The Best Herbs And Supplements For Healthy Hair

As we age it can seem harder to maintain thick healthy hair. Our hair is a reflection of our overall health, as the hair thrives on essential vitamins and minerals. When lacking in these vitamins, that’s when you may experience hair loss, thinning, and breakage. Here are some of the best herbs and supplements necessary for healthy hair. (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here})

Zinc 

Zinc helps with hair growth and repair. It’s an anti-inflammatory that protects the oil glands and hair follicles. Hair loss has been shown to be a common symptom of zinc deficiency. When the body doesn’t have enough zinc it causes the hair follicles to not work properly. A zinc supplement can help reduce hair loss.  

Msm 

Msm is a sulfur chemical found in plants, animals, and humans. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the scalp and help with hair growth. The sulfur in MSM creates stronger bonds throughout the hair. MSM extends the Anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of the hair cycle. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for hair growth. It helps the skin glands make sebum, which moisturizes the scalp giving you healthy hair. The body needs the right amount of vitamin A in order to grow, this includes hair growth. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to hair loss. 

B Vitamins 

Biotin is one of the B Vitamins known for hair growth. Studies have shown those with a biotin deficiency linked to hair loss. There are other B vitamins that create red blood cells and carry oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Vitamin B12 is only found in meat, vegetarians and vegans may need to supplement.  

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress. This helps the health of the scalp and prevents hair loss. Vitamin E has been shown to bring the shine back to damaged hair from chemicals and heat. 

Vitamin D

A deficiency in vitamin D has been shown in those with alopecia. Vitamin D plays a role in healthy hair production. It can create new hair growth resulting in thicker hair. When your body doesn’t have enough vitamin D this can result in the stunt of new hair growth. 

Vitamin C 

Free radical damage can be harmful to the hair causing your hair to age and stunt growth. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the hair from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also creates the protein collagen, which is important for healthy hair growth. Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron, an important mineral for hair growth.