Hair loss HEROES

Can a supplement really give your locks a new lease of life?

Worried there seems to be more hair in your brush than on your head? Taking hair loss vitamins for women could help. If you’ve tried shampoos and conditioners promising thicker, healthier locks, but your hair still feels thin and fragile, here’s a round-up of what to look for.

WHY DOES HAIR LOSS HAPPEN IN WOMEN? DID YOU KNOW?

According to the NHS, 8 million women in the UK experience

hair loss.

Everyone is born with a fixed number of hair follicles on their head – around 100,000 to 150,000. ‘Each hair has its own life cycle, growing vigorously for three to six years, followed by a three to six month resting phase,’ explains Dr Sarah Brewer, medical director of Healthspan. ‘After this, the hair falls out as the hair follicle reactivates and starts to produce a new hair shaft.’

On average, you lose 80 to 100 hairs per day. But if daily hair loss exceeds this, gradual thinning occurs. ‘Hair loss in women can be caused by underlying health conditions (check with your GP first to see if this is the cause), hormonal imbalances, stress, the menopause and ageing,’ says Caroline Brooker, founder of natural hair company Ginger & Pearl. As we get older, hair growth slows and can’t keep up with the number of hairs shed. It can also be caused by vitamin deficiency. ‘Hair follicle cells need a constant supply of protein and nutrients,’ explains Dr Brewer. ‘But as they’re non-essential structures, nutrients are diverted from the hair in times of deficiency, which can lead to thinning.’

DO HAIR LOSS VITAMINS FOR WOMEN REALLY WORK?

If your hair loss is down to a deficiency, then a supplement could help restore your locks. ‘A lack of vitamin C can lead to brittle hair, while patchy hair loss could be a sign you’re lacking in iron, B vitamins and vitamin D,’ explains Dr Brewer. By replacing these essential vitamins and minerals you could help prevent hair loss.

HAIR LOSS HEROES

Could these supplements give your hair a much-needed health kick?

✢ New Nordic Hair Volume, £24.95 for 30 tablets, lloydspharmacy.com Contains biotin, zinc and copper to help feed the scalp and follicle cells, and contribute to normal hair growth.

✢ Viviscal Maximum Strength hair growth supplement, £29.99 for 30 tablets, lloydspharmacy.com Formulated with biotin and a marine protein vital for hair growth, plus iron, which is key for producing red blood cells that carry oxygen to your hair follicles.

✢ FIGHT High Strength Zinc tablets, £24.99 for 365 tablets, amazon.co.uk Zinc keeps oil glands around the hair follicles working properly.

✢ Hair Gain Grow, £34.99 for 60 capsules, alittlefind.com

Supports visibly thicker and fuller hair, and contributes to a 78% increase in growth. ✢ Viridian Ultimate Beauty Complex, £9.99 for 30 capsules, amazon.co.uk Contains biotin and iron, plus selenium, which protects hair from oxidative stress. ✢ Healthspan Multivitality Gold, £10.95 for 180 tablets, healthspan.co.uk Contains essential vitamins, including A, B, C, D, E and K, plus iron, selenium and zinc to help safeguard against deficiencies.