When we talk about healthy, strong and shiny hair, we often focus on shampoos and serums - but the real power lies in the internal support. Vitamins for hair growth and dry scalp play a key role in maintaining a healthy scalp, promoting growth and reducing hair loss.
If you have problems with a dry, itchy scalp or notice increased shedding, it may be time to check your vitamin and mineral intake.
Why vitamins are important for hair and scalp?
Hair grows from hair follicles - delicate structures that need sufficient nutrients to produce strong, healthy hair. When the body lacks certain micronutrients, this often first shows itself in the hair:
- they become thinner,
- brittle,
- less shiny,
- the scalp is more sensitive, itchy or dry.
Additionally, hair follicles have one of the highest rates of cell division in the body, which means they are extremely sensitive to nutritional deficiencies. (1*)
Most common nutrient deficiency associated with hair
Some nutrient deficiencies are directly linked to hair loss, thinning and an unhealthy appearance:
- Biotin (vitamin B7) – one of the most important vitamins for hair strength and elasticity. (2*)
- Vitamin D – regulates cellular processes in the hair follicle; deficiency is associated with alopecia. (3*)
- Iron – essential for supplying oxygen to the hair tissue; deficiency causes stunted growth. (4*)
- Zinc – key for cell regeneration and balanced scalp microbiota. (5*)
- Vitamin B12 – participates in the synthesis of red blood cells that feed the follicles. (6*)
- Vitamin C – stimulates collagen formation and protects against oxidative stress. (7*)
What causes dry scalp?
Dry scalp is often caused by:
- too frequent washing with aggressive shampoos,
- lack of healthy fats in the diet,
- low levels of vitamins, especially vitamins A, D, E and F,
- hormonal fluctuations, stress or environmental factors (cold, wind, dry air).
Vitamins that your scalp and hair love
- A It accelerates cell renewal, strengthens the skin of the scalp.
- B-complex (B2, B3, B7, B9, B12) Regulates metabolism, strengthens hair roots, reduces stress.
- C Antioxidant, stimulates collagen formation.
- D It affects the functioning of the follicles and the growth cycle.
- E Maintains moisture, protects against damage.
- F (omega 6) Strengthens the skin barrier of the scalp, prevents dryness.
- Iron Supplies oxygen to the cells - without it there is no growth.
- Zinc Soothes the scalp, reduces dandruff and redness. (5*)
What else affects hair health?
While vitamins are key, they are not the only factor. Na hair loss and condition scalp also affects:
- pregnancy and childbirth,
- stress,
- thyroid disease,
- hormonal imbalances,
- cancer treatment,
- genetics,
- fungal infections or scalp psoriasis.
How to find the right vitamin balance?
Each person has different needs. Your hair type, age, diet, lifestyle and goals play an important role in which vitamins will benefit your routine the most. if necessary, do laboratory tests to check for possible deficiencies.
Elixré recommends for inside and outside support:
- Hair Fusion capsules – a perfect combination of vitamins and minerals for hair, skin and nails.
- Power Growth Hair Serum – with AnaGain™ and Capixyl™ for targeted scalp care and growth support.
Read more: Vitamins for hair - the secret to strong, shiny and healthy strands
Literature:
- Source: Micronutrients and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review, ( R. Wang, J. Lin, Q. Liu, W. Wu, J. Wu, X. Liu), http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39440586/[[t9172]
- Source:[[t9287] A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss, (D. P. Patel, S. M. Swink, L. Castelo-Soccio), http://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5582478/
- Source: Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review, ( K. Saini, V. Mysore), http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34553483/[[t9947][[t9958]
-
Source: Iron Deficiency and Nonscarring Alopecia in Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Y. Treister-Goltzman, S. Yarza, R. Peleg), http://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8928181/
-
Source: Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss, (M. S. Kil, C. W. Kim, S. S. Kim), http://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3870206/
-
Source:[[t11001] Vitamin B12 Activates the Wnt-Pathway in Human Hair Follicle Cells by Induction of β-Catenin and Inhibition of Glycogensynthase Kinase-3 Transcription (W.Krugluger), Journal of Cosmetics Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 1 (02):25-29.
-
Source: The hair growth promoting effect of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a long-acting Vitamin C derivative, ( Y. K. Sung, S. Y. Hwang, S. Y. Cha, S. R. Kim, S. Y. Park, M. K. Kim, J. C. Kim), http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16406749/
-
Source: Sensitive scalp-scratching for a cause and remedy, (DM Thappa), Cosmoderma, july 2023 (3(105):1-2).
