Nutritional Supplements For Hair: How Effective Are They?
Both men and women frequently worry about hair loss, which can be caused by several factors, including hormonal imbalances, heredity, dietary deficiencies, stress and more.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that many individuals resort to nutritional supplements in their efforts to stop hair loss and encourage hair growth. These pills claim to offer vital nutrients that support hair health and encourage hair development. However, the scientific and medical sectors continue to debate over their efficacy.
In this article, we get to the bottom of things and discuss the effectiveness of nutritional supplements in treating hair loss.
Understanding hair loss
Understanding the underlying reasons for hair loss is essential before examining the efficacy of dietary supplements intended to treat it. There are two primary categories of hair loss — genetic or pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and non-genetic hair loss.
Genetic or pattern hair loss is the most prevalent type of hair loss that affects both men and women. Men typically suffer from scattered hair thinning (known as male pattern baldness), whereas women usually experience progressive hair thinning and a receding hairline. When it comes to the causes of genetic hair loss, hormones and genetics are the main culprits.
On the other hand, non-genetic hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors – including nutritional deficiencies, stress, certain medications, diseases and other circumstances.
An insight into nutritional supplements
The standard composition of nutritional supplements for hair loss typically consists of a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and plant extracts.
These supplements are promoted as an easy approach to providing people with the nutrients they need for healthy hair development. Some popular ingredients often included in these supplements are biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and iron, among other substances.
Biotin is a common ingredient associated with healthy skin, nails and hair. This is because it contributes to keratin synthesis, which is the generation of the protein that gives hair its structural integrity. Similarly, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and other nutrients also play critical roles in general health and may indirectly influence hair development. However, there is little research and scientific evidence on the direct effects of these nutrients on hair development.
The effectiveness debate
The effectiveness of nutritional supplements for hair loss remains a topic of debate, primarily due to the lack of comprehensive scientific evidence.
Numerous research looking at how these supplements affect hair growth include flaws such as limited sample numbers, poor study design, and contradictory results. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology discovered that women with hair loss saw enhanced hair growth and quality when biotin, zinc, and a herbal extract were used. However, it is challenging to come to definitive conclusions because of the study’s shortcomings, which include the lack of a control group.
Generally, despite the fact that some users of nutritional supplements for hair loss claim success and report positive results, anecdotal evidence cannot be taken as definitive. Even in the absence of the direct action of supplement, the placebo effect and natural hair growth cycles might result in perceived improvements.
The importance of a comprehensive approach
Although nutritional supplements for hair loss are frequently promoted and may have some advantages, it is still unknown if they are truly effective. There is little scientific evidence to support these supplements’ direct effects on hair growth.
Thus, if you are struggling with hair loss, opting for professional treatments like a hair transplant in Singapore would be more beneficial.
Treat your hair loss problems for good with The Clifford Clinic
As a leading aesthetic clinic in Singapore, The Clifford Clinic offers a wide range of professional treatments by certified doctors that may treat your hair loss problems for good.
Some of our most popular hair loss treatments include the following:
1. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant
Single follicular units with 2 to 3 hair strands apiece are removed during our FUE Hair Transplant procedure. What sets FUE apart from other hair transplant techniques is how little scarring it leaves behind. As a result, patients do not have to worry about their scars showing when they cut their hair short or even go bald.
Individuals suffering from male or female pattern baldness are the best candidates for the procedure.
2. Regenera Activa Hair Transplant
Besides FUE, you may also consider our Regenera Activa Hair Transplant. This cutting-edge method of hair renewal uses capillary regeneration technology to stop hair loss and promote hair growth.
To begin the procedure, small skin samples are obtained from the back of the scalp. These samples are subsequently purified and concentrated using the Regenera Activa device. The concentrated solution is divided into small, absorbable portions, which are then infused into areas of the scalp that have experienced hair loss.
By injecting this solution into the affected areas, dormant hair follicles are stimulated, initiating the growth of new hair. This treatment can be completed within approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and typically, only one session is required to observe noticeable results.
3. Bellasonic
For those who do not want to opt for a hair transplant, you may consider our Bellasonic treatment. This ultrasonic therapy device, one of the most current inventions imported straight from South Korea, aims to stimulate the regeneration of epidermal cells, particularly those in charge of hair development. Bellasonic uses a high-frequency ultrasound of 1–10 MHz to penetrate the skin. The ultrasound stimulates the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are involved in the body’s natural healing process. In order to promote faster hair growth and reduce hair loss, this treatment may help increase blood flow and oxygenation to the treated areas.
The Fraxel 1927 Thulium Laser is a hair loss treatment option that has the ability to enhance the condition of the scalp. The procedure has been demonstrated to enhance blood flow to hair follicles and growth factors to revitalize and nourish hair follicles.
This treatment option is a painless yet effective way of achieving a fuller head of hair. In fact, results can typically be seen within a few weeks.
Do not hesitate to contact us today for more information.