Hair loss can affect us all at some stage of our lives. While losing a few strands daily is normal, handfuls shedding can be problematic. Editor Trudi Brewer shares the vitamin regime that may help your locks bounce back.
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Vitamin D & Zinc
Credited with boosting the immune system, vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, can also support the skin, bones, and follicles, which is essential for hair growth. So, what can a vitamin D deficiency trigger in the body? That's right, hair loss, especially in patients with androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. Research shows supplementing vitamin D can help restore hair loss and correct mood swings, fatigue, chronic pain, muscle weakness and high blood pressure, or anyone following a vegan diet, at the same time. While foods like avocado, chia seeds and nuts are high in vitamin D, a supplement is also an excellent place to start. Zinc is vital for tissue growth and repair, cell production, hormone levels, and protein synthesis. You may also suffer from a zinc deficiency if you're vitamin A or D deficient, which results in brittle hair and hair loss. To keep zinc levels healthy, include wheat germs, pumpkin seeds and soy products in your diet.
Nutra-LIFE LIPOSOMAL-C, PLUS EXTRA VITAMIN C, VITAMIN D & ZINC, $40.
We are hooked on the benefits of the microscopic spheres in this great-tasting powder that enables vitamin C to enter the bloodstream fast for effective absorption. Each teaspoon delivers a potent hit of vitamin C to help support a healthy immune system; it also benefits your hair and skin by helping to boost protein or collagen stores. Vitamin D helps stimulate the hair follicles to grow, and Zinc is vital for tissue and hair repair and growth.
To use: Take one scoop daily, it dissolves fast and can be mixed with water or your favourite juice.
Biotin
Of all the vitamins, H or biotin is connected with hair loss. Studies show hair loss improvement after taking biotin. A regular supply also stops brittle nails and can help reduce blood sugar. Biotin is present in a well-balanced diet, but deficiencies can be genetic, smoking, or antibiotics for certain acne medications. Double down on your green veggies, or take a vital greens supplement. We swear this is a game changer for your gut well-being, energy, and antioxidant protection, as well as boosting hair growth.
THE ORDINARY Multi Peptide Serum for Hair Density, $46.
A few drops of this lightweight serum massaged into the scalp deliver dozens of plant-based extracts and protein. Including larch tree extract and camellia leaf, a potent peptide complex (biotin), wheat germ and pea extracts, and caffeine.
To use: This is a leave-in treatment; apply a few drops daily, ideally at bedtime, to clean, and dry the scalp, then massage thoroughly.
Iron
It's the one mineral our body needs to create haemoglobin (the protein found in the red blood cells), which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to every cell, including our hair follicles. However, hair follicles fall way down the list in the pecking order of essential organs that receive iron. Dr Rashmi Byakodi, editor of Best for Nutrition, said, “According to a study, low iron stores represent a risk factor for female hair loss in non-menopausal women. Iron is involved in many critical physiologic processes within the hair follicle, suggesting that iron deficiency could disrupt hair synthesis. In addition, iron deficiency may play a role in female pattern hair loss or chronic telogen effluvium. “An iron deficiency can also cause fatigue and brittle nails.” Food such as broccoli, berries, leafy green vegetables, and red meat also contain iron, protein, selenium, and zinc.
Nutra Organics Super Greens + Reds Daily Wholefood Multivitamin, 150g, $40.
For heightened immunity, gut health, boosting energy and brilliant antioxidant protection, you could never eat enough greens in one day to match the benefits of two teaspoonfuls of this potent powder each morning.
To use: It's delicious in water, added to a smoothie, or mixed with foods such as bliss balls and chia puddings.
Vitamin E
An antioxidant that can help protect the cells in your body from environmental damage. It's also fat-soluble, which makes it nourishing and hydrating on the skin, including the scalp, which many of us forget about. Vitamin E can help create a protective barrier for the scalp keeping it balanced and hydrated. When your body has enough vitamin E, it helps reduce oxidative Studies have shown that type of stress can cause skin ageing and hair loss. Pump your diet with vitamin E-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, sunflower seeds and nuts.
UMBERTO GIANNINI BANANA BUTTER NOURISHING SUPERFOOD SHAMPOO, $20.
With a 97 per cent natural formula, it’s packed with hair-loving natural oils, vitamins, and minerals like potassium, vitamins A, B and C and vitamin E. Your hair feels silky and smooth and smells delicious with every wash.
Essential Fatty Acids
Studies show fatty acids, including essential omega-3 and omega-6, boost hair growth and fullness while reducing inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce scalp inflammation, promoting healthy hair growth. They are called “essential” because your body cannot produce them independently, so you need to get them from your diet. You can boost these with flaxseed, walnut and oily fish such as salmon and tuna.
ALTERNA ANTI-aging restructuring BOND REPAIR MASQUE, $69.
A luxurious hair mask packed with everything hair needs to be revitalised. Including caviar extract rich in omega-3, algae extract, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, vitamins A, B5, C and E, zinc, iron, and copper.
To use: After shampooing, towel dry your hair, apply evenly, leave it on for ten minutes, then rinse.
Amino Acids
Low protein and amino acid levels in your diet can lead to hair thinning and loss. Amino acids boost tissue repair and immunity. A diet rich in lentils, seeds, cabbage, spinach, avocado, asparagus and soybeans is the place to start and shampoo rich in protein.
SCHWARZKOPF BONACURE CLEAN PERFORMANCE REPAIR RESCUE SEALED ENDS+, $32.
A leave-in hair cream that will help rehabilitate your hair by sealing 90 per cent of split ends while helping to prevent further damage. For coloured, curly, dry hair that needs a protein shot, it is stacked with vegan keratin and arginine, soy and wheat amino acids (proteins), and nourishing Shea butter.
To use: Apply to clean, wet hair, focusing on the ends where the hair is most damaged. Avoid the scalp.
Here are the tips and products to try now.