Top Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements for Hair Growth

 

People's physical appearance and self-perception are greatly influenced by their hair, so losing your hair may be distressing, especially if there doesn't seem to be anything you can do about it. However, did you know that vitamins and supplements are available to promote hair growth?

In actuality, inadequate dietary intake and vitamin deficiencies are significant contributors to hair loss.

These vitamins and supplements for hair development are natural solutions for hair loss that address the underlying cause, such as hormone regulation or oxidative damage, which worsens with age.

The majority of men have some form of hair loss during their lifetimes, but less than 45% of women have a full head of hair.

The hair care industry consistently introduces new products that promise to encourage hair growth because it understands that consumers want to look younger than ever before.

Try these vitamins and nutrients for hair growth before you invest your money on yet another product that can let you down.

Vitamins and supplements to promote hair growth

In actuality, a variety of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors play a part in the complicated process of hair loss.

The hair follicle ages both intrinsically and extrinsically, just like our skin. Our genetic and epigenetic processes are examples of intrinsic influences, while smoking and UV rays are examples of extrinsic factors.

Vitamin deficiencies can also cause hair loss. Fortunately, a deficit may be rectified by supplementing or including foods high in vitamins in your diet.

Certain vitamins assist the body balance hormone levels, which is another element that inhibits hair development, while others have antioxidant qualities that help combat the extrinsic causes of hair loss.

The following vitamins and supplements for hair development may be helpful if you're wondering how to thicken your hair naturally.

1. Zinc

Because zinc promotes the health of hair follicles, oral zinc compounds have been used for decades to treat conditions including telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, which are types of hair loss. Zinc is a necessary co-factor for many enzymes and plays a key role in the hair follicle's functioning processes.

In addition to speeding up hair follicle regeneration, zinc is a strong inhibitor of hair follicle regression. Oral zinc sulfate therapy is an effective treatment for alopecia areata, which has been linked to zinc deficiency in some patients, according to studies.

Alopecia areata, male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss, and telogen effluvium are the four forms of hair loss that researchers examined in a 2013 study in relation to zinc levels. The mean serum zinc level was considerably lower in all of the hair loss patients than in the control group.

All hair loss groups, particularly the alopecia areata group, exhibited statistically decreased zinc concentrations, according to the study of each group. The information supported the theory that abnormalities in zinc metabolism are a major cause of hair loss.

The therapeutic effects of oral zinc supplementation for 12 weeks in 15 alopecia areata patients with low serum zinc levels were assessed in a 2009 study that was published in Annals of Dermatology. Patients with alopecia areata who were not receiving any other treatment were given an oral supplement of zinc gluconate (50 mg).

A four-point scale of hair regrowth was employed to assess the treatment impact after serum zinc levels were evaluated both before and after zinc administration.

Nine out of 15 patients (66.7 percent) had positive treatment responses, and serum zinc levels rose significantly after the therapy. Since zinc is one of the most crucial minerals for hair growth, the researchers came to the conclusion that patients with alopecia areata who have low serum zinc levels should receive zinc supplements. This could even serve as an adjuvant therapy for patients who did not see improvement with conventional therapeutic approaches.

2. Fish oil

Numerous research on humans and animals have examined the impact of oils high in various fatty acid species on the health of the skin and hair. Fish oil helps hair and is one of the best supplements for hair development because omega-3 fats nourish the hair, promote hair thickness, and lower inflammation that can cause hair loss.

The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology conducted a study in 2015 that assessed the impact of taking antioxidants, omega-3, and omega-6 supplements for six months on hair loss. A total of 120 healthy female patients with female pattern hair loss took part in the randomized, comparative trial.

Changes in the proportion of active hair follicles and the diameter distribution of hair growth were the secondary endpoints, whereas the major endpoint was the change in hair density as measured by standardized photos.

Photograph evaluation showed that the supplemented group had improved more than the other group after six months of treatment. In comparison to the control group, participants reported improved hair diameter (86 percent), improved hair density (87 percent), and decreased hair loss (89.9 percent).

Consume foods high in omega-3, such as natto, walnuts, hemp seeds, white fish, sardines, mackerel, tuna, salmon, and egg yolks, to regulate hormones and lessen inflammation. To help reduce inflammation that leads to hair issues, take one to two capsules or one tablespoon of a high-quality fish oil supplement if you don't get enough omega-3 meals.

Because fish oil may worsen bleeding, see your doctor before using it if you currently take blood thinners, such as aspirin.

3. Vitamin C

According to experimental data, oxidative stress is a significant factor in the aging process. Highly reactive chemicals known as reactive oxygen species, or free radicals, have the ability to directly harm proteins, lipids, DNA, and cellular structural membranes.

Aging causes cellular damage and hair thinning because the body produces more free radicals and less antioxidant enzymes to protect the body throughout life. Vitamin C combats oxidative stress, which is a contributing factor to hair loss and graying, by acting as an antioxidant.

Eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges, red peppers, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, grapefruit, and kiwis, to prevent free radical damage and preserve your hair from aging. Take 500–1,000 mg of vitamin C twice a day as an antioxidant if you need to take supplements.

4. B-complex vitamin (biotin and B5)

Alternative treatments for hair loss have included the use of biotin and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which have been shown to be essential vitamins for hair growth. By repairing damaged hair shingles from excessive shampooing, sun exposure, blow-drying, and ironing, biotin helps hair.

The adrenal glands are supported by vitamin B5, which promotes hair growth.

An investigation on the potential of a leave-on mixture containing panthenol, the alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid, to influence the diameter and behavior of individual terminal scalp hair fibres was reported in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2011. The diameter of the individual, pre-existing terminal scalp fibers was considerably enlarged by the therapy.

Additionally, it made hair fibers thicker and more pliable, which improved the hairs' capacity to bear stress without breaking.

Hair loss is a common indicator of a biotin deficit. Smoking, liver damage, or even pregnancy might result in a deficit.

Because the rapidly dividing cells of the developing baby require biotin for the synthesis of crucial carboxylases and histone biotinylation, research has indicated that a significant number of women experience a biotin shortfall throughout a typical pregnancy. In order to meet the demands of both reproductive states, researchers have determined that biotin intakes should surpass current recommendations due to the notable changes in biotin metabolism markers during pregnancy and lactation.

Take one B-complex vitamin pill per day or take vitamin B5 and biotin individually to stop hair loss and strengthen your hair. In addition to preventing deficiencies, eating foods high in biotin and vitamin B5, such as eggs, meat, poultry, avocado, legumes, almonds, and potatoes, promotes hair development.

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a hormone that is crucial for immunological control, cell growth differentiation, and calcium homeostasis. Hair follicles are extremely sensitive to hormones. Alopecia areata is frequently observed in people with vitamin D insufficiency, vitamin D-resistant rickets, or vitamin D receptor mutations, as is widely known in the scientific community.

Alopecia areata is one of several autoimmune illnesses that have been linked to low vitamin D levels, according to research.

In a cross-sectional study, 58 healthy controls, 44 vitiligo patients, and 86 alopecia areata patients participated. those with vitiligo and healthy controls had considerably higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D levels than those with alopecia areata.

Additionally, in patients with alopecia, there was a substantial negative connection between serum 25(OH)D levels and the severity of the condition.

Researchers came to the conclusion that testing for vitamin D deficiency in alopecia areata patients appears to be beneficial for the potential of vitamin D supplementation.

Vitamin D is best absorbed when exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, the sun can help your body detox.

To obtain approximately 10,000 units of natural vitamin D, spend ten to fifteen minutes in the sun.

In patients with alopecia areata, topical vitamin D administration may also help to restore hair cycle disruption. Consume foods high in vitamin D, such as halibut, mackerel, eel, salmon, whitefish, swordfish, maitake mushrooms, and portobella mushrooms, to raise your vitamin D levels.

6. Iron

Alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and widespread hair loss have all been linked to iron deficiency, according to a number of research that have looked into the connection between the two conditions.

Researchers at Iran's Tehran University of Medical Sciences investigated the connection between various forms of hair loss and iron body status. To determine if widespread telogen hair loss in women aged 15 to 45 is linked to iron deficiency, they carried out an analytical case-control research. Thirty women without hair loss and thirty with verified telogen hair loss were compared.

Eight of the nine individuals with iron deficiency anemia developed telogen hair loss, the researchers discovered. Compared to those without hair loss, patients with diffuse telogen hair loss had a statistically significant reduced mean ferritin (a protein in the body that binds to iron) level.

According to the study, serum ferritin levels less or equal to 30 milligrams/milliliter are closely linked to telogen hair loss, and women who are iron deficient may be more susceptible to hair loss.

Include foods high in iron in your diet on a daily basis to promote hair development. Consume a lot of spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, beef steak, egg yolks, navy beans, and black beans.

Make sure you obtain the necessary amount of iron each day and think about taking a daily multivitamin because a lack of it might trigger hair loss.

But watch out for taking too much iron supplementation. Avoid it as it can lead to iron excess.

To find other underlying reasons of iron deficiency and hair loss, patients who don't react to iron replacement medication should have more tests done.

7. Ashwagandha

One of the main reasons of hair loss, stress, can be managed by the body with the help of the adaptogenic herb ashwagandha. Ashwagandha may stop stress-induced hair loss by regulating cortisol levels.

By enhancing blood circulation and lowering inflammation, it also promotes a healthier environment for hair development and improves the general health of the scalp.

In fact, an ashwagandha extract "improved hair growth and hair health indicators," specifically enhancing hair density, growth, and thickness in healthy adults aged 18 to 45 when compared to a placebo, according to a 2023 prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.

8. Saw palmetto

A plant extract called saw palmetto is well-known for its ability to inhibit the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to hair loss, especially in males.

By preventing the creation of DHT, saw palmetto has been shown to help prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth. Natural treatments for androgenic alopecia, or male and female pattern baldness, frequently include it.

In 2023, 80 healthy participants (male and female) between the ages of 18 and 50 were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo, a topical formulation, or a saw palmetto pill for a 16-week randomized, placebo-controlled research. Hair density actually rose by 5.17 percent and 7.61 percent in the oral and topical therapy groups, respectively, while hair fall was reduced by up to 29 percent and 22.19 percent in both formulations.

In the oral saw palmetto group, DHT was significantly lower.

9. Curcumin

Turmeric's main ingredient, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids in the fight against inflammation and oxidative stress, which can harm hair follicles and prevent development.

Additionally, curcumin has been associated with increased circulation, which supplies the scalp with more nutrients to promote healthy hair development.

To explore if it could encourage hair development, researchers even tried a "curcumin-zinc framework encapsulated microneedle patch." They discovered that using two of the best vitamins and supplements for hair growth in conjunction with microneedling produced the following results:

In vitro, ZnMOF prevented zinc deficiency-induced apoptosis and markedly increased DPC viability against excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, it undid the inhibitory effects of DHT invasion at the same time. In addition, the ZnMOF-MN treatment has been shown to promote hair regeneration in AGA animal models and has been shown to speed wound healing and increase hair follicles in wound healing models.

The researchers ultimately came to the conclusion that this "treatment is a comprehensive solution with excellent therapeutic efficacy and patient-friendly features for promoting hair growth under various clinical conditions in the end."

10. Tocotrienol

One kind of vitamin E that has strong antioxidant qualities is tocotrienols. According to studies, tocotrienols can lessen the scalp's oxidative stress, which can cause hair loss.

Tocotrienols may help promote healthier, more robust hair development by shielding the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.

According to one study, after eight months, tocotrienol intake increased hair count by 34.5 percent, whereas control group hair count actually decreased by 0.1 percent.

Additionally, you can consume foods high in vitamin E, like leafy greens, almonds, and seeds.

11. Vitamin A

The proliferation of all cells, including hair cells, depends on vitamin A. Sebum, an oily substance that keeps the scalp hydrated and encourages healthy hair, is produced by the scalp with its assistance.

The best foods to eat for vitamin A include salmon, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beef liver.

But it's crucial to keep the proper ratio because too much vitamin A can actually cause hair loss.

12. Collagen

The vital protein collagen aids in preserving the strength and structure of hair. Collagen production declines with aging, which can cause thinning, brittle hair.

By giving the essential amino acids for constructing hair proteins and fortifying hair follicles, collagen supplements can promote hair growth.

You can consume foods like eggs, meats, and fish that are high in collagen as well as meals that promote collagen. Other vitamins and minerals for hair growth are also included in these diets.

13. Iodine

Thyroid function depends  heavily on iodine, and a thyroid that isn't functioning properly can cause hair loss and thinning. Maintaining healthy hair growth is facilitated by thyroid health, which is supported by ensuring appropriate iodine consumption.

Iodine shortage can cause dry, brittle, and more prone to shedding hair.

Increase your intake of foods high in iodine, such as eggs, seaweed, kelp, and fish. Additionally, many of these meals contain vitamins and minerals that promote hair development.

14. Protein

Keratin is the main protein that makes up hair. For hair to grow and be strong, you must make sure you get enough protein.

Weak, brittle hair that is more likely to break can result from a protein shortage. Protein supplements or a diet high in protein can help guarantee that hair has the building blocks it needs to develop.

15. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

In addition to being crucial for the synthesis of cellular energy, riboflavin aids in the metabolism of iron and vitamin B6, two other nutrients required for hair development. Skin conditions and hair loss have been related to riboflavin deficiencies.

"Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B₁₂ deficiencies have been associated with hair loss," according to a thorough assessment of vitamins and minerals in human hair health. This analysis explained that a B2 shortage impairs growth and causes shedding by disrupting cellular metabolism in hair follicles.

In clinical settings, these effects are reversed when riboflavin deficiency is corrected, leading to normal follicular function and subsequent hair regrowth. Therefore, sustaining sufficient riboflavin levels is crucial to meeting the metabolic needs of hair follicles and preventing alopecia in individuals caused by deficiencies.

16. Folic acid

Red blood cell formation and cell division depend on the B vitamin folic acid. It supports healthy hair growth by assisting in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles.

Making sure you receive enough folic acid is essential for strong, healthy hair because deficiencies in this vitamin can cause hair thinning and even hair loss. Lentils, broccoli, wheat germ, beets, beef liver, avocado, and more are some of the foods that are high in folic acid.

17. Vitamin B12

Red blood cell formation and oxygen supply to the scalp depend on vitamin B12. Hair thinning may be caused by a B12 shortage, particularly in those who consume a plant-based diet where this vitamin may be insufficient.

The association between human chronic telogen effluvium and serum vitamin B12 levels was investigated in a 2022 case-control study carried out in India. The researchers measured the vitamin B12 concentrations of 35 patients (mean age 31) with persistent telogen effluvium and 35 healthy control subjects.

They discovered a statistically significant difference between the B12 deficiencies of 60 percent of the hair-shedding group and only 26 percent of the control group.

The authors hypothesized that sufficient vitamin B12 is necessary for follicle proliferation as hair matrix cells are among the body's fastest-dividing cells and need DNA synthesis. Therefore, excessive shedding and stunted growth may be caused by a B12 deficiency.

Among the best foods to consume B12 are eggs, cottage cheese, mackerel, beef, liver, and nutritional yeast. B vitamins are among the most crucial vitamins for hair growth, as you can see.

18. Vitamin B3 (niacin)

By enhancing blood circulation, niacin can nourish hair follicles on the scalp. Additionally, it promotes healthy skin and hair growth and helps preserve the structure of the hair shaft.

The impact of topical niacin derivatives on female pattern hair loss was examined in a 2005 double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot research. For six months, 60 individuals applied a niacin derivative formulation or a placebo, and standardized 35-mm photographic analysis was used to measure the fullness of their hair.

When compared to the placebo group, the niacin-treated group showed a statistically significant improvement in hair fullness at the end of the trial.

Among the best foods to eat for niacin are beans, chicken, liver, tuna, turkey, and salmon.

19. Magnesium

Magnesium aids in stress reduction and protein synthesis, two processes critical to hair growth. Telogen effluvium, a type of transient hair loss, has been connected to low magnesium levels and prolonged stress.

In 2022, 64 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) participated in a randomized, double-blind research trial in Iran to evaluate the effects of daily oral magnesium supplementation (around 96 milligrams/day) over a 10-week period. Alopecia was one of the outcomes that the researchers particularly evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study using a validated hair-loss score system.

Alopecia scores in the magnesium group decreased statistically significantly from their baseline, but there was no discernible difference in the placebo group.

The observed improvement in hair loss indicates that magnesium supplementation may support hair follicle health, possibly through involvement in protein synthesis, inflammatory regulation, and cellular proliferation, even if the study's primary purpose was not focused on general hair growth.

Magnesium-rich foods include amaranth, wheat bran, almonds, seeds, and more.

20. Selenium

Hair health is intimately related to thyroid function, which is supported by selenium, an antioxidant. Hair issues can result from both excess and deficient selenium, so finding the right balance is essential.

In a 2023 prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized trial, 83 adults (mean age = 41) with a diagnosis of chronic telogen effluvium or androgenetic alopecia participated. In comparison to normal therapies alone, the researchers assessed the benefits of a supplement that included amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine collagen.

Through blinded photographic inspection, the group that received the selenium-containing supplement showed noticeably more improvement over the course of 12 weeks on the seven-point Global Assessment Score (GAS). In comparison to controls, the majority of patients reported increased hair density and decreased loss.

These results imply that selenium, when combined with other micronutrients, may enhance traditional treatment, promoting better clinical results and hair growth in people.

You can consume foods high in selenium, such as nuts, fish, chicken, and mushrooms, in addition to supplements. These foods also include a number of other vitamins that are important for hair development.

How does hair stop growing?

A person's overall look is said to be greatly influenced by their hair, and the psychological effects of hair loss lead to negative shifts in self-worth and self-esteem. Since up to 50% of men have genetic hair loss by the age of 50, it also has a significant impact on a huge number of people.

Nutrition is the main factor causing hair loss in women before the age of fifty. Depleted iron stores seem to be the primary cause of hair loss in women, but after a few months, these imbalances can be corrected to stop the excessive hair loss.

Among the things that prevent hair development are:

• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal changes
• Family history
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Pregnancy
• Thyroid disorders
• Anemia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Skin conditions (such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis)
• Stress
• Dramatic weight loss
• Physical trauma

However, you may really encourage hair growth and slow down hair thinning by increasing your intake of the vitamins, minerals, and supplements for hair development listed above.

Frequently asked questions

Are supplements that promote hair growth effective?

 
If a deficit is the underlying cause of hair thinning or loss, vitamins and supplements can aid in hair growth. The health of follicles and the development of hair depend heavily on nutrients including biotin, zinc, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins.

However, vitamins for hair development may not have much of an impact if your hair loss is caused by hormones, genetics, or medical problems (such as alopecia areata).

What is the real mechanism of action of vitamins and supplements for hair growth?

These nutrients promote hair health by:

• Making hair follicles stronger

• Enhancing the scalp's blood supply

• Helping to produce keratin, the primary protein found in hair

• Cutting down on inflammation and oxidative stress, which can harm follicles

For instance, iron and zinc aid in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to hair roots, while vitamin D aids in the formation of new follicles.

Do hair growth vitamins cause me to grow hair everywhere?

No, vitamins for hair growth do not promote hair growth throughout the body. On the scalp, where the follicles are more susceptible to changes in hormones and nutrition, they mainly support the natural hair cycle.

Unless the face, chest, or back are already hormonally active, vitamins for hair development won't induce quick growth there.

Do vitamins that promote hair growth have any additional negative effects?

 
Indeed. Although generally safe when taken as directed, the following are possible adverse effects of vitamins and minerals for hair growth:

• Breakouts or acne (particularly when taking a much of biotin)

• Nausea or upset stomach

• Reactions to allergies (rare but conceivable)

• Interactions with drugs, particularly when taking large amounts of fat-soluble vitamins or minerals

Furthermore, taking too many supplements of some nutrients (such as vitamin A or selenium) might potentially result in hair loss.

Which vitamins are beneficial for hair growth?

Among the best vitamins and supplements for hair development are the following:

• Biotin (B7)
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Zinc
• Vitamin A (in moderation)
• Magnesium
• Selenium
• Niacin (B3)
• Riboflavin (B2)

Which vitamins are most effective for female hair loss?

The best hair-supporting supplements for women frequently consist of:

• Biotin
• Vitamin D3
• Iron (especially if menstruating or anemic)
• Zinc
• Collagen peptides
• B-complex vitamins
• Saw palmetto (for hormone-related thinning)
• Ashwagandha (helps with stress-related hair loss)

Many of these are frequently included in a comprehensive women's hair supplement.

Can much biotin lead to hair loss?

Although excessive levels of biotin are not known to directly cause hair loss, they can:

• Interfere with the findings of laboratory tests (e.g., thyroid, heart markers)

• Cause skin outbreaks that resemble acne

• Cause nutrient imbalances (e.g., decrease other B vitamin absorption)

Although excessive biotin seldom causes hair loss, this may have an indirect impact on hair health.

Can hair loss result from a zinc deficiency?

Indeed. One known cause of hair loss is zinc deficiency, namely telogen effluvium, which occurs when hair prematurely enters the resting phase.

Follicle health, cell regeneration, and sebum management on the scalp are all significantly impacted by zinc.

What is the recommended dosage of magnesium for hair growth?

Age and gender have different magnesium requirements. For grownups:

• Women: 310-320 mg/day
• Men: 400-420 mg/day

Although there isn't a set "dosage" for hair development, consuming adequate magnesium each day through diet or supplements may promote scalp circulation and lessen follicle calcification. If not under a doctor's supervision, do not take more than 350 mg of magnesium supplements each day.

Which vitamin deficiency is the most common cause of hair loss?

Iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin are the most frequently found deficits associated with hair loss. Niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 deficiency may also be involved.


Can excessive vitamin intake result in hair loss?

Indeed. In fact, taking too many supplements of some vitamins, including selenium or vitamin A, may cause hair loss. It's critical to follow prescription dose guidelines or consult a healthcare professional.

What is the duration required for vitamins to enhance hair growth?

Improvements in hair thickness and growth usually require three to six months of regular supplementation and dietary adjustments.

For hair growth, should I take specific supplements or a multivitamin?

A good place to start is usually with a high-quality multivitamin that contains essential elements for healthy hair. However, targeted supplementation can be required if you have a known shortage (iron or B12, for example).

Which is preferable, obtaining these vitamins through food or supplements?

Whole foods are the best since they contain other synergistic chemicals and nutrients in their most accessible forms. However, when dietary consumption is inadequate, supplements can help close the gaps.

Are these vitamins for hair growth found in natural sources?

Indeed. For instance:

• Vitamin B2 can be found in spinach, almonds, and eggs.

• Brown rice, salmon, and turkey all contain vitamin B3.

• Eggs, sardines, and beef liver contain vitamin B12.

• Brazil nuts and tuna contain selenium.

• Dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, and leafy greens are good sources of magnesium.

Final thoughts

• Vitamin deficiencies brought on by inadequate nutrition are a primary cause of hair loss.

• According to studies, telogen hair loss is significantly linked to serum ferritin levels below or equal to 30 milligrams/milliliter, and women who are iron deficient are more likely to have hair loss. Alopecia areata cases have also been connected to low serum zinc levels.

• While there is much data supporting certain vitamins and supplements for hair development, oils rich in various fatty acid species have been utilized extensively in both human and animal research to assess the impact on skin and hair health.

• For example, castor oil can promote hair growth.

• Vitamin C can help shield the scalp and healthy follicles from free radical damage, which is a key inhibitor of hair growth and can lead to hair aging.

• Alternative therapies for hair loss have included the use of biotin and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Important vitamins for hair growth include vitamin B5, which helps the adrenal glands, and biotin, which repairs hair shingles.

• Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for hair development because studies have shown that low vitamin D levels have been linked to a number of autoimmune conditions, including alopecia areata.

• Fish oil, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, vitamin D, saw palmetto, ashwagandha, vitamin E, curcumin, collagen, vitamin A, protein, magnesium, selenium, B12, niacin, riboflavin, and iodine are the best nutrients, minerals, and vitamins for hair development.