Whether you’re simply looking to sport a new, longer ‘do, your hair is naturally thinning, or you’ve seen some shedding uptake, don’t fret. It’s certainly possible to attain your length and thickness goals with the help of some mane-boosting vitamins for hair growth.* Keep scrolling for six vitamins (well five vitamins and one mineral) for hair growth that actually work:* “Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, which is one of the most critical nutrients for your hair,”* certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology William Gaunitz, FWTS, says. And remember that resilient immune system we mentioned previously? Gaunitz says a robust immune system allows the scalp to combat microbes that shouldn’t be there at a more efficient level that will then improve hair growth, too.* Check out our favorite vitamin c supplements here. “Depending on its purity and source, vitamin E can be great for reducing free radicals, improving collagen, and reducing oxidative stress in the scalp,” Gaunitz says, “which in turn enhances hair growth.”* In fact, one study found that after taking vitamin E supplements for eight months, participants experienced 34% of increased hair growth1.* Additionally, it can help scalp health: Some studies have indicated that vitamin E can help enhance overall body circulation.* Circulation has also been linked to healthy hair growth. So many hair experts conclude that by using vitamin E, you may be able to promote scalp circulation.* Alarmingly, almost all Americans are failing to consume just 400 I.U. of vitamin D from their daily diet, and clinical vitamin D insufficiency persists in almost half of the population—41%3, to be exact. “Vitamin D3 directly interacts with hair follicles, and when D3 levels aren’t optimal, it can decrease the volume of hair on the scalp and throughout the body,”* Gaunitz says. These are some of our favorite vitamin D supplements. Folic acid’s main purpose is to generate new cells, which can have an effect on the keratinization of hair during the hair growth phase, Gaunitz says.* Not to mention, it’s a vitamin often found in multivitamins and prenatal vitamins, which expecting mamas often thank for long, luscious locks.* Gaunitz says the hair will only return once there’s enough iron being consumed on a regular basis. Iron-rich foods include beef, chicken, eggs, spinach, sweet potatoes, and beans. If you’re concerned about your iron levels, consult a doctor for guidance before reaching for a supplement.
