For years people have sought ways to make their hair grow faster from the use of "miracle grow" scalp treatments to hair vitamins. Unfortunately, there is no product that can make your hair grow fast. However, certain vitamins can enhance or promote hair growth, especially for those with thinning hair. Discover the combinations of vitamins that will promote healthy hair growth.
Hair Growth Cycle
There are three phases to the hair growth cycle, the growth phase (Anagen), resting phase (Catagen) and shedding phase (Telogen). The length of each phase is primarily determined by our genetics. However, environmental factors and health conditions can affect any one of these phases either temporarily or permanently. Our overall health plays the most significant factor to each of these phases. An important part of obtaining healthy hair that grows properly is via consuming the appropriate amounts of vitamins and nutrients daily.
Beta Carotene and Vitamin A
Beta carotene and Vitamin A (retinol) go hand in hand as beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in humans and other mammals. Both beta carotene and vitamin A are crucial in protecting cell membranes and stimulating bone growth. This cell membrane protection is what makes beta carotene and vitamin A beneficial to maintaining the healthy hair inside and outside of the hair follicle
Vitamin B Family
Five vitamins within the vitamin B family, or as it is often called vitamin B complex, are crucial for healthy hair growth B-6, biotin, choline, folic acid, and inositol. B vitamins are essential for the synthesis of DNA, RNA and cell reproduction. Since the Anagen phase is the longest phase in the hair growth cycle, these vitamins promote healthy hair growth via their necessity in cell reproduction and RNA synthesis.
Vitamin C
According to Merck Pharmaceuticals, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is crucial in the formation of, growth of, and repair of bone and connective tissue which includes blood vessels and skin. A deficiency in vitamin C can result in dry, brittle hair. How this relates to hair is linked to the scalp which is made of skin and a multitude of blood vessels.
The scalp holds the hair follicle and the blood vessels that carry nourishment to the hair. The scalp also secretes sebum or oil to moisturize the hair. Vitamin C helps to nourish the hair follicle so hair can grow properly and keeps the scalp healthy so it can produce enough sebum to keep the hair moisturized and prevent it from breaking.
These vitamins in combination with other nutrients such as flaxseed oil, magnesium, sulfur and zinc promote hair growth. Be careful not to take more than the recommended daily allowances of these vitamins as an abundance of certain vitamins such as vitamin A can cause hair loss. Many of the vitamins the body needs are in the food one eats. If you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, it is likely you are getting all, if not more than the vitamins and other nutrients your hair needs.
Resources
- Bio Threat. (n.d.). Beta -Carotene (Vitamin A Precursor). Retrieved September 2009, from Bio Threat: http://biothreat.org/vitamins/beta_carotene.htm
- Hair Loss Library. (2009, April 26). Anagen, Catagen, Telogen - Hair Growth Cycle. Retrieved September 2009, from The Hair Loss Library: http://www.hairlosslibrary.com/hair_growth_cycle.html
- Holt, E. M., & Zeve, D. M. (2008, June 17). Hypervitaminosis A. Retrieved September 2009, from Medline Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000350.htm
- Larry E. Johnson, M. P. (2007, August). Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). Retrieved September 2009, from The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec12/ch154/ch154i.html
- ND, N. M. (n.d.). 5 Top Reasons You Need Vitamin B Complex. Retrieved September 2009, from Health and Goodness: http://www.healthandgoodness.com/article/vitamin-b-complex-and-health.html
- Obikoya, D. G. (2009). Vitamins for Your Hair. Retrieved September 2009, from The Vitamins and Nutrition Center: http://www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/vitamins-hair.html
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