There is no miracle cure for hair loss, but by maintaining a healthy diet with the right supplements, you can give your body what it needs to maximise hair growth. With so much information out there about supplements – what should you be adding to your diet?

Vitamin deficiency Before you start taking any health supplements for hair loss, see your GP and have a blood test. They can tell you if you have any vitamin deficiencies that could be causing the hair loss. Typical ones that they will look at include iron, zinc and vitamin D, all of which can affect hair growth. If you find that you have low levels of any of these, your doctor can recommend the right supplements to take.

Omega-3 Omega-3 is the closest thing to a miracle supplement out there. It can help improve memory, keep joints loose and is generally good for overall health. On top of all those benefits, it is a popular choice for hair loss sufferers. Omega-3 is widely reported for its effects on the hair – re-starting hair growth and making hair follicles stronger and healthier. Omega-3 is widely available at pharmacies.

Exotic plant extracts All sorts of studies have been done on the effects of certain exotic plant extracts on hair loss, many with positive findings. Some of the extracts which may help with hair loss include Asiasari radix extract, Citrullus colocynthis schrad extract, Polygonum multiflorum extract, Thuja orientalis extract, Eclipta alba extract, and Cuscuta reflexa Roxb extract. Speak to your local naturopath or specialty pharmacist for more information on obtaining these.

Amino acids All hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin. Keratin itself is created from 16 different amino acids, which then turn into keratin once they reach the surface of the scalp. So naturally, amino acids are a useful supplement for healthy, full hair. While consuming large doses of amino acids might seem like the right thing to do, it’s not quite that simple. You need the right doses of the right amino acids. Amino acids that you can look into taking as supplements for hair loss include arginine, taurine, methionine, cysteine and tyrosine. But do not start taking them without first consulting a doctor about what the safe dose is.

Fruit and Vegetables Many of the vitamins and minerals we have mentioned above, and many more, can be found in your stock-standard fruit and veg aisle at the supermarket. A balanced and healthy diet is essential for all areas of your health, including your hair. Fruit and vegetables high in vitamin C are fantastic for stimulating blood flow through the scalp, while berries such as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are high in bioflavonoids, another blood-stimulating chemical.