growth

Many vitamins and minerals play an important role in maintaining hair health and stimulating their growth. Here are some of the most important:

  • Vitamin A: It is important for cell growth, including hair follicles. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dry scalp and brittle hair. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose, since an excess of vitamin A can also cause hair loss.
  • B vitamins B (Biotin, B12, FOLIC Acid): Group B vitamins, especially biotin, are often associated with hair growth. Biotin helps the body convert food into energy necessary for hair growth. Biotin deficiency is rare, but can lead to hair loss and dermatitis. Vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red blood cells, which transfer oxygen to hair follicles. Folic acid is necessary for healthy cell growth, including hair follicles.
  • Vitamin C: An antioxidant that helps protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Also involved in the production of collagen, an important component of hair structure.
  • Vitamin D: He plays a role in hair growth and differentiation of cells. Studies have shown the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss.
  • Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps improve blood circulation in the scalp, which contributes to hair growth.
  • Iron: It is necessary to transfer oxygen to cells, including hair follicles. Iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia) is one of the most common causes of hair loss, especially in women.
  • Zinc: He plays an important role in the growth and restoration of fabrics, including hair follicles. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss and deceleration of growth.
  • Selenium: An antioxidant that helps protect hair follicles from damage. It is also necessary for the production of thyroid hormones that play a role in hair growth.
  • Magnesium: Participates in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, including the synthesis of the protein necessary for hair growth. Magnesium deficiency can lead to hair loss and deceleration of growth.

It is important to remember that it should be taken with vitamins and minerals only after consulting a doctor and taking tests to detect a deficit. An uncontrolled technique can lead to an overdose and side effects.

Other useful components in dietary supplements for hair growth

In addition to vitamins and minerals, some dietary supplements for hair growth contain other useful components that can contribute to hair health:

  • Collagen: The main structural protein in the body, which gives strength and elasticity to the hair. Reception of collagen additives can help strengthen hair, reduce fragility and improve their appearance.
  • Keratin: The main protein from which the hair consists of. Reception of keratin additives can help restore damaged hair, strengthen it and give it shine.
  • L-Cistein: Amino acid, which is a building block of keratin. Reception of L-cysteine ​​can help improve the structure of the hair, make it more durable and elastic.
  • MSM (methyl sulfonylmetatan): The organic connection of sulfur, which promotes hair growth and improves their structure. MSM helps strengthen hair, reduce brittleness and give it shine.
  • Saw Palmetto Extract: The enzyme 5-alpha reductase is blocking, which turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DGT). DGT is the main cause of androgenic alopecia (male baldness). The dwarf palm extract can help slow down hair loss and stimulate their growth.
  • Green tea extract: Contains antioxidants that help protect hair follicles from damage. It also contains epallocatechin Gallat (EGCG), which can stimulate hair growth.
  • Nettle extract: Contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are useful for hair health. Nettle extract can help strengthen hair, reduce loss and stimulate their growth.
  • Pumpkin seed oil: Contains fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are useful for hair health. Pumpkin seed oil can help reduce hair loss and stimulate their growth.
  • Biotin: It has already been mentioned, but it is worth repeating that it plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids necessary to build a hair structure.

When choosing a dietary supplement with these components, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the ingredients and dosage. The individual characteristics of the body and possible contraindications should also be taken into account.

How to choose an effective dietary supplement for hair growth: step -by -step instructions

The choice of effective dietary supplement for hair growth can be complicated, given the wide range of products on the market. Here is a step -by -step instruction that will help you make the right choice:

  1. Determine the cause of hair loss: The first step is to determine the cause of hair loss. If the cause is associated with a deficiency of nutrients, dietary supplements can be effective. If the cause is associated with genetics, hormonal disorders or other diseases, dietary supplements may be ineffective or require comprehensive treatment. Contact the doctor (trichologist or dermatologist) for diagnosing and determining the cause of hair loss.
  2. Take tests: After consulting a doctor, give blood tests to detect a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. The results of the tests will help determine which nutrients you need to make up for.
  3. Study the composition of the dietary supplement: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and make sure that it contains the necessary vitamins and minerals in a sufficient dosage. Pay attention to the presence of other useful components, such as collagen, keratin, L-cysteine, MSM and plant extracts.
  4. Pay attention to the quality of the ingredients: Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers that use high -quality ingredients. Look for products that have passed an independent quality test and have appropriate certificates.
  5. Read reviews: Read the reviews of other people who used this dietary supplement. Reviews can give you an idea of ​​the effectiveness of the product and possible side effects. However, remember that each organism is individual, and what works for one person may not work for another.
  6. Consult a doctor: Before you get a dietary supplement, consult a doctor, especially if you have any diseases or take other medicines. The doctor will help you choose the optimal dosage and avoid possible side effects.
  7. Start with small doses: Start taking dietary supplement with small doses and gradually increase the dosage in accordance with the instructions. Follow the reaction of your body and when any side effects appear, stop taking and consult a doctor.
  8. Be patient: The results from taking dietary supplements for hair growth usually do not become noticeable immediately. It may take several months of regular reception to see visible improvements. It is important to be patient and continue to receive dietary supplements in accordance with the instructions.
  9. Combine the reception of dietary supplements with proper nutrition and hair care: To achieve the best results, combine the intake of dietary supplements with proper nutrition, sufficient sleep and proper hair care. Avoid excessive use of thermal styling tools, aggressive chemical procedures and tight hairstyles.

Overview of the most popular and studied dietary supplements for hair growth

Let’s look at some of the most popular and studied dietary supplements for hair growth:

  • Viviscal: One of the most popular hair growth dietary supplements containing the Aminomar C ™ complex, which consists of sea proteins. Studies have shown that Viviscal can help reduce hair loss and increase their thickness.
  • Nutrafol: A dietary supplement for hair growth, developed by doctors, which contains a patented mixture of plant extracts and nutrients aimed at combating various causes of hair loss, such as stress, hormonal changes and a deficiency of nutrients. Studies have shown that Nutrafol can help improve hair growth, reduce loss and improve their quality.
  • Biotin: As mentioned earlier, biotin plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids necessary to build a hair structure. Despite popularity, studies show that biotin is effective only in cases of confirmed deficit.
  • Iron supplements: Effective only with iron deficiency anemia. It is important to take a blood test and consult a doctor before starting to take iron additives, since an overdose of iron can be dangerous.
  • Collagen supplements: Several studies have shown that taking collagen additives can help improve the elasticity of the scalp, strengthen hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

It is important to remember that the effectiveness of dietary supplements can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the cause of hair loss.

Possible side effects and contraindications

Before taking any dietary supplement, it is important to consider possible side effects and contraindications. Some of the most common side effects include:

  • Digestive disorders: Some dietary supplements can cause digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
  • Allergic reactions: Some people can be allergic to certain ingredients in dietary supplements. Allergic reactions can manifest itself in the form of a skin rash, itching, edema or difficulty breathing.
  • Interaction with drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with medicines that you take, which can lead to undesirable side effects.
  • Overdose: Acceptance of too many vitamins or minerals can lead to an overdose, which can be dangerous to health.

Before starting a dietary supplement, consult a doctor to make sure that he is safe for you and does not interact with other medicines that you take.

Contraindications to the reception of dietary supplements may include:

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Some dietary supplements can be unsafe for pregnant and nursing women.
  • Kidney and liver diseases: People with kidney and liver diseases may have an increased risk of side effects from taking dietary supplements.
  • Allergies to the ingredients: If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in the dietary supplement, you should not take it.
  • Childhood: Some dietary supplements are not intended for children.

Alternative methods of stimulation of hair growth

In addition to dietary supplements, there are other methods of stimulating hair growth, which can be used both in combination with dietary supplements and independently:

  • Minoxidil (Rogaine): A local tool that stimulates hair growth and slows down their loss. Minoxidil is available in the form of a solution or foam and applied directly to the scalp.
  • Finasteride (Propecia): The medicine that is taken inside and blocks the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DGT). Finasteride is effective for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in men.
  • Laser therapy: Low -level laser therapy (LLLT) uses laser light to stimulate hair growth. LLLT can help increase blood circulation in the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.
  • Mesotherapy: Injections of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients directly into the scalp. Mesotherapy can help improve blood circulation in the scalp, stimulate hair follicles and strengthen hair.
  • Hair transplant: The surgical procedure in which hair follicles are transplanted from the areas of the head, where the hair grows densely, in the area where the hair falls.

Conclusion

Bades can be a useful addition to a comprehensive approach to the treatment of hair loss and stimulation of their growth, especially if the cause is associated with a deficiency of nutrients. However, it is important to remember that dietary supplements are not panacea and can be ineffective in cases where the cause of hair loss is associated with genetics, hormonal disorders or other diseases. Before taking any dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor, take tests and make sure that he is safe for you and does not interact with other medicines that you take. Combine the intake of dietary supplements with proper nutrition, sufficient sleep and proper hair care to achieve the best results.

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