If you’re a woman experiencing hair loss, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 40 percent of all women will suffer from hair loss by the time they turn 40. Fortunately, there are a number of supplements that can help stop hair loss in its tracks and even promote new hair growth. Here are 5 of the best supplements for female hair loss.
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1. Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s part of the B-complex vitamins. It’s often touted as a miracle supplement for hair, skin, and nails. And while biotin won’t necessarily stop hair loss on its own, it can certainly help support healthy hair growth. A 2016 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that biotin supplementation resulted in significantly thicker hair in postmenopausal women with thinning hair.
2. Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in transporting oxygen to our cells. When our bodies are low in iron, they can’t produce enough hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia—a common cause of hair loss in women. In fact, iron deficiency is thought to be one of the most common causes of diffuse hair loss (the type of hair loss that affects the entire scalp). If you suspect you may be iron deficient, talk to your doctor about getting your levels checked. If they are low, she may recommend taking an iron supplement or increasing your intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, dark leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining heart health—but they’re also essential for healthy hair growth. That’s because these fatty acids help keep our scalp moisturized and our hair follicles strong. One way to make sure you’re getting enough omega-3s is to take a daily fish oil supplement. You can also get these nutrients by eating more fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines or by including chia seeds and flaxseeds in your diet.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is best known for its role in bone health—but it turns out this vitamin may also be important for maintaining healthy hair growth. That’s because vitamin D helps regulate the production of new skin cells—including the cells on our scalp that give rise to new hair growth. A 2013 study published in Clinical Endocrinology found that women with diffuse thinning were more likely than women with healthy hair to be deficient in vitamin D. The best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D is by spending 15 minutes in the sun every day or by taking a vitamin D supplement. You can also find small amounts of this nutrient in fortified milk and orange juice or in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna .
5 . Collagen
Collagen is a protein found throughout our bodies—including in our skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It’s what gives these tissues their strength and structure. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, joint pain, and brittle bones. But did you know that collagen is also important for maintaining healthy hair? That’s because collagen helps keep our scalp moisturized and our follicles strong. A 2015 study published in Nutrients found that collagen supplementation resulted in significantly thicker hair after eight weeks. The best way to get more collagen into your diet is by taking a supplement or by eating foods rich in collagen such as bone broth, dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, and almonds.
Final Words
Hair loss can be devastating for any woman—but fortunately, there are a number of supplements that can help stop it in its tracks or even promote new hair growth. Biotin, iron , omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D ,and collagen are all nutrients that are essential for healthy hair growth. So if you’re struggling with thinning locks , consider adding some (or all) of these supplements to your daily routine . Your mane will thank you !