Hair dietary supplements: reviews of buyers and doctors. Analysis of efficiency, composition and risks.
Part 1: Why does hair need support? Factors affecting hair health.
The beauty and health of the hair is not only genetics, but also a reflection of the general state of the body. Thick, shiny and strong hair indicates a sufficient number of vitamins, minerals and other necessary substances. However, a modern way of life, stress, improper nutrition and aggressive environmental effects often lead to the fact that the hair becomes dull, brittle, falls out and slowly grow.
Consider key factors that negatively affect hair health:
- Unstable nutrition: The deficiency of protein, iron, zinc, vitamins of group B, vitamin D and other important trace elements directly affects the condition of hair follicles. Hair consists mainly of keratin protein, so its deficiency leads to thinning and brittleness. Iron is necessary for transporting oxygen, which is important for hair growth. Zinc plays a role in protein synthesis and maintaining hormonal balance. B vitamins are involved in metabolic processes and improve blood circulation in the scalp. Vitamin D regulates hair growth and can prevent their loss.
- Stress: Chronic stress leads to the production of cortisol, stress hormone, which negatively affects the hair follicles and can cause hair loss (heterogeneous loss). Stress can also worsen blood circulation in the scalp, depriving the hair of the necessary nutrients.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid diseases and taking hormonal drugs can cause hormonal imbalance, which affects the hair growth cycle and leads to their loss. Especially sensitive to hormonal changes androgen-dependent hair follicles located in the frontal and parietal areas are.
- External factors: Excessive use of a hairdryer, ironing, curling iron, chemical curls, coloring, hair extension, exposure to ultraviolet rays, contaminated air and hard water damage the hair structure, making it dry, brittle and dull. Ultraviolet rays destroy keratin protein, which leads to bleaching and weakening of the hair.
- Scalp diseases: Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections and other scalp diseases disrupt the normal function of hair follicles and can lead to hair loss. Inflammation of the scalp prevents the normal hair growth and can lead to their thinning.
- Medicines: Some drugs, such as antidepressants, anticoagulants, beta-blockers and chemotherapeutic drugs, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Age changes: With age, hair follicles become less active, which leads to thinning of the hair, a decrease in their density and the appearance of gray hair. A decrease in hormone levels also plays a role in age -related hair changes.
- Genetic predisposition: Heredity plays an important role in determining the type of hair, the speed of their growth and predisposition to hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Understanding these factors is the first step to the effective solution of hair problems. In many cases, lifestyle correction, proper nutrition and adequate hair care can significantly improve their condition. However, in some cases, especially with a deficiency of certain substances or the presence of diseases, additional support may be required, including the use of dietary supplements (biologically active additives).
Part 2: What is hair dietary supplements? Composition and mechanism of action.
Hair dietary supplements are complexes of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other biologically active substances designed to improve the condition of the hair, scalp and nails. They are not drugs, but can have a positive effect on the health of the hair, replenishing the deficiency of the necessary substances and maintaining the normal function of hair follicles.
Consider the main components that are often part of the hair dietary supplements, and their mechanism of action:
- B vitamins B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 (BIOTIN), B9 (folic acid), B12): B vitamins play a key role in the metabolic processes necessary for the growth and development of cells, including cells of hair follicles.
- Biotin (B7): One of the most famous hair vitamins. Participates in the synthesis of keratin, the main protein of which the hair consists of. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, fragility of nails and dry skin.
- Pantotenic acid (B5): Participates in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates necessary for hair growth. It also helps to moisturize the hair and prevents their brittleness.
- Folic acid (B9): It is necessary for dividing cells and tissue growth, including hair follicles. Folic acid deficiency can lead to a slowdown in hair growth and their loss.
- Vitamin B12: Participates in the formation of red blood cells that transfer oxygen to hair follicles. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and hair loss.
- Vitamin A (Retinol): It is necessary for the growth and differentiation of cells, as well as for maintaining the health of the scalp. Participates in the production of sebum, which moisturizes the hair and scalp. However, excess vitamin A can be toxic and lead to hair loss.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): A powerful antioxidant that protects the hair from damage by free radicals. Participates in the synthesis of collagen, which strengthens the hair and makes it more elastic. Also improves the absorption of iron, which is necessary for hair growth.
- Vitamin D (cholegalciferol): Regulates hair growth and can prevent their loss. Vitamin D deficiency is often found in people with hair loss. Participates in the activation of hair follicles and stimulates the growth of new hair.
- Vitamin E (Tokoferol): An antioxidant that protects the hair from damage by free radicals. Improves blood circulation in the scalp, providing hair follicles with the necessary nutrients.
- Minerals:
- Iron: It is necessary to transport oxygen to hair follicles. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and hair loss.
- Zinc: Participates in the synthesis of protein, including keratin, the main protein of which the hair consists of. He also plays a role in maintaining the hormonal balance and strengthens the immune system.
- Selenium: An antioxidant that protects the hair from damage by free radicals. Participates in the regulation of thyroid hormones that affect hair growth.
- Copper: It is necessary for the synthesis of melanin, pigment, which gives the hair color. The shortage of copper can lead to premature gray hair.
- Magnesium: Participates in the metabolism of protein and energy necessary for hair growth. It also helps to reduce stress, which can negatively affect the condition of the hair.
- Amino acids:
- L-Cistein: The main amino acid, which is part of keratin. It is necessary for the strength and elasticity of the hair.
- L-Lisin: Participates in the synthesis of collagen and improves the absorption of iron.
- Methionine: An antioxidant that protects the hair from damage by free radicals.
- Plant extracts:
- Horsetail extract: Contains silicon that strengthens hair and nails.
- Nettle extract: Improves blood circulation in the scalp and stimulates hair growth.
- SAW Palmetto palm extract: Blocks the action of dihydrotestosterone (DGT), a hormone that causes hair loss in men and women (androgenetic alopecia).
- Green tea extract: The antioxidant that protects the hair from damage by free radicals and stimulates their growth.
- Wheat germ oil: Rich in vitamin E and other nutrients that strengthen the hair and make it more shiny.
- Other ingredients:
- Collagen: The protein that strengthens the hair and makes it more elastic.
- Hyaluronic acid: Moisturizes the hair and scalp.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Improve blood circulation in the scalp and reduce inflammation.
The mechanism of action of hair dietary supplements is to replenish the deficiency of the necessary substances, improve blood circulation in the scalp, protect the hair from damage by free radicals, stimulate hair growth and strengthen their structure. It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not a magic tablet, and to achieve a noticeable result, it is necessary to take them in courses, observe a balanced diet and properly care for the hair.
Part 3: Review of popular hair dietary supplements in the market: trains, producer promises and customer reviews.
The market presents a huge number of hair dietary supplements, differing in composition, price and efficiency. Consider several popular products, analyze their composition, promises of manufacturers and customer reviews. It is important to note that the effectiveness of dietary supplements is individual and depends on the causes of problems with hair, as well as on the characteristics of the body.
1. Perfectil (perfective):
- Composition: Vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, selenium, iodine, manganese, silicon, cysteine, beta-carotene, grape seed extract, burdock extract.
- Producer’s promises: Improving the condition of hair, skin and nails, strengthening hair, giving it shine, preventing hair loss, improving skin elasticity, strengthening the nail plate.
- Customer reviews:
- Positive: Many note an improvement in the condition of the nails, accelerate hair growth, reduce hair loss, gleaming hair.
- Negative: Some complain of side effects, such as nausea, discomfort in the stomach, allergic reactions. There are also reviews that the effect was not noticeable.
- Analysis of the composition: The composition is quite wide and includes most of the necessary vitamins and minerals for the health of hair, skin and nails. The presence of extracts of grape seeds and burdocks can have an additional antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effect.
2. Solgar Skin, Nails & Hair (Solgar for skin, nails and hair):
- Composition: MSM (methyl sulfonylmetatan), red algae powder (L. Calcareum), vitamin C, L-Lisin, L-Prollyn, zinc, copper.
- Producer’s promises: Support for the health of the skin, nails and hair, strengthening the nail plate, giving shine and strength to the hair, improving the elasticity of the skin.
- Customer reviews:
- Positive: Many note an improvement in the condition of the nails, accelerate hair growth, gleaming hair, reducing hair loss.
- Negative: Some complain of a high price, as well as the absence of a visible effect.
- Analysis of the composition: The composition is relatively simple, but includes important components for the health of hair, skin and nails, such as MSM (the source of the sulfur necessary for the synthesis of keratin), vitamin C (antioxidant and participant in collagen synthesis), L-lysine and L-Prollyn (amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis), zinc and copper (minerals participating in various processes necessary hair).
3. Hairburst (Hearberst):
- Composition: BIOTIN, MSM, collagen, zinc, vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), selenium, copper, amino acids.
- Producer’s promises: Acceleration of hair growth, increasing its density, strengthening hair, giving it shine.
- Customer reviews:
- Positive: Many note the acceleration of hair growth, improve their condition, reduce hair loss.
- Negative: Some complain of a high price, side effects (rashes on the skin), as well as the lack of visible effect.
- Analysis of the composition: The composition is focused on stimulating hair growth and includes biotin, MSM, collagen, zinc, group B vitamins and other beneficial substances. The presence of collagen can have a positive effect on hair strengthening.
4. Evalar Expert Way (Evalar Expert Way):
- Composition: Taurin, yeast autolya, zinc oxide, horsetail extract, B vitamins (B6, BIOTIN), copper asparaginate, manganese asparaginate, L-cysteine, silicon dioxide, pyridoxine hydrochloride.
- Producer’s promises: Hair strengthening, reducing hair loss, improving their structure, stimulation of hair growth.
- Customer reviews:
- Positive: Some note an improvement in hair condition, a decrease in hair loss, a more affordable price compared to imported analogues.
- Negative: Many do not see a noticeable effect, complain of side effects (allergic reactions), note that the effect does not appear immediately.
- Analysis of the composition: The composition includes Taurin, yeast autolya, zinc, horsetail extract, group B vitamins and other substances that can have a positive effect on the condition of the hair.
5. Hair vitamins from Nature’s Bounty:
- Composition: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamins of group B (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, biotin, pantotenic acid), iodine, zinc, selenium, manganese, choline, inositol, rava.
- Producer’s promises: Support shiny hair, healthy skin and strong nails.
- Customer reviews:
- Positive: Many note a pleasant taste (often in the form of chewing sweets), improving the condition of the skin and nails, some improvement in the condition of the hair.
- Negative: Some complain of a high sugar content (in the form of chewing sweets), as well as the lack of a pronounced hair effect.
- Analysis of the composition: The composition is quite complete, includes a wide range of vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of hair, skin and nails.
It is important to remember:
- Customer reviews can be subjective and do not always reflect the real effectiveness of the product.
- Before taking any dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor.
- Bades are not a replacement for good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
Part 4: The opinion of doctors: how effective are hair dietary supplements? When they should be accepted and to whom they are contraindicated.
The opinion of doctors regarding the effectiveness of hair dietary supplements is ambiguous. Many doctors believe that dietary supplements can be useful in certain cases, but are not a panacea and cannot replace full treatment with serious hair problems.
In what cases do doctors recommend taking hair dietary supplements:
- Deficiency of vitamins and minerals: If the analyzes show a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, the doctor may recommend the intake of dietary supplements to replenish the deficit.
- Unstable nutrition: If nutrition does not provide the body with the necessary nutrients, the intake of dietary supplements can help improve the condition of the hair.
- Stress: During periods of stress, the body needs more vitamins and minerals, so intake of dietary supplements can help maintain hair health.
- After the diseases: After the diseases, the body can be weakened, and the intake of dietary supplements can help restore hair health.
- During pregnancy and lactation: During this period, the body needs an increased amount of vitamins and minerals, so the intake of dietary supplements can be recommended by a doctor.
Contraindications to receive hair dietary supplements:
- Individual intolerance to components: An allergy to any of the components of Bad is a contraindication to its reception.
- Liver and kidney diseases: Some dietary supplements can provide a load on the liver and kidneys, so their reception is contraindicated in diseases of these organs.
- Pregnancy and lactation (some dietary supplements): Some components of dietary supplements can be dangerous for pregnant and lactating women.
- Children’s age (some dietary supplements): Some dietary supplements are not intended for children.
- Taking certain drugs: Bades can interact with some drugs, so it is necessary to consult a doctor before taking the appointment.
Important recommendations of doctors:
- Consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement. The doctor will help determine the cause of hair problems and choose the right dietary supplement.
- Make tests for vitamins and minerals. This will help to identify deficits and choose a dietary supplement that will fill these deficits.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose. An overdose of vitamins and minerals can be dangerous to health.
- Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers. Make sure that the manufacturer has a good reputation and that the dietary supplement has passed the necessary certification.
- Do not wait for an instant result. Bades are not a magic tablet, and to achieve a noticeable result, you need to take them in courses and observe a balanced diet and properly care for the hair.
- Do not self -medicate. If you have serious hair problems, consult a trichologist.
Trichologists’ opinion:
Trichologists, doctors specializing in the treatment of hair and scalp are more skeptical of dietary supplements than, for example, therapists or dermatologists. They emphasize that dietary supplements can be useful only with the proven deficiency of certain substances. Trichologists believe that in most cases, hair problems are associated with other factors such as hormonal disorders, genetic predisposition, head scalp and stress that require comprehensive treatment.
Part 5: How to choose a dietary supplement for hair? Choice criteria and specialists’ advice.
The choice of hair dietary supplement is a responsible task that requires an attentive approach. To choose an effective and safe product, it is necessary to take into account several criteria and follow the advice of specialists.
Hair dietary supplement criteria:
- Composition: Study the composition of the dietary supplement. Make sure that it contains the necessary vitamins, minerals and other substances necessary for the health of the hair. Pay attention to the dosage of each component.
- Manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers with a good reputation. Find out how long the company is on the market, what certificates have its products, what reviews buyers leave about its products.
- Customer reviews: Read customer reviews about the dietary supplement. Pay attention to positive and negative reviews, as well as what side effects customers note.
- Price: The price of dietary supplements is not always an indicator of its quality. Compare the prices of similar products from different manufacturers.
- Output form: Choose a dietary supplement form convenient for you: tablets, capsules, powder, chewing lozenges.
- Availability of certificates: Make sure that the dietary supplement has the necessary certificates confirming its quality and safety.
- Consultation with a doctor: Be sure to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement. The doctor will help determine the cause of hair problems and choose the right dietary supplement.
Expert advice when choosing a dietary supplement for hair:
- Determine the cause of hair problems. Before choosing dietary supplements, it is necessary to determine the cause of hair problems. This can be a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, stress, hormonal disorders, diseases of the scalp, etc.
- Make tests for vitamins and minerals. Analyzes will help to identify deficits and choose a dietary supplement that will fill these deficits.
- Choose dietary supplements with a complex composition. Complex dietary supplements contain several vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the hair.
- Pay attention to the bioavailability of the components. Bioavailability is the degree of assimilation of a substance by the body. Choose dietary supplements with components that are well absorbed by the body.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose. An overdose of vitamins and minerals can be dangerous to health.
- Take dietary supplements with courses. To achieve a noticeable result, it is necessary to take dietary supplements with courses, observing the doctor’s recommendations.
- Do not wait for an instant result. Bades are not a magic tablet, and it takes time to achieve a noticeable result.
- Combine the intake of dietary supplements with proper nutrition and hair care. Bades cannot replace good nutrition and proper hair care.
- Follow your feelings. If you notice any side effects after the start of taking Bad, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
An example of choosing a dietary supplement depending on the problem:
- Hair loss: If your hair falls out, choose dietary supplements containing iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, Saw Palmetto palm extract.
- Brighten hair: If you have brittle hair, choose dietary supplements containing biotin, vitamins of group B, vitamin E, collagen, L-cysteine.
- Slow hair growth: If your hair grows slowly, choose dietary supplements containing biotin, vitamins of group B, zinc, iron, horsetail extract.
- Dull hair: If you have dull hair, choose dietary supplements containing vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea extract.
Part 6: Possible side effects and risks of taking hair dietary supplements. How to minimize risks.
Reception of dietary supplements, like any other substances, may be accompanied by certain side effects and risks. It is important to know about possible undesirable reactions and precautions in order to minimize risks and ensure health safety.
Possible side effects of taking hair dietary supplements:
- Allergic reactions: Allergy to Bad components is one of the most common side effects. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock.
- Problems with the gastrointestinal tract: Some dietary supplements can cause discomfort in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
- Headache: A headache can be associated with the use of certain dietary supplements, for example, vitamin A or zinc.
- Changes in the hormonal background: Some dietary supplements containing plant extracts (for example, Sereena palm extract) can affect hormonal background.
- Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect.
- An overdose of vitamins and minerals: An overdose of vitamins and minerals can be dangerous to health and lead to various side effects.
- Acne: The reception of some dietary supplements, especially containing biotin, can provoke the appearance of acne.
- Hair loss (paradoxical effect): In rare cases, especially with an overdose of vitamin A or selenium, hair loss can be observed.
Risk of taking hair dietary supplements:
- Low product quality: There are many low -quality dietary supplements on the market that may contain harmful impurities or not correspond to the declared composition.
- Insufficient efficiency: Bades are not drugs and do not always have the desired effect.
- Masks of serious diseases: Reception of dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of serious diseases, which complicates diagnosis and treatment.
- Self -medication: Incorrect choice of dietary supplements or improper dosage can aggravate hair problems.
How to minimize risks when taking hair dietary supplements:
- Consult a doctor. Be sure to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement. The doctor will help determine the cause of hair problems, choose the right dietary supplement and assign the correct dosage.
- Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers. Make sure that the manufacturer has a good reputation and that the dietary supplement has passed the necessary certification.
- Study the composition of the dietary supplement. Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and make sure that you do not have an allergy to any components.
- Start with a low dose. Start taking a low dose dose and gradually increase it to the recommended.
- Follow your feelings. If you notice any side effects after the start of taking Bad, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
- Do not take dietary supplements for a long time without consulting a doctor. Long -term intake of dietary supplements can be dangerous to health.
- Do not take a few dietary supplements at the same time without consulting a doctor. Simultaneous intake of several dietary supplements can lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals.
- Tell your doctor about all the dietary supplements you accept. This will help to avoid interaction with drugs.
- Do not replace dietary supplements with full treatment. Bades are not a replacement for complete treatment with serious hair problems.
What to do when side effects appear:
- Discontinue Bada.
- Consult a doctor.
- Tell the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you took.
- If necessary, the doctor will prescribe treatment to you to eliminate side effects.
Part 7: Alternative methods of improving the condition of the hair: diet, care and procedures.
In addition to taking dietary supplements, there are many alternative methods that can help improve the condition of the hair. These methods include diet correction, proper hair care and various procedures.
1. Hair health diet:
Proper nutrition plays a key role in hair health. In order for the hair to be strong, shiny and grow well, it is necessary to provide the body with a sufficient amount of nutrients.
- Protein: Hair consists mainly of keratin protein, so it is important to consume a sufficient amount of protein. Good sources of protein: meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. Good sources of iron: red meat, liver, spinach, legumes.
- Zinc: Zinc is necessary for the growth and restoration of tissues, as well as to maintain the operation of the sebaceous glands of the scalp. Good sources of zinc: seafood, meat, nuts, seeds.
- B vitamins B: B vitamins are involved in metabolic processes and improve blood circulation in the scalp. Good sources of group B vitamins: whole grain products, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, fruits.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant and protects the hair from damage to free radicals. Good sources of vitamin C: citrus fruits, kiwi, pepper, broccoli.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D regulates hair growth and can prevent their loss. Good sources of vitamin D: fatty fish, eggs, dairy products.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids improve blood circulation in the scalp and reduce inflammation. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish, linseed seeds, walnuts.
- Water: Enough water consumption is necessary to maintain the health of the whole organism, including hair. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day.
2. Proper hair care:
Proper hair care helps to maintain their health and beauty.
- Selecting shampoo and air conditioning: Choose shampoo and air conditioning suitable for your hair type. Avoid shampoos containing aggressive sulfates.
- Washing hair: Wash your hair as necessary, not too often and not too rare. Too frequent washing can overdry hair, and too rare – to lead to blockage of pores of the scalp.
- Water temperature: Wash your hair with warm water, and rinse with cool water. Hot water can overdry hair, and cool water helps to close the hair cuticle and gives it shine.
- Combing hair: Comb the hair carefully, starting from the tips and gradually rising to the roots. Use a comb with wide teeth.
- Thermal impact protection: Limit the use of a hairdryer, ironing and curling iron. If you use these tools, be sure to use thermal protection products.
- Sun protection: Protect the hair from the sun with a headgear or special tools with SPF.
- Regular haircut: Cut the ends of the hair regularly to prevent their splitting.
- Scalp massage: Regularly do scalp massage to improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
- Avoid tight hairstyles: Tight hairstyles can damage the hair and lead to its loss.
3. Professional hair procedures:
There are various professional procedures that can help improve the condition of the hair.
- Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy is an injection procedure in which vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are introduced into the scalp. Mesotherapy can help improve blood circulation in the scalp, stimulate hair growth and reduce their loss.
- Plasmolifting: Plasmolifting is a procedure in which the patient’s own plasma is introduced into the scalp, enriched with platelets. Plasmolifting stimulates tissue regeneration and improves hair growth.
- Harshall: Darsonval is a hardware method of treatment in which high frequency pulse current affects the scalp. Darsonval improves blood circulation in the scalp, stimulates hair growth and reduces their loss.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses low -intensity laser light to stimulate hair growth.
- Keratin straightening: Keratin straightening is a procedure that helps straighten the hair and give it shine. However, keratin straightening can damage the hair, so it should be carried out with caution.
- Botox for hair: Botox for hair is a procedure that helps restore damaged hair and give it shine.
- Hair lamination: Lamination of hair is a procedure that covers the hair with a thin film, making it more smooth and shiny.
It is important to remember: