Hair vitamins for faster hair growth

In theory you're suppose to eat all the right foods to get all your nutrients, but that's usually unlikely. Once you begin your vitamin program don't expect to see results right away - it can take as long as 3 to 6 months.

Hair grows up from the root up then out of the opening. It is mostly made up of proteins and needs heavy amino acids and vitamins to form hair. This is why nutrients and vitamins are so important to hair growth for stronger hair.

If you have primarily been eating a lot of processed foods and are not accustomed to taking vitamins or eating naturally, you may undergo some detoxification. You could experience mild discomfort as your body begins to expel toxic substances and poisons. Or you may find a few extra bumps on your face. Don't worry, this is temporary.

Short term discomfort such as stomachaches, bloating, gas, or loose stools, may develop as your body’s cleansing system discovers it has the necessary nutrients to begin “cleaning house.”

These mildly uncomfortable conditions are usually of short duration, but are part of the cleansing and rebuilding process necessary for optimum health. Be sure to drink lots of water during the day to assist with absorption (plus the body needs water anyway). Don't forget the body absorbs only so much then the rest is flushed out of your system, so don't over do it. Check with your physician before starting any vitamin regimen.

Note - I only take one multi-vitamin/multi-mineral vitamin (it also contains "green super food concentrates" with Alfalfa, Spirulina and other good stuff), one Essential Fatty Acid pill and a tablespoon of liquid amino acids (post workout only) for my overall health. I also suggest drinking at least 8 - 8 oz. of water everyday, especially while taking vitamins. Vitamins work better when there are less toxins in your body. Water helps to flush toxins out, which helps vitamins to work better. If your body is full of toxins, it will basically get flushed right out.

The information below is provided by the VitaminShoppe.

VITAMIN A

Benefits: Prevents and fights infections. Necessary for growth and repair of body tissues and building of red blood cells (hemoglobin). Lubricates mucous membranes. Assists in the protection of mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections. Protects against smog and environmental pollutants. Improves eyesight. Aids in bone and teeth formation. Gives a healthy glow to the skin.

VITAMIN C

Benefits: Reduces effects of many allergy producing substances (a natural antihistamine). Essential for healthy teeth, gums & bones. Helps heal wounds, scar tissue, and fractures. Strengthens the immune system. Prevents Scurvy. Builds resistance to infection. Aids in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. Gives strength to blood vessels. Aids in the absorption of iron. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, the intercellular "cement" which holds tissues together. It is also one of the major antioxidant nutrients. Prevents the conversion of nitrates (from tobacco smoke, smog, sausage, lunch meats, and some vegetables) into cancer- causing substances.

VITAMIN E

Benefits: Increases oxygen in the bloodstream. Inhibits and reduces the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids of the tissues. Inhibits development of and protects against free radicals, which cause negative physiological changes and disease. Supplies nutrients to the cells and keeps you looking younger by retarding cellular aging due to oxidation. Relieves fatigue. Strengthens capillary walls and dissolves and prevents blood clots. Improves circulation. Protects lungs against air pollution. Prevents sterility, muscular dystrophy, calcium deposits, and many heart conditions.

VITAMIN K

Benefits: Help in preventing internal bleeding and hemorrhages. Promotes proper blood clotting. Reduces excessive menstrual flow.

VITAMIN D

Benefits: Required for healthy bones and teeth. Allows absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus in the intestine. Maintains a stable nervous system and normal heart action.

VITAMIN B-1 (Thiamin)

Benefits: Helps in the digestion of starches and other carbohydrates. Creates a positive mental attitude. Reduces stress. Provides energy. Essential for healthy functioning of the nervous system, muscles, and heart. Stabilizes the appetite. Promotes growth and good muscle tone. Aids in the treatment of shingles.

VITAMIN B-2 (Riboflavin)

Benefits: Assists in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells. Necessary for good vision, skin, nails, and hair. Alleviates eye fatigue and eye pressure. Necessary for carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Promotes general health.

VITAMIN B-3 (Niacinamide or Niacin)

Benefits: Alleviates gastrointestinal disturbances. Promotes a healthy digestive system. Improves circulation by opening capillaries and veins. Reduces cholesterol and high blood pressure. Helps alleviate Depression. Treatment for Schizophrenia. Maintains the nervous system. Reduces the effects of dizziness and vertigo in Meniere’s Disease. Helps metabolize protein, sugar, and fat. Increases energy through proper utilization of food. Prevents Pellagra. Creates and helps maintain healthier skin. Reduces desire for sugar and alcohol.

VITAMIN B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Benefits: Improves digestion. Participates in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Aids in the utilization of vitamins. Promotes growth and health of hair. Improves the body's resistance to stress. Helps in cell building and the development of the central nervous system. Assists the adrenal glands. Fights infections by building antibodies. May help restore gray hair to its original color.

VITAMIN B-6 (Pyridoxine)

Benefits: Natural diuretic. Balances fluids in the body. Necessary for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Aids in the formation of antibodies. Maintains the central nervous system. Prevents bloating. Promotes healthy skin. Reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea, and stiffness of hands. Helps maintain a proper balance of sodium and phosphorous in the body.

FOLIC ACID

Benefits: New studies show that Folic Acid in conjunction with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 lower the homocysteine levels in the blood and prevents heart attacks and other cardiovascular disease. Required for DNA and RNA synthesis. Essential for the growth and reproduction of all body cells. Essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action on the bone marrow. Assists amino acid metabolism.

VITAMIN B-12 (cobalamin)

Benefits: Regulates the nervous system. Increases energy and agility. Necessary for the formation and regeneration of red blood cells. Helps prevent anemia. Necessary for carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Promotes growth in children. Needed for Calcium and iron absorption. Improves mental condition and attitude.

BIOTIN

Benefits: Aids in the utilization of protein, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, and Vitamin B-12. Promotes healthy hair.

CALCIUM

Benefits: Builds and maintains bones and teeth. Regulates heart rhythm. Alleviates insomnia. Helps regulate the passage of nutrients in and out of the cell walls. Metabolizes iron. Assists in normal blood clotting. Helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function. Lowers blood pressure. Important to normal kidney function. Current medical research indicates benefit in reducing colon cancer, cholesterol, and osteoporosis.

MAGNESIUM

Benefits: Helps prevent heart attacks by regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart and maintaining normal heart rhythm. Helps prevent calcium deposits, kidney stones, and gallstones. Necessary for proper Calcium and Vitamin C metabolism. Converts blood sugar into energy. Reduces cholesterol. Offers relief from indigestion and heartburn. Aids in bowel regularity.

POTASSIUM

Benefits: The journal of the American Medical Association recently reported that new studies confirm that potassium is effective in reducing and preventing high blood pressure. Works with sodium to regulate the body's waste balance and normalize heart rhythms. Increases energy. Aids in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain. Preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids. Stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes. Promotes healthy skin.

COPPER

Benefits: Necessary for the absorption and utilization of iron. Helps oxidize Vitamin C and works with Vitamin C to form Elastin, a chief component of muscle fibers throughout the body. Aids in the formation of red blood cells. Decreases liver damage and cirrhosis. Retards development of cancer. Makes the amino acid tyrosine active in pigmenting hair and skin. Helps proper bone formation and maintenance.

MANGANESE

Benefits: Necessary for the body to create thyroxin, the principle hormone of the thyroid gland. An antioxidant nutrient. Important in the blood breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy. Necessary for the metabolism of Vitamin B-1, Vitamin C, Biotin, and Vitamin E. Activates various enzymes which are important for proper digestion & utilization of foods. A catalyst in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol. Helps nourish the nerves and brain. Necessary for normal bone structure.

ZINC

Benefits: Nature’s tranquilizer. An antioxidant nutrient. Necessary for protein synthesis. Helps in the formation of insulin. Helps heal wounds. Vital for the development of the reproductive organs. Normalizes prostate functions and male hormone activity. Governs the contractility of muscles. Stabilizes blood. Maintains the body's alkaline balance. Helps in normal tissue function. Aids in the digestion and metabolism of Phosphorus. Necessary for synthesis of DNA. Treatment for schizophrenia.

IODINE

Benefits: Required for functioning of the thyroid gland. Increases energy. Burns excess fat by stimulating the rate of metabolism. Important for mental agility. Promotes healthy hair, nails, skin, and teeth.

CHROMIUM

Benefits: Works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Cleanses the arteries by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Helps transport amino acids to where the body needs them. Curbs the appetite. Aids in weight loss. Medical research has shown that persons with low levels of chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to cancer, diabetes, and cardiac disease. Helps reduce desire for alcohol.

SELENIUM

Benefits: New medical research shows selenium both prevents and reduces all cancer by high percentages. Specifically decreases prostate, lung, liver, and breast cancer. Prevents free radicals by its powerful antioxidant properties. Protects against heart and lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and degenerative muscle diseases. Preserves tissue elasticity. Slows down the aging and hardening of tissues through oxidation. Helps in the treatment and prevention of dandruff.

PABA

(Para Amino Benzoic acid)

Benefits: Aids healthy bacteria in producing Folic Acid. Aids in the formation of red blood cells. Contains sun screening properties. Aids in the assimilation of Pantothenic Acid. Helps return hair to its natural color.

Amino Acids

What are Amino Acids? They are the most important, powerful and significant nutrients humans can consume. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which is essential for lustrous hair, smooth skin and strong nails The human body is 75 percent amino acids without water. 95 percent of hormones are amino acids, and 100 percent of all protein is amino acids.

Amino acids also govern and participate in every chemical reaction in the body. When protein is broken down by digestion the result is 22 known amino acids. Eight are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body) the rest are non-essential ( can be manufactured by the body with proper nutrition).

Promotes mental vigor, muscle coordination and calm emotions.

Transmits nerve impulses to the brain; helps overcome depression; Improves memory; increases mental alertness; promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands.

Is found abundantly in hemoglobin; has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic diseases, ulcers & anemia. A deficiency can cause poor hearing.

Considered to be nature's "Brain food" by improving mental capacities; helps speed the healing of ulcers; gives a "lift" from fatigue; helps control alcoholism, schizophrenia and the craving for sugar.

Functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow down the aging process, deactivate free radicals, neutralize toxins; aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of the skin, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations. Hair and skin are made up 10-14% Cystine. L-Cysteine helps to fortify hair and nails to keep them strong. It also helps to keep the skin firm and smooth with increased elasticity.

Bargello's Vitamin Regimen

I believe Bargello is/was a poster on a hair website who lost her hair. After researching, she found a vitamin regimen that ended up working wonders. Here is a copy of her vitamin regimen (written by her):

I believe everyone needs to be on a good multivitamin. You need a vitamin that contains at least 100% of the most of the recommended daily nutrients. I am very partial to Vitaminshoppe's One A Day vitamin. This is an excellent vitamin for overall health. Note that it does not contain iron. This might be a concern and might not be. Most menstruating women can benefit from extra iron in their diets. If you happen to be a woman that becomes iron deficient easily, you might just wish to add in an extra iron supplement. By not having iron, this makes a good supplement for men, teens, and post-menopausal women.

 We all need calcium in our diet. This is something that is an absolute necessity. There is some calcium in the above multivitamin, but not enough. Remember that when taking calcium you also need Vitamin D and Magnesium for the calcium to be absorbed properly. Most multivitamins will contain Vitamin D and Magnesium.

 I like a good hair vitamin to start my program. There are several out there. GNC's Ultra Nourishair is probably one of the best I have seen. It is what I take and is the absolute heart of my program. I am a firm believer in this vitamin. It contains all the necessary vitamins needed for healthy hair. Note: I do not like the vitamins that state for Hair, Skin, and Nails. They generally have less than you really need of the necessary vitamins for healthy hair, skin, and nails. I am not sure why, but they do. If you take a good hair vitamin, your skin and nails will automatically benefit.

This vitamin is very important for healthy hair, muscles, and joints. It helps to decrease hair fall out. It does this by assisting in making the growth stage of the hair longer. The longer you are able to retain the root, the longer you hair will grow. You may take up to 2000mg/day. Note: Ultra Nourishair contains 500mg of MSM. I take an additional 1000mg/day.

Helps in the shine of hair. It is also a very valuable antioxidant. It assists in a lot of other areas other than just helping your hair be soft and shiny. There is silica in the Ultra Nourishair; I take an additional 500mg/day.

 There is so much to say about this essential fatty acid. It contains Omega-6 Fatty Acid (Gamma-Linolenic Acid). This is a good Omega-6 Fatty Acid. It has several benefits of which I will only name a few. Some of the benefits are reducing PMS, clearing up eczema, helping your skin glow, minimize fine wrinkles, reduce cholesterol, help with your metabolism, and cure hair and nail problems. It helps nourish straw-like hair.

You really only need 480-960 mg of GLA to reap wonderful benefits. I personally take 500mg/day. You should see results with Evening Primrose as early as 2 weeks of daily consumption. Your scalp should feel less dry and the hair growing in should feel softer and more nourished.

Now flaxseed Oil is wonderful in the sense that it contains both Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3 Fatty Acid) and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (Omega-6 Fatty Acid). Omega-3 is very important in our bodies too. We need both to help maintain a healthy body. It is also essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. It helps hair in the same way Omega-6 does. Why take both? Because the cells of the body need both to work properly. Our bodies do not make either of the Fatty Acids, we must supplement. Taking both will help the cells of the body work more efficiently and in return help growth of hair as well as health of hair and body. I take 500mg/day. I really don't think you need more than that, but experiment. You might find your body does need more.

Now biotin is what really can boost your hair growth. Skin, nails, and hair rely on biotin to grow. So, if we feed our bodies more biotin, then our skin will look better, and our nails will be stronger, and our hair will grow faster and stronger. My hair vitamin contains 1200mcg of biotin. I take an additional 2400mcg/day. I have played with the dosage a little and have found that my hair definitely grows faster with the total biotin of 3600mcg/day. You might need to play with this too. You might need more or less than I do for results.

I can't scream enough about protein. We need it. I don't care if it plant or animal. Truthfully your body can absorb and utilize plant protein better than animal. This is why vegetarians are incredibly healthy. I drink a protein shake everyday with my vitamins. I drink it with milk (it tastes better and I get extra calcium and protein with the milk), vegans can make a protein drink with soymilk (get it with calcium added and you have the benefits of extra vegetable protein and calcium).

Adding protein to your diet will help your body all the way around. It will function better and you will not be as hungry all the time. I suggest a protein drink of at least 22gr. of protein. I suggest at least one serving a day. If your diet is really bad, you can drink more. The extra protein will also help your hair grow. It is protein too, you know.

Bargello also had this to say:

"Vitamins are very important for not just the growth of hair but for overall health. After doing years of research on vitamins, I have found what vitamins work and what ones don't. My overall health has improved 200% since starting my vitamin program. And healthy body means healthy nails, skin, and hair.

With all this said, everyone is DIFFERENT! You might need more of something than I do, or less. Vitamins are personal things. You need to play with them to get the correct dosage for you. They are not a cure all. They can help your body in ways you wouldn't think about. I have tried to keep the above information brief. I could write pages about each vitamin and why you should take it. The above program works very well for me. My hair grows at the speed of 1 ½" per month. One thing to always remember, when starting a vitamin program, don't expect results overnight. It will take your body 2-6 weeks to benefit from vitamins. This time period depends on how depleted your system is. The average time being 4 weeks. If you are recovering from a serious illness, it could take longer.

One word about prenatal supplements. I personally do not think they will boost hair growth anymore than a good multivitamin. There are a lot of good over-the-counter prenatals out there. I like Natrol probably the best. When I sat down and actually compared the ingredients in prenatal vitamins and multivitamins, the multivitamin actually had more than the prenatals did. Prenatal vitamins do contain extra iron (for anemia), folic acid (for birth defects), and potassium (to help with muscle cramps). Now, none of those ingredients will boost hair growth. I have had 3 pregnancies and I have NEVER taken prenatal vitamins. When I presented my vitamin program to my OB-GYN, each one has stated that they could not have put together a better vitamin program for overall health during pregnancy and after. They have never prescribed a prenatal for me. There really was no need.

If you wish to take a prenatal in addition to a good multivitamin, by all means do. The only reason I think doctors have stated that there has been a boost in hair growth is that generally people don't take vitamins until they get pregnant. They take a prenatal and their hair starts to grow. They think it is the prenatal when in fact it is just getting some good vitamins in the system and the result of pregnancy itself. Pregnancy can cause your hair to grow faster as your body is renewing things a lot faster."

GNC ULTRANOURISHAIR

This vitamin has 23 ingredients for nutritional support including biotin, silica and MSM.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Recent sciencific research has shown just how much people need essential fatty acids (EFAs) to survive. Since many EFAs are not readily found in foods, you need to supplement your EFA intake. The Total EFA is the #1 selling EFA oil supplement blend that uniquely combines Omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and provides a balanced combination of Borage Oil, Organic Flax Oil and Fish Oil. This unique combination of nutritional oils helps promote healthy skin, healthy joints, and healthy memory function.

MSM

MSM is needed for hair growth, nail growth and skin conditions. MSM organic sulphur plays a vital role in the formation of keratin, collagen and elastin which give strength, tone and condition to hair, nails and skin. Sulphur plays a vital role in detoxification, that's why it's so good at clearing the skin of spots and blemishes. MSM smooths and softens the skin. Used by Skin Specialists, Excellent for burns and reduction of scar tissue. Make sure you drink tons of water while taking this. It can cause headaches and pimples while detoxing.

SHEN-MIN

No Side Effects, 100% Natural. Effective for All Types Of Hair Loss.  Prolong Your Hair Growth Cycle, Speed Up Your Hair Growth, Promote New Hair Growth, Rejuvenates Hair Follicles While Blocking DHT, Thicken Your Existing Hair, Grow New Hair.

FO-TI

Fo-Ti is an ancient Chinese herb that is believed to have powerful revitalizing properties. It is used to help stop hair loss and the graying of hair and also to promote new and healthy hair growth.

BIOTIN

Often called vitamin H, is yet another B complex component. Biotin is a proven hair growth vitamin and a preventative to excessive hair loss. It appears to metabolise fatty acids. Fatty acids are a valuable growth factor in numerous processes in the body including the hair. Biotin is also seen as an aid in preventing hair turning grey.

SILICA

Silica supplementation has been shown to help the body in numerous ways. It has demonstrated an ability to help the body deal with dry skin and associated conditions, brittle nails, hair thinning, dandruff and burns (including sunburn). In addition to these benefits, the company says, silica may help the body in its internal defense of joint and cartilage inflammation and deterioration, bone support, cardiovascular support, vertigo, tooth and gum loss and provide gastrointestinal support and immune system enhancement. Since silica works from within, people taking it for its beauty effects also may experience these other benefits.

HORSETAIL

Horsetail contains Silica, which is used to promote healthy, shiny nail growth.

GELATIN

Gelatin has been used to help nourish and protect the hair shaft and nails, giving them sheen and strength.

INOSITOL

Benefits: Reduces cholesterol. Necessary for lecithin formation. Helps breakdown fat molecules. Aids in hair growth and helps to prevent hair loss. Produces a calming effect. Reduces desire for alcohol.

SAW PALMETTO

Saw Palmetto, is known to effectively inhibit hair loss. It helps keep the hair shaft from absorbing follicle-killing DHT.