Unfortunately, the rumors are true – approximately two-thirds of men end up experiencing some kind of hair loss by the time they’re 35. If you’re one of those people, then you’ve probably considered taking some kind of hair supplement, or you’re seeking advice for hair care while using supplements. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing all things related to hair supplements and hair loss. Keep reading to learn about popular hair growth supplements for men, how to properly cut hair while using supplements, and tips for when you’re ready to leave the hair behind and accept your new (and often improved) look.
Options To Consider Before Taking Supplements
While hair loss can be difficult to prevent, there are a few things you can do to try to encourage new hair growth. First, you should take a serious look at your diet. If you’re not getting the proper vitamins and nutrients through your meals each day, it could be affecting your hair growth and overall health. Many medical professionals recommend the Mediterranean diet, due to its focus on things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, eggs, and seeds. Of course, you don’t have to start following a new diet, but you should be mindful of the nutrients and vitamins you could be missing out on.
Another step you can take before jumping to hair supplements is trying out different vitamins. Vitamins such as biotin, vitamin D, and zinc are all thought to be beneficial for those who are experiencing hair loss. While vitamins can’t guarantee results, some people have had positive experiences with them, so we think they’re worth mentioning!
Combination Supplements
There are quite a few vitamins that are commonly found in hair supplements for men. These include biotin, zinc, niacin, iron, fatty acids, selenium, folic acid, amino acids, antioxidants, protein, and vitamins A, E, and D. Instead of taking all of these vitamins individually, you can purchase from brands who sell products that feature a combination of these vitamins. Nutrafol and Viviscal are two of the top-selling brands for this type of hair supplement. Here are the pros and cons of both options:
1. Nutrafol
The Nutrafol pill is made of a combination of herbs and vitamins, as well as ingredients such as saw palmetto, marine collagen, resveratrol, and other compounds. The brand claims that this product works because it targets factors that contribute to hair loss, such as stress. Nutrafol’s main claim to fame is that it reduces levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short), which is a testosterone byproduct that can cause thinning of the hair follicles if in a high concentration. You can typically get access to Nutrafol online or through your dermatologist.
2. Viviscal
Viviscal is a supplement that contains ingredients such as mollusk powder and shark collagen, which were both believed to have helped indigenous Inuits in the Arctic grow thick hair. It’s been suggested that marine collagen can reduce hair loss and encourage new hair growth. However, the mollusk powder in this one can be problematic. If you have a shellfish allergy, you’ll want to pass on this item. Viviscal is also available online or through your dermatologist.
Single Supplements
If you’d prefer to take individual supplements rather than combination ones, then this is the category for you! Some of the ingredients found in products like Nutrafol and Viviscal are available for purchase as individual supplements. Here are a few of the most common singular ingredients, and important things to note about each one:
1. Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is a fruit extract found in Nutrafol that has been claimed to block DHT. It’s available as a single supplement in a few different forms: a pill, a topical serum, and a liquid solution. This product has been found to demonstrate improvement in hair regrowth.
2. Procyanidin B2 with Apple Extract
For being one of the best-tested nutraceuticals, this supplement is strangely lesser-known than other options. Procyanidin can help promote hair growth when it stimulates Anagen, which is the active phase of the hair growth cycle. The addition of Annurca apple extract has seemed to help increase hair growth rates even more. You’ll find this supplement in a powdered drink mix form.
3. L-Cysteine
L-Cysteine is an amino acid commonly found in wheat, soy, onions, and lentils. It’s known for its ability to strengthen hair and fingernails. L-Cysteine is relevant because it’s found in Keratin, which is one of the most abundant proteins in your hair. Increasing your intake of the supplement can potentially slow down your hair loss. You can find it in tablet or capsule form, but you’ll want to be wary of potential side effects such as headaches, vomiting, and liver complications.
How To Cut Hair Properly While Using Supplements
When it comes to hair care while using supplements, there aren’t any rules. In general, you can continue cutting your hair as often as you like when using any hair supplements for hair loss. Whether you choose to cut your hair or not shouldn’t affect the supplements.
Reasons For Hair Loss
Why does hair loss affect so many men and women? Hair loss commonly occurs due to factors that you can't control. Things like genetics, illness, infections, medications, radiation, toxins, stress and hormonal problems can all cause hair loss.
When You’re Ready To Accept The Loss
You might find that after trying out multiple different hair growth remedies, you’re still dealing with rapidly thinning hair. That’s totally fine, and it’s not something to be ashamed of! You can still take great care of your hair and scalp, even when you’re ready to give up the supplements. So when it’s time to accept the loss and embrace your new look, we encourage you to check out The Bald Buddy. With this product, you’ll get a close, smooth shave every time.