5 Effective Supplements for Hair Growth

The other day, a gentleman came to me for help with his receding hairline. Like many folks in our community, he was looking for a holistic solution. Specifically, he wanted to know if there were any supplements he could take to boost hair growth. 

I did some research and landed on two clinical articles: “Exploring the Connection Between Gut Health and Hair” and “The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review.” These two articles formed the basis for what I shared with this gentleman and what I’m about to share with you today.

Magnesium

In order for hair growth to take place, follicles need to be properly nourished with oxygen, minerals, and vitamins — all of which travel through our blood. That’s why magnesium is so essential. It prevents calcium build-up in the bloodstream, thereby allowing blood to flow freely and give hair follicles the nutrition they need.

Probiotics

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that live inside of our bodies, optimizing digestion and strengthening immunity. As it turns out, the totality of these live microorganisms (called the microbiome) also plays an integral role in keeping hair healthy. From helping the body to absorb vitamins and minerals to fighting inflammation — these little guys help hair to thrive! 

Check out this quote from dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD: “Studies have confirmed that the gut microbiome not only supports the production of some of the nutrients needed for growing hair, it also can regulate the hormones that control the transition between anagen, catagen and telogen phases of hair and can even maintain conditions in your body that favor healthy hair growth.” As you can see, probiotics pack a mean punch.

Vitamin C

Everyone knows vitamin C as a powerhouse when it comes to fortifying the immune system and warding off sickness. But did you know that hair growth is also influenced by vitamin C’s immunity-boosting properties? Pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses can put tresses at risk by disrupting the hair growth cycle. Making sure that you’re getting an adequate amount of vitamin C is one way you can support your body’s natural ability to grow hair.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that promotes healthy hair cell growth. It also acts as a ‘cofactor’ for over 300 enzymes, meaning it plays a role in how minerals, vitamins, and proteins perform in the body. Implementing zinc supplements has helped me personally, but I always recommend speaking to your doctor about your unique needs.

Vitamin D

You’ve heard me talk about inflammation time and time again, and that’s because it really isthat critical when it comes to health — hair included. Chronic inflammation, which is another way of sayingpersistent inflammation, has a negative effect on hair growth. We can regulate that inflammation by taking vitamin D, thereby ensuring that hair growth cycles run smoothly and cortisol levels remain under control.

Bottom line

When we take care of our internal needs first, the inner health that we cultivate inevitably radiates outwards. That’s how we achieve sustainable levels of confidence. And that’s how we exude greatness and claim our space in the world. So gentleman, even when it comes to something as external as hair, I encourage you to invest in your health as much as your grooming products. The results will speak for themselves.