What does biotin do and how does it benefit your body and hair? If you’re wondering about the benefits of biotin, you’ve come to the right place. Here we break down everything you need to know about this vitamin in simple terms.

What Is Biotin?

Biotin is one of the important nutrients in the group of B-vitamins. Biotin benefits for your health include stronger and healthier hair, prevention of hair loss, stronger nails and healthy skin. Sometimes called vitamin H or vitamin B7, biotin is found naturally in many foods and it is also available as a supplement.

What Does Biotin Do?

Biotin is involved in many important body functions. An adequate amount of biotin benefits the hair, the bones and the health of the skin, the eyes and the liver. Like many B-vitamins, biotin is also important for the nervous system. It is involved in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids (protein) and in the body’s energy production.
Some studies have found biotin supplements helpful for strengthening brittle and weak fingernails. One of the most discussed benefits of biotin is its ability to make the hair stronger and healthier. In fact, it is considered one of the very best vitamins for hair loss.

Biotin Benefits for Your Hair

Biotin benefits the hair in many ways and it does this by helping the production of keratin. This protein is responsible for giving the hair its structure and rigidity. Biotin is especially useful if your hair is weak, fine or dry. It can help to improve the quality of your hair, to reduce the amount of split ends, and to make sure the hair does not break easily. It can also be helpful against hair loss.

Dry and weak hair and nails can be early signs of biotin deficiency. A serious biotin deficiency can eventually cause hair loss. Making sure you get enough biotin in your diet or from supplements can be one way to prevent baldness and hair loss. Biotin supplements may also be useful for those who already suffer from hair loss as they can help the growth of new, healthy hair. Biotin side effects are very rare because it’s a substance your body naturally produces.

Biotin is used in many supplements and hair care products to prevent the hair from drying, to increase elasticity (which helps to prevent the hair from breaking) and to make the hair appear thicker and fuller. As well as taking biotin in supplement form and making sure your diet contains enough biotin-rich foods, you can experiment with some of the many biotin hair growth shampoos and other hair care products on the market.

How to Get Enough Biotin

Your body cannot store this water soluble vitamin, so you will need to get it from your diet. Biotin is found in a range of foods, including the following:

• Liver
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Nutritional yeast
• Brewer’s yeast
• Egg yolks
• Nuts
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Legumes
• Bananas

Biotin deficiency is not very common in healthy people with a normal, balanced diet. However, taking vitamin supplements can be a good idea if you want to enjoy certain biotin benefits for your health, including stronger, healthier hair. Be sure to check out our article on how much biotin is safe to take if you’re considering a higher dosage.

Recommended Biotin Supplements:

I am often asked which are the best biotin supplements. Although they may seem equal on the surface, they are actually very different. Vitamin manufacturers use different sources and formulations and some really are better than others. Here are a few standouts that I often recommend:

1. Nature’s Bounty, Super Potency Biotin 5000 mcg

I like Nature’s Bounty first and foremost for its formulation. The quality is consistently good, they use reputable suppliers, and have excellent quality control standards that are overseen by scientists. As an added bonus, the softgels are very easy to swallow.

2. Solgar Biotin Vegetable Capsules, 5000mcg

Solgar is considered one of the best brands in the vitamin world and only costs slightly more than generic brands. Vegetable capsules are a very pure way of delivering vitamins. This formula is free of preservatives, colors, sweeteners, wheat, gluten, and soy.

3. NOW Foods Biotin 5000mcg

NOW is a popular brand for a reason: they make a decent product at a good price. NOW Biotin doesn’t disappoint. These vegetable capsules contain a very effective yet safe dose of biotin and are suitable for vegetarians.This one gets quick results and the brand is trustworthy.

Also be sure to check out my separate biotin reviews page.

How much does hair grow in a month? This is one of the top questions I get from readers. Maybe you’ve cut your hair too short or had an accident with the shaver. If you have a big event coming up like a wedding or the start of school, it’s normal to be anxious about whether or not your hair will grow out quickly. How long hair grows in a month depends on your health, age, genetics, and your styling habits.

Exactly how much does your hair grow in a month?

While a number of factors influence the growth rate, one-half inch per month is average. This means the average yearly growth of hair is somewhere around six inches, although there are several factors that can influence the actual amount. However, there are some steps you can take to help your hair grow faster.

How Your Hair Products Affect Growth

First, consider the products you use on your hair. While conditioners, hair sprays, and styling products can make hair look nice, they can also slow its growth. When these products are left on the scalp, they can prevent new hair from growing.

For faster growth, it is best to use a mild shampoo and avoid additional products. Check out our sulfate free shampoo list to find something gentle that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like sulfates that contribute to hair loss.

As natural oils build up on the scalp and slow the growth of new hair, you should gently wash your scalp and hair often. Using your fingernails and scrubbing hard are two practices to avoid.

To Brush or Not To Brush?

An old wives’ tale claims that a hundred strokes with a hair brush will make your hair grow longer faster. This is simply not true. In fact, too much brushing can lead to hair loss and breakage. In addition to breaking hair, it can actually pull hair out by the roots. Brush or comb your hair very gently using a brush with coated bristles. If you have the habit of brushing or combing throughout the day, begin limiting your grooming habits to two or three times a day.

Many people find that they don’t need to brush their hair as often as they think. Save brushing for just before you leave the house, and avoid using a comb or brush on wet hair.

Your Hair Can’t Take the Heat

A third factor in reducing breakage and hair loss is keeping your hair healthy. As heat will dry and damage hair, avoid styling irons, hair dryers, and similar products. For many people, it’s not realistic to give these tools up entirely. But if you are asking how long hair grows in a month, you are probably looking for a quick fix ahead of a big event and it would do you a world of good to lay off the curling and flat irons while you’re waiting for your hair to grow out.

Does Trimming Hair Stimulate Growth?

You may have heard it is necessary to trim hair regularly when you want it to grow. This is a myth. Trimming cannot increase growth. The only benefit of trimming is it will remove split ends, making hair appear fuller and healthier. If you do not have split ends, all trimming will accomplish is making your hair shorter.

Topical Solutions to Speed Up Hair Growth

As hair grows from inside, products made to be applied directly to the hair cannot speed up growth. Instead, keeping your body as healthy as possible will give you the results you want. Begin by making a balanced diet a part of your everyday life. You should have plenty of vegetables, fruits, and protein. Taking vitamins for hair loss can help make up for the nutrition a less than stellar diet lacks.

While products applied directly to the hair don’t help much, products used topically on the scalp can make a difference if they are left on long enough to penetrate the hair follicles. A few good choices for improving the condition of your scalp include hair growth shampoo like Nioxin and vitamin E oil for hair.

Mind Over Matter

If you are asking how much does your hair grow in a month because you’ve had a styling accident, one important thing you can do is try not to stress about it! General good health keeps hair in its best condition, and helps it grow faster. Reduce the amount of stress in your life as much as possible. Make a point of getting a full night’s sleep every night. Fresh air and exercise are also useful. Not only are these habits good for your body, they will help hair grow faster.

You can look at the condition of your hair as a sign of your general health. Even a bad cold can leave hair looking dull. You may see more hair than usual in your hairbrush when you’re under the weather.

If you follow this advice, these problems do not need to be permanent. The growth of new hair will start from within, and you will soon see the beautiful results.

To summarize…

How much does your hair grow in a month?
About half an inch on average.

Things that can slow hair growth:

• Stress
• Heat Styling
• Too much brushing
• Harmful Products

Things that can increase hair growth:

• Healthy diet
• Vitamins for hair loss
• Topical Solutions
• Avoiding stress

Does celiac disease cause hair loss? Many people suffering from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that is related to gluten intolerance, report excessive hair loss. Moreover, there is a higher than normal incidence of celiac disease among people with alopecia areata, another autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles and leads to hair loss. In many of these cases, hair loss slowed or ceased when the patient switched to a gluten-free diet.

The topic of celiac disease hair loss has not been investigated very thoroughly, but the results of several smaller research projects as well as anecdotal evidence do point to a connection. Many people with celiac disease who accidentally ingest foods that contain gluten report a sudden increase in hair fall among other reactions. Once the gluten is out of their system, the hair loss subsides. This points very strongly to a connection between celiac disease and hair loss.

In a study on celiac hair loss at the University of L’Aquila in Italy published in the medical journal Gasterenterology, researchers reported on several patients suffering from alopecia areata and celiac disease. In one particularly dramatic case, a 14-year-old boy suffering severe hair loss on his head and body found that all of his hair grew back after switching to a gluten-free diet. Overall, the celiac disease hair loss connection was so strong that it led to the recommendation that all patients suffering from alopecia areata be tested for celiac disease. A study in the Eurasian Journal of Medicine conducted on 140 children backs up these findings.

Does Celiac Disease Cause Hair Loss?

First, it’s important to have a clear understanding of these conditions before you can determine if this could be the cause of your hair loss. First, we’ll take a look at alopecia areata.

What Is Alopecia Areata?

The type of hair loss associated with celiac disease is called alopecia areata. The hallmark of alopecia areata is patches of hair loss, usually appearing on the scalp but occasionally in other areas such as the beard as well. It’s an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles.

It normally starts with one or two patches before spreading to other areas. The patches may be peach-colored and contain hairs around the border that resemble exclamation marks, although this does not always occur. Hair loss that follows this pattern is the most common type to accompany celiac disease.

What Is Celiac Disease?

If you think you might have hair loss from celiac disease, there are a few symptoms of celiac to look out for. However, it’s important to keep in mind that celiac disease does not present itself in the same way in every person. While many sufferers complain of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, others may have no obvious signs of this condition.

In children, short stature and slow growth can indicate the possibility of celiac disease. Because those with celiac disease have trouble absorbing nutrients, weight loss and fatigue can also be present. Some theorize that it is the malabsorption of nutrients that accompanies Celiac that is responsible for celiac-related hair loss in many individuals, particularly the milder cases of hair fall. Blood tests and endoscopy can confirm suspected cases of celiac disease.

Could Your Hair Loss Be Caused by Celiac Disease?

If you have already been diagnosed with celiac disease and are experiencing hair loss, there is a good possibility that the two conditions are related, particularly if you notice increased hair fall following ingestion of gluten.

If you suspect a connection, you could try eliminating gluten from your diet to see if your hair loss improves. However, if you have not been diagnosed with celiac disease, it is important not to put yourself on a gluten-free diet before testing as this can skew the results. Check with your doctor if you think you might have celiac disease. Although celiac disease and hair loss can be related, there are plenty of other possible causes of hair loss as well.

Is there a connection between protein and hair growth? Can you take protein for hair loss? Does taking whey protein cause hair loss? If you’ve ever attempted to research protein and hair loss, you might be frustrated by all the conflicting information out there. Maria Turner clears up some common protein hair loss confusion.

Can a protein deficiency lead to hair loss? Should you take protein for hair growth?

Technically, it can. However, the deficiency would have to be so severe that other more serious problems would also develop. If you are experiencing hair loss for the first time but are otherwise healthy, chances are a protein deficiency alone is not the cause. Deficiencies aside, lower levels of protein can make hair dry and brittle, which is the main reason some people look to protein for hair growth.

Most people living in the developed world with a functioning digestive system and normal eating habits have no problem getting a reasonable amount of protein in their diet. If you are losing hair, it most likely is not form a lack of protein; therefore taking protein for hair loss is unlikely to reverse the problem, although it can help strengthen dry or brittle hair.

People who are at risk for a true protein deficiency are those with certain medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis and colitis. Anorexia can also cause a lack of protein. In such cases, the lack of protein can indeed cause hair loss and medical treatment is necessary. A severe protein deficiency can cause much more serious problems than hair loss. If you suspect you aren’t getting enough protein in your diet, ask your doctor for a blood test and see what he or she recommends.

Many people who take vitamins and protein for hair growth find that their hair is stronger, more resilient, and less prone to breakage. That’s because hair itself is made up of proteins. Topical protein treatment for hair can also temporarily strengthen your locks and help protect against the type of hair loss that comes from physical damage such as heat styling and tight pony tails.

Is there a connection between protein shakes and hair loss?

In a word, yes. Regular consumption of certain types of protein shakes can cause hair loss. Many of the non-organic protein shakes have growth hormones in them. These hormones stimulate the production of DHT, which in turn leads to hair loss. It’s particularly problematic for men. However, it’s important to note that only frequent use of high quantities of these protein shakes is problematic.

This does not mean you need to give up protein shakes entirely. Instead, look for shakes that are labeled as organic, free of growth hormones, and without branch amino acids.

The great irony here, of course, is the fact that many men turn to protein shakes in the first place because they want to improve their appearance, not realizing that the tradeoff is losing their hair.

In a recent article in Perth Now, Western Australian hair transplant surgeon Jennifer Martinick places the blame for some hair loss squarely on protein shakes. “They are 20 or 30-something, go to the gym, some even have Botox, take protein shakes to build up muscle but don’t realise it can contribute to baldness.”

The key word here, of course, is “contribute”. If you have a full head of hair, consuming whey protein shakes is not going to cause you to suddenly wake up bald. Whey protein hair loss won’t happen to everyone. If you already have a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness, it can make it worse. Otherwise there is little reason to worry about whey protein and hair loss.

Of course, if you have recently started protein supplements and are noticing more hair fall than usual, it’s a good idea to stop.

The Bottom Line on Protein for Hair Growth

Too much or too little protein can be problematic not only for your hair but your overall health as well. Consuming a well-rounded diet rich in sources of protein such as meat, nuts, eggs, and yogurt is a great idea for healthy hair and a healthy body. If your diet is severely lacking in protein, supplementing can help, but overdoing it can have the opposite effect. If you have any doubts about your protein levels, a quick blood test from your doctor is all it takes to find out for sure.

You may have heard about Latisse, a topical treatment that helps boost eyelash growth. Some doctors are now recommending it to grow the hair on the head as well. People with certain types of hair loss are having success with Latisse for hair loss.

Although this is considered an “off label” use and the manufacturer cannot officially endorse this practice, it is believed to be safe because the treatment is already FDA-approved for use in the eye area.

You’ll need a prescription to buy Latisse, but there are several knockoffs available that are discussed below.

What is Latisse?

Latisse is a bimatoprost solution that first emerged on the market as a treatment for glaucoma and high ocular pressure. When doctors noticed one of the side effects of this solution was increased eyelash and eyebrow growth, researchers began to look into the possibility of Latisse specifically to boost eyelash growth. It was approved by the FDA in 2008 for the growth of eyelashes and is now marketed chiefly for this purpose.

Researchers are now studying how to transfer its hair-growing effects on the eyelashes into something useful for hair loss on the head. In the meantime, some doctors are prescribing it for hair loss on the head. It won’t have any effect on a large bald spot, but it can help hair that is not growing quickly.

How to Use Latisse for Hair Loss

Latisse should be applied to a clean scalp using the included applicator. Only one drop is needed- a little bit goes a long way. It should only be used where needed and care should be taken to avoid getting the product on fingers or other body parts as well as clothing. It should be applied daily and it can take two months to see results so you will need to be patient.

There aren’t usually side effects from using this product on the scalp, but if you notice any irritation or redness, you should stop using it right away and see a doctor.

Where to Buy Latisse and Products Similar to Latisse

Latisse is only available by prescription. The main reason is because when used for its intended purpose of eyelash growth, patients need to be instructed on how to apply it without contaminating the bottle, which can lead to serious eye infections. That means you’ll need to visit a doctor to ask for a prescription.

However, there are several very similar products that are available without a prescription and available online. These include:

This is a straight up generic version of Latisse that is cheaper and can be bought without a prescription. It is marketed for eyelashes as well but some people use it for the hair on their head.

This product also contains biotin, which is tops when it comes to vitamins for hair loss. You need to use it for 2-4 months to see results.Click here for reviews and buying information.

One caveat about this one… RevitaLash used to be very similar to Latisse but they got into some copyright trouble and had to change the formula. It still contains ingredients that promote hair growth and many people love it but it is not similar to Latisse like it used to be. Click for reviews and buying information.

Source: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45259102/ns/today-today_health/#.TuDfN1YZ-qw

One cause of hair loss that is often overlooked is hairstyle. Hair loss can often be exacerbated or even caused by the way you style your hair. Even if you don’t overprocess your hair, you might still be doing some things that attribute to hair fall without realizing it.

When you first notice hair loss, it is a good idea to take a critical look at your routine for anything that could be causing it. Many people use the wrong tools or the wrong methods and the result is excessive hair fall. Simply changing your ways can be enough to stop hair loss in its tracks and is a much easier and cheaper solution than other treatments. Here are some of the top causes of hair loss that are related to maintenance and styling.

1. Pony Tail Holders, Barrettes, and Hair Clips

One of the biggest styling-related causes of hair loss is the usage of pony tail holders, barrettes, and hair clips. When you use one of these objects in your hair, it tends to pull the hair out from the scalp. If you make a really tight pony tail, you will pull out a lot of hair. Do this daily or even a few times per week and over time you will have a lot less hair than you started out with.

Pony tail holders also tend to cause breakage at the site where they are applied, which means you could end up with lots of shorter hairs at the length where you put the pony tail holder. Ditto for barrettes and hair clips.

Sometimes you need to get your hair out of your face. While there is no way to avoid hair breakage and fallout entirely when pulling your hair back, there are a few less damaging options.

Pony tail holders covered in cloth, such as “scrunchies” tend to be gentler on the hair. If you must use the rubber band type, at least choose options without metal clasps, which tend to grab and rip hair. Barrettes that have some cushioning are better than those without. And be sure to choose hair clips that are the right size for the amount of hair you need to pull back; stuffing a huge section of hair into a tiny clip that you have to force shut is always a recipe for hair fall disaster.

2. The Wrong Brush or Too Much Brushing

Most people brush their hair every day and for good reason. We all look better when our hair is brushed and your boss might not like it very much if you started skipping it. Not only that, brushing stimulates the scalp and boosts circulation, which is actually beneficial for your hair.

You don’t want to avoid brushing altogether. Instead, you want to choose a gentle brush and only brush when absolutely necessary. The material of the bristle is less important in this case than the structure; the brushes that have tiny balls at the end of each bristle, such as the Phillips Light Touch 1 Cushion Hair Brush, provide maximum protection to your hair and scalp and are therefore the best choice for those with weak hair.

Gently brush your hair only before you go somewhere and only for as long as needed. The old advice of brushing your hair 100 strokes before bed is not good for your hair.

3. Blow Drying the Wrong Way

Sometimes blow drying your hair is inevitable. For many of us, our hair simply doesn’t look good when left to air dry on its own. We know blow drying is bad but we do it anyway. For the rebellious among us, here are some tips to minimize damage.

Experiment with an air drying/blow drying combination. For example, my naturally curly hair has to be straightened with a hair dryer to look decent but I’ve found I can let it air dry for a good half hour before turning on the blow dryer and still have it turn out looking good after I finish. This reduces the amount of time I use the dryer but still gives me the same final result.

Also, try to use a low temperature setting. Most people do not need the hottest setting. Heat can be very damaging to hair. And be sure to keep the filter clean. Finally, lower wattage hair dryers tend to cause less damage.

4. Heat Styling

Women in particular are often guilty of subjecting their hair to lots of abuse. Electric rollers, curling irons, and flat irons all wreak havoc on your strands. You don’t have to give up these elements entirely. Try to save them for special occasions or at least switch to tools that do less damage.

When you do use heat tools, look for gentler options. A ceramic flat iron protects the hair much better than the type with metal plates. I admit to straightening my hair more often than I should. I recommend the HSI Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron because it doesn’t damage your hair the way other types of flat irons do.

Ceramic curling irons are also better for your hair than the traditional variety. The Babyliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Curling Iron is one of my favorites because it doesn’t fry your hair. Always pull the iron through the hair gently to avoid pulling out extra hair.

5. Hair Coloring and Chemical Treatments

Many people don’t want to give up coloring their hair. Those with graying hair in particular feel compelled to use color. And most people’s hair starts to turn gray around the same time hair loss due to aging starts to pick up. This only seems to make the problem worse.

You don’t have to stop coloring your hair, however. You just need to make better choices regarding the type of dye you use. Henna is one gentle alternative to chemical-laden dyes. You could also ask your salon to use ammonia-free dyes. Many salons keep these less harsh versions of hair coloring on hand for pregnant women so it’s worth asking.

If you color your hair yourself, some good hair dye brands that aren’t as damaging include Hydrience, Herbatint, and Elumen.

6. Washing the Wrong Way or Too Often

It feels great to wash your hair but some people tend to get overzealous and are too rough on the hair. Always treat your hair delicately when you are applying shampoo. Don’t wash your hair more often than needed. Blot your hair dry with a towel, taking care not to rub the towel into your hair, which is a surefire way to cause damage and hair loss.

Also, take a look at the ingredients in your shampoo. Sulfate free shampoo is quickly replacing traditional formulas. Most shampoos do contain sulfates and there appears to be a strong connection between these ingredients and hair loss. Switching to one without sulfates can make a big difference in the condition of your hair. Also try shampoos that contain vitamins for hair loss.

When should you see a doctor for hair loss? It’s one of the top questions that visitors to this site ask me. Some people think that hair loss is just an aesthetic problem. It is true that in many cases, hair loss is genetic. If you are losing hair in the same pattern as one of your parents, there is probably no underlying medical problem and you simply have a genetic predisposition. That being said, there are some very real medical problems that can cause hair loss so in some cases it’s worth a visit to your doctor.

First of all, I always recommend seeing a doctor if you have any doubt anywhere in the back of your mind that something isn’t right. Human intuition can be very powerful and no one knows your body better than you do. If you feel something is off, call your doctor. Here are some other instances where you might want to get an expert opinion.

1. A Sudden Change in Hair Loss

As you probably already know, it’s normal to shed some hair every day- some estimates put that number at about 100 strands per day. It would be a difficult task to count this yourself but the point here is that everyone loses hair every day and it’s considered normal and not an indication of other problems. This is called normal hair loss.

Excessive hair loss, on the other hand, occurs when you lose way more than the average and it’s going to be pretty noticeable. Perhaps you used to clean out your brush once a month and now you have to do it weekly. Maybe you’ve been stopping up your shower drain more quickly than usual. Any time you experience a sudden and very noticeable increase in hair loss, you should really get a checkup to make sure nothing more serious is going on. And if your hair is falling out in clumps, do not ignore it. Don’t panic- it could still be nothing but it’s always better to check.

One exception to this is if you’ve recently given birth. Many women experience excessive hair loss in the months after having a baby. This is temporary and completely normal. Pregnant women lose much less hair than the average 100 strands per day. After giving birth, your body is just shedding all the extra hair that didn’t fall out during pregnancy so don’t be alarmed. The next few months won’t be fun but it will go away on its own.

2. You Have a Preexisting Condition

If you have any sort of preexisting medical condition, it is important to talk to your doctor if you notice excessive hair loss. This is particularly important if you are considering using any type of treatment. While vitamins for hair loss are generally considered safe, even certain vitamins can cause interactions with other medications if taken in very high doses. That’s why it’s vital to call your doctor before beginning any sort of internal treatment for hair loss. This also includes alternative remedies. You could also check with a pharmacist to see if there are any known interactions. The last thing you want to do is make your medical condition worse or render your medication useless.

3. You have signs of infection in the scalp.

If your hair loss comes on suddenly and you notice a change in the skin of your scalp at the same time, there could be a bacterial infection and it’s important for a doctor to help you find the right antibiotics to clear it up. If your scalp suddenly becomes red, itchy, swollen, painful, or has discharge or pus, you definitely need to see a doctor. This is something that a doctor can easily control but you can’t treat it on your own. In this particular case, a dermatologist is the right doctor to see but most primary care physicians are able to deal with it as well.

4. You have started a new medication or medical treatment recently.

Many times, sudden hair loss can be attributed to prescription medications. While this is certainly no fun to experience, it is very likely that losing some hair is preferable to suffering whatever ailment you were prescribed the medication for. However, if you find the hair loss particularly troublesome, talk to your doctor about alternative medications that might accomplish the same goal without having hair loss as a side effect.

Never, ever stop taking a medication just because you think it is making your hair fall out. Always talk to your doctor first and find out if it is safe to quit or if alternative treatments exist.

5. You feel weak or always exhausted.

Some people start losing hair due to a chemical imbalance in the body. One common culprit of sudden hair loss is thyroid disease. Thyroid problems are not uncommon and are often accompanied by feelings of weakness or exhaustion. You could also be experiencing a vitamin deficiency, such as zinc or iron deficiency. In those cases, vitamins might be all you need to turn the problem around. A simple blood test is usually enough to diagnose these deficiencies.

Remember that hair loss has many potential causes and not all of them are serious. Most people will be relieved to learn that their hair loss is simply genetic. However, ruling out medical causes is always a good idea. It’s better to catch these problems early than try to fix them after they have gotten more serious. If any of these five guidelines apply to you, call your doctor for peace of mind.

You may have started seeing sulfate free shampoo on store shelves. These shampoos can be a great choice for anyone experiencing hair loss or thinning. These days, shampoos without sulfates are being heavily promoted by manufacturers as more and more people become aware of the potential dangers of the common shampoo ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate. Below, we will break down everything you need to know about sodium lauryl sulfate free shampoo.

Top Selling Sulfate Free Shampoo Reviews at the bottom of this page

TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

L’Oreal Paris EverStrong Hydrate Shampoo

Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Hydrate Shampoo

What are sulfate free shampoos?

They are shampoos that are manufactured without the ingredients sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, SLS or SLES. This chemical can be found in numerous cleansing products and helps in the extraction of oily residue. You can find these ingredients in most shampoos on the market.

Why do so many shampoos use sulfates?

Manufacturers have used these ingredients for many years for their ability to create a thick, rich lather. Many people make a psychological connection between lather and cleanliness, making the false assumption that shampoos that don’t create lots of suds somehow don’t clean their hair as well. Sulfates are very cheap and create impressive lather.

Why should I avoid sulfates in shampoos?

Although many varieties of shampoo on the market still contain SLS, many studies have shown that the chemical has some severe negative effects on the scalp and other areas of the body such as the skin and eyes, especially if it is in high concentration. If you’re using shampoo and it runs down your face and into your eyes, the burning sensation that you experience is largely due to SLS. It can even cause damage to the eye after repeated exposure.

Sulfates and Hair Loss

The chemical has also been known to cause significant damage to hair follicles, leading to a weakened structure of the hair follicle and constrained hair growth. For this reason, many people turn to sulfate free shampoo for hair loss. Switching to SLS-free shampoo usually causes an improvement in hair growth and strength fairly quickly.

Scientific Studies on Sulfates in Shampoo

The weakening of the hair as well as the damage to eyes are well-documented. Many manufacturers have refuted them but several concerned individuals as well as consumer rights organizations have backed the results of studies showing the dangers of this ingredient and continue to recommend sulfate free shampoo. Some have indicated a possible connection between sulfates and cancer but to date, this has not been proven. The FDA has yet to declare the chemical unhealthy, which has kept sulfate-containing shampoos on the shelf.

Is your hair getting clean enough with sulfate free shampoo?

Initially when you begin to use a shampoo without SLS, you may feel like your hair is not getting clean. The reason for this is that the sulfates are responsible for creating the thick lather which strips down the oily residue on the scalp and hair. But what many do not recognize is the fact that the “squeaky clean” feeling that they had before does not necessarily mean that the hair was cleaner but rather that it was drier, which is not necessarily a good thing.

Benefits of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free Shampoo

• Won’t cause breakage or hair loss
• Helps preserve hair color and highlights
• Gentler than other shampoos
• Not irritating to eyes
• Doesn’t damage hair
• Leaves hair softer and smoother
• Won’t irritate the scalp

Switching to SLS-free shampoo combined with taking vitamins for hair loss is an easy and natural starting point for dealing with hair loss.

What is the best sulfate free shampoo?

Right now, there are several shampoos that don’t contain sulfates but the number is steadily growing as consumers become more aware of the dangers. Many of the natural and organic brands have never used sulfates, and nowadays even mainstream brands are starting to offer formulations without SLS. Here are a few of our personal favorites.

1. Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Hydrate Shampoo

Not only does this shampoo soothe the senses with its natural aromatherapy featuring rose and sandalwood, it gives your hair the extra care it needs. This gentle shampoo helps you maintain your hair color or highlights longer while still managing to clean your hair thoroughly. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.

2. L’Oreal Paris EverStrong Hydrate Shampoo

If you have weak or brittle hair, L’Oreal Everystrong is the way to go. It strengthens hair over time, which reduces hair loss and breakage. It also has impressive lather for being SLS-free plus a fresh, natural scent. If you’re looking for cheap sulfate free shampoo, this one can’t be beat. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.

3. TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

This is one of the most popular SLS-free shampoos for a good reason. It’s moderately priced, adds volume, and helps hair resist breakage. It keeps your color looking fresh and your hair feeling clean. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.

Also be sure to check out our sulfate free shampoo list.

Below is a comprehensive list of sulfate free shampoo. Sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient in many shampoos, is under fire for many reasons. It is very damaging to hair and can contribute to hair loss problems by weakening the hair shaft. It dries out the hair, strips color, and is under investigation to see if it is carcinogenic. For more information, see our sulfate free shampoo article.

If you are looking to avoid the harmful effects that sulfates have on your hair, anything on this sls-free shampoo list would be a good choice but three in particular are standouts:

Best Sulfate Free Shampoos

1. TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

TIGI Superstar Shampoo is a great choice because it not only cleans but strengthens and adds volume, making it popular among people with fine or chemically treated hair. It also protects color so you can go longer between salon visits. Unlike some other sulfate free shampoos, it actually does a good job of cleaning hair. It can be hard to find in stores so most people buy TIGI Bedhead Superstar shampoo from Amazon. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.

2. Pureology Anti-Fade Complex Hydrate Shampoo

Pureology Hydrate is mainly marketed towards those who color or highlight their hair based on its superior ability to prevent hair color from fading too quickly. It also makes you feel pampered thanks to its aromatherapy ingredients such as sandalwood, rose, and green tea. It is also a vegan shampoo and it’s not tested on animals. And even though Pureology Anti-Fade Shampoo is sulfate-free, it still manages to work up a great lather, a quality that some SLS-free shampoos lack. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.

3. L’Oreal Paris EverStrong Hydrate Shampoo

It’s hard to find a decent cheap SLS-free shampoo but L’Oreal Everstrong actually gets the job done. It works up a rich lather and invigorates with a refreshing combination of mint and rosemary. It is very gentle yet manages to help strengthen hair. It’s perfect for those who regularly subject their hair to heat styling or chemical treatments and it won’t break the bank. Click to read more reviews and see buying info.

Now onto our full sulfate free shampoo list…

For some of these items, I have provided a link where you can read reviews and/or buy the product online.

Sulfate Free Shampoo List

Abba Pure Shampoos (entire line)

African Black Soap

AG Hair Cosmetics Colour Savour Sulfate-free Shampoo
AG Hair Cosmetics Recoil Curl Activating Shampoo

Alba Botanica Clarifying Shampoo
Alba Botanica Daily Shampoo
Alba Botanica Hair Wash (entire line)

Aleppo Soap

Alterna Clarifying Shampoo
Alterna Color Hold Shampoos (entire line)
Alterna Scalp Therapy
Alterna Volume Restore Shampoo

Aubrey Organics Shampoos (entire line)

Avalon Organics Shampoo (entire line)

Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo
Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo
Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo
Aveda Men’s Pureformance Shampoo

Back to Basics Blue Lavender Color Protecting Shampoo

Beauty Without Cruelty Shampoos

Bee Mine Peppermint & Tea Tree Nourishing Shampoo

Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo

Body and Bath Omega-3 Hemp Moisturizing Shampoo

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash
Burt’s Bees Green Tea & Fennel Seed Shampoo
Burt’s Bees More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Shampoo
Burt’s Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar
Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo
Burt’s Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Shampoo

California Baby Shampoo (entire line)

Carol’s Daughter Shampoos

CHI Ionic Color Protection System Sulfate Free Shampoo

CURLS Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream – Organic Shampoo
CURLS Curlie Cutie Cleansing Cream – Organic Shampoo
CURLS Pure Curls Organic Clarifying Shampoo

Desert Essence Daily Replenishing Shampoo

DermOrganic Conditioning Shampoo

DevaCurl No-Poo Cleanser
DevaCurl Low-Poo Cleanser

Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap Line

Dr. Hauschka Shampoos

Ecco Bella Shampoos

Freeman Pure Color Fresh Shine Shampoo

Free & Clear Shampoo
Giovanni Shampoos (entire line)

Graham Webb Daily Strengthening Shampoo

Hair Rules Aloe Grapefruit Purifying Shampoo
Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream

Halo Shampoo

Herbal Choice Natural Tea Tree shampoo

Jane Carter Solution Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo

Jason Naturals Shampoos (entire line)

Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo

John Masters Organics Shampoo

Karen’s Body Beautiful Bodacious Beauty Bar (Shampoo Bar)
Karen’s Body Beautiful Cool Clarifying Shampoo
Karen’s Body Beautiful Ultimate Conditioning Shampoo

Kenra Platinum Color Care Shampoo

Kiss My Face Aromatherapeutic
Kiss My Face SaHaira
Kiss My Face Whenever Shampoo for Frequent Use

L’Anza Anti-Aging White Tea Shampoo

L’Oreal Everstrong Hydrating Shampoo
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Smooth Shampoo
L’Oreal Everpure Volumizing Shampoo
L’Oreal Everstrong Reconstructing Shampoo

List Provided by vitaminsforhairlossguide.com

Living Nature

Malibu 2000 Well Water Action Shampoo

Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo

MOP C-System Shampoos

Nature’s Baby

Naturoli Soap Nuts Natural Shampoo

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo

NuHair Volume Maximizing Shampoo

Nurture My Body Organic Volumizing Shampoo

Organic Excellence Shampoos

Organix Shampoos (entire line)

Original Beer Shampoo

PAVES Professional Shampoos

Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Shampoo for Dry Hair

Prairie Naturals Shampoos

Pure & Basic Shampoos

Pureology Shampoo (entire line)

Queen Helene Mint Julep Shampoo

Scruples White Tea Sulfate Free Restorative Shampoo

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo

Silk Elements ColorCare Sulfate Free Shampoo

Softsheen Breakthru Fortifying Moisturizing Shampoo

TIGI Bed Head Foxy Curls Frizz-Fighting Sulfate-Free Shampoo
TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
TIGI S Factor Health Factor Sulfate-free Daily Dose Shampoo

Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Shampoo
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

Un Jour En Provence Shampoos

I spent a lot of time compiling this list. f you want to re-publish our sulfate free shampoo list, please give credit and a link back to http://vitaminsforhairlossguide.com Vitamins for Hair Loss Guide

If you know of any other sulfate free shampoo brands or products, leave a comment below and we will check it out and add it to our list if it qualifies.

Are you interested in using Vitamin E oil for hair growth? We will break down the benefits, how to use it, and review some of the most popular Vitamin E oils.

Vitamin E Oil & Hair Growth

Vitamin E has long been known for its skin benefits but only recently has it begun to garner attention for what it can do for the hair. The main reason it is effective is because it boosts circulation. One reason many people experience hair loss is poor circulation in the scalp area. This is something can happen naturally over time but even younger people can have a genetic predisposition to poor circulation. Vitamin E can help increase the flow of blood which in turn helps stimulate the hair follicles, making them produce hair faster and hold on to your existing hair with a tighter grip. This is similar in theory to using scalp massages, but scalp massages only have a short term effect on circulation and must be done repeatedly to have any effect at all.

How to Use Vitamin E for Hair

Vitamin E Oil hair growth solutions are becoming easier to find as more and more people report experiencing good results with these products. There are two main formulations with several variations of each: topical Vitamin E oil and Vitamin E supplements for hair growth.

Topical Vitamin E Oil is the preferred method for many people. That is because it has fewer side effects than taking the vitamin internally. Massaging the oil into your scalp further increases circulation and stimulates hair follicles. The various Vitamin E hair oils on the market have different instructions but generally, you will apply the oil to a clean, dry scalp and massage it in gently using circular motions. This is something that is typically done on a daily basis.

Vitamin E supplements are another popular option. Taking Vitamin E supplements for hair growth internally tends to work a bit faster and deliver a higher amount of the vitamin to your body. This vitamin also benefits your health in other ways, such as boosting your immune system.

However, if you are going to take Vitamin E internally, you should never take more than the dosage specified on the package. Start out with a small amount and only increase it if you don’t notice results after four to six weeks. And although most vitamins are safe when taken in recommended doses, please check with you doctor first to make sure it will not cause any problems with your particular medical conditions or conflict with any of your medications. In particular, people who take blood thinners or are going to have surgery in the next month should avoid vitamin E supplements.

Vitamin E Oil Reviews

Here we will take a look at a few of the most popular Vitamin E Oil Hair Growth products.

Herstyler Hair Serum Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. This Vitamin E hair serum gets rave reviews for its versatility. It can be applied to damp or dry hair and has the added benefit of making hair look naturally shiny without weighing it down. Most people use it for frizz. This is not a straight up vitamin E- there are other ingredients including aloe vera but it’s a nice blend that not only will make your hair look better over time thanks to the Vitamin E but also makes it look instantly smoother upon application.

Jason Natural Cosmetics Pure Beauty Oil, 5,000 IU Vitamin E Oil is a great liquid E oil for rubbing into the skin on the scalp as well as the face. It is moisturizing but doesn’t feel oily so you don’t have to worry about making your hair too greasy. Massage a few drops onto your scalp every day or every few days depending on the severity of your problem. You can also use it on other parts of your skin that need extra attention like dry patches or scars.

Wild Growth Hair Oil is an affordable blend of vitamin E and other natural oils. The bottle makes it easy to apply just a few drops to the scalp. Just massage it in and forget about it and soon your hair should be growing faster than ever.

Nature Made Vitamin E Oil Softgels
These are capsules that contain 400 I.U. of vitamin E oil inside. They are formulated to be taken internally and the softgel format is easy to swallow. However, you can also pierce the capsules open and squeeze out some of the liquid Vitamin E inside to use it externally as well.