Do Vitamins For Your Hair Really Do Anything?

Taking vitamins involves blind faith. Doctors say it can take up to three months for a vitamin or supplement to show any improvements (via Net Doctor). So patience, consistency, and time are required. With hopeful promises to improve one's health and beauty, the vitamin and supplement industry is massive and expected to grow to nearly 37 billion dollars by the end of 2022 (via IBIS World). A substantial part of the industry is hair, nails, and skin supplements, vowing to bring us thicker, shinier, fuller hair. But do they really work?

Hair vitamins are supplements made from a multitude of ingredients, usually including biotin, vitamins e and c, collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and more (via Healthline). Though widely approved by celebrities on the gram, the vitamins don't have nearly as much backing from health professionals. Nevertheless, celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Kylie Jenner, and more are huge advocates for hair supplements, making the allure behind them as encouraging as it is mysterious. So what is the truth behind the trend?

Hair loss affects more than 80 million Americans, 40% of which are women (via Southeastern Plastic Surgery). For some, losing hair can feel like losing youth, beauty, and contentment. As humans, we tend to be very emotionally attached to our hair, and research has proven that the psychological effects of losing hair are more severe in women than men (via The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology). The creation of vitamins served as a hopeful, simple, and easy way to remedy the problem. The reviews, however, are very mixed.

In a 2012 double-blind study, women experienced improvements in hair shine, skin moisture retention, and skin smoothness after taking oral supplements for 180 days. However, many physicians remain skeptical and assert that there is still insufficient data regarding the different kinds of vitamins (via Consumer Reports). Additionally, the studies that show effectiveness are usually with people with hair issues caused by an existing nutrient deficiency. The conclusion is that the hair vitamins likely do not work for those who do not suffer from a deficiency problem (via Healthline).

Many things can cause hair loss, including nutrient deficiency, hormone imbalance, thyroid problems, stress, and overall health (via Dermatology and Therapy). Because of the various factors contributing to or diminishing hair health, it isn't easy to gauge when vitamins are a good ally. You also may be only treating a symptom rather than a more extensive underlying condition. It's essential to visit your doctor when experiencing hair loss, as there could be a more significant problem at play.

If the primary reason for hair loss is inadequate vitamin intake, eating a healthier diet full of diverse plants and vegetables could also improve hair health. Limiting processed foods and sugars can also reduce inflammation in the body and thus improve hair, skin, and nail health. Unfortunately, healthy people are not promised to see results from hair supplements. If you experience severe hair loss paired with other symptoms, schedule a visit with a health professional to discuss your options.