Best Hair Vitamins For Black Women

Black women or those of African descent face greater chances of hair loss than other ethnicities. This is largely due to their particular hair styling practices. Genetic tendencies for hair loss and vitamin deficiency also cause thinning or broken hair follicles.

Repetitive styling methods (tight braids, dreadlocks, extensions, and ponytails) and vitamin deficiencies cause hair loss in black women. With so many vitamins available, how to choose best hair vitamins for black women? Read on to learn about it.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, strengthens hair strands, reduces breakage and promotes thickness. Thus, it tops the list of vitamins for black hair growth and thickness. Biotin deficiency may cause hair thinning and brittle nails.

You can get natural biotin from food options like eggs, nuts, whole grains, and bananas. Similarly, you may also use biotin supplements for better black hair health after consulting with a certified health professional.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency results in hair thinning and loss. This vitamin plays a crucial role in hair health by supporting red blood cell production, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. You can get vitamin B12 naturally from various animal products, such as fish, meat, and dairy.

Those black women who eat plant-based diets may have to take supplements to fulfil their B12 requirement. Always consult a trusted health provider before starting any supplements.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps achieve proper hair growth and hair follicle cycling. It may be challenging for black women to acquire optimal vitamin D levels. This is because increased melanin levels in the skin reduce the body’s ability to absorb it from sun exposure. This vitamin’s deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss.

You can get Vitamin D from animal-based foods (rich in vitamin D3), such as;

• • • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna),
    • Cod liver oil

Plant-based food sources (rich in vitamin D2) include;

• • • Mushrooms
    • Fortified plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat).

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also called Retinol, contributes positively to hair health by promoting sebum (natural oil) production. This further prevents a dry scalp and hair breakage. Black women can get vitamin A from natural animal foods like liver, cheese, butter and eggs.

For plant-based foods, you can use carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale. One may even take supplements. But be wary of over-supplementing as an overdose of this vitamin causes toxicity.

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is particularly important for maintaining the rich, black color of hair. It is due to the fact that folate helps in melanin (pigment responsible for hair color) production and distribution in hair strands.

This vitamin prevents premature hair graying or thinning and aids in keratin production (the hair protein), contributing to strong, elastic black hair. You can get Vitamin B9 from;

• • • Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, lettuce)
    • Legumes
    • Citrus fruits
    • Nuts and seeds

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, aids collagen production, which is vital for hair structure and strength. This antioxidant vitamin also helps absorb iron, reducing hair shedding. A symptom of vitamin C deficiency is corkscrew hair.

This suggests that vitamin C may help maintain hair health, even if it does not stop hair fall. You can get Vitamin C from;

• • • Red peppers
    • Leafy green vegetables
    • Citrus fruits

Vitamin E

Vitamin E improves blood flow to the scalp, giving a better oxygen supply to hair follicles in black women. It also protects hair from environmental damage. You can add vitamin E to your diet by eating spinach, wheat germ, fish, and almonds.

Some people rub vitamin E oil directly onto their skin and scalp, believing it will speed up cell regeneration or hair regrowth. However, scientific evidence does not yet support this.

Essential Vitamins With a Healthy Hair Routine

When deciding how to choose best hair vitamins for black women, go a step further. Vitamins for black hair growth and thickness work best when paired with a healthy hair care routine, such as:

• Drink plenty of water as hydration is great for hair moisture and scalp health.
• Eat a balanced diet with protein, healthy fats, and leafy greens.
• Select hairstyles wisely by avoiding excessive tension on hair strands.
• Adequate moisture management to prevent hair breakage.
• Use gentle hair care practices, such as minimizing heat styling and chemical treatments.