Combating issues like thinning hair, brittle nails, and dry skin as you age can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding supplements that work. To simplify this quest, we consulted experts on the most common mistakes women make when dealing with these issues: overdosing on supplements and choosing supplements that don’t work. Find out which supplements will really help you achieve healthier, longer hair, more supple skin, and stronger nails.
Read on to find out which supplements are effective in helping you achieve healthy hair. Elaine F. Kuhn, Ph.D.MD, FAAD, Board Certified Dermatologist and Founder of Future Bright Dermatology. Enriza P. Factor, Ph.D.a dermatologist and writer for My Eczema Team, and Ghanima AbdullahHair Expert and Hairstylist at The Right Hairstyles.
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Expert Advice: Anti-Aging Supplements to Avoid for Hair, Skin, and Nails
1. Elastin
The following supplements won’t cause hair loss, but they’re probably not very effective at treating it (especially since healthy hair growth takes time, so results won’t be seen overnight), says Abdullah:
“This is what gives hair its elasticity and makes it less likely to break,” Abdullah points out about elastin, but “it doesn’t make hair grow, and it doesn’t help with thinning hair,” she adds.
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2. Coconut oil
As for coconut oil, a popular hair-care ingredient, “when applied topically, it definitely strengthens hair,” she says, but in supplements, “it probably just improves the digestion of the other ingredients,” Abdullah suggests.
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How to Choose the Best Supplements for Thinning Hair: Expert Tips
Don’t take too many supplements
One mistake many people make when trying to regrow hair or prevent hair loss is taking too many supplements. As Abdullah points out, it can be difficult to know which supplements are “worth taking” and which aren’t. Taking multiple supplements at once (especially ones that haven’t been scientifically proven to treat hair loss) could make the problem worse rather than treating it, experts say.
It’s also important to take the exact dosage recommended on the supplement bottle, and with meals if necessary.Kung says it’s best to focus on your hair’s needs and choose a dermatologist-approved supplement that’s specifically tailored to your hair situation.
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So, which supplements actually work to combat hair loss?
1. Biotin
Abdullah emphasizes that “biotin is valuable” because it “increases blood flow to the scalp, aiding hair growth and preventing hair thinning. ” Additionally, vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin E also provide hair follicles with the nutrients they need for hair growth,” she says.
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2. Iron
Iron “is also essential for hair growth as it helps oxygen get to your hair follicles,” she points out. “After all, if you can’t breathe or don’t have oxygen, then just like the rest of your body, it can’t function properly,” she explains.
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3. Nutrafol and Vitamin D
“Studies have shown that supplementing the diet with low levels of vitamin D can improve female pattern hair loss,” Kun said, adding, “One of the hair growth supplements most recommended by dermatologists is Nutrafol, which was launched in 2016.”
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4. Pumpkin seed oil
Abdullah also said, “Pumpkin seed oil is Scientifically Proven If you need inspiration to get started on something to “grow hair and help those with thinning hair”, be sure to check this out.
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Dietary advice for healthy hair, skin and nails
Ultimately, Kun and Abdullah stress that when looking for supplements, it’s best to visit a dermatologist or other hair specialist to evaluate your scalp and hair loss. No one supplement can treat everyone’s hair loss or thinning issues, and taking too many at once won’t be effective, they say. If you’re prioritizing your hair health, Factor recommends looking at your diet first and foremost.
“How fast your hair grows depends on factors like your age, health, genetics and diet. While factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, your diet is something you can control,” she explains. “In fact, eating a diet that lacks the right nutrients can lead to hair loss. On the other hand, eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help promote hair growth, especially if you’re suffering from hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies,” she continues.
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Conclusion
That said, Factor does recommend foods like “lentils and other legumes, which are packed with nine essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B and biotin,” and eating more eggs, as they “also contain vitamin B12, vitamins A and E, iron and biotin.”
“What you eat has a huge impact on the health of your hair,” Factor emphasizes, listing nuts, seeds, liver, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and bananas as other foods rich in biotin. “Lack of adequate nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids, can slow hair growth or cause hair loss,” she concludes. Good to know!
