“What vitamin should I take for hair loss?”

Biotin strengthens hair but no vitamin is known that will prevent or reverse hair loss

You can start with biotin, 5,000-10,000 micrograms/D. Evening Primrose Oil capsules are possibly beneficial also.

Nutrafol or Citracal.

Nutrafol.

Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, DO, FAOCD, FAAD

Many factors play into hair loss, so there is not necessarily a particular vitamin that will reverse hair loss. Alopecia is the technical name for hair loss, and alopecia areata is a type of hair loss cause by an autoimmune dysfunction, and can lead to patches of baldness on one end of the spectrum to complete body hair loss on the other end of the spectrum. Supplements generally won't help this type of hair loss. There is androgenic hair loss in women that usually occurs after menopause where there is a shift in hormones. Hormone replacement or medications directed against androgenic hormones can help this situation. Hypothyroidism and iron deficiency can cause hair loss, and the correction of these problems can reverse the hair loss. Inflammatory conditions of the scalp can cause hair loss, so the correction of these conditions is necessary to prevent further hair loss. So, there are a lot of different causes of hair loss, and each one usually has a relatively specific intervention.

In general, biotin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are considered essential for healthy skin and hair. Keep in mind that too much Vitamin A and Vitamin E can cause toxicity. Topical minoxidil can also be an effective agent in restoring hair and preventing loss.

Biotin and Zinc

Vitamins can definitely play a role in hair health. My favorite over the counter vitamins are Viviscal and Nutrafol. Keep in mind there are many reasons a person may experience hair loss. It is best to see a dermatologist for proper evaluation. Vitamins alone may not be enough. A dermatologist will be able to determine if hair loss is genetic or due to an underlying medical condition.

Go to a dermatologist. May not be just vitamin deficiency.

Traditionally biotin has been recommended for hair and nails, but in general every patient should have a good and balanced diet so the hair skin and nails can be healthy and strong enough and not brittle. For more information please visit your local dermatologist and go to AAD.org to search for a dermatologist in your area.