Finding the Right Supplement Balance for Hair Strength - Biotin, Keratin & More

Thinning hair is a common problem that affects men and women, especially as we age. If you're wondering what to do for thinning hair, an approach that focuses on nutrition may be highly beneficial, provided you choose the right supplements and food formulated for hair health. Read on to learn more about supporting hair health through diet and vitamins.

Why Does Hair Thin with Age?

There are a few reasons why hair thinning often occurs with age. Let's explore them one by one.

Aging Hair Follicles

Hairs emerge from sac-shaped structures along the scalp called hair follicles. As we age, changes naturally occur in these structures, leading to differences in the hairs that arise from them. Generally, hairs become narrower with age, appearing less full and voluminous than they once did.

Hormonal Changes

Levels of sex hormones change as we grow older. In men, testosterone levels decline, and in women, estrogen levels also decline after menopause. These hormonal changes can affect hair growth, causing it to slow. Male and female pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia typically occurs due to the effects of hormonal changes.

Stress

Although people of all ages can experience stress, older adults often have stressors that younger people don't, such as concerns about retirement or medical issues. Stress can trigger a form of hair thinning known as telogen effluvium, which occurs when hairs move from the active growing phase to the dormant stage at an abnormally fast pace, leading to excessive hair shedding and thinning.

Environmental Damage

Reactive particles called free radicals help drive the aging process, and they're present all around us in UV radiation and air pollution. Free radicals damage healthy cells throughout the body via a process called oxidation. Oxidative damage to the hair follicles can contribute to age-related changes in the hair.

What Improves Hair Health?

Although you can find an array of hair care products for thinning hair, these solutions often don't get to the root of the problem. That's why many experts recommend promoting healthy hair from the inside out.

Diet to Improve Hair Health

Eating a well-balanced diet is important for supporting healthy hair growth, and some foods are particularly ideal for those concerned about age-related thinning. These key foods for hair health include the following:

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and key vitamins such as biotin, folate, and vitamins A and E. Some people apply eggs directly to hair to hydrate and nourish it.

Berries

Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and other berries are excellent sources of antioxidants. An antioxidant is a nutrient that breaks down free radicals, reducing their negative effects. This means that berries can help defend hair follicles and other cells from oxidative damage.

Spinach

Hair thinning and hair loss are sometimes signs of an iron deficiency. A serving of leafy green spinach provides plenty of iron, antioxidant vitamin A, and other nutrients to support healthy hair.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have shown that these healthy fats may help to support hair growth, but more research is needed to understand their benefits fully.

Sweet Potatoes

The color of sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene, which your body converts to antioxidant vitamin A. These tasty vegetables also contain other essential hair health nutrients.

Nuts and Seeds

A serving of nuts and seeds treats your hair to beneficial protein and essential fatty acids, B complex vitamins, and antioxidant vitamins A and E, all of which may aid in hair health.

Vitamins for Hair Health

Supplements can bridge the diet gap and help you avoid nutrient deficiencies essential to support hair health. In addition, they can supply your body with raw materials needed to produce hair.

Keratin

When wondering, what is keratin? Keratin is a protein that is the main building block of hair, skin, and nails.

Keratin benefits for hair: Taking a keratin supplement supplies your body with this essential protein so that it can be broken down and potentially used for hair growth.

Biotin

What is biotin? Biotin is a member of the B-complex of vitamins. Many people take biotin for hair growth, and hair loss.  Hair thinning could be a sign of a biotin vitamin deficiency.

Biotin benefits for hair: For hair specifically, a biotin supplement may help stimulate keratin production. Biotin's health benefits go beyond beauty, as your body needs the vitamin to transform food into energy to fuel all of its processes.

Collagen

What is collagen? Collagen is yet another structural protein found in hair and skin. It is the most abundant protein in the body.

Collagen benefits for hair: You may have heard about taking supplements for skin, but is collagen good for hair, too? The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Taking collagen for hair may help support healthy follicles.

A Word About Supplementing Safely

Please note that while biotin side effects and side effects from other hair support supplements are rare, they can happen, especially if taken at high doses. Supplements may also interact with some medications or be unsafe for people with certain medical conditions. As a result, it's wise to consult your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your diet.

Incidentally, what is a Keratin Treatment?

A keratin treatment is a styling service that involves applying a chemical solution containing keratin to hair strands. Also called a Brazilian blowout, keratin hair treatment services leave hair looking straighter and shinier and may reduce frizz. Results from a keratin treatment for hair may last up to six months. In addition, a keratin treatment that’s formaldehyde-free may improve hair health by strengthening the hair strands and making them more resistant to breakage and splitting.

How to Improve Hair Health the Simple Way

If you want the benefits from the best vitamins for hair health, you don't have to take dozens of supplements daily. Body Kitchen Keratin Enrich delivers a variety of hair health vitamins with a two-capsule daily serving. In addition to biotin and keratin, our supplement contains various other antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins for hair health, plus black pepper extract to enhance absorption and help your body better utilize the nutrients.

Learn more about our hair health support supplement and order a bottle today to reap the hair and health benefits of biotin and keratin, as well as additional vitamins and minerals.