Finding The Right Ingredients and Hair Vitamins For Hair Growth

Scroll to read

Hair shedding has become a common concern affecting both men and women, even at a young age, which can be particularly frustrating when it progresses to pattern baldness. Factors like hormonal imbalances, stress, and scalp infections are often responsible for this condition.

If you’re experiencing hair shedding, it may be time to explore ingredients and vitamins specifically formulated to support hair growth. However, with so many options available, choosing the right products can feel challenging.

In this article, we’ll compile a list of ingredients and vitamins commonly used for hair growth, along with supporting research. Let’s explore these solutions to address your hair shedding concern.

Common Ingredients and Vitamins Found in Hair Growth Supplements

1. Saw palmetto 

Saw palmetto is a plant native to the United States and is often included in hair growth supplements due to its potential to inhibit DHT, a hormone linked to pattern hair loss. It blocks the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, similar to medications like dutasteride.

A study published in the Turkish Journal of Dermatology evaluated the efficacy of saw palmetto lotion and a 10% trichogen veg complex (TVC) on 25 male patients with androgenic alopecia (AGA). Nearly half of the participants showed positive results under the vertex photograph evaluation, where they experienced almost a 12% increase in total hair count, and the growth phase (anagen) to resting phase (telogen) hair ratio improved by 38% over 4 months.

Another research further supports these findings. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a standardised saw palmetto oil, VISPO™ demonstrated notable benefits for individuals with mild-to-moderate AGA. Participants experienced up to a 29% reduction in hair fall and up to 7.61% of an increase in hair density over 16 weeks of using oral or topical VISPO™. Moreoever, oral administration of VISPO™ significantly reduced DHT levels, without serious adverse effects.

In practical use, saw palmetto is often mixed with other ingredients such as ashwagandha, curcumin, and marine collagen. Our Golden Ratio Nutraceutical harnesses these synergistic combinations to effectively address pattern hair loss and promote visible hair growth, as confirmed by our clinical trials.

2. Peptides

Peptides, often sourced from marine and bovine collagen, are known to support hair follicle growth by stimulating new cell production in the scalp, which is essential for reducing hair shedding.

Studies on human follicle cultures treated with marine and bovine collagen have shown promising effects: marine collagen prolongs the growth phase, while bovine collagen increases K15+ stem cell (i.e., a type of keratin protein that is responsible for hair growth and regeneration) counts.

Therefore, both marine and bovine collagen peptides provide a targeted approach to enhancing follicle function—supporting hair during the growth phase and promoting the structural integrity needed for healthy hair regrowth.

However, if you have seafood allergies, marine collagen peptides may not be suitable. In that case, you may opt for bovine peptides or products containing amino acids like cysteine and lysine as an alternative.

3. Curcumin

Curcumin, which is sourced from the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa is among the popular ingredients used to stimulate hair growth. It contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties which contribute to a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.

Astudy was conducted to demonstrate curcumin’s potential in promoting hair growth when combined with other ingredients. The study evaluated a combination of 5% hexane extract of Curcuma aeruginosa and 5% minoxidil, which found that it slowed hair loss and increased hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Another study further supports this finding. It compared the effects of a mixed preparation containing piperine, capsaicin, and curcumin to 5% minoxidil for treating alopecia areata. Over three months, hair regrowth rates were 63.33% and 70%, respectively, among 60 participants.

4. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, derived from Withania somnifera root extracts, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as its ability to lower cortisol or stress hormone levels.

In a 75-day study on ashwagandha and hair loss, 68 participants were split between an ashwagandha group and a placebo group. Those given topical ashwagandha, 1 to 2 drops daily, experienced noticeable hair thickening.

Though ashwagandha’s exact mechanism of action remains unclear, potential explanations include its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, which could promote a healthier scalp environment.

Additionally, ashwagandha also has the ability to lower cortisol levels, which may support hair follicle function and regulate the hair growth cycle. Its anti-stress or adaptogenic activity further reduces stress-induced hair shedding.

5. The Vitamin B Group

Vitamin B is essential for hair growth and health. They help to promote the production of hair cells, strengthen the shafts of hair follicles, and reduce inflammation in the scalp. 

In addition, vitamin B helps to create sebum, an oil that protects the skin from external damage.

Some of the important Vitamin B family for hair includes:

  • Biotin (Vitamin B7)
  • Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
  • Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 

6.Iron

Iron plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen through the blood, essential for healthy hair growth. Enough iron levels ensure your body produces enough haemoglobin to transport oxygen to the scalp, keeping your hair strong and healthy.

Iron is also linked to ferritin, as ferritin is a marker of iron storage. When iron levels drop, ferritin is depleted, weakening hair follicles and leading to hair thinning or loss. Research shows that individuals with androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata often have significantly lower ferritin levels than those without hair loss, though this trend is less evident in cases of telogen effluvium and alopecia areata totalis/universalis.

Iron deficiency has also been strongly linked to female pattern hair loss (FPHL).A study reveals that women with FPHL have significantly lower iron stores compared to age- and sex-matched individuals without hair loss. The effect is even more pronounced in premenopausal patients, who show markedly lower iron levels than postmenopausal women with FPHL.

However, the precise role of iron in hair growth remains unclear, but iron deficiency is thought to inhibit the proliferation of hair follicle matrix cells, the body’s fastest-dividing cells. Furthermore, it may also contribute to inflammation in the hair follicles and disrupt normal hair cycling, both rely on adequate iron levels.

7. Zinc

Zinc plays a vital role in maintaining healthy hair as it supports hormone regulation. Hormonal imbalances, particularly in men, can lead to hair damage, making adequate zinc levels essential for keeping hormones in check.

Studies have demonstrated the importance of zinc, showing that zinc deficiency is linked to telogen effluvium (TE), a condition characterised by excessive hair shedding caused by stress or health issues.

In one study involving 44 females with hair loss, 23 participants were found to have below-normal reference zinc levels. Another study highlighted that among 413 participants, 9.6% had zinc deficiency, alongside deficiencies in ferritin and vitamin D at 45.2% and 33.9%, respectively.

Research on mice further shows that oral zinc supplementation retards apoptosis-driven hair follicle regression. However, while oral zinc prevented hair follicle regression, high doses were found to delay anagen development or the active hair growth cycle in mice.

The recommended daily intake for zinc is 8-11mg/day. However, for individuals with low zinc levels, supplementation may be increased to 15–30 mg per day under professional guidance.

How to Choose The Right Ingredients or Vitamins For Your Hair Growth?

With vast ingredients and hair vitamins on the market today, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. That’s why we recommend you to do some research first, with several things to keep in mind, including:

 

  • Potential side effects associated with taking the vitamin: While most supplements are generally well-tolerated, excessive supplementation can be an issue. For instance, high doses of vitamin D may cause toxicity, while prolonged use of vitamin B12 can lead to peripheral neuropathy. This is why you should always discuss with your hair restoration doctor before taking any supplementation.
  • Your specific needs: Start by consulting your hair restoration doctor, who can perform blood tests to identify baseline vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. This provides a starting point for developing a more targeted approach to address your hair loss. Additionally, some supplementations may not be suitable to use when planning for pregnancy, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding, making a consultation even more essential.
  • The dosage size. Most supplements come in capsules or tablets, with dosages tailored to your individual needs as recommended by your doctor. Make sure that you also ask your doctor for guidance on how to take your supplements.

 

We strongly encourage you to seek personalised guidance from a healthcare professional. It can help you identify the most suitable ingredients or hair vitamins based on your specific needs and medical history, potentially leading to optimal hair growth results.

If You’re Looking for a Hair Growth Vitamin That Works, Get in Touch with Terra Medical Clinic Today!

With so many hair growth vitamins and ingredients available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. And without proper guidance, you might even risk worsening hair shedding.

That’s where we step in, helping you on your hair restoration journey with our clinically tested solutions. Get in touch with us today—our team of hair loss practitioners is ready to guide you with sound advice on your hair restoration journey.

Call us or drop us a WhatsApp message at 91870470 or email ask@terramedical.sg to schedule a teleconsultation or in-clinic consultation.

About Terra Medical

Terra Medical is a dedicated hair loss clinic that specialises in various hair restoration treatments, as well as a holistic approach to overall hair wellness. The hair restoration clinic is led by an internationally credentialed (ISHRS) doctor, Dr. Joshua Chong alongside our resident doctor, Dr. Jia Cheng Heng and a team of hair restoration technicians. The clinic aims to provide treatment options focused on achieving results that align with each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

We offer comprehensive consultations and personalised treatment plans tailored by the doctors. These treatment plans can be a combination of the following: FUE hair transplant, Regenera Activa (AMT), TrichoPAT, Post-Natal Hair Loss Solution and more.

We understand how challenging it is to face hair loss alone. As a hair restoration clinic, our specialised team aims to provide compassion, empathy and ongoing support throughout your journey, ensuring you feel heard, empowered and informed every step of the way.

Rediscover the joy of fuller, healthier hair. Schedule consultation with Terra Medical today.

consultation with Terra Medical today.