There’s so many hair products and hair growth supplements out there on the market. So how do you know what ingredients work for hair growth and hair health? And what do you need to look for on labels?
Let’s talk about 12 of the most powerful natural ingredients for your hair, and a closer look at how they work their magic on your beautiful locks!
1. Argan Oil
First up is argan oil. Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree native to Morocco, and this natural elixir has remarkable benefits as a hair growth oil. Rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, argan oil deeply nourishes the hair follicles. Plus, it contains vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that also made this power hair ingredient list. Argan oil's moisturizing properties help reduce breakage and split ends — setting the stage for hair growth. And it can help manage frizz and enhance shine, providing an overall boost to the appearance and health of your hair. We believe in its power so much that our Nourish + Repair Serum is made of 100% argan oil! It’s a versatile hair growth oil if you’re seeking to nurture your luscious locks.
2. Biotin
Biotin, or vitamin B7, plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Fun fact — your hair is mainly composed of a protein called keratin. And biotin helps your body use the building blocks of proteins, called amino acids, and promotes the production of keratin. So when you have enough biotin, it gives your hair the power it needs to keep those strands sturdy and resilient. Also, biotin aids in preventing hair breakage and keeping your scalp well-hydrated. If you’re struggling with slow hair growth or weak hair, supplementing with biotin or adding biotin-rich foods into your diet can give you a much-needed boost!
3. Bioperine (Black Pepper Extract)
Bioperine, or black pepper extract, has benefits beyond flavoring your food. For hair health, bioperine plays a unique role in enhancing nutrient absorption. Black pepper extract contains piperine, a compound known to improve the bioavailability of nutrients by increasing absorption in the digestive tract. When you add bioperine into hair care formulations or supplements, it can potentially boost the absorption of other essential vitamins and minerals. Its ability to enhance nutrient absorption makes bioperine a valuable addition to this arsenal of powerful ingredients for healthier hair.
4. Collagen
Collagen is often celebrated for its benefits for skin health, but it’s also a winning ingredient for healthy hair growth! If you’re new to collagen, it’s a protein that forms the structural foundation of various tissues in the body, including the skin and hair. Collagen provides essential support for hair strength, hair follicles, and hair elasticity, and also helps reduce the likelihood of breakage and split ends. Last but not least, collagen supports the production of keratin. Collagen levels naturally decline with age, but other factors like excess sugar consumption, excess sun exposure, and smoking can play a part. In these cases, or if you want extra support, you may want to incorporate collagen for hair growth.
5. Cynatine HNS
Cynatine HNS — a specialized ingredient designed to support hair, skin, and nails — is a stand-out power hair ingredient. What makes Cynatine HNS unique is its bioactive form of keratin, the very protein that constitutes your hair. Cynatine HNS is engineered to provide solubilized, absorbable keratin to ensure your body can efficiently utilize this key building block for hair strength and resilience. Cynatine HNS may also offer protection against oxidative stress, which can be a major factor for hair breakage and hair loss. Cynatine HNS is one of the superstar ingredients in our Growth Complex — and we have seen firsthand its transformative power for promoting long, thick, and strong hair.
6. Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract, renowned for its antioxidant properties, has great promise for promoting healthier hair. Packed with polyphenols and catechins, green tea extract offers protection against oxidative stress and helps neutralize free radicals, which trigger damage to hair follicles and strands. Green tea extract also contains compounds that may inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss. If you’re looking at everyday natural hair products, such as shampoos, green tea extract is a great ingredient! Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it a valuable addition to your hair routine.
7. Iron
You’ve probably learned about iron before, seeing as it’s a vital mineral for overall health. But it also plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and health of your hair. Hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen, requires iron. Enough oxygen is essential for hair follicles, which means insufficient iron levels may lead to thinning hair and hair loss. Iron deficiency, known as anemia, can cause decreased circulation to the scalp, negatively impacting hair follicle function. Including iron-rich foods in your diet or supplementation when needed can help ensure that your body has the necessary iron levels to support robust hair growth.
8. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pantothenic acid, commonly known as vitamin B5, is a key player in the quest for healthier and more vibrant hair. This essential vitamin is involved in many biological processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Pantothenic acid is crucial for the formation of coenzyme A, a compound involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and a key component of hair structure. It also supports the adrenal glands, which produce hormones critical to hair health and hair growth. By promoting proper adrenal function, vitamin B5 helps reduce stress — one of the biggest triggers for hair loss. Incorporating vitamin B5 in your diet or through supplements can be a valuable step towards nurturing your hair from within.
9. Selenium
Next up is selenium, an essential trace mineral and powerful antioxidant that also has numerous benefits for your hair. Selenium helps protect the scalp from oxidative stress, contributing to a healthier environment for hair growth. This mineral is also involved in the synthesis of selenoproteins, which are essential for maintaining hair follicle health. Another fun fact about selenium is it helps preserve the natural pigment of your hair and avoid those dreaded gray hairs. Overall, selenium is associated with reduced hair loss and improved hair texture. Incorporating selenium into your daily hair routine offers a natural approach to supporting the strength and vitality of your hair.
10. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, known for its immune-boosting properties, also wins out as a key player for vibrant and resilient hair. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps combat oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair aging and damage. Plus, this essential vitamin plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis. Your hair strands need enough collagen production to stay strong and reduce the risk of breakage. Not to mention, vitamin C facilitates the absorption of iron for optimal oxygen to your hair follicles. To promote hair growth, you can include more vitamin C-rich foods into your diet — such as berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens — or opt for supplements.
11. Vitamin E
Vitamin E, another potent antioxidant, proves to be a valuable asset in nurturing and fortifying your hair. Like many others on this list, this vitamin helps protect the scalp and hair follicles from oxidative stress. Plus, vitamin E aids in maintaining the integrity of cell membranes, including for hair follicles. By safeguarding the cell membranes, vitamin E supports overall hair health, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting a smoother texture. Adding more vitamin E into your diet through sources like nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils or supplements can be a beneficial strategy to enhance the strength, shine, and resilience of your hair.
12. Zinc
Zinc is such a great way to end this list because it does so much for your hair! This trace mineral plays a crucial role in supporting the hair growth cycle and preventing hair loss. Zinc is involved in the production of sebum, the natural oil that nourishes the scalp and keeps hair strands supple. Adequate zinc levels are associated with a reduction in hair shedding and improved thickness. Plus, zinc contributes to the structural integrity of hair proteins, including keratin. To take your hair routine up a notch, try adding zinc-rich foods into your diet — such as legumes, meat, nuts, and seeds — or consider hair supplements with zinc.
Stronger Together: The Power of Growth Complex
These ingredients individually have an impact on hair growth and hair health, but together pack quite the punch! That’s why we created our Growth Complex, which combines many of these high-quality ingredients into one powerful formula!
This daily vitamin is designed to help:
- Reduce shedding
- Strengthen hair from the follicle to strand
- Promote new hair growth
- Increase moisture and shine
- Neutralize free radicals for a healthier scalp
Whether you try Growth Complex or other products on the market, be sure to look for these incredible ingredients to power your hair growth, strength, and vibrancy. Remember, the right ingredients can make all the difference in the world for your hair!
