Hair loss is a problem that affects millions of people in the United States. While the condition is rarely linked to severe medical ailments, the experience of hair loss can lead to devastating psychological effects.
Numerous studies show that experience of hair loss can cause anxiety, loss of self-esteem, poor body image, and even social phobia, particularly among women. All these negative effects are not surprising, given society’s perception of beauty. Since time immemorial, hair is regarded as a woman’s “crowning glory,” a symbol of youth and pride.
If you are starting to notice hair fall more than usual, it may be time to find a supplement that contains the best vitamins for hair growth. How do you find the right product? Read the label and look for the following nutrient-packed botanicals that are known to encourage the growth of healthy locks:
Horsetail
Horsetail is an aromatic plant that has been used since ancient times for treating wounds and other medical conditions such as tuberculosis, kidney issues, and osteoporosis, among others. Apart from being recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, horsetail is also packed with cysteine amino acid, which is a critical component of keratin that works to strengthen the hair, stimulate growth, and prevent damage.
Horsetail also contains silica and silicon, which are minerals that work effectively together to ensure strong hair and nails. This beneficial herb is also rich in selenium minerals that improve hair growth and promote healthy hair, in general.
Green Tea
Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is known for its high antioxidant content, a substance that fights the damaging effects of free radicals on healthy cells. While the leaves are dried and used as a beverage, green tea leaf extracts are often used as a crucial ingredient in supplements, shampoo, and other products to prevent hair loss and improve overall hair condition.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology on the effectiveness of a supplement containing green tea extract, researchers found that 80 percent of the subjects with androgenetic alopecia experienced marked improvement in hair growth after six months. An experiment on mice using topical green tea treatment found much lesser hair loss on the mice that were treated compared to the control group.
Amla Fruit
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a nourishing fruit that is popular in Ayurvedic and ancient medicine. Amla is rich in vitamin C that is essential in improving the health of the hair, skin, nails, and teeth.
The vitamin C content of Indian gooseberry is also critical in the production of collagen, a protein that helps stimulate hair growth and promote thicker and longer locks. Given its conditioning and moisturizing properties, Amla fruit is also useful in preventing dryness, dandruff build-up, and hair damage.
Pumpkin Seed
The oil derived from pumpkin seed is also a critical ingredient for hair loss prevention. In a study conducted among men suffering from pattern baldness, researchers found significant improvement (40 percent) in hair growth among subjects who were given pumpkin seed supplements compared to those who took placebos.
Experts believe that the beneficial effects of pumpkin seed oil on the hair are rooted in its phytosterols content, a sterol that works by stopping hormones and enzymes that trigger hair loss.
The natural ingredients described above are packed with the best vitamins for hair growth, so make sure that these botanicals are included in the ingredients list of the supplement you are eyeing. Do not readily believe product advertisements unless you confirm that the hair growth supplement contains the right elements to back up its claims.
