We asked experts to recommend some of the best oils, supplements, and vitamins that can stimulate hair growth.
Hair loss is a common concern for both men and women. While some hair loss is normal – you naturally lose several dozen hair strands per day – excessive hair loss, or loss not replaced with new hair growth, leads to hair thinning and baldness.
Anything from hormonal imbalances to types of hair care products can be the culprit, therefore it is recommended that you see your Naturopathic Doctor to determine the “root” causes of the issue. Once these have been ruled out or addressed, your Naturopathic Doctor or other healthcare providers may recommend the following supplements to optimize hair growth.
Protein Supplements
While hair loss and duller-looking hair that becomes thin and breaks easily can be the result of many factors, a diet low in protein, such as during a crash diet, can lead to poor hair health. A strand of hair is composed of mostly protein, which means your hair needs protein to grow.
Protein requirements vary widely from person to person and can increase if you’re pregnant or on an exercise program, so consult with your Naturopathic Doctor to determine the optimal levels for you. One of the most common ways to supplement protein is through Whey Protein Isolate or plant-based protein shakes.
Omega 3 Supplements
Most people have heard of omega 3 supplements. These essential fatty acids found mainly in fish, offer a number of health benefits; such as protection against heart disease, reduced inflammation, and improvement in mood.
Along with adequate protein intake, omega-3s may help reduce hair loss. To encourage hair growth, decrease inflammation and reduce dry flaky scalp, you may consider taking a fish oil based omega 3 supplement daily.
Check your iron
Iron deficiency is a very common cause of hair loss, especially in young women. Prior to trying an iron supplement however, it is important to have a blood test to confirm a deficiency, since too much iron can be harmful to the body. A sensitive way to check total body iron stores is to measure the amount of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that plays an important role in iron storage. If your ferretin levels are low, make sure that your diet full of iron-rich foods, such as tofu, lentils, beans, oysters, spinach, prunes, raisins, and, yes, lean beef. If your iron stores are particularly low, an iron supplement may be a good option.
Biotin
Biotin (aka B7) is a B-complex vitamin that is found in many foods, including eggs, milk, nuts, and grains. Adequate biotin levels are necessary for a number of critical functions in the body, including converting food into energy.
Biotin is also widely known as the “beauty vitamin” for its effects on the health of hair, skin, and nails. Biotin deficiency has been linked to hair loss, therefore it is commonly included in various hair growth promoting supplements. While more research is needed, several preliminary studies have also shown biotin supplementation to improve hair growth.
Biotin Shampoo
The key ingredients in this shampoo are biotin, coconut oil, zinc, and provitamin B5. This combination enables natural hair growth by removing the DHT buildup and cleaning your scalp and hair of dandruff flakes.
This top-rated product also stimulates the hair follicles which promotes hair growth. This shampoo is non-GMO as well as being hypoallergenic and sulfate- and paraben-free.
100% Pure Rosemary Oil
As a cancer survivor (and hair loss expert!), I endured treatment that left me bald, then graced me with post-chemo curly hair (prior to treatment I had stick straight locks), then finally, two years post-treatment, thin and shedding like crazy hair.
I was desperate to just get back to my baseline, but was told by my docs there was no natural treatment that would work, so I researched like crazy and settled on a mixture of 100% rosemary oil and olive oil, which I apply (with the help of a restaurant-style condiment squeeze bottle!) just twice a week for 10 minutes at a time, then wash out in the shower..
Think of it as a deep oil treatment!
A year later, my hair is thicker and the shedding has stopped.
The medical research is undecided on this method, but my personal results are all I need to be convinced this solution works. It’s easy to add to a beauty regime, easy to wash out after the treatment, but for me, the most important part is, it’s a natural solution that doesn’t leave toxic medications on my head.
The downside: it takes a bit of time to see results. But, once you do – your problem is solved.
Plus, you smell like a delicious pizza while waiting on your shower.
A few great oils that can be used to aid in new and healthy hair growth are:
Lavender or Peppermint essential oil
This helps hair grow faster.
Rosemary essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, and tea tree essential oil
These works as a hair follicle cleanser and promotes new growth as well.
Biotin
On the supplement side, Biotin is a B-complex vitamin helps strengthen the protein infrastructure in hair, skin, and nails.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil contains menthol which is known for its ability to increase blood circulation. This in turn can stimulate your hair follicles and encourage the growth of healthy hair and prevent hair loss. When you have good blood flow to your scalp nutrients are able to nourish your hair more efficiently, giving you thick, full hair.
Biotin
This nutrient belongs to the B complex vitamin group. It’s created naturally in the body as long as you eat a healthy, balanced diet. Biotin plays an essential role in the health of your hair and a deficiency can result in hair loss.
This means that an increase in your biotin intake is a natural place to start when you’re experiencing hair loss. Biotin improves your hair keratin levels which is an essential component of healthy hair. Nuts and legumes are generally the best sources of biotin, but you can also get a decent amount from cheese and sweet potatoes are especially rich in this vitamin.
Charlotte Isaacs
Head of Makeup at The London School of Make-Up
Vitamin B is a must for hair loss.
It actually helps create red blood cells, which then pass on nutrients and oxygen to improve the scalp and consequently, the hair follicles, in preparation for the hair to grow naturally and healthily again.
Vitamin B7 is excellent for hair growth.
It provides the nutrients your hair requires after hair loss. This vitamin can be found in Biotin tablets, which also contain vitamins A, C, E, and D3; offering everything your scalp everything it needs for regrowth.
Love & Snow’s 100% Natural Hair and Scalp Serum and 100% Natural Intensive Hair and Scalp Tonic.
These products are the perfect go-to’s for hair loss and excess shedding.
Made of vegan, organic and natural concentrated essential oil formulations, Love & Snow’s products enhance hair elasticity and strength while deeply nourishing both scalp and strands to repair and moisturize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress cause hair loss?
Yes, stress can be a contributing factor to hair loss. When the body is under stress, it can disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause hair loss. If you’re suffering from stress-related hair loss, it’s important that you find ways to manage your stress levels. Ways to manage stress include relaxation techniques (such as meditation or deep breathing), regular exercise, and talking to a therapist or counselor.
How long does it take to see results from using oils and supplements for hair loss?
It may take a few weeks or even months for the use of oils and supplements for hair loss to show results. It’s important that you’re patient and consistent when using these products.
Are there any side effects of using oils, supplements, and vitamins for hair loss?
While oils, supplements, and vitamins are generally safe for most people, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or making any major changes to your diet.
Taking too much of certain vitamins or minerals can be harmful, and some oils and supplements may interact with certain medications. You must also follow the label instructions and don’t exceed the recommended dosage.
Can I use these oils and supplements if I have a sensitive scalp?
If you have a sensitive scalp, it’s important to be careful when using oils and supplements. Some oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It’s always a good idea to do a patch test before using a new oil or supplement on your scalp.
Apply a small amount of the oil or supplement to a small area of your scalp and wait 24 hours to see if you have any adverse reactions. If you notice redness, itching, or other symptoms, discontinue use and talk to your healthcare provider.