Around 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States experience poor hair growth at some time during their lives[1]. Often poor hair growth is related to a person’s genetics, but there are also other factors that may contribute such as illness, diet, stress, and aging. This article will focus on nutrient deficiencies that contribute to poor hair growth. You may be surprised to know that there are several natural hair treatments that can support healthy hair re-growth. Here’s a rundown on some of the most effective options.
Saw Palmetto
Extracts from this plant are commonly used to support hair regrowth and strengthen hair. As a dietary supplement it can be particularly beneficial because saw palmetto helps to block DHT and promote hair regrowth[2]. It has also been shown to help promote hair growth when used in a topical application applied to areas of thinning hair. Serums, shampoos, and conditioners containing saw palmetto may be equally effective[3].
Ginkgo biloba
As a dietary supplement, ginkgo biloba may help to strengthen hair and discourage hair loss[4]. This is due to its ability to improve circulation, which helps hair follicles obtain the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow[5].
Green tea
As well as helping to promote detoxification[6], the antioxidants in green tea may support healthy hair growth. Research suggests that green tea may block DHT from inhibiting hair growth.
Pumpkin seed extract
Pumpkin seeds have a high zinc content, which is important for healthy hair because it plays a role in protein synthesis and hormone balance. Both of these factors support healthy hair growth by helping to strengthen hair follicles. Preliminary research shows that zinc may help to promote hair re-growth in some cases of alopecia[7]. Zinc deficiency is also linked to hair loss due to hypothyroidism[8].
Vitamin C
In combination with other nutrients, vitamin C can help support hair growth by assisting with collagen production and with the absorption of non-heme iron[9] (iron from plant sources).
Biotin
Biotin can improve the health and appearance of your hair by strengthening its structure. It is particularly helpful for hair that has suffered damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays, hair styling tools, and the damaging chemicals found in many hair products. Hair loss is a common symptom of biotin deficiency, so if you are noticing hair thinning or excessive hair loss, a biotin supplement helps support hair growth[10]. All DrFormulas HairOmega dietary supplements contain 5000mcg of biotin to support hair growth.
Biotin for Hair Growth
Fatty acids
If you are deficient in polyunsaturated essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, this can result in a number of disorders that can prevent your body from adequately metabolizing food. This, in turn, can lead to thinning and loss of hair[11]. A balanced combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help support hair health by strengthening hair follicles[12].
Flax seed
Adding flax seeds to your diet is a great way to make sure you’re getting important hair nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, copper, magnesium, B vitamins, phosphorous and amino acids[13], all of which are vital for hair growth and strength.
Having healthy hair boosts your confidence and shows that you care about your health and well-being. Taking care of your scalp is important to maintain healthy hair, which is why you should avoid shampoos and conditioners that contain harsh chemicals that will damage your hair and skin. DrFormulas™ Argan Oil Infused Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner both have an all-natural formula, making them gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. They cleanse and strengthen without harming hair, drying the scalp, or damaging hair follicles.
Maintaining healthy hair isn’t just about the shampoo and conditioner you use, it means maintaining a balanced diet that contains key nutrients like biotin and vitamin C, as well as minerals like iron, copper, and magnesium. Eating a variety of healthy foods can help your hair stay strong and lustrous.
It may be difficult to incorporate these natural herbs into your diet so a more practical solution is a dietary supplement. If you choose to take a dietary supplement to support hair growth make sure it has at least some, if not all, of these ingredients.
Natural Herbs for Hair Growth
Don’t forget that too many vitamins can be just as bad for your hair as too few, so if you decide to take a hair growth supplement, make sure it has a healthy balance of nutrients and is developed by professionals.
If you want stronger, thicker hair, try HairOmega® DHT Blocker with Biotin. With its proprietary blend of natural ingredients, this supplement supports healthy hair growth and inhibits hair-thinning DHT.
You can also maintain healthy hair while improving the health and appearance of your skin and nails with HairOmega® 3-in-1 Hair Skin, and Nails with Biotin. This time-saving supplement is formulated with a unique blend of vital vitamins and minerals as well as all-natural herbal ingredients to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news about healthy hair and other natural health and nutrition topics.
[1] http://www.statisticbrain.com/hair-loss-statistics/
[2] http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/saw-palmetto
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840915/
[4] http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/hair-disorders
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3163160/
[6] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070810194923.htm
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861201/
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746228/
[9] http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/73/1/93
[10] http://www.jbc.org/content/171/2/471.full.pdf
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23159185
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26848219
[13] http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/flaxseed/faq-20058354
About the Author:
Dr. Bryan Do, D.O. is an osteopathic physician whose research interests include gastroenterology, immunology, and dermatology. He is particularly interested in the role of probiotics in the gut-brain-skin axis and has written many articles on the topic. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before graduating from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana and becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic physicians are taught to take a holistic approach to medicine and to consider mind, body, and spirit when treating a patient. Osteopathic physicians receive training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) in addition to the standard rigorous medical school curriculum. Both physicians with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree as well as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) can practice medicine.