Vitamins for Hair

Vitamins play an important role in the normal functioning of our body. Although they are required in small quantities as compared to macronutrients, vitamins are responsible for several vital functions of the body. Every vitamin is assigned a specific role in the body functioning. A deficiency in any vitamin can have an adverse effect on the body and can cause a number of problems. In this article, we shall see the different essential vitamins for hair growth in men and women.

Vitamins Good for Hair

There are several vitamins essential for healthy growth of hair. Each hair vitamin has a unique role in hair care. Some vitamins promote hair growth, while others are required for preventing hair loss. A number of hair problems such as hair loss, thinning of hair, dry and damaged hair, dandruff and scaly scalp are caused due to deficiency of certain vitamins. A regular supply of these vitamins helps cure these conditions and also helps in rejuvenating damaged hair follicles.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A, commonly known as retinol, is one of the most essential vitamins for hair growth for women and men. It aids the scalp in production of sebum, a light yellow liquid that is secreted at the roots of the hair follicles. It lubricates the hair follicles and keeps the scalp and hair moisturized. It thus helps prevent dryness of the scalp and hair and is one of the best vitamins for dry hair.

Source of Vitamin A:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese
• Liver

Vitamin B
Vitamin B complex is extremely essential for the normal health of the skin, nails and hair. The different vitamins that are included in this group have unique benefits for hair. For example, biotin prevents hair loss and promotes healthy hair growth. Niacin, or vitamin B3, promotes blood circulation to the scalp and strengthens the hair. Vitamins B5, B6 and B12 are required for strengthening the hair roots and thus help in preventing hair loss. Vitamin B is therefore considered as one of the best vitamins to combat hair loss in women as well as in men.

Source of Vitamin B:

• Egg Yolk
• Yeast
• Fish
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Organ meats
• Fresh fruits
• Whole grains

Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen in the body, which is essential for the repair of damaged cells and tissues of the body. It strengthens the hair and promotes hair growth. Deficiency of this vitamin can result in weak hair that breaks easily, split ends and rough and damaged hair.

Source of Vitamin C:

• Citrus fruits
• Pineapples
• Kiwis
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Red and green peppers

Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps in increasing the uptake of oxygen which promotes blood circulation to the scalp. This helps in strengthening the roots of the hair. Vitamin E also strengthens the immune system and helps the body in fighting against various infections. Deficiency of vitamin E can result in thinning of hair and eventually hair loss. It is therefore considered as one of the best vitamins to prevent hair loss in men and women. You could take a look at the article on vitamin E for hair growth for a better idea of vitamin E benefits.

Source of Vitamin E:

• Beans
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Whole grains
• Green leafy vegetables

Now that you know which are the best vitamins good for hair growth, make sure to include them in your daily diet. Consuming a balanced diet containing all the essential nutrients and drinking ample amounts of water along with regular physical exercise is the key to remain healthy throughout! Take care!