Several different types of hair loss can occur, with varying causes. Depending on the type of hair loss you have and your gender, the vitamins that are most helpful can differ. Whether your hair loss is due to a medical condition or a genetic trait, you can take certain vitamin supplements to stop the hair loss, re-grow hair or support other medical treatments.
Biotin & Zinc
The B vitamin biotin combined with zinc can help to treat hair loss. “Biotin and zinc aspartate have been used to treat alopecia areata in children,” notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Alopecia areata is a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s hair follicles, causing hair to fall out, the University of Maryland explains. Taking 300 mcg daily of biotin with a zinc supplement can help in hair loss.
Melatonin
Applying a melatonin topical solution to your scalp may help to stop hair loss. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center points to a double-blind study that found that applying the hormone melatonin in the form of a 0.1-percent solution to the scalp can help to stop hair loss in women.
Beta-Sitosterol
If you have male-pattern hair loss, or “androgenetic alopecia,” taking 50 mg twice daily of beta-sitosterol can help you to grow hair. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites a study of men who experienced more hair growth after taking beta-sitosterol than those who took the placebo. Taking 200 mg twice daily of saw palmetto supplement may also help to treat androgenetic alopecia. People taking other medications should talk to their doctors before trying beta-sitosterol.
Khellin
If you have alopecia areata, applying khellin topically may help to boost new hair growth, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Khellin is a vitamin extracted from the khella fruit. Khellin applications are most effective when you combine them with ultraviolet light therapy, because khellin acts to sensitize the skin to the ultraviolet light and thereby increase the therapy’s effectiveness.
