Let’s talk hair. Regardless of style, we all want strong, hydrated and breakage-free hair. Our Type 3 And Type 4 hair has unique properties that require unique care and nutrients to keep it looking and feeling healthy. Naturally curly, coily and tight-textured hair is naturally dry. This is because the oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft due to the tight curls and coils. As a result, type 3 and type 4 hair requires more moisture to keep it healthy. In addition to being naturally dry, our hair is also more susceptible to breakage.
There are the standard methods of keeping your hair healthy and hydrated, from switching to a silk pillowcase, avoiding heat styling tools and drinking plenty of water. But did you know that your vitamin levels also have a huge impact on hair health and growth? Vitamins are essential for our overall health, including the health of our hair. Hair is made up of keratin, a type of protein, and without proper nutrition, it can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Certain vitamins are particularly important for natural hair health and hair growth, including Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Magnesium and Zinc. Adding adaptogens like Ceylon Cinnamon can also support hair growth.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is essential for overall health, including hair health. This vitamin helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. It also helps regulate the growth and maintenance of our hair follicles. An estimated 76% - 90% of melanated people are Vitamin D deficient, largely because our melanin inhibits our body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D from the sun. Lack of Vitamin D3 is linked to hair thinning, alopecia, and breakage. Foods high in Vitamin D3 include fatty fish such as salmon, cod liver oil, and egg yolks. In addition, it is helpful to supplement your diet with a high-quality, Vitamin D3 supplement to help prevent deficiency and support hair health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for healthy hair growth because it helps produce collagen, a protein that gives structure to our hair, skin, and nails. It also helps absorb iron from plant-based foods, which is important for hair health. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect our hair from damage caused by free radicals. Lack of Vitamin C is linked to dry, brittle hair and hair loss. Foods high in Vitamin C include citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, strawberries, kiwis, bell peppers, and spinach. A supplement that includes Vitamin C can also help boost your collagen production and help keep your hair hydrated.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is important for hair health because it helps produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen to our hair follicles. Adequate levels of oxygen and nutrients are crucial for healthy hair growth. Vitamin B12 helps to maintain proper nerve function, which is important for hair growth and health. A healthy nervous system helps to regulate hormone levels and support the production of keratin, a protein that is essential for healthy, strong hair.
A lack of Vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, which can cause hair loss, hair breakage and can stunt hair growth. Foods high in Vitamin B12 include animal products such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Vegetarians and vegans may need a high-dose Vitamin B12 supplement, as their diets do not typically include enough of this nutrient. In addition, everyone can benefit from a multivitamin with high-dose Vitamin B12 to help improve red blood cell count, strengthen and promote hair growth and give us a boost of natural energy.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for hair growth. Magnesium helps to regulate various functions in the body, such as the production of enzymes and hormones, and the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Magnesium helps to regulate hormones, including androgens which can affect hair growth. By regulating hormone levels, this nutrient can help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. In addition to hormone regulation, Magnesium helps to improve blood circulation, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. It also helps promote keratin protein production.
Foods high in magnesium include leafy greens such as spinach and kale, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. To promote hair growth, look for a multivitamin that includes high-quality Magnesium. Magnesium Malate is considered one of the best forms of Magnesium for hair growth because it is easily absorbed by the body and has a high bioavailability. Additionally, Magnesium Malate is a form of Magnesium that is bound to Malic Acid, which is known for its ability to improve energy production and support overall health.
Zinc
Zinc is important for hair health because it helps produce new hair cells and maintain the health of our hair follicles. Zinc is an essential nutrient that helps to regulate hormones, including androgens which can affect hair growth. By regulating hormone levels, this nutrient can help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Zinc is also important for promoting wound healing, which supports the health of hair follicles and scalp. In addition, Zinc helps you maintain a healthy immune system, which can help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss and other hair problems. Foods high in zinc include oysters, beef, chicken, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas. Look for a multivitamin that includes a bioavailable form of Zinc. Zinc Picolinate is considered one of the best forms of zinc for hair growth because it has a high bioavailability and is easily absorbed by the body. Additionally, Zinc Picolinate is a form of Zinc that is bound to Picolinic Acid, which helps to increase the absorption of Zinc in the body.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon Cinnamon is a spice and adaptogen that is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ceylon Cinnamon is believed to help promote blood circulation, which can help to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles and scalp. This can help to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Ceylon Cinnamon also has antimicrobial properties that can help to reduce the growth of yeast and bacteria on the scalp, which can contribute to dandruff and other scalp conditions. This is especially important when wearing protective styles where parts of your scalp may be covered for extended periods. Ceylon Cinnamon also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can help reduce hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances.
Ceylon cinnamon can be added to tea, smoothies, and baked goods, or taken as a supplement. When it comes to choosing a cinnamon supplement for hair growth, it is important that the supplement contain Ceylon Cinnamon instead of Cassia Cinnamon. Ceylon Cinnamon is considered to be safer and more effective for these purposes than Cassia Cinnamon, which is typically found in grocery stores. Cassia Cinnamon includes higher levels of coumarin, a compound that can be toxic in large amounts and can cause liver damage.
Supporting Your Hair Growth Journey
Like any healthy hair routine, incorporating vitamins into your diet and through supplements requires patience and consistency. An easy way to incorporate these vitamins and adaptogens into your routine is with our Daily Essentials Multivitamin. We combine the precise vitamins, probiotics and adaptogens needed by melanated women that will help you look and feel your best. Our Daily Essentials contain more Vitamin D3 than other multivitamins on the market, and our Vitamin D3 is a vegan, eco-friendly form derived from algae. We also include high-dose Vitamin B12 and your daily dose of Vitamin C, Zinc Picolinate, Magnesium Malate and Ceylon Cinnamon. And we’re certified vegan, non-gmo and gluten free.