Give Your Hair the Benefit of a Healthy Lifestyle

Can hair vitamin supplements really help you grow another six inches of hair before your wedding, or stop your receding hair line? Or are they just another gimmick designed and marketed to take our hard earned cash in the name of improving our appearance?

As with most miracle cures and super supplements, consumers should be skeptical of hair vitamin supplements that promise extreme or dramatic results. Just as the latest diet supplement failed to help you lose 10 pounds overnight, they’re likely to let you down and leave you bitter about falling prey to yet another scam. A better approach to improving the appearance and growth rate of your hair is a practical one based on tried and true scientific evidence.

Growth Rate and Genetics

First and foremost, individuals must understand that the rate of growth of their hair as well as its thinness or thickness is primarily determined by genetics. If your parents and grandparents have gorgeous heads of thick, flowing hair into their senior years, lucky you! You are likely to experience a similar phenomenon. On the other hand, thinning hair or baldness is just as likely to be in the cards if your relatives experience either condition. There’s not much you can do about your genes, but there are ways to make the most of what you have to reach your full hair growth and condition potentials.

Healthy Living for Healthy Hair

Despite the claims of many beauty products’ labels, healthy hair really starts from within our bodies. Within the bounds of genetic predisposition, the condition of our hair is a reflection of our health. If we are malnourished or under a great deal of stress, it may well show in thinning hair, excessive shedding, or growth failure. Although we may not be able to control medical conditions or treatments that affect hair growth and loss, we can do our best to maintain a healthy lifestyle that promotes optimum hair condition.

A nutritious diet is essential for growing a healthy head of hair. A variety of nutrients support hair growth and condition, including amino acids and proteins, beta carotene and several minerals. The best way to ensure proper nutrition is to eat well-balanced meals and take a complete multi-vitamin supplement. Hair vitamin supplements are unnecessary if good nutrition practices are followed.

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, sleep is also essential to hair health. Adequate sleep promotes hair growth. Restricting caffeine, alcohol and nicotine use as well as reducing stress and getting adequate exercise are simple ways to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Best Hair Care Practices

To support hair health further, practice good hair care practices. Avoid excessive shampooing, brushing, or heat styling. Consistently pulling or twisting hair into tight styles should be avoided. Limit chemical treatments, and treat your hair gently to prevent breakage and promote a naturally healthy shine.