While natural supplements for hair growth can't produce flowing locks in a matter of weeks, they can provide some of the nutrients necessary for faster hair growth. Nutritional supplements and medicinal herbs for hair contain ingredients that speed up hair follicle cell division and help the follicles produce stronger hair shafts. That means they can be used either to slow or reverse hair loss or to grow longer hair. Since most come in pill or tablet form, they're also easy to use.
Function
Hair growth supplements are designed to be a convenient source of the nutrients needed for hair to grow at its maximum natural rate. Hair follicles contain some of the fastest dividing cells in the body, which means their requirement for vitamins, minerals, and amino acids is high. Without enough of these nutrients, hair follicles can't divide as quickly as they could otherwise. For those who don't eat a balanced diet or who have a medical condition that inhibits hair growth, supplements make it easy to get more of the nutrients hair needs.
Types
There are two basic types of natural hair growth supplements. Nutritional supplements for hair are made from a combination of the specific food-derived nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients such as proteins) that are most likely to encourage hair growth. The second type consists of herbal supplements. Some plants, such as nettle and burdock, contain phytochemicals that promote hair growth and health. Other plants or plant parts, such as rose hips, contain a high amount of hair-nourishing vitamins or minerals.
Effects
Amino acids, particularly cysteine, provide the building blocks for hair shafts (strands). Vitamin E and magnesium improve blood circulation in the scalp. Vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins stimulate hair follicles. Vitamin C also protects the developing shafts from environmental damage. This allows the strands to become thicker and stronger, so they're less likely to break while still short. Zinc helps build hair cells and balance hormones that affect hair growth. The silica in nettles strengthens and adds shine to hair. Saw palmetto blocks production of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone linked to hair loss.
Benefits
When properly nourished, hair will not only grow faster; it will also be stronger, shinier, and more manageable. Vitamins E and PABA, a B vitamin, are linked to delayed graying, as well. Additionally, nutrients that encourage hair growth promote overall health. B-complex vitamins can improve mood and mental function; vitamin E and magnesium benefit the cardiovascular system; vitamin C supports the immune system. Nettle cleanses toxins from the blood, and saw palmetto promotes urinary tract health. In particular, the nutrients and phytochemicals that benefit the hair also build healthier skin and nails.
Misconceptions
Natural supplements for hair growth alone cannot cure alopecia. They may slow hair loss and encourage re-growth, but no natural treatment has been proven to reverse baldness completely. Supplements can't help everyone grow long hair, since the potential length of an individual's hair is determined by genetics and hair type.
Truly natural supplements contain no ingredients that can't be found in foods and unprocessed medicinal herbs. That means improving your diet and making your own herbal treatments is a viable alternative to buying commercial hair supplements.
Tags: hair growth, hair growth, growth supplements, hair loss, supplements hair, vitamins minerals, B-complex vitamins