Can vitamins actually help with locs growth? There is a lot of conflicting evidence on vitamin supplementation in the first place so it can be hard to know which way to go. Should you take vitamins? Do they help? etc. Read below on if these common vitamins have any impact on your hair health and some different ways to take them!
Note – the most reliable way to test for vitamin deficiencies, is by receiving a blood test from a doctor. Hair strand tests you find online are not as reliable, and may mislead you.
Vitamin A & Locs
Vitamin A is the key ingredient in skincare products like Retin-A. Most people in developed countries aren’t deficient in vitamin A, and overuse (typically via oral supplementation) can lead to hair loss.
On the other hand, tretinoin (Vitamin A derivative) has shown capability to regrow hair. A groundbreaking study showed hair growth with the combination of tretinoin with hair loss product minoxidil. However, tretinoin is not FDA approved for hair loss by itself or in combination with minoxidil. If you think tretinoin for hair loss could be an avenue to lead results for you, it would be something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
Application Methods: foods (beef liver, sweet potato, & spinach), topical formulations (Monpure – Follicle Boost Hair Density System*)
*Note: this Monpure product contains retinol (weaker vitamin A derivative than the tretinoin mentioned in the study above). Included this as an option given it is a well-recognized vitamin A derivative based product. It also contains other ingredients to stimulate the scalp.
Verdict: Likely Pass. Vitamin A deficiencies are rare, and over supplementation may cause problems. Speak with your doctor for more information.
Biotin ( B7 vitamin) & Locs
There are plenty of B vitamins. One of the popular ones is B7, more commonly known as biotin. It is typically used to help grow hair and nails as well as boost the appearance of hair, skin and nails. Studies show deficiencies in vitamin B7 are associated with slow hair growth. However, if you are not deficient in biotin, there is little evidence that additional supplementation will make your hair grow faster. In fact, biotin deficiency is quite rare.
Given biotin deficiency is rare, over supplementation is something you want to be mindful of. Overuse of certain supplements can cause things to go out of balance in your body. There is some conjecture that overuse of biotin can lead to out of sync levels of biotin (b7) and pantothenic acid (b5), which may exacerbate acne. The research connecting biotin and worsening acne isn’t there yet (ie., no double blind studies), but there are a number of anecdotal stories. Thus, it is something to keep in mind – especially if you supplement with biotin and have worsening acne.
Application Methods: Orally via pill formulations (Thorne Biotin). Foods (beef liver, eggs, & salmon).
Verdict: Likely Pass. Deficiencies are rare, and over supplementation may cause problems. Speak with your doctor for more information.
Vitamin C & Locs
Vitamin C is best known for its property on rejuvenating the skin. Like other vitamins, vitamin C has an impact on your scalp as well. The citrus vitamin is anti-bacterial and can help with dandruff. Vitamin C will also lighten and strip dyed color your hair, so be mindful of that. On that plus side, Vitamin C helps remove chlorine from water, which can dry your hair and skin. It is also very rare to overdose on vitamin C.
Application Methods: Vitamin C shower head filter (VITASPA Vitamin C filter)
Verdict: Likely worthwhile for many! Overuse is rare, and there are documented impacts of Vitamin C removing minerals from water that can dry out hair.
Vitamin D & Locs
Many people, particularly those of African descent, tend to be deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to brittle bones and bone loss. But did you know that it is one of the vitamins that impacts locs growth? It does it by stimulating hair growth. Also, one study found the following:
“vitamin D3 is an effective treatment option for localized patchy (not more than 40% of scalp distribution) alopecia areata.”
Application Methods:
Orally via pill formulations (Thorne Vitamin D3) or topical cream (Now Foods Vitamin D cream) on affected areas of scalp are two options. One study found topical application more effective for alopecia and another found it helpful for psoriasis. However, oral supplementation may still be advised given many Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Speak with your doctor and go from there.
Verdict: Likely worthwhile for many! Deficiencies are common, and supplementation noted as an effective treatment for some hair loss issues. Speak with your doctor for more information.
Vitamin E & Locs
The final nutrient to review is Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is often used by expecting mothers to lessen the appearance of stretch marks after giving birth. This study found supplementation with tocotrienol from the vitamin E family helpful for increasing hair growth for those suffering from alopecia. Be careful though as over supplementation can lead to hair loss. Moreover, deficiencies are extremely rare.
Application Methods: diluted vitamin E oil (Now Solutions Vitamin E-oil) directly to scalp
Verdict: Likely Pass. Deficiencies are rare, and over supplementation may cause problems. Speak with your doctor for more information.
**Loc Journey Photos From Day 1 to Year 15**
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Overall, it seems for many people, supplementing specifically with OTC vitamins A, B7, and E won’t be helpful for locs growth unless you are suffering from a specific deficiency or issue like alopecia. On the other hand, more people are more likely to find vitamin C (shower head water filter applications) and vitamin D (oral usage) to be most impactful. As with anything involving your health, consult with your doctor first.
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