A balanced diet and the right amount of necessary vitamins and minerals are essential in growing healthy and beautiful hair. Our body thrives on the proper amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals the hair does as well. The use of hair products such as shampoos and conditioners are only a secondary factor in achieving better growth of hair.

The general nutrition of hair comes from our regular intake of food, and since the fast paced lifestyle we are accustomed to do not always permit for eating nutritious food; dietary supplements have become a must.

Supplements for the growth of healthier hair can come in different forms. These are dietary supplements, vitamin supplements, nutritional supplements, hormonal supplements, and herbal supplements.

• Dietary supplements

It is important to have a healthy dose of such substances as pantothenic acid, L-cystine, vitamin c, folic acid, vanadium, chromium, molybdenum, zinc picolinate, copper, iron, and other essential elements to retain the healthy condition of hair and maintain good nutrition. The individual's present health condition and deficiencies will dictate the type of dietary supplements they need.

• Vitamin supplements

Vitamin supplements for hair loss are known to work better than shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for hair growth. A well balanced diet with vitamins and minerals has an overwhelming effect on the overall health of hair and body. Vitamins for the hair are needed to increase the circulation of blood and enhance the flow of nutrients to the roots of the hair. This is important in rejuvenating the follicles of the hair and increasing the speed of hair growth.  In order for supplements to work well in promoting hair growth, the right kind and right amount of vitamins must be present.

• Nutritional supplements

A longer and more successful growth stage in the hair's growth cycle requires nutritional supplements. These supplements serve such purposes as controlling the body's metabolism of DHT which causes hair loss, promoting the growth of healthy hair, preventing the loss of hair, and providing important nutrients to the hair. Supplemental nutrition provides the hair the essential amino acids, enzymes, hormones and vitamins it needs to growth healthily.

• Hormonal supplements

Hormones affect the growth and loss of hair in both men and women. The lack of hormones or the excessive amount of hormones can affect the follicles and prevent the growth of hair. This hormonal imbalance may be corrected through the use of hormonal supplements.

• Herbal supplements

Herbs are a wonderful source for hair nutrition. Some extracts from herbs are known and proven to stimulate the scalp by increasing the flow of blood to the hair follicles. Some of these herbs have special properties that allow for the regrowth of dormant hair.