What are hair loss vitamins?

Hair loss vitamins are nutritional supplements that aim to improve the quality of your hair and treat male pattern baldness. There are various vitamins and minerals linked to hair health, and these are often sold as an effective way to reverse hair loss. 

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of things, including (in rare cases) a vitamin deficiency. If a vitamin deficiency is the cause of your hair loss, then taking a supplement for that particular vitamin may be an effective solution. But if you don't have a deficiency then supplementing extra vitamins will have no effect whatsoever upon your hair loss.

Where can I buy hair loss vitamins?

Hair loss vitamins are not likely to be prescribed by a doctor. However, if you walk into any high street pharmacy or health food shop, you are likely to find an array of hair loss supplements and vitamins. 

What kinds of hair growth supplements are there?

The most common vitamins contained in these supplements are:

• Biotin
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Niacin
• Vitamin C
• Iron

Do hair loss vitamins work?

There is very little scientific evidence to suggest that any of these vitamins specifically promote hair growth, however it is true that a severe deficiency of biotin, zinc, niacin and iron can lead to hair loss but this is very rare.

When can supplements help?

As stated above, hair loss vitamins may be effective if your hair loss is caused by a deficiency in a particular vitamin. However, if you are suffering from a severe vitamin deficiency which is causing symptoms as extreme as hair loss, it is very likely that you will need medical treatment. If you believe you have a vitamin deficiency then please see your doctor.

Are hair loss vitamins dangerous?

Ultimately, taking vitamin supplements is not thought to be particularly detrimental to your health as long as you do not take too many.

How can I avoid hair loss?

A normal balanced diet, should already contain all of these vitamins. The best way to increase your vital minerals and vitamins is to increase the proportion of fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet.

Generally, it is important to remember that healthy hair is an extension of a healthy body - if you are in good health, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet containing all the vitamins and nutrients you require, then you significantly reduce the likelihood of losing your hair. However in some instances, hair loss is unavoidable.

If you suffer from male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, then your hair loss is a genetic condition and will not respond to hair loss vitamins.

Medically endorsed hair loss treatments

In the UK, only two hair loss medicines are actually endorsed by the medical community, and have been proven to treat hair growth.

Prescription tablets

The most effective treatment for male pattern baldness is Finasteride. This is a prescription treatment, which means it will need to prescribed by a GP or an online doctor services like ours. 

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a lotion or foam that is applied to the scalp every day as an effective hair loss treatment. It is not as effective as Finasteride, but has is available without a prescription, through high street pharmacies or supermarkets.

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15529357
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/