theunglowup

If you notice that your hair is feeling dry and falling, or you notice that your hair has slowed growing length, this post is for you. The blame could be on a deficiency of key nutrients. Hair health comes from within your strands as hair needs a steady supply of vitamins and minerals to function properly. Your best bet honestly is to book a doctor’s appointment and get bloodwork done in order to decipher which nutrients you may be deficient or low on. Below I have listed the most important vitamins and nutrients that, if solving a deficiency, aid in hair growth.

1. Biotin. Probably the most talked about nutrient; Now, it does not make hair automatically grow. There are the vitamins for hair, nails and skin (you know the on). They really do work, but only on those who are already deficient in Biotin. Even then this type of deficiency is very very rare.
2. Vitamin D. Low D levels are commonly linked with hair loss and thinning in density. Other signs of Vitamin D deficiency are fatigue, low mood, and feeling muscle weakness. Again, a blood test will determine if you need to supplement.
3. Omega 3. The influencers are right about Omega 3s
   -linking it to hair health and growth. The fatty-acid nutrient nourishes the scalp, reduces inflammation and supports shine and softness. An unhappy scalp majorly attributes hair loss. Some best sources are supplements, but buyer beware, Omega 3 supplements that come from fish can cause a fishy taste in your mouth with many claiming that they actually burp up an aftertaste (ewl). I buy Algae sourced Omega 3s because there is NO aftertaste. They come from the Algae plant and they are a great plant-based option for all the vegetarians, vegans, etc. who don’t want to consume fish.
4. Zinc. Zinc is good for oil gland function around the hair follicle (back to happy scalp happy growth). Low Zinc has been linked to hair shedding and breakage. Foods that are high in Zinc include oysters, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and cashews. I sprinkle some shelled and roasted pumpkin seeds on everything I can: yogurt, salads, chia seed pudding, even ice cream. IMO, this is the easiest way to get Zinc in the body with no effort. Try Trader Joe’s’ roasted and shelled pumpkin seeds.
5. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is my favorite nutrient/vitamin. C is essential for hair follicle growth but also collagen production. Collagen keeps your skin from looking its age or much older. I have been very good at eating my vitamin C, because I love to eat limes. I know, it sounds funny. I have been like this since I was a child. But guess what? My skin is wrinkle free at 37. Now back to Vitamin C. The vitamin helps protect your hair follicles from oxidative stress. It also helps the body absorb iron better. The powerhouse of Vitamin C is the Kiwi. Eating just two a day gives you 100% of your daily value needed. Try it and let me know. But hey, you can also get C from oranges, bell peppers, strawberries and broccoli.
6. Protein. Shocker. Hair is made of keratin protein. If you don’t eat enough protein, hair can become weak, gummy, and fragile.

Now consistency is key. Hair doesn’t grow overnight. But know this: taking vitamins and nutrients only work best when correcting and actual deficiency or imbalance. Getting proper bloodwork will be key! Like if this at all helped you on your hair growth journey.