Hair Loss And Growth

Take These 5 Supplements if You Want A Longer, Thicker Hair

by SABU VARGHESE, February 10, 2023

Take These 5 Supplements if You Want A Longer, Thicker Hair

When you go to a supplement store, you would usually hear sales representatives speaking about the benefits of vitamins not just in your body but to your hair too!


Well, they are correct because according to Dermatologic Therapy, the micronutrients in these vitamins are vital in supporting the normal hair follicle cycle and reducing the risk of hair loss. But, what really are these vitamins for thicker hair and how do they affect hair growth? 


In this article, we will elaborate on the causes of thinning of hair, how vitamins improve your hair growth, how to choose the best vitamins for hair growth, and what are the best vitamins for thicker hair.


Table of Contents:

  • Why Does Hair Start Thinning? 
  • How Vitamins Work for Hair Growth? 
  • How to Choose the Best Vitamins for Hair Growth? 
  • 5 Vitamins if You Want Longer, Thicker Hair

  • Why Does Hair Start Thinning?

    There are many reasons why hair-thinning occurs. Sometimes, even if you take good care of your hair, alopecia or hair loss still happens. Generally, hair thinning starts gradually. If untreated, it can lead to complete hair loss.

    1.) Hair Thinning is Hereditary

    There are instances when you experience hair thinning for no reason and you would usually ask yourself why. Well, the reason behind this is that hair thinning is hereditary. 


    According to Dermatologists from Ohio, if you have a family history of hair loss, you are at risk of experiencing the same.

    2.) Hormonal Changes

    It is common for pregnant women to experience hair thinning during and after their pregnancy. This is because hair thinning also occurs when there are hormonal changes in your body.

    3.) Medications 

    Take note that the medications you take may also come with hair-thinning side effects. Some of the possible drugs that cause this are NSAIDs, blood thinners, and hormone-related medications.

    4.) Radiation Therapy

    When you undergo radiation therapy, you tend to lose some hair. This is common for cancer patients. For some, their hair will grow back normally. However, others may have their hair not grow back like before.

    5.) Stress

    According to Psychological Reports, a stressful life can induce hair loss. Moreover, this stress is not just emotional but may also be related to physical stress such as surgeries, injuries, and accidents.

    6.) Frequent Hairstyling

    When you frequently apply chemicals to your hair or use heat devices regularly, you are actually damaging your hair. Unfortunately, this can cause thinning. If your scalp is scarred, this thinning can lead to complete hair loss.

    How Vitamins Work for Hair Growth? 

    Generally, vitamins work for hair growth by regulating the oxygen and blood flow on your scalp. For example, according to Biologists from Arizona, biotin increases your red blood cell count to allow nutrients to enter your scalp.


    Technically, vitamins do not directly promote hair growth. Instead, they trigger the substances, chemicals, and compounds including protein that are vital for hair growth.

    How to Choose the Best Vitamins for Hair Growth? 

    There are many vitamins for hair growth but only a few are considered the best. So, how to choose the best vitamins for hair growth? To understand better, take a look at the information below:

    1.) Read the label

    Whether you are purchasing online or at a supplement store, make sure to check and read the label of the vitamins for hair growth you are buying. This means that you should be aware of the ingredients and how likely these ingredients can truly support hair growth.


    Moreover, when you check for the ingredients, make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. 

    2.) Check for possible drug interactions

    If you are taking other maintenance medications, when you check the label and the ingredients of the vitamins for hair growth you wish to purchase, be sure that none of the ingredients will interact with the medications you take.


    For safer use, you can ask a pharmacist to tell you about the possible interactions that may occur in terms of your medications and the vitamins you wish to take.

    3.) Consider reading product reviews

    This is one of the smartest things you can do when buying vitamins and supplements. Since many of these products are available online, you can browse the internet and read about the experience of previous users.


    Here, you can identify the advantages and disadvantages of the vitamins for hair growth you wish to use.

    5 Vitamins if You Want Longer, Thicker Hair

    If you wonder what you should take to give your hair a bloom, below are 5 vitamins if you want longer, thicker hair.

    1.) Grape Seed

    When the weather becomes extreme, your hair is at risk of frizzing. Additionally, it is also likely for you to experience dryness. But, did you know that grape seed can be a curative, affordable solution?


    According to Acta Dermato-Venereologica, grape seed can induce hair growth by promoting the proliferation of hair follicle cells. It also comes with antioxidants and fatty acids that help in addressing hair damage.

    2.) Iodine

    Another reason why some people experience hair loss or hair thinning is because of certain health conditions and one of these conditions include hypothyroidism. According to Messenger, hair growth and the thyroid hormone are correlated. If you are experiencing hypothyroidism, you are most likely at risk of hair loss.


    As we all know, hypothyroidism occurs when you do not have enough iodine in your body. This is the reason why iodine, especially for those with thyroid problems, is vital for growing healthy,  stronger hair.

    3.) Zinc

    Based on the Annals of Dermatology, oral supplementation of zinc can promote hair regrowth. This element is vital in promoting healthy hair proteins and cells.


    In another study from The International Journal of Trichology, it was also reported that low levels of zinc in the body are associated with hypothyroidism and alopecia. This is a call for you to always make sure you get the right amount of these vitamins to supplement not just your hair but your overall immunity as well.

    4.) Biotin

    Also known as B7, biotin is one of the B vitamins that can support hair growth. According to the National Institutes of Health, a deficiency of biotin can lead to hair loss. 


    Take note that some shampoos come with biotin extracts that you can also try. Apart from oral biotin vitamins, there are also topical biotin products.

    5.) Iron

    According to the National Institutes of Health, iron is a vitamin to help address anemia but women who are experiencing hair loss are highly encouraged to have their iron levels checked. Generally, iron is essential for the body, especially for the blood, to function and flow well. 


    Furthermore, iron is commonly incorporated in many supplement products. But, if you do not want to take these, you can try iron-rich foods such as eggs, spinach, and oysters.

    Final Thoughts

    Indeed, your hair can make you prettier and more appealing. But, if it is not healthy, your confidence might be at risk! 


    Many people globally experience hair-thinning but there are many factors causing this hair condition. If you know you are a happy person with no stress in life, this hair thinning might be just simply because of your genes.


    Fortunately, there are many vitamins made available in the market today that can help you bring back the beauty of your hair. When choosing one, you are advised to take the right dose for you to avoid side effects.