See Our New Directory for Hair Growth Ingredients
There are numerous options to choose from when it comes to hair vitamins and supplements. Here, we created an extensive list of both botanical ingredients and essential nutrients that are commonly used to formulate hair supplement ingredients.
Botanical Ingredients
| Apple Extract (Malus Domestica) |
A number of researchers have proven that Procyanidin B-2, a substance found in unripened apples, works wonders for hair by aiding new hair growth and increasing the thickness of each strand (source). |  |
| Bamboo Extract (Bambusa Vulgaris) |
Bamboo contains high levels of Silica (70%), which helps with stronger hair and nail growth as well as restoration of damaged cells. Also high in protein, bamboo is a great source to prevent brittle hair by nourishing hair strands. Many people who take Bamboo extract supplements frequently say that their hair is growing much faster and stronger. |  |
| BioPerine Black Pepper Extract (Piper Nigrum) | Black pepper extract increases energy levels in the human body. It also promotes better nutrient absorption. |  |
| Burdock Extract (Arctium Lappa) |
A liquid taken from an incredibly useful root. It’s used for fighting cancer, treating burns, and generally taking good care of your skin. The benefits for your hair: strength, shine, and body. |  |
| Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) |
Ginkgo Biloba helps with blood circulation. What does this mean for hair? Ginkgo makes sure dermal papilla (the part of each hair follicle that is connected to blood vessels) receive proper minerals and nutrition while also promoting growth. |  |
| Gotu Kola (Centelia Asiatica) |
Gotu Kola has been used as a herbal remedy in India and China for centuries. Based on the study conducted by International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, they found out Gotu Kola increases hair thickness. This plant is still popularly used in China for treating baldness (source). |  |
| He Shou Wu (Polygonum Multiflorum Root) |
Also known as Fo Ti, He Shou Wu prevents premature grey hair and often brings back the original hair color pigment. It is used for enhancing hair growth in China. |  |
| Horsetail Extract (Equisetum Arvense) | A very popular botanical element contained in many hair vitamins. Horsetail extract is rich in Silica and essential minerals, which promote healthy hair growth. |  |
| Millet extract (Panicum Miliaceum) |
Millet extract promotes healthy hair growth by stimulating existing cell activities as well as regenerating tissue. It’s known as a key ingredient for producing shiny and elastic hair (source). |  |
| Stinging Nettle (Urtica Diola) |
Nettle stimulates new hair growth by inhibiting the testosteron to DHT conversion It is well known that the effectiveness for hair regrowth increases when nettle and saw palmetto are used together. |  |
| Saw Palmetto Berry (Serenoa Repens) | Saw Palmetto is known as a DHT blocking plant. It controls the 5-alpha reductase enzyme from converting testestrone to DHT. |  |
| White Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia Sinensis) | The research on white tea leaf extract is causing some controversy lately. It’s health benefits from an antioxidant level are well know, but more specific testing needs to be done for it’s effects on hair. |  |
Vitamin Ingredients
| Biotin | Biotin is also known as “the hair vitamin”. It plays a crucial role in strengthening hair and nails as well as promoting faster hair growth. |
| Copper (as Copper Amino Acid Chelate) | Research indicates that Copper Peptides are a main source for resulting in rapid hair growth according to Foligen. This essential mineral improves scalp condition and renewal of hair follicles. |
| Folic Acid | Folic acid helps our body with energy production and making sure nutrition reaches our hair properly for normal hair growth. |
| Iodine (from kelp) |
Many manufacturers include kelp as a supplement to Iodine. It helps with proper thyroid function and supports hair growth. Iodine also acts as an anti-fungal component that when applied topically, controls dandruff. |
| L-Cysteine (as L-Cysteine HCl) |
L-Cysteine is an amino acid that controls hair loss by increasing the thickness of hair strands. It is one of the four amino acids that builds the keratin proteins that make up of our hair shaft. |
| L-methionine | L-methionine is an amino acid whose main role is to help form protein in our body. As our hair is mostly made of protein, maintaining a proper amount of L-methionine is crucial. |
| Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide) |
Magnesium is an important mineral that is required for our body to function properly, including healthy hair growth. A magnesium deficiency can lead to hair loss as well as brittle nails and dry skin. |
| MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) |
MSM may extend the anagen growth phase and help with faster hair growth. MSM contains a mineral called Surphur which is essential for healthy hair growth. A low level of sulphur results in weak and brittle hair strands |
| Panthothenic Acid (D-Calcium Pantothenate) |
Known as Vitamin B5, Panthothenic acid is usually combined with other vitamin B members and are used to promote healthy hair growth. It helps with the proper use of proteins in our body. |
| Selenium (Selenium Amino Acid Chelate) |
Selenium is a dietary mineral which comes with proteins in our body. By providing proper thyroid function, Selenium can help with thyroid related hair loss. It also contains properties that prevent dandruff by removing any fungal growth on the scalp. |
| Vitamin A (Retinyl Acetate) |
Vitamin A helps produce sebum, a natural hair oil that moisturizes the scalp from becoming too dry, thus providing a healthy hair growing environment. |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | Thiamine promotes proper digestion. In turn, it ensures hair follicles get the oxygen and nutrition they need to form keratin. |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | Vitamin B2 is responsible for producing red blood cell production and promoting healthy hair growth. |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Vitamin B3, also known as Inian, is used for energy production by delivering oxygen and minerals to different parts of the body, including the scalp. Niacin also promotes proper nutrition reaching hair follicles by opening up blood vessels. |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) |
Vitamin B6 is mainly responsible for regulating hormones. When vitamin b6, zinc and azelaic acid are consumed together, it blocks testosterone from interfering with hair follicle growth according to the British Journal of Dermatology |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | Vitamin C helps keep the body safe from free radical exposure and restores damaged cells. This ensures our hair will grow healthy without any unwanted interruption or disease. |
| Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) | Vitamin D keeps our immune system strong and aids in calcium absorption. For hair, a recent research found that vitamin D receptors help reawaken dormant follicles according to WSJ.com |
| Vitamin E (as d-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate) | Vitamin E contains antioxidant properties and helps with proper blood circulation. Based on Malaysian researchers, participants who took Vitamin E experienced a significant increase in hair density (source). |
| Zinc (Zinc Oxide) | Zinc is an essential mineral that promotes our body to absorb various nutrition properly. Zinc deficiency can lead to premature hair loss |
If you or someone in your family experience an adverse event after taking a dietary supplement, report it to the FDA .