Hair. It’s everything. OK, maybe not everything, but facts are facts: If it’s a less than good hair day, we’re spending half of it shaking our heads around trying to change things. We thought summer frizzies were the worst but when the temperature drops, we’ve got new hair problems. No more humidity helping out the curl. Now we’re in danger of resembling a drowned rat or even worse, an victim of electric shock.
Sadly, dryness can wreak havoc on your beauty routine, and even worse, you may find that you’re losing more hair than is normal. We’ve already shared the products you need to keep your skin hydrated, and now we’re prepping our underrated, precious scalps for the chapped, chilly months ahead. When it comes to the shiny, gorgeous hair we all covet, some health experts are pushing the boosting effects of dietary supplements. Dermatologists and hairdressers alike agree that as fall comes to an end, taking one or two in-depth treatments of nutritional supplements may ease the seasonal transition and help you avoid that dreaded hair loss.
Ideally, you want to get your optimal nutrients in your diet but the fact is, most of us don’t. Wondering which vitamins or supplements are most recommended and which are the best for the age and stage of life you’re at? Michele Sevier, Director of Education at
nutrition house shares a few core supplements that all women need to take to keep hair at peak health.
1. Multi-vitamin/mineral 
A great mult-vitamin fills the nutritional gaps in our diets and ensures we are obtaining necessary levels of vitamins and minerals. Nowadays, many multi-vitamins are geared towards various groups (male/female, active, seniors, etc.). Some contain high-potency B vitamins and Siberian ginseng to help reduce the effects of stress, improve immunity and increase energy. Consuming a daily multi-vitamin, according to Dr. Finner from the
Trichomed Clinic for Hair Medicine and Hair Transplantation in Berlin, prevents structural abnormalities from forming in our scalp, the main culprit behind hair loss.
Try: The Nutrition House Multi Extra, containing high-potency B vitamins and Siberian ginseng to help reduce the effects of stress, improve immunity and increase energy. From $24.
2. Greens Formulation
When a diet is lacking in the recommended 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, supplementing with a greens or greens/berry formulation helps deliver essential nutrients and antioxidants. Columbia University Medical Center reports demonstrate that resveratrol, a common antioxidant, is very effective at preventing DNA damage caused by ultraviolet-B light, one of the risk factors for skin cancer. Subjects that consumed resveratrol were 70 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, thus promoting a healthy scalp.
Try: Progressive’s VegeGreens or PhytoBerry stand alone supplement, or their new VegeGreens or PhytoBerry Multi formulation. From $48.
3. Essential Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fish oil, or a combination of Omega 3 fish oil and omega 6 plant oils provide a host of health benefits including supporting cardiovascular health, cognitive and brain health, vision, joint, skin, and hair, while delivering beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, a study conducted by the
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, reported 98 per cent of subjects saw a reduction in hair loss after consuming omega 3 and 6 acids.
Try: Maximum Triple Strength Omega 3. From $36.
4. Protein Kick
Whey protein is an excellent form of lean protein to incorporate into your diet, especially on those busy days or as a quick solution to a healthy breakfast. Whey protein is an excellent source of calcium, helps build lean muscle mass and reduce fat mass (especially in combination of with regular exercise), benefits the cardiovascular system and boosts immunity.
Try: Some great protein products found in brands such as Precision, Prairie Naturals, AllMax, VEGA and more. From $24.
5. Biotin Boost 
You may want to add a biotin supplement to your daily multivitamin intake. Biotin has been shown to reduce hair loss especially when taken in conjunction with zinc. Studies from the
Institute of Medicine demonstrate
that the average individual needs to consume 30 micrograms per day to sustain a healthy scalp.
Try: Now Biotin 1000mcg 100, from $8.