Are Vitamins the Answer to Receding Hairlines?

Cons: Over-supplementing biotin can lead to skin breakouts and may interfere with some lab test results.

Vitamin D

Benefits: Low levels of vitamin D are linked to hair loss, particularly seasonal shedding in winter. Supplementing this vitamin can strengthen follicles.

Cons: Excessive intake may lead to calcium buildup, causing kidney issues.

Iron

Benefits: Iron deficiency is a leading cause of hair loss, particularly in women. Proper levels ensure optimal oxygenation of the scalp, fostering hair growth.

Cons: Iron supplements can upset the stomach, and overdose is dangerous.

Zinc

Benefits: Zinc supports tissue repair and growth, keeping the scalp and follicles healthy.

Cons: Over-supplementation can cause nausea and even worsen hair loss by disrupting the balance of other minerals.

Omega-3

Benefits: Found in fish oil, omega-3s nourish hair from within, reduce inflammation, and improve scalp health.

Cons: Can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort and has a fishy aftertaste.

Collagen

Benefits: A rich source of amino acids that strengthen the hair shaft and improve elasticity. It also supports scalp hydration, which is critical during dry winter months.

Cons: Results may take months to appear, and effects vary by individual.

Multi-vitamins

Benefits: Combines several impactful vitamins into one to target hair growth and strength.

Cons: May cause upset stomach or nausea.

Which Hair Growth Vitamin Option Is Best for Me?

If the different vitamin options above are confusing, we understand. If you’re wondering which one is the best for you, Deborah Maguire, trichologist and co-founder of Seed & Soul, recommends speaking to an expert.

“There are numerous supplements on the market, and they can be extremely beneficial and support hair growth,” says Maguire. “I would always recommend investigating the root cause of the problem (no pun intended) and speaking to a trichologist or hair professional before taking any supplements so that you fully understand the benefits and side effects.”

Mittal also says that vitamins aren’t a fix-all for your hair problem, either. “It’s worth noting that vitamin supplements are only part of the answer. Genetics, hormone imbalance and stress can all lead to hair loss. Vitamin supplements will only go so far and should not be considered miracle workers for things like male pattern baldness.”

What Else Can I Do to Help My Hair?

Once you’ve figured out what vitamin is right for you, it’s ideal to add some holistic practices to help address the root of the issue.

“Aside from taking the right vitamins, there are a few other things you can do to help your hair,” says Etemad-Shahidi. “Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables will provide you with the nutrition you need for your hair to grow.”

Also try to manage stress, says Tudor. “High stress levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle, so incorporating mindfulness, meditation, exercise or anything that works for you for lowering stress levels is good for you, your health and your hair. Scalp massage is a win-win here as it both relaxes you and improves blood flow to the follicles.”

“Also, be gentle with styling,” says Tudor. “Avoid over-washing, minimize heat styling, and use protective products to preserve hair quality. It is a controversial opinion, especially coming from the founder of a hair care company, however I believe that it is not always essential to wash your hair with shampoo all the time. Shampoo is a detergent, containing surfactants (ingredients that attract dirt and oil molecules) mostly in the form of sulphates. These ingredients, while not always, often dry your hair and scalp out.”

Tudor says that the need to balance out your freshly-shampooed hair texture with more product can lead to buildup and irritation. However, as all good product descriptions suggest, if the problem persists: it’s best to see a professional.