Bades to accelerate hair growth: myths and reality
Section 1: Anatomy and physiology of hair growth: the basis for understanding the effectiveness of dietary supplements
In order to critically evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements (biologically active additives) to accelerate hair growth, it is necessary to understand the basic principles of the anatomy and physiology of the hair follicle and the hair growth cycle.
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Hair structure:
- Hair rod: The visible part of the hair, consisting of three layers: cuticles, cortex and medulla. Circulus is an outer protective layer consisting of overlapping scales. Cortex is the bulk of the hair containing keratin and pigment that determines the color of the hair. Medulla is the central part of the hair that is not in all types of hair.
- Hair follicle: A bag in the skin from which the hair grows. It includes a hair follicle, a dermal papilla and the sebaceous gland.
- Hair onion: Located at the base of the follicle and contains cells that are actively divided and forming hair.
- Dermal papilla: A structure containing blood vessels and nerves that feeds the hair onion and regulates hair growth.
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Hair growth cycle:
- Anagen (growth phase): The longest phase lasting from 2 to 7 years. In this phase, the cells of the hair follicles are actively divided, the hair grows about 1 cm per month. The duration of the anagen determines the maximum length of the hair.
- Katagen (Phase of Transition): A short phase lasting about 2-3 weeks. During this period, the hair growth stops, the hair onion decreases, and the hair is separated from the dermal papilla.
- Telogen (Phase Salm): It lasts about 3 months. The hair remains in the follicle, but does not grow. At the end of the teenel, the old hair falls out, and the new cycle of anagen begins.
- Exogen (falling phase): In fact, it is part of the teenter. This is the phase when the hair falls out of the follicle, and it is replaced by new hair that begins to grow.
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Hair growth factors:
- Genetics: Determines the structure of the hair, color, growth rate and tendency to baldness.
- Hormones: Androgens, estrogens, thyroid hormones and other hormones play an important role in the regulation of the hair growth cycle. The imbalance of hormones can lead to hair loss.
- Nutrition: The lack of nutrients, such as protein, iron, zinc, vitamins of group B and others, can adversely affect hair growth.
- Circulation: Good blood supply to the hair follicles is necessary for their normal functioning and hair growth.
- Age: With age, the hair growth cycle slows down, and the hair can become thinner and grows slower.
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to hair loss.
- Diseases and medicines: Some diseases (for example, autoimmune diseases, thyroid diseases) and drugs (for example, chemotherapy) can cause hair loss.
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How dietary supplements can theoretically affect hair growth:
- Providing the necessary nutrients: Bades may contain vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary for hair growth, which can be insufficient in the diet.
- Improving blood circulation: Some dietary supplements may contain ingredients that improve blood circulation in the scalp, contributing to the better nutrition of hair follicles.
- Hormonal regulation: Some dietary supplements may contain ingredients that affect the hormonal balance, which can be useful for hormonal hair loss.
- Protection against oxidative stress: Some dietary supplements contain antioxidants that protect hair follicles from damage to free radicals.
Section 2: The most popular ingredients in dietary supplements for hair growth and scientific data on their effectiveness
Many dietary supplements for hair growth contain various ingredients that declare their ability to accelerate hair growth, strengthen them and prevent loss. It is important to evaluate scientific data confirming the effectiveness of these ingredients.
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Biotin (Vitamin B7):
- Statements: It is often advertised as the main vitamin for hair growth. It is alleged that it strengthens the hair, prevents brittleness and promotes growth.
- Scientific data: Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss and dermatitis. However, a biotin deficiency is rare, especially in people who adhere to a balanced diet. Studies show that biotin intake can only be useful for people with a confirmed deficit of biotin. For people without biotin deficiency, additional intake of biotin will probably not have a significant effect on hair growth.
- Important: It is important to know that taking biotin in large doses can distort the results of some laboratory tests, including tests for thyroid hormones. It is necessary to inform the doctor about taking biotin before taking tests.
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Collagen:
- Statements: Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin, hair and nails. It is claimed that the intake of collagen improves the elasticity of the scalp, strengthens the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
- Scientific data: Collagen is indeed an important component of the skin and hair. Studies show that taking collagen peptides can improve skin elasticity and reduce the number of wrinkles. However, data on the effect of collagen on hair growth is limited. Some small studies have shown that the intake of collagen can improve hair thickness and reduce their loss. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Important: Collagen is obtained from various sources, such as cattle, pigs, fish and chickens. It is important to choose a collagen obtained from a reliable source.
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Vitamin D:
- Statements: Vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of the hair growth cycle. It is argued that vitamin D deficiency can lead to hair loss.
- Scientific data: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with various diseases, including hair loss. Studies show that people with alopecia (hair loss) often have a low vitamin D level. Vitamin D intake can be useful for people with vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. However, as in the case of biotin, taking vitamin D in large doses without the need may not be useful or even harmful.
- Important: The optimal level of vitamin D in the blood is 30-50 ng/ml. It is necessary to take a blood test for vitamin D to determine if there is a deficiency of vitamin D.
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Iron:
- Statements: Iron is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which tolerates oxygen to cells, including cells of hair follicles. It is argued that iron deficiency can lead to hair loss.
- Scientific data: Iron deficiency, especially in women in prenopause, is a common cause of hair loss. Studies show that iron intake can be useful for people with iron deficiency and hair loss.
- Important: Too much iron can be toxic. It is necessary to take a blood test to the level of iron and ferritin (protein storing iron) to determine if there is a deficiency of iron. It is not recommended to take iron without consulting a doctor.
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Zinc:
- Statements: Zinc plays an important role in the growth and restoration of fabrics, including hair. It is argued that zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss.
- Scientific data: Zinc deficiency can lead to various health problems, including hair loss. Studies show that zinc intake can be useful for people with zinc deficiency and hair loss.
- Important: Too much zinc can violate the absorption of copper. It is recommended to take zinc in combination with copper.
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B vitamins B:
- Statements: Group B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, folic acid and niacin, play an important role in cell growth, including the cells of the hair follicles. It is claimed that the deficiency of B vitamins can lead to hair loss.
- Scientific data: B vitamins deficiency can lead to various health problems, including hair loss. Reception of B vitamins can be useful for people with a deficiency of these vitamins. However, taking group B vitamins in large doses without need may not be useful.
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Omega-3 fatty acids:
- Statements: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the health of the scalp. It is argued that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to hair growth and reduce their loss.
- Scientific data: Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin health and reduce inflammation. Small studies have shown that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can improve hair density and reduce their loss. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Amino acids:
- Statements: Hair consists mainly of keratin protein. Amino acids are building protein blocks. It is argued that the intake of amino acids can provide the body with the necessary building blocks for hair growth.
- Scientific data: Amino acids are necessary for hair growth. Some studies have shown that the intake of amino acids can improve the hair structure and reduce their loss. However, it is important to receive a sufficient amount of protein from food.
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SAW Palmetto palm extract:
- Statements: Serene palm extract blocks the action of digidrotestosterone (DGT), a hormone that plays a role in androgenetic alopecia (male type of baldness). It is argued that taking the extract of the palm of serenia can reduce hair loss with androgenetic alopecia.
- Scientific data: Studies show that the extract of the palm palm can be effective for reducing hair loss with androgenetic alopecia, although effectiveness can be lower than that of finsteride (medicine blocking DGT).
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Other ingredients: Other ingredients that are often found in the dietary supplement for hair growth include: silicon, MSM (methyl sulfonylmetatan), grape seed extract, turmeric, rosemary and other plant extracts. Scientific data on the effectiveness of these ingredients for hair growth are limited.
Section 3: Myths and reality about dietary supplements for hair growth
Around the dietary supplements for hair growth there are many myths and misunderstandings. It is important to separate scientific facts from unreasonable statements.
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Myth: Bades for hair growth are a miraculous tool that will make the hair grow faster and thicker.
- Reality: Bades can be useful for people with a shortage of nutrients necessary for hair growth. However, they are not a miraculous means and cannot compensate for a genetic predisposition to hair loss or other factors affecting hair growth. Bades can help improve hair health and support their growth, but they will not replace a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and treatment of diseases affecting hair.
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Myth: The larger the dose of vitamins and minerals, the better for hair growth.
- Reality: Reception of vitamins and minerals in large doses without the need may not only be useful, but also harmful. Some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, iron and zinc, can be toxic in large doses. It is important to observe the recommended dosages and consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements.
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Myth: Hair growth dietary supplements work for everyone.
- Reality: The effectiveness of dietary supplements for hair growth depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the cause of hair loss and the presence of a deficiency of nutrients. Bades can be useful for some people and ineffective for others.
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Myth: Hair growth dietary supplements have no side effects.
- Reality: Like any other additives, dietary supplements can cause side effects, especially when taking large doses or when interacting with other drugs. It is important to carefully read the composition of the dietary supplements and consult a doctor before taking them.
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Myth: All dietary supplements for hair growth are equally effective.
- Reality: The quality and efficiency of dietary supplements can vary greatly. It is important to choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who test their products for cleanliness and efficiency.
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Myth: Hair growth dietary supplements can completely stop hair loss.
- Reality: Bades can help reduce hair loss, especially if it is associated with a deficiency of nutrients. However, they cannot completely stop hair loss caused by genetic factors, hormonal disorders or diseases.
Section 4: How to choose the right dietary supplement for hair growth: tips and recommendations
The choice of dietary supplement for hair growth is a responsible step that requires an attentive approach. Here are some tips and recommendations that will help you make the right choice:
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Determine the cause of hair loss: Before starting to take any dietary supplements, it is important to determine the cause of hair loss. Contact a trichologist or dermatologist for diagnosis and excluding diseases affecting hair.
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Take tests: Pass blood tests for vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, iron, zinc and B vitamins, this will help to determine if you have a shortage of nutrients that must be replenished.
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Consult a doctor: Discuss with the doctor the results of the tests and possible treatment options, including dietary supplements. The doctor will help you choose a dietary supplement that is right for you, and determine the optimal dosage.
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Choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers: Give preference to dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who test their products for cleanliness and efficiency. Look for quality certificates (for example, GMP) on the package.
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Read the composition carefully: Carefully read the composition of Bad and make sure that it contains ingredients that can really be useful for hair growth. Avoid dietary supplements containing artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives.
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Pay attention to the dosage: Follow the recommended dosage indicated on the pack of dietary supplements. Do not exceed the dosage without consulting a doctor.
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Consider possible side effects: Learn about the possible side effects of dietary supplements and consult a doctor if you have any undesirable reactions.
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Be realistic: Do not expect instant results. Hair growth dietary supplements usually begin to act after a few months of regular reception.
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Combine the reception of dietary supplements with a healthy lifestyle: Reception of dietary supplements should be part of an integrated approach to hair care, which includes healthy diet, proper hair care and avoiding stress.
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Do not self -medicate: Do not self -medicate and do not take dietary supplements without consulting a doctor. Incorrect choice of dietary supplements or improper dosage can be harmful to your health.
Section 5: Alternative methods for improving hair growth: integrated approach
Bades can be a useful addition to a comprehensive approach to hair care, but they are not the only solution to the problem. There are other methods that can help improve hair growth and scalp health.
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Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is necessary for healthy hair growth. Include in your diet products containing protein (meat, fish, eggs, legumes), iron (red meat, liver, spinach), zinc (oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds), vitamin D (oily fish, egg yolks), group B vitamins (whole grain products, green vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, linen, linen seed).
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Correct hair care:
- Soft shampoo: Use soft shampoo that does not contain sulfates and parabens that can dry and damage the hair.
- Air conditioner: Use air conditioning after each shampoo washing to moisturize and smooth your hair.
- Limit the use of thermal tools: Limit the use of hair dryers, ironing and curling forceps that can damage the hair.
- Avoid tight hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles that can pull and break your hair.
- Protect the hair from the sun: Protect the hair from the sun with a hat or sunscreen for hair.
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Scalp massage: Scalp massage improves blood circulation in hair follicles, which contributes to better nutrition and hair growth. Massage the scalp with your fingertips with circular motions for several minutes every day.
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Reducing stress: Chronic stress can lead to hair loss. Find ways to reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation, walking in nature or communication with friends and family.
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Disease treatment: If hair loss is caused by a disease, the underlying disease is necessary.
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Medication: In some cases, drugs, such as minoxidil and finsteride, can be prescribed to treat hair loss. These drugs have proven effectiveness, but can have side effects. Discuss with the doctor the possibility of using drug treatment.
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Professional procedures: There are professional procedures that can help improve hair growth, such as mesotherapy, plasmolifting (PRP) and laser therapy. Discuss with a trichologist the possibility of conducting these procedures.
In conclusion, dietary supplements for hair growth can be a useful addition to a comprehensive approach to hair care, but they are not a panacea. It is important to determine the cause of hair loss, take tests, consult a doctor and choose a dietary supplement from a reliable manufacturer. Combine the reception of dietary supplements with a healthy lifestyle, proper hair care and avoid stress. Be realistic and do not expect instant results. An integrated hair care approach will help you improve their health and maintain their growth.