An easy way to increase your daily intake is to incorporate protein powder into your meals, including your morning coffee. Some of Glamour’s favorite protein powders include Orgain’s Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder and Vital Proteins’ Collagen Peptides.
6. Try nutritional supplements.
Dr. Green and Dr. Henry also recommend hair supplements as a great way to get nutrients that support hair growth. “Nutrafol is a popular doctor-prescribed, clinically tested dietary supplement with ingredients that target hair health from the inside out,” says Dr. Henry. “Typically containing a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and botanical extracts, these nutrients help address underlying factors that may be contributing to hair thinning and promote an environment that encourages hair growth.”
Additionally, Nutrafol’s ingredients, including biotin, saw palmetto, marine collagen, and horsetail extract, are believed to support hair follicles, improve circulation, and provide nutrients essential for hair vitality.
Another option recommended by both Dr. Green and Dr. Mena is Viviscal hair growth supplement. “Nutrafol is formulated with a proprietary blend created to address the causes of hair health, including saw palmetto, ashwagandha, natural ingredients, hormones and nutrients,” says Dr. Green. “Also, Viviscal supplements contain unique essential vitamins, including B vitamins, biotin and vitamin C, that have been proven to thicken hair and promote growth.”
Nutrafol hair growth supplement for women
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement
While hair growth supplements can help, it is recommended that you get checked regularly by your healthcare provider to check for other vitamin and mineral deficiencies and treat them accordingly if there are any.
“Normal hair growth requires adequate amounts of vitamins in the diet. Long-term depletion of certain nutrients and minerals to the hair follicle can disrupt the hair cycle,” says Hill. “It is essential to identify any vitamin deficiencies, trace mineral deficiencies, current supplements, prescription medication intake, and current medical history.”
7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Your overall health will greatly impact the condition of your hair,” says Dr Henry. “Make sure you maintain a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins, minerals and lean protein,” which is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
“Staying hydrated, managing chronic stress levels through relaxation techniques and exercise, and getting enough sleep – these factors will contribute to your body’s ability to support hair growth.” Hill agrees, and reiterates the importance of regular check-ups with a medical professional to stay healthy.
Mena agrees, adding that from his experience, anything you can do to reduce anxiety and stress can help hair growth. “Believe it or not, meditation can help hair growth because the first thing in your body that reacts to stress is your hair,” he says. “That’s why people always say, ‘I’m so stressed, I’m losing all my hair.’ Stress always shows up first in your hair.” Mena recommends getting some sunlight, exercising frequently and getting some vitamin D.
One way to combine all of the above with hair growth-boosting ingredients is to take an ashwagandha supplement, which has been shown to reduce stress, support healthy cortisol, improve sleep quality, protect the scalp from environmental stressors, and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation around hair follicles, says Dr. Green.
Lemme Chill: Stress Relief Gummies
8. Try prescription medication treatment.
“If you’re experiencing severe hair loss or are concerned about how quickly your hair is growing, consider consulting a dermatologist,” says Dr. Henry. “A dermatologist can evaluate your specific situation, identify the underlying issues, and recommend individualized solutions, which may include prescription medications, injections, or other advanced treatments.”
