The quest for the Holy Grail is nothing compared to the quest for the ultimate hair and nail vitamin. Internet searches yield hundreds of options, but it can be tricky to decipher different products’ ingredient lists and decide which one is right for you. Keep reading to learn about which vitamins and minerals will help you to achieve healthier hair and nails!
Keratin
Your hair and nails contain the protein keratin, so it stands to reason that increasing the amount of keratin your body produces could help you to get stronger hair and nails. To naturally increase your body’s keratin production, make sure you’re getting enough healthy protein—think fish, lean meats, legumes, etc. The amino acids in protein-rich foods will help your body to boost keratin production—a major win for your hair and nails.
If you’re looking for a hair and nail supplement with keratin, you could try Hairfinity’s Healthy Hair Vitamins ($25 for a month’s supply), or Target’s Biotin + Keratin Tablets ($5.99 for two months’ supply). Keratin-based supplements aren’t for everyone, though, as it’s actually possible to produce too much keratin. This overproduction can result in keratosis pilaris, a condition that can lead to rough, bumpy skin, as well as other skin conditions.
Biotin
Biotin is a B-vitamin (also known as Vitamin H) that plays an important role in hair, nail, and skin health. You can step up your body’s biotin game by eating biotin-rich foods such as egg yolks, nuts, and mushrooms. If you want to take it to the next level, consider trying a hair and nail supplement with biotin. One of the most highly-reviewed options is Sugarbearhair’s Vitamin ($29.99 for a month’s supply of adorable gummies). For a cheaper option, try Target’s Biotin + Keratin Tablets ($5.99 for two months’ supply).
Everyone’s body is different, and a biotin-based supplement might not be right for your body’s balance. If you experience any side effects after taking a hair and nail supplement (such as hair loss or a skin rash), stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor.
Multivitamins
Your body needs vitamins and minerals in order to produce strong, healthy hair and nails. Key vitamins and minerals include iron (which helps keep your hair follicles healthy by supplying them with oxygen), vitamin C, B vitamins, zinc, and folic acid. Stimulate vitamin and mineral production in your diet by eating lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, as well as seafood and other lean proteins.
If the idea of taking a dozen different supplements stresses you out, have no fear! Plenty of hair and nail vitamins contain these key vitamins and minerals. A few of the options are Hairfluence ($29.99 for a month’s supply) and Hum Nutrition’s Hair Sweet Hair Vitamin ($25 for a month’s supply).
Green tea
If you want to try a more creative approach to hair and nail health, consider supplementing your diet with green tea. This ancient tea contains plenty of vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants to stimulate your nail and hair production. Drink a cup or two of green tea per day to get the benefits, or try a natural supplement like Garden of Life’s Skin, Hair, & Nails Dietary Supplement (about $20 for a two months’ supply), or Spring Valley’s Green Tea Extract Capsules (about $5 for over two month’s supply).
Fish oils
The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils are great for everything from boosting heart health to soothing dry eyes. These acids also nourish your hair follicles, helping to stimulate hair production. Try Nordic Naturals’ Omega-3D supplement (about $14 for two months’ supply).
Again: Everyone’s body is different. It may take a bit of experimenting to find the right supplement and diet for you—but if you have patience and pay attention to your body, you can achieve brilliant, healthy, and strong hair and nails!
Advertisement
Advertisement