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Best Vitamins & Supplements and Tips for Hair Growth

Best Vitamins & Supplements and Tips for Hair Growth

by Kari Emerson, The Important Things

Thereโ€™s nothing worse than getting a botched haircut and walking away with your hair five inches shorter than you anticipated. I experienced this back in high school, and it took YEARS for my hair to grow back to my desired length. Why? I had no idea at the time.  I now know that not only was I damaging my hair with my blow-dryer and straightener (heat will break and damage the ends of your hair, resulting in slowed growth), but I wasnโ€™t taking advantage of the many vitamins and supplements there were out there that could help remedy this problem.  

In addition to any potential botched haircuts, as we grow older, theย substancesย in our body that promote hair growth slowly deplete. This results in not only slowed growth, but in some cases,ย evenย hair loss. Luckily, the vitamin and supplement marketย isย booming right now, and there are countlessย optionsย for vitamins that promote hair growth.ย 

If you try searching for the best vitamins for hair growth online, you’ll get a huge range of answers. Nobody wants to be popping 15 extra vitamins every day. Without getting overly scientific, here is a list of the four best vitamins and supplements you should take (and what to add to your diet) to achieve the long, luxurious mermaid hair of your dreams. 

Additionally, Iโ€™m including some great multivitamin options, as well as five lifestyle tips for healthier, longer hair. 

**Please consult a physician before making any drastic changes in your diet or vitamin/supplement intake!** 

 Collagen

Collagen is a protein found in bones, skin and many other parts of the body. Its main function is to provide structure. As we grow older, our collagen levels are depleted, which can result in finer, duller hair that is easily damaged and does not grow as quickly. Collagen not only promotes hair growth, but helps repair damaged hair… which means healthier, shinier hair! Another plus is that collagen supports healthy, younger-looking skin. 

Here are few ways to incorporate collagen into your diet: 

  • Add powderedย collagenย to your beveragesย (the ones offered byย Vital Proteinsย are my favorite because they are so easy to incorporate into your dietย โ€”ย you can just add the powder toย coffee, smoothies, and more!)ย 
  • Try collagenย supplement pills, likeย Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Capsulesย for healthy nails, hair and jointย support.ย 
  • Incorporateย beauty products (bothย skincare and haircare) that contain collagen.ย 
  • Eat more protein (like chicken,ย fishย or tofu) and fruit (such asย berries and citrus).ย 

Iron

Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. It is an essential mineral, and iron deficiencies can result in issues like fatigue… and slower hair growth! Iron delivers oxygen to hair roots, which promotes hair growth, resulting in longer, healthier hair. 

Here are few ways to incorporate iron into your diet:ย 

  • Eat more meat andย otherย foodsย thatย containย iron, such asย beef and spinach.ย 
  • Takeย ironย supplement pills,ย likeย Nature Made Iron Tabletsย to support red blood cell formation.ย 

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin is a B vitamin (also known as B7 or vitamin H) that helps the body convert food into energy. It is very important for a variety of metabolic processes. Biotin is commonly found in womenโ€™s beauty supplements (for hair, skin and nails) and is often used as a treatment for hair loss. 

Here are few ways to incorporate biotin into your diet: 

  • Add biotinย pills,ย likeย Eu Naturalโ€™s Biotin 5000ย supplements for healthier hair growth, stronger nails and glowing skinย to your regimenย 
  • Take vitaminย B complexย supplementsย 
  • Eat more dark leafy greens, meat/seafoodย andย whole grainsย 

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is responsible for growth and development in the body. So, naturally, it is one of the best vitamins to take for hair growth. Vitamin A also contains retinol, making it an effective support for hair, skin and nails. It promotes a healthy scalp, which is essential for hair growth as well.  

Here are few ways to incorporate Vitamin A into your diet: 

  • Take vitaminย Aย supplement pillsย likeย NOW Foodsโ€™ Vitamin Aย softgelsย to maintainย healthyย internalย and externalย body tissueย 
  • Eatย moreย ย colorfulย produceย (such asย pumpkin, sweet potatoes,ย carrots, spinachย and kale)ย 

Multivitaminย Optionsย forย Hairย Growth:

  • Nutrafol Women Hair Wellness from Within for visible hair thickness and strength 
  • HUM Red Carpet for glowing skin and shiny hair 
  • HUM Hair Sweet Hair for stronger, healthier hair 
  • Moon Juice SuperHair Daily Hair Nutrition with micronutrients for thicker, stronger hair 
  • Hair La Vie Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins to restore and rejuvenate damaged hair  
  • Essential Elements Hair Hero with nutrition for longer, stronger hair 
  • MaryRuthโ€™s Organics Biotin Gummies for chewable hair, skin and nails support  

5 Tips for Healthy, Longer Hair: 

  1. Less heat! I learned this the hard way. Cut back on blow-drying and using flat irons or curling irons carefully. Heat damages your hair (specifically the ends) and causes ends to split or break, resulting in slowed growth. Use a heat protector product when you do use heat. 
  1. Find the right hairbrush. If you brush your hair wet, be sure to invest in a wet/detangling brush, because itโ€™s easier on your hair. Oil or keratin-infused brushes with soft bristles are also gentle and wonโ€™t cause damage.  
  1. Sleep with your hair down. Sleeping with your hair tied up (I am totally guilty of the messy bun at bedtime) strains and damages hair. 
  1. Silk or satin pillow cases. Beauty experts say these are best for your hair and your skin. Also โ€” be sure to wash your bedding often to avoid buildup of oils and bacteria. 
  1. Effective products! Seek out deep conditioners, masks and oils that can help nourish your hair and encourage growth. Look for products containing beneficial natural oils or keratin for retaining moistureโ€”this will help tame split ends and reduce breakage.  

Be well and take care of your hair from the inside out! 

About The Author

Kari Emerson

Kari Emerson is a NYC-based blogger and model. She is the writer and creator of The Important Things Blog, chronicling her experiences navigating life as a 20-something in New York City. Her goal is to help her readers attack โ€œadultingโ€ in a stylish and resourceful way.

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