Premature hair loss can be frustrating to deal with, but luckily, there are ways to treat it — like adding one of the best vitamins for hair loss to your daily routine. While you should always aim to consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods as your main source of vitamins, supplements can be a great addition if you’re not getting enough of certain nutrients.
Since there are many different vitamins for hair available, I tapped Dr. Debra Jaliman, an NYC-based dermatologist, to learn which options are most effective. She recommends looking for amino-acid- and protein-rich supplements, specifically an ingredient called L-Cysteine, as they help the body produce a vital component of hair structure: keratin. As well, biotin and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are also vital. “Free radicals can damage the scalp and the hair follicles, and these antioxidants help cells fight off free radicals,” she says, adding that vitamin B12 and iron also play an important role in hair growth.
To help you navigate the often-confusing world of dietary supplements, I’ve compiled a research-backed list of the best vitamins to take for skin and hair based on Dr. Jaliman’s recommendations. I’ve included a variety of options at different price points for you to choose from. Shop my picks, below.
Editor’s note: There are a variety of factors that contribute to hair loss, and while vitamins can help, it’s always best to check with your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet.
- Nature’s Bounty Biotin Vitamin Supplement, 120-Count
Nature’s Bounty is an affordable and beloved supplement brand, so naturally their biotin softgels come highly-recommended consumers and doctors alike. Biotin, says Dr. Jaliman, is “important for energy production and known to improve hair health.” Each softgel contains 10,000 micrograms of biotin, a type of B vitamin that supports energy metabolism and is known for its hair, skin, and nail benefits.
- NOW Foods L-Cysteine Dietary Supplement, 100-Count
Dr. Jaliman says that “L-Cysteine is one of the most crucial of the amino acids for hair growth.” This targeted supplement from NOW offers free radical support and helps to maintain the structure of proteins in the body. Each tablet contains 500 milligrams of L-Cysteine along with vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
- Nutrafol Women’s Hair Vitamin, 120-Count
Nutrafol’s clinically-tested women’s hair vitamin, which won an Allure Beauty Award in 2018, comes highly-recommended by Dr. Jaliman, who likes that it’s drug-free and made with natural botanicals — including a special blend of vitamins, collagen and resveratrol — that help fight hair loss, rather than promote general hair health. “It has components that many other hair growth supplements do not have,” she says, noting that it can also be taken as a preventative measure.
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