Hair Growth Vitamins for African-American Women

Dry, frizzy hair is something that many African-American women have to contend with. Moreover, the desire for long straight hair, calls for heat styling and chemical treatments all of which are responsible for damaging the hair and making it brittle. The constant hair breakage and hair loss can result in hair that fails to reach its potential length. Among the many hair care and other products, hair growth vitamins for African-American women have been known to boost hair growth to a large extent. Before we can look at the vitamins for hair growth, let us take a look at how they work.

Hair Vitamins for African-American Women

A strand of human hair goes through three phases: anagen phase or the growth phase of the hair, the catagen or the rest phase and telogen or the phase where the hair falls off. For an average human the anagen phase can last for around two to six years. This marks the longest period of hair growth followed by the two other shorter phases which is not that noticeable for hair that is healthy and growing properly. People with longer hair also have a long anagen phase so someone with a growth phase of six years is able to grow fair faster naturally. While this is essentially determined by our genetics, hair vitamins for faster hair growth have also been known to help lengthen the anagen phase. Here is a look at some of the essential vitamin supplements that foster hair growth.

Vitamins for Faster Hair Growth

Biotin: One of the essential supplements, biotin is known to prevent hair loss and foster the growth of hair. By increasing their elasticity, there is a reduction in hair breakage and an increase in the thickness of the hair strands. Apart from the supplements, natural foods rich in biotin are milk, rice and eggs.

Other B-Complex Vitamins: Other than biotin, certain other B-complex vitamin, specifically thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), piroxidine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12) are an essential component of faster hair growth. Among these, niacin is known to support scalp circulation and can be derived from fish, chicken and other meat products. Vitamins B5 and B6 are known to hinder graying of hair and restrict hair loss. These essential vitamins are derived from organ meats, egg yolks, whole grains and brewer's yeast. Found in chicken, fish and eggs, vitamin B12 can prevent premature falling of hair.

Vitamin C: This all essential vitamin supplement is necessary for the development of collagen needed for holding the body tissues together. Deficiency of vitamin C is one of the primary causes of constant hair loss and breakage. Citrus fruits, melons, berries, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and dark green leafy vegetables are also rich in vitamin C and adept at replenishing the vitamins.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an essential supplement for fostering hair growth, increasing scalp circulation and helping in the growth of long lustrous hair.

Other essential vitamins for hair growth include beta-carotene, sulfur, silica, magnesium, zinc and flaxseed oil. Remember that hair growth vitamins for African-American women can only lengthen the hair growth period; they cannot deal with the problem of hair breakage. Use the best African-American hair care products to stem hair loss and only then can the vitamins act effectively to lengthen the hair. Couple this with a balanced diet, regular intake of water, protein and moisture treatments for the hair and a regular hair care regime to discover beautiful long hair that shines with vitality.