

Francis explains: "What some people don’t realize is that most hair, skin, and nail supplements are multivitamins," she explains. And if you're thinking of taking supplements to get the necessary nutrients, just don't overdo it. Tosti advise patients to keep an eye on their central part line-if you notice a gradual widening of the line, your hair could be thinning. In addition, "medications for acne containing vitamin A, antibiotics, antidepressants, birth control pills, steroids, and weight control pills can also produce hair loss."īoth Dr. Jerry Shapiro, a dermatologist at the New York University School of Medicine who specializes in hair loss, adds that "stress is one of the main causes in young adults, and causes telogen effluvium (large number of follicles in resting phase)." Diets low in iron, zinc and Vitamin D, or low-calorie or protein-heavy diets, can also be responsible for hair loss, he says. She points out that androgenetic alopecia-the most common cause of hair thinning in young women-"is often precipitated or aggravated by environmental factors that cause increased hair shedding, including systemic disorders, medications, and crash diets."Īnd if you're concerned that your diet, medications, and/or lifestyle are thwarting your hair growth, talk to your doctor. Antonella Tosti, a Fredric Brandt Endowed Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami and President of the American Hair Research Society, agrees. Francis adds, "It’s important to remember that our hair ends up receiving the 'leftovers' of the nutrients that our body needs." Why Isn't My Hair Growing Quickly?ĭr. While most of this may seem like common knowledge, Dr. Francis recommends two liters a day if you want to see results. Most importantly, make sure you drink a lot of water. Foods like lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, beans, and fish fit the bill. Shani Francis, board-certified dermatologist and member of DevaCurl’s Expert Curl Council, says that to really speed up the process, you should supplement a hair growth shampoo with a diet rich in omega-3s, fiber, sulfur ("our hair has a lot of sulfur in its internal structure"), and protein.

Yes, shampoo can make your hair grow faster, but there are other practices you should consider adopting, too. Phthalates are hidden in fragrances, but they are endocrine disruptors." Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative to avoid bacterial growth, but is a potent allergen. "Sulfates usually dry or irritate the scalp and skin. "Other ingredients to avoid are parabens, silicones, and phthalates."īut what are parabens, and why are they so harmful? "Parabens are preservatives that have been proven to mimic estrogen and disrupt the delicate hormonal balance," explains Dr. Sulfate-free shampoos offer "a cleansing experience that doesn't lather but is gentler for your hair," Francis says. Meanwhile, Francis recommends avoiding hair growth shampoos with harmful sulfates that can strip your hair of the natural and essential oils that it needs. It also plays an essential role in preventing inflammation." "Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, an essential nutrient that supports many cellular processes. It is also known to increase blood circulation to the scalp and extend the anagen phase," he explains. "Caffeine reverses the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone involved in hair loss. Furthermore, he encourages buyers to find formulas that incorporate caffeine. Shapiro recommends looking for natural ingredients like vitamin B3 and castor oil. What To Look For, and Avoid, in a Hair Growth Shampooĭr.

Best for Natural Hair: African Pride Moisturizing Shampoo Honey & Coconut Oil Shampoo.Best for Curly Hair: Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Shampoo.Best Clinical-Strength Formula: Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution for Hair Thinning and Loss.Best Clarifying Formula: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo.
