Hair loss or hair fall is a natural phenomenon that all of us experience almost every day. We lose some 50-100 hair strands per day and we are not much concerned for that. The cycle of birth, maturity, destruction, and fall of hair follicles continues the lifetime. But, the problem arises when this cycle is disrupted and we don’t gain the new follicles, inviting a hair pattern over a period. Although baldness is also a natural incident, the question is whether we can avert or treat this hair problem with some hair supplements that are available in the market.
Understand Hair Loss:
Before barging on a hair supplement, you have to understand if your hair life cycle is really disrupted. Sometimes, hair falls due to some external factors and, after a period, new follicles grow and develop on their own. On the other hand, it does not happen naturally in the cases of permanent hair loss. We look for some sort of hair supplements that can restrict this process and install a new life into the existing follicles to grow the natural hairs again. It seems like fighting against a natural force but some hair supplements have really made it possible to a good extent.
Also Read: Hair loss after pregnancy and childbirth
What is Scientific View?
Whether it is hair, skin or nail supplement, they commonly contain antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, or Coenzyme Q10, biotin, and B-complex vitamin. The hair supplements are a good source of minerals like manganese and selenium and they promise to make your hair healthy and strong. Other than that, you can take fatty acids such as fish oil and flaxseed oil to make your hair supplements more effective.
The science says the deficiencies of these important nutrients may cause eczema, hair fall, and permanent hair loss. Therefore, you have to maintain the supply of such vitamins and minerals. Taking these nutrients with your daily meal is an effective way to maintain their levels in the body, and supplying them through the hair supplements is also a good option as long as they do not render any side effects.
It is also important to note that there is no foolproof evidence suggesting that hair supplements can permanently treat the problem of hair loss.
What do experts say?
There is no unanimity among experts on the effectiveness of hair supplements. Some find them good ways to regain hair while some are not sure if they would really work.
“They’re not made-up pills. Our bodies are already taking them in and they should be a part of our diet,” says celebrity hairstylist Devin Toth, of Salon SCK in New York City, quoted by Medical Daily. He further adds, “Taking them as supplements consistently ensure that those nutrients and vitamins travel through our bloodstream to essential organs, then to our hair follicles and cortex.”
On the other hand, Pieter Cohen, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an expert on dietary supplements, says, “I’m not aware of any robust data suggesting that any supplements can treat natural, aging-related hair loss or nail damage, or give you healthier skin.”
“I recommend supplements to patients who are looking to address certain skin, nail, or hair issues,” Dr. Marina Peredo, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, told Daily Makeover in 2013
Key Supplements to prevent Hair Loss:
According to Medical Daily, people are spending more than $176 million annually for supplement pills that promise to provide you longer and healthier hair. Before taking a supplement, you should verify if it has the essential elements for the hair growth. Some specific ingredients are highly sought-after in a hair supplement.
- Biotin
A water-soluble ingredient B-vitamin, Biotin is a good source of keratin that works well to increase hair elasticity and moisture in the hair roots. Experts recommend 500-1000 micrograms of biotin to make your hair stronger and smoother. Biotin proves to be a great supplement to promote hair growth so its presence in a hair supplement can certainly prevent hair loss. Either take this ingredient with your regular meal or as a supplement, it is always beneficial for your hair.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E can promote the stronger and shinier hair strands. Taking at least 50-100mg vitamin E supplement a day can help you increase hair count and strengthen hair follicles. Those who put a lot of stress on hair should not miss taking food products rich in vitamin E. Experts recommend a total amount of 15 mg of vitamin D per day to maintain hair’s health for long.
Also Read: Causes of hair loss that may surprise you
- Hairfinity
Hairfinity refers a combination of vitamins B, C, D, silica, biotin, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a sulfurous molecule, which is required to increase hair shaft diameter, density, and strength of hair strands. Vitamin C is a key substance for hair growth while silica can make it flexible and strong. So if you are taking a hair supplement, make sure to have hairfinity to prevent hair loss or baldness and regain the strength of hair follicles.
To avoid more hair problems it is always recommended to consult a dermatologist before consuming or using any hair supplement.