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Hair Loss Articles

8 Ingredients To Look For In Hair Growth Products

With countless hair loss products available, it can be nearly impossible to sort through every hair growth option. However, it’s crucial to know what ingredients your hair products contain and which ingredients are most effective to regain hair. There are several ingredients that have been researched, tested, and proven to be effective, and knowing those ingredients can help you make a wiser choice when choosing a hair loss solution that’s right for you.

Here are eight ingredients to look for in a hair loss medication or topical solution:

1. Saw Palmetto Berry Extract
Saw palmettos berries grow on short plants with leaves that look similar to palm tree leaves. The berries have been utilised by Native Americans to promote prostate, urinary, and sexual health, as well as hair regrowth for hundreds of years.

Derived from testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and is a major cause of male pattern baldness. Saw Palmetto is a natural DHT blocker that intervenes on hair loss hormones and promotes lower levels of DHT, resulting in healthy hair follicles and less hair loss.

2. Minoxidil
Recommended by dermatologists for more than 20 years, Minoxidil results are vast. Topical Minoxidil products have been clinically studied and proven to be effective in treating a range of hair loss conditions, including the most common, male pattern baldness. Originally, Minoxidil tablets were used as medication for hypertension, until users began to observe substantial hair growth. Today, topical Minoxidil is formulated in 2%, 5%, and 12% propylene glycol topical solutions that are applied on the scalp and work to directly stimulate new, thicker hair growth.

Since Minoxidil has been shown to be effective for many men and women, Minoxidil comes in many forms. Foligain, Rogaine, and Minoxidil Boots are popular products that contain Minoxidil and are generally applied to the scalp one to two times daily. Minoxidil shampoo and Minoxidil foam are also effective, widely used products that come in 2% and 5%. Speak with your doctor to discover which Minoxidil solution best suits you.

3. Aminexil
Aminexil is often used in combination with a Minoxidil topical solution because both ingredients have been clinically found to promote hair growth, while each targets different aspects of regaining hair. Topical Minoxidil stimulates and maintains follicle health, while aminexil helps prevent stiffening of the hair shaft caused by collagen buildup. Aminexil supports collagen elasticity, which helps improve circulation and blood flow to the hair follicle, resulting in improved follicle and hair health.

4. Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble member of the B vitamin family, and plays a vital role in metabolising essential nutrients like amino acids and carbohydrates. If the body is deficient in biotin, non-essential bodily functions, like hair and nail growth, may suffer or halt. Supplementing with biotin ensures hair follicles are receiving the essential nutrients needed to promote optimal, healthy, fast growing hair.

5. Folate
Folate, or folic acid, which is a synthetic version of folate, is also a member of the B vitamin family that aids in the growth, function, and health of tissues and cells throughout the body. Folate also ensures that the body is absorbing all the nutrients it’s receiving.

Many individuals do not receive the proper amount of folate. According to UK Patient, “Folic acid (folate) is a vitamin and is needed to make new cells in the body, including red blood cells. The body does not store very much folic acid.”

Because folate is not easily stored in the body, and deficiency is a common issue, it’s important to take a supplement that contains folate or folic acid in order to gain all the nutritional benefits hair growth products offer. This not only supports optimal hair growth, but also supports all tissues within the body.

6. Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Originating from China, ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been utilised in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to improve mental functions and the circulatory system. Ginkgo promotes better, oxygenated circulation within the body, which is vital for hair growth and follicle health.

Also containing flavonoids and terpenoids, which are beneficial antioxidants, ginkgo may help to protect nerves, follicles, blood vessels, and eyes from harmful free radicals. Using a hair growth medication or topical solution for hair growth with ginkgo biloba leaf extract may help improve the health of follicles and hair.

7. Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that has a reputation for supporting heart health, and it benefits hair, too. The plant sterol contains androgen-blocking properties that work to suppress hormones, like DHT, that cause hair loss. Utilising a hair loss solution with beta-sitosterol naturally helps to block DHT and works to regain hair while preventing further hair loss.

8. L-Arginine
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in cell and tissue health throughout the body. Many individuals supplement with l-arginine when trying to promote faster healing, tissue repair, blood pressure health or to increase nitric oxide within the body. While l-arginine may help many bodily functions, the amino acid is especially beneficial for hair growth.

According to Amino Acid Studies: “Although not an essential amino acid (l-arginine), there are times when arginine becomes conditionally essential. When the body is stressed, such as recovering from an illness or insufficient nutrition, the demands for arginine increase and the body can’t produce enough. Elevating arginine concentrations through diet can help to treat hair loss, especially if it’s a symptom of an underlying health issue.”

Finding a hair loss treatment that contains l-arginine may naturally help regain and maintain healthy hair.

You can find hair growth products at BIOVEA.

References:
Ehrlich, S. D. (2013, May 7). Ginkgo Biloba. Retrieved March 2, 2015, from Univeristy of Maryland Medical Center

Kenny, D. T. (2013, July 6). Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemia. Retrieved March 3, 2015, from Patient – Trusted Medical Information and Support

Studies, A. A. (2015, January 1). Hair Loss and Prevention. Retrieved March 2, 2015, from Amino Acid Studies

Wisdom, T. H. (2015, January 1). Follicle Stimulation Programme For Senescent Hair Loss. Retrieved March 2, 2015, from Trichovedic Hair Wisdom – A Trichologists Solution