If you run your hand through your hair and pull out a few strands, don’t panic. It’s natural to lose anywhere between 50 to 100 hairs per day. But if you notice your hair coming out in larger clumps or the appearance of bald spots, it may be time to talk to your doctor about hair loss and what could be causing it.

A potential cause of hair loss is a vitamin deficiency, which can be addressed with a balanced diet. However, if you’re not getting the vitamins and minerals you need or a health condition is at play, your doctor may recommend you take vitamin supplements. The following are the best for hair growth.

What vitamins are best for hair growth? 

Vitamins do many amazing things for hair. They can aid in cell growth, prevent free radicals from damaging it, keep it from graying prematurely and nourish the follicles that stimulate growth. 

Here are the best vitamins for hair growth and thickness.

Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates the production of keratin to increase follicle growth. Biotin deficiency is rare, with biotinidase deficiency being the most common. You can find this vitamin in many foods, including eggs, meat, fish, nuts, eggs, sweet potatoes and seeds. 

The recommended intake is 30 micrograms for adults daily.

However, one side effect of biotin may be acne breakouts. In this Reddit thread, a user posted seeking advice on what vitamins and supplements others use for hair growth. Multiple responses indicate that taking more biotin resulted in acne. Though this may not be the same for everyone, it is something to consider if you do take a biotin supplement. If you do notice more breakouts, then consider one of the other vitamins for healthy hair.

Vitamin A 

Hair cells are the fastest-growing part of the body. It makes sense that vitamin A is the perfect fuel for that growth. When your body absorbs vitamin A, it produces sebum. That’s an oily substance that moisturizes your scalp, keeping it and your hair follicles healthy. Having a vitamin A deficiency can lead to hair loss. 

To consume more vitamin A, you’ll want to eat foods high in beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A. Foods high in beta-carotene include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, spinach and kale. You can also find it in cod liver oil, eggs, yogurt and milk.

The recommended daily intake for vitamin A is up to 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for women. Be careful not to take too much vitamin A, as it can have harmful effects and has been linked to birth defects during pregnancy.

Vitamin C 

Oxidative stress is one of the main factors contributing to hair loss. This occurs when we have an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies, which can lead to an electron imbalance that could result in hair loss. 

The solution is to consume foods with vitamin C. Your body possesses antioxidants that curtail free radicals’ hair damage by balancing their electrons when you do. Along with balancing the scales, Vitamin C aids your body in producing collagen (prevents hair from graying prematurely) and absorbing iron — tackling iron deficiency to an extent — which can help hair grow. Smoking, drinking alcohol and having a poor diet can lead to a vitamin C deficiency.

You’ll find vitamin C in citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes and guavas. Since your body doesn’t produce it, you’ll need to include these in your diet or take a supplement with vitamin C. 

Daily intake for vitamin C is up to 90 milligrams per day for adult men and 75 milligrams for adult women. Taking too much Vitamin C could result in heartburn, muscle cramps, fatigue, skin flushing and possible kidney stones. 

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to hair loss conditions like alopecia, female pattern hair loss and excessive shedding. You’ll find these depletions more in people aged 65 and over. 

To get more vitamin D intake, you can incorporate fatty fish, cod liver oil, fortified foods (cereal, eggs, bread, yogurt) and mushrooms into your diet. Alternatively, you can catch some midday sun rays.

600 IU of vitamin D is the recommended dosage for adults. Taking too much vitamin D could result in nausea, weight loss, disorientation and heart rhythm issues.

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E contains the same antioxidant prowess as its vitamin C counterpart possesses. It means it can curb oxidative stress by balancing out the electron level in free radicals. People more susceptible to vitamin E deficiencies include those with health conditions such as Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis. 

Vitamin E is an effective method for treating hair loss. A small study revealed that people taking vitamin E supplements for eight months experienced a 34.5% increase in hair growth. You can also find vitamin E in sunflower seeds, spinach, avocados and almonds. 

If you plan to go the supplemental route, the recommended dietary allowance is 15 milligrams daily.

Iron

Iron fuels the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in your body’s red blood cells. These cells distribute oxygen to cells throughout your body, aiding in their repair and growth. An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss, with women being the most susceptible.

You’ll find iron in foods like eggs, red meat, lentils, spinach, oysters and clams. If your doctor recommends it, you can take an iron supplement. 

The recommended daily iron intake is 45 mg. Keep in mind that taking too much iron could result in constipation, stomach pain and vomiting.  

Zinc 

Zinc promotes hair growth and keeps the oil glands surrounding the follicles working well. If you have a Zinc deficiency, you could experience hair loss. Those most susceptible to zinc deficiencies are those who drink alcohol excessively, people with Crohn’s, pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with chronic kidney ailments. 

You can find zinc in many common foods like beef, spinach, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, oysters and lentils. The recommended daily dosage of zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. Taking too much could result in loss of appetite, cramps and headaches. It can also lower your good cholesterol.

How long do hair growth vitamins take to work?

Hair supplements are not overnight solutions. It may take months before you’ll notice small improvements. Remember that the success rate depends on the cause of the hair loss, your diet, genetics and other factors. 

Do hair vitamins really work?

While hair growth vitamins may work for some, others may not notice a difference. However, consistent use is key to seeing long-term results, so don’t expect overnight changes. (And don’t invest in products that promise significant results in a short time.)

Again, this is a commonly asked question on Reddit. In this discussion thread, someone is asking which vitamins help with hair growth and thickness. One of the replies is from a person who uses both collagen and biotin and has noticed a significant difference in their hair and nails. Their hair experiences less breakage and feels stronger, while their nails grow much faster. So, in addition to the hair growth, some of these supplements can also give you a boost in your skin and nails.

Bottom line 

Vitamins can restore damaged hair, prevent it from aging prematurely, reduce hair loss and improve growth and volume. They’re also not a one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll want to consult your doctor if you’re losing a significant amount of hair, as it may stem from your environment, an underlying medical condition or another factor. They can work with you to create a targeted plan that may include vitamins.