Hair evolved to protect our delicate scalps from the elements, but it also helps shape one’s unique appearance and style. Today, you have many options for caring for your hair inside and out.
The Importance of Hair Growth Supplements
Hormonal changes, stress, illness and aging can all trigger hair loss. How? Follicle stem cells that generate hair may decrease in size and fall out with age or hormone shifts. Illness and stress could prematurely trigger a resting in the hair growth cycle — and if more follicles are resting than in active growth, you could lose hair without new strands to replace them.
With these factors in mind, hair growth pills may be impactful solutions. You want supplements containing nutrients that address these specific issues. While many natural compounds help encourage growth and minimize loss, you’ll notice several frequently appearing in many newer supplements:
- Amino acids
- Horsetail stem and leaf
- Marine collagen
- Saw palmetto
- Vitamins A, C, D and E
These compounds perform many essential jobs. They can halt the conversion of testosterone into DHT, which triggers hair loss. They also aid in cellular regeneration, blood circulation, moisture retention and manufacturing proteins like keratin and collagen. Some contain antioxidants that improve hair follicle health. Others, especially amino acids like cysteine, assist in transporting hair-building minerals such as zinc and iron.
The Benefits of Serums
Nutrition addresses hair and skin health internally. But what you put on the outside matters as much as what’s on the inside. An impactful hair serum for growth could improve your existing hair’s strength, thickness and overall quality. Serums may also encourage new strands to grow, rectifying hair loss.
Many hair serums mirror growth supplements in their ingredients. Saw palmetto and niacin are excellent examples: They reduce DHT in the body, help moisture retention and increase blood circulation. Other natural compounds such as rooibos, apple stem cell, capsicum and olive leaf extracts provide protective antioxidants. Some can also inhibit the production of substances that speed up hair loss, namely DHT and the follicle-damaging substance P.
Most topical serums are easy to use. Applying serums to dry hair allows them to penetrate the hair and scalp for maximum benefit. If you normally wash your hair every day, consider switching to every other day while using topical serums. You’ll avoid overdrying your hair and stripping it of natural oils: This can work against any benefit you gain from using a serum.
Other Helpful Hair Care Hints
While using supplements and serums can benefit your hair, you can do a few other things to improve hair health. Massaging your scalp twice a day also boosts blood flow. Reducing the amount of heat styling prevents moisture loss and damage to the hair’s outer cuticle. A balanced diet with protein, carbs, fiber, vitamins and minerals gives you the nutrients needed for hair to grow. With these helpful practices, you can maintain your existing hair and possibly circumvent future hair loss.