Hair Vitamins

As you may be able to see by the picture taken of me on the right, 3 years ago with my brand new grandson, I have long, thick, and naturally curly/wavy hair, and have been very fortunate that my hair is still as thick as when I was 18 years old. I've never had a permanent, and I never have to curl it. The only change I've experienced in my hair is the appearance of those those nasty *gasp* gray hairs.

The picture I took of myself (about 4-5 years ago) above is during the summer, as my hair turns lighter from working in my flowergarden (plus it was dirty, and doesn't show off my waves very well!)

November '07
My hair is actually longer than it looks in this picture, because it was taper-cut into a U shape, and you can only see the shorter edges here.

March '08
The last time it was trimmed was nearly a year ago by my niece. Today she trimmed 1/2" off, but before she did that I had her take a pic for me, here ya go....

Hummmm...I must be doing something right, as she only had to trim 1/2" of split ends after a year's time!

I'm going to try to keep it under a hat this year when I go outside to work in my flowergarden, and as you can see in the pic, I brought over some new stuff (the dove daily moisture therapy replenishing mist & dove frizz control products) that I haven't used yet to show my beautician niece, in my attempt to take better care of my hair during the summer. The photo could probably have turned out a little better with a few touch-ups, 'oh-well'. It reflects how my hair looks after 3 1/2 hours of air-drying after a shampoo, and not being combed yet.

I'm 56 years old, and have always thought that long hair should be for younger women. I broached the subject with my son, who gave me an emphatic "no". I've pacified him in the past by getting it trimmed to shoulder length, but no shorter.

My hair is a large part of my identity, as I'm sure your's is also.

I take vitamins, because I don't eat well enough, and I'm not a healthy person. I'm disabled, and I believe that some of the medications I take could result in damaged hair or hair loss. I have 7 different bottles of vitamins that I take daily to help with the various deficiencies of my health. In fact, I've just ordered 3 more herbs and minerals to help me with some very serious health problems.

I'm a big supporter and believer of vitamins! I have numerous books on vitamins, minerals, and herbs, so one day I put myself in the position of a friend who was loosing their hair and started researching which vitamins a person needs for hair growth; whether you're red, white, purple, or black for hair growing vitamins and healthy hair.

Oct. 3, '09 Hair Image

My son married his best friend of 13 years in October (the mother of my grandson in the small photo above). Here's another picture of me and my hair on that day (along with my red headed son, grandson, and new daughter). Yes, I had a fresh self application of color to cover those grey hairs. I actually DID have strawberry blonde red hair in HS 40 years ago! My mother has dark red hair, her father had red hair, my son inherited his grandmothers dark red hair. I haven't had my hair trimmed since 3-08. I have naturally curly/wavy hair, so all I had to do for this photo was comb it once while it's wet, then let it air-dry, after it dried I sprayed a little Dove Daily Moisture Therapy Replenishing Mist for dry, rough hair with moisturizing serum, give the ends a 'scrunch', and go.

March 10, '10 Hair Image (at the hospital for the birth of my Grand-daughter)

Sept. 5, '10 Hair Image

Just a normal day, outside doing a bit of work in my flowergarden, except it was my 56th birthday!

March '11 Hair Image

Havin' fun at my 2 grandchildren's birthday party, (earrings were worn for the delight of the 1 year old) :)

December '11 My Hair

Just before Christmas I was invited to my grandson's school (he's in kindergarden) for a grandparent's day luncheon

Taking the right hair vitamins and minerals plays a huge role in keeping your hair healthy. My Gosh, take a look at me. I'm 57 years old. I do not eat a balanced diet. I have numerous health problems, but look at my images, I've got great hair!

To keep your hair healthy you should know the things that can damage your hair, so you can eliminate those practices.

Things That Can Hurt Your Hair

Excessive Sun Exposure
As with sun damage to skin, the ultraviolet component of solar radiation damages hair. The ultraviolet wavelengths break chemical bonds in the keratin proteins of your hair. Weakened keratin proteins weaken the hair shafts, and your hair can become dry and "weathered" in appearance. It also makes them weaker and more likely to break when combed or brushed. Wearing a hat is the easiest way to avoid sun damage to hair. I've got lots of funny and cool caps to wear when I'm working in my flowergarden or yard, and really don't care what I look like to others! My only problem is getting all my hair tucked underneath a cap :)

Sea Water
Sea water salty and alkaline, which damages your hair keratins. Sea water and the Sun together can also bleach your hair. Before enjoying the sea, give your hair a protective coating of cocoa butter, which will prevent the sea water from coming into contact with your hair.

Chlorine in the Swimming Pool
Chlorine is a bleaching agent, and will discolor your hair. A greenish sheen of your hair is from the copper or iron that are dissolved in pool water and are oxidized by chlorine after they are taken up by hair shafts. Chlorine also makes your hair break, promoting split ends. Before using a swimming pool apply a protective conditioner covered by a latex or silicon cap.

Excessive Heat in Hair Styling and Blow Drying
The keratin proteins in your hair are easily damaged by excessive heat. Use your blow dryer on the "cool" setting to prevent damage to hair keratins, and styling implements at the lowest effective temperature for the least amount of time. I haven't used a hair dryer in 12 years, because I no longer work in the workforce, needing to get ready quickly in the morning.

Excessive Combing and Brushing
Don't use a brush on wet or damp hair, let your hair dry first. Use a wide-toothed comb to work through hair tangles, and do it slowly and with care. I own the widest toothed comb available, combing my hair after shampooing, and then I DO NOT comb it again while it is drying; which for me takes 4 hours. The old myth of '100 strokes a day' can damage the cuticles of hair shafts, which will weaken your hair and promote hair breakage.

Certain vitamins, minerals and amino-acids are crucial to the metabolic pathways involved in keratin protein (hair) metabolism.

Without the daily amount of vitamins cited below, it is well known that the hair growth process will slow or cease, leading to a potential loss of hair and substantial degradation of hair health.

There is research basis to justify product effectiveness claims for a vitamin, mineral and amino-acid complex designed to supply the nutrients needed by healthy growing hair.

Since hair is protein, a diet that is too low in protein may cause some thinning in hair or a retardation in the growth cycle.

If you eat a protein-rich diet it will often result in improved hair growth. Food sources for protein are: calves liver, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, fish, eggs, beans, yogurt.

When starting a new hair vitamin regime, it usually takes from 2 to 3 months to see results in your hair's condition. That means that patience and consistency is very important. It's also important to check with your doctor before starting a vitamin program, especially if you have health concerns or problems (like me!)

Vitamin A - Antioxidant that helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp. Daily Dose: 5,000 IU. Warnings: more than 25,000 IU daily is toxic and can cause hair loss and other serious health problems. Food sources: Fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, apricots and peaches.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) - Promotes scalp circulation. Daily dose: 15 mg. Warnings: Taking more than 25 mg a day can result in "niacin flush" - a temporary heat sensation due to blood cell dialiation. Food sources: Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey and meat.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Prevents graying and hair loss. Daily dose: 4-7 mg. Food sources: Whole grain cereals, brewer's yeast, organ meats and egg yolks.

Vitamin B6 - Prevents hair loss, helps create melanin, which gives hair its color. Daily dose: 1.6 mg. Warnings: High doses can cause numbness in hands and feet. Food sources: Brewer's yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolk.

Vitamin B12 - Prevents hair loss. Daily dose: 2 mg. Food sources: Chicken, fish, eggs and milk.

Vitamin C - Antioxidant that helps maintain skin and hair health, plus improves scalp circulation. It is important to maintain capillaries that carry blood to the follicles. Daily Dose: 3,000-10,000 mg. Food sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables.

Vitamin E - Increases oxygen uptake, which improves circulation to the scalp. It improves health and growth of hair. Since hair health is tied to the immune health, vitamin E is believed to stimulate hair growth by enhancing the immune function. Daily dose: Up to 400 IU. Warnings: Can raise blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. People taking high blood pressure medication or anticoagulants should check with their doctors before taking Vitamin E supplements. Food sources: Cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables.

Biotin - Is very important for hair health, it helps produce keratin, and may prevent graying and hair loss. Daily dose: Dosage: 50 mg 3 times daily. Food sources: Brewer's yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, brown rice, milk, green peas, lentils, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds, walnuts.

Calcium - Essential for healthy hair growth. Daily dose: Up to 1,500 mg. Warnings: Too much calcium can inhibit the absorption of zinc and iron; An acid found in chocolate can inhibit calcium absorption. Food sources: Dairy, tofu, fish, nuts, brewer's yeast, beans, lentils and sesame seeds.

Copper - Helps prevent hair loss as well as defects in hair color and structure. Daily dose: Up to 3 mg. Warnings: High levels can lead to dry hair, hair loss and sever health problems. Food sources: Shellfish, liver, green vegetables, whole grains, eggs, chicken and beans.

Inositol - Is vital for hair growth, it keeps hair follicles healthy at the cellular level. Daily Dose: Up to 600 mg. Food sources: Whole grains, brewer's yeast, liver and citrus fruits.

Iodine - Helps regulate thyroid hormones and prevents dry hair and hair loss. Daily dose: 150 mcg. Food sources: Fish, seaweed, kelp, iodized salt, garlic.

Iron - Prevents anemia and hair loss. Daily dose: 15 mg. Warnings: Too much can lead to malfunctions of the liver and spleen. Food sources: Liver, eggs, fish, chicken, whole grains, green vegetables and dried fruits.

Magnesium - Works with calcium to promote healthy hair growth. Daily dose: 280 mg. Food sources: Green vegetables, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts, soy beans, chickpeas and fish.

Manganese - Prevents slow hair growth. Daily dose: 3-9 mg. Food sources: Whole grain cereals, eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, fish, meat and chicken.

Potassium - Regulates circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. Daily dose: 3,500 mg. Food sources: Avocados, bananas, lima beans, brown rice, dates, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, yams and yogurt.

Selenium - Keeps skin and scalp supple and elastic. Daily dose: 55 mcg. Warnings: An excess of Selenium can be toxic, leading to the loss of hair, nails and teeth. Food souces: Brewer's yeast, meat, fish, grains, tuna and broccoli.

Silica - Strengthens hair and prevents hair loss. Daily dose: 55 mcg. Food sources: Seafood, rice, soybeans, green vegetables.

Sulfur (methyl-sulfonyl-methane or MSM) - Sulfur is a main component to hair's structure. Daily dose: 1-3 g. Food sources: Onions, garlic, eggs, asparagus, meat, fish and dairy products.

Zinc - Zinc and Vitamin A work together; a deficiency in either can lead to dry hair and oily skin. Zinc also stimulates hair growth by enhancing the immune functions. Daily dose: 12 mg. Warnings: Too much can interfere with iron absorption. Food sources: Spinach, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, whole grains, red meat and brewer's yeast.

And that's not all of the 'hair vitamin' picture, I found that other nutrients may help your hair's health:

Coenzyme Q10 - Improves scalp circulation. Increases tissue oxygenation. It is also very important for heart health. Daily dose: 60 mg daily.

L-Cysteine and L-Methionine are two amino acids believed to improve quality, texture, and growth of hair. They help prevent hair from falling out. Daily dose: 500 mg each, and on an empty stomach.

One study of the results of soy on the hair found that it not only strengthened the hair but caused it to grow. Soy protein has also been found to be helpful in stimulating hair growth. A great source of soy is tofu.

The next step to help my friend was to check out what kind of products were offered as hair vitamins, and compare their ingredients with the daily doses needed from the list above.

I must admit, I was very unhappy with 80% of the hair vitamins because of 2 factors; #1 - they didn't advertise online what all of their ingredients were, or #2 - they fell pitifully short of either the types of vitamins needed, or of the daily amount needed for healthy hair.

The hair vitamins listed below were the best products I could find. When you take one of these products, and then add them to your daily nutrient intake (the food you eat daily), you will be taking a sufficient amount of what is needed for healthy hair.

Now, I'm not saying that there probably are more hair vitamins out there that are great, but hey, I've been a vitamin fan for many years, and I'm not about to buy a vitamin that does not let me see online exactly what the ingredients are.

If I come across more hair vitamins that meet MY criteria, I will update this page, and offer them for your shopping choice.

Vitamin Shoppe - Skin-Hair-Nails, 300 tablets

Vitamin A: 10000IU, Vitamin C: 120mg, Vitamin D: 200mg, Vitamin E: 30IU, Thiamin: 10mg, Riboflavin: 10mg, Niacin: 50mg, Vitamin B6: 10mg, Folic Acid: 400mcg, Vitamin B12: 16mcg, Biotin: 400mcg, Pantothenic Acid: 30mg, Calcium: 69mg, Iron: 6mg, Iodine: 180mcg, Magnesium: 200mg, Zinc: 15mg, Selenium: 25mcg, Manganese: 10mg, Potassium: 10mg, Choline: 150mg, Inositol: 60mg, Paba: 50mg, Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex: 100mg, Bromelain: 10mg, Betaine Hcl: 50mg, Papain: 50mg, L-Cysteine: 150mg

Energizer Hair Nutrition Vitamins - 60 tabs., (Hobe Labs)

Folic Acid 400mcg; Niacin 40mg; Vitamin B-12 6mcg; Biotin 400mcg; Pantothenic Acid 92mg; Choline Bitartrate 250mg; Inositol 150mg; Para Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) 30mg; Iodine (Kelp) 200mcg; Iron 16mg; Silicic Oxide 50mg; Magnesium 50mg; Copper 2mg; Zinc 20mg; Manganese 10mg; In a base of: Selenium (organic yeast); Watercress; Onions; Tomatoes; Celery Stalks and Leaves; Celery Seed; Yeast; Spinach; Orange; Parsley; Red Bell Pepper; Chili; Garlic; Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid

Skin Hair Nails - 60 caps., (Natrol)

Vitamin A: 5000IU, Vitamin C: 100mg, Vitamin E: 50IU, Thiamin: 10mg, Riboflavin: 10mg, Vitamin B-6: 20mg, Vitamin B-12: 50mcg, Biotin: 500mcg, Zinc: 8mg, Copper: 2mg, Manganese: 2mg, Msm: 250mg, Comprehensive Mineral Complex: 100mg, Cysteine: 75mg, Paba: 50mg, Burdock Root: 50mg, Choline: 25mg, Inositol: 25mg, Silicon: 20mg, Glutathione: 2mg. Does Not Contain: Yeast, wheat, corn, milk, egg, soy, glutens, artificial colors or flavors, added sugar, or preservatives.

Hair Skin & Nails For Women - 135 tabs., (Futurebiotics)

Vitamin A: 10000IU, Vitamin C: 120mg, Vitamin D: 200IU, Vitamin E: 30IU, Thiamin: 10mg, Riboflavin: 10mg, Niacin: 50mg, Vitamin B6: 10mg, Folic Acid: 400mcg, Vitamin B12: 16mcg, Biotin: 400mcg, Pantothenic Acid: 30mg, Calcium: 600mg, Iron: 6mg, Iodine: 225mcg, Magnesium: 200mg, Zinc: 15mg, Selenium: 25mcg, Manganese: 10mg, Phosphorus: 300mg, Choline: 150mg, Betaine: 50mg, Inositol: 60mg, Para Aminobenzoic Acid: 50mg, Rna: 60mg, Citrus Bioflavonoids: 50mg, Rutin: 25mg, Gelatin: 250mg

Nail, Hair, and Skin 60T

Vitamin A 5000 IU, Vitamin C 150 mg, Thiamin 10 mg, Riboflavin 10 mg, Niacinamide 10 mg, Pyridoxine 10 mg, Folic Acid 400 mcg, Cyanocobalamin 100 mcg, Biotin 2000 mcg, Pantothenic Acid 10 mg, Zinc 15 mg, Copper 1.5 mg, MSM 300 mg, Paba 500 mg, Bioflavonoids 150 mg, Choline 100 mg, Inositol 100 mg, Methionine 100 mg, Spirulina 200 mg, Rosemary Oil 4.5 mg, Horsetail Extract 90 mg

I've had what is called an RSS feature on this page for a year. What it did was automatically grab a 'feed' from Amazon listing the top 10 hair care products. I've watched which products were consistantly listed, and over the year these 10 have shown themselves to be the most popular from consumers.

I also inserted another RSS feed for a year on this page of the top products for growing hair. The following hair regrowth treatments were consistantly chosen by consumers.

Soft Angora Knitted Cap / Hat

Cold winter air can dry out your hair, making it brittle and encouraging breaking. Protect it this year with a beautiful angora cap / hat. One size fits most, hand wash and flat dry; can be ironed afterwards.

Many prescription medicines can result in brittle, thin, or no growth of your hair. Some may also be part of the cause of your hair loss!

I promote natural herbal medicines for people and pets, which are very effective for many health problems.

Get healthy again without all the drugs and medicines on the market! With natural medicines there are no harmful side effects. Join the over 1/3 of Americans that are using using natural remedies and natural medicines to help treat and prevent disease and enhance their quality of life.

What Kind Of Health Problems Can Benefit From Natural Medicines Alternatives?

Oh MY! So many health problems and diseases can be treated with natural herbal medicine alternatives instead of man made synthetic drugs
I've created a few pages for some specific health problems that you'll see featured farther below, but there's so many others available! Here's a 'fast track' to find relief to your health problems with much safer Natural Herbal Medicines!

Acne Control

ADD (Adults)

ADD (Children)

ADHD

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Hotflashes

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Immunity Booster

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Panic Attacks

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Skin Care

Thyroid (Overactive)

Thyroid (Underactive)

UTI Relief

Weight Loss Supplements

Weight Loss

Pain Relief

The side effects of most medicines for arthritis, joint, and back pain could be harmful. Receive pain relief safely with Herbal Natural Medicines

Natural Herbal Medicines

Herbal Detox

Antibiotics, prescription drugs, alcohol, poor diets, polution, our water supply, and the atmosphere all accumulate in our system, so a periodic Natural Herbal Body Detox is very beneficial to your health

Safe Treatments For Insomnia

Prescription and over the counter medicines for insomnia often have harmful side effects. I believe the best course for an Insomnia Treatment is herbal medicines

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I take Hair Vitamins, Do You? See my research for the best ones!

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