Your hair condition is a sign of health or beauty. Like any other parts of your body, hair needs a variety of nutrients to be healthy and grow. While factors such as age, genetics and hormones can also affect hair growth, optimal nutrient intake is the key to encourage your hair to grow. We share with you how these vitamins can boost the growth of your tresses.
1. Vitamin A
All cells need vitamin A for growth. This includes hair, the fastest growing tissue in the human body. Vitamin A also helps skin glands make an oily substance called sebum. Sebum moisturizes the scalp and helps keep hair healthy. Deficiency in vitamin A may lead to several problems, including hair loss. While it is important to get enough vitamin A, too much may be dangerous. Studies show that an overdose of vitamin A can also contribute to hair loss. Good sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale and some animal protein.
2. B-Vitamins
B-vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, which aids in hair growth. You can get B-vitamins from many foods, including whole grains, almonds, meat, fish, seafood and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is generally not present in plant foods, but fortified breakfast cereals are a readily available source of vitamin B12 with high bioavailability for vegetarians. Do consider supplements as well if you’re a vegatarian or vegan.
3. Vitamin C
Free radical damage can block growth and cause your hair to age. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent the hair from aging. In addition, your body needs vitamin C to create a protein known as collagen — an important part of hair structure. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, a mineral necessary for hair growth. Strawberries, peppers, guavas and citrus fruits are all good sources of vitamin C.
4. Vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D are linked to alopecia, a technical term for hair loss. That said, most people don’t get enough vitamin D and it may still be a good idea to increase your intake. Your body produces vitamin D through direct contact with the sun’s rays. Good dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, cod liver oil, some types of mushroom and fortified foods.
5. Vitamin E
Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant that can prevent oxidative stress and as a result, boosts hair growth. You can include good sources of vitamin E such as sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and avocados in your diet as and when possible.
Food is the best source of the vitamins you need for hair growth. You will also be delighted to know that Oriental Hair Solutions hair products contain natural active ingredients that are carefully selected with stringent checks and control, which can enhance your efforts to encourage more hair growth. Click here to find out more on our natural, safe and highly effective hair and scalp care range of products.