There are a huge range of vitamins, supplements, and nutrients available on the market that claim to address all manners of hair problems and concerns. The problem is they don’t all work.

With this in mind, when it comes to choosing the right hair supplements for long, thick, luscious locks, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Which ones will work? And which ones won’t?

Of course, we’ve all heard of biotin – one of the best-known vitamins for hair growth and hair health. An essential B vitamin, biotin can be incredibly beneficial for hair growth, as well as preventing hair thinning and hair loss.

But what other supplements are good for hair growth, aside from biotin?

1. Vitamin A

All cells within the body need vitamin A for growth, and that includes the hair. Vitamin A also helps the skin glands to produce sebum, an oily substance that helps to moisturise the scalp and keep the hair healthy.

In addition to foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and kale, vitamin A can also be taken in supplement form.

2. Vitamin B

Biotin is just one of the essential B vitamins. Other B vitamins can also be beneficial for the hair when taken as supplements.

This is because B vitamins help to create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. These processes are important for healthy hair growth.

B vitamins can be found in many foods, including whole grains, almonds, meat, fish, seafood, and leafy greens.

3. Vitamin C

Free radical damage can block the growth of hair and cause it to age prematurely.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the hair against oxidative stress that is caused by free radicals. Your body also needs vitamin C to create the protein collagen, which is an important part of the hair structure. What’s more, vitamin C also helps your body to absorb iron, which is essential for hair growth.

Vitamin C can be found in strawberries, peppers, guavas, and citrus fruits. Many people also take vitamin C supplements for hair growth.

4. Iron

Iron helps red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body to your cells. This makes it a vital mineral for the majority of bodily functions, including hair growth. An iron deficiency is a major cause of hair loss, especially in women.

In addition to supplements, the best sources of iron including clams, oysters, red meat, spinach, and lentils.

5. Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair. In addition to this, it also helps to keep the oil glands around the hair follicles working properly.

Hair loss is a common symptom of zinc deficiency. Foods that are high in zinc include oysters, beef, spinach, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, and lentils.

6. Protein

The hair is made almost exclusively of protein, so it goes without saying that consuming enough protein is vital for healthy hair growth.