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How Do I Choose the Best Vitamins for Gray Hair?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Choosing the best vitamins for gray hair can be a bit of a trial and error experience, as each person responds differently to various methods of treatment. Some of the most commonly used vitamins for gray hair include vitamin B-12, folic acid, and vitamin E. Royal jelly, vitamin B-5, and vitamin C may also be particularly beneficial to those with gray hair. Vitamin B-6, emu oil, and omega-3 fatty acids are also popular choices when considering the use of vitamins for gray hair.

Vitamin B-12 is among the most commonly used vitamins for gray hair. Deficiencies in this vitamin are responsible for many cases of premature graying and may even cause gray hair in children. Oral and injectible supplements are available, although this vitamin can be found in several foods as well. Poultry, beef, and fortified breakfast cereals are excellent sources of vitamin B-12.

Several vitamins and herbal remedies are said to improve the health of gray hair.
Several vitamins and herbal remedies are said to improve the health of gray hair.

Folic acid and vitamin E are popular choices among those searching for vitamins for gray hair. When used with other supplements, folic acid is believed to prevent premature graying of the hair and also treats dry, brittle hair. Vitamin E helps to moisturize hair and is thought to prevent the oxidation process, which can lead to premature graying of the hair. Foods such as vegetable oil, nuts, and seeds contain high amounts of this vitamin.

Vitamin C may help prevent hair from turning prematurely gray.
Vitamin C may help prevent hair from turning prematurely gray.

Royal jelly and emu oil are frequently used to treat dry or brittle hair associated with the same aging process that is responsible for the development of gray hair. Vitamin B-5, commonly referred to as pantothenic acid, is well known for its ability to prevent premature graying of the hair and is added to many commercial shampoos. Vitamin B-6 is believed to help restore the natural color of the hair in cases where premature graying was caused by physical illness.

Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help prevent hair loss.
Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help prevent hair loss.

Vitamin C, commonly found in citrus fruits, is believed to assist in the repair of damaged hair follicles and help prevent premature graying of the hair. Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in several types of fish and are thought to prevent hair loss, strengthen the hair, and help to maintain the natural color of the hair.

Any suspected nutritional deficiencies should be discussed with a doctor before beginning a nutritional supplement program. Some of these supplements may have negative interactions with certain medications or may not be recommended for those with some medical conditions. Simple blood tests can detect any nutritional deficiencies, and the supervising physician can help plan an appropriate course of treatment for each individual situation.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

I highly recommend fresh wheat grass juice or wheat grass supplements for graying hair. Wheat grass is rich in vitamins and minerals, including chlorophyll, calcium, iron and potassium. It can help prevent and reverse graying hair.

candyquilt

@literally45-- I think it's a good idea to get a blood test first for possible vitamin deficiencies. It's a must for those who are under thirty and have gray hair. I don't think it's a good idea to randomly take vitamins without knowing if you have a deficiency.

I suddenly started to get gray hair last year and I'm not even thirty yet. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency. My doctor gave me a vitamin B12 injection and my gray hair returned to brown.

I don't think that vitamin B12 will work for all types of gray hair though. If gray hairs are a result of aging or if they're due to genetics, vitamins are not going to do anything.

literally45

I'm glad that I found this article. I have started getting gray hairs and I want to slow down the process. I don't expect the ones that have turned gray to return to their original color. But if I can prevent new gray hairs from showing up, that will be great. I'm going to try some of the vitamins recommended here. I hope that they will work.

Years ago, I had used vitamin E for hair loss and it had worked wonders. I hope it will help with my gray hairs as well this time around.

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    • Several vitamins and herbal remedies are said to improve the health of gray hair.
      By: neirfy
      Several vitamins and herbal remedies are said to improve the health of gray hair.
    • Vitamin C may help prevent hair from turning prematurely gray.
      By: Accent
      Vitamin C may help prevent hair from turning prematurely gray.
    • Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help prevent hair loss.
      By: pilipphoto
      Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help prevent hair loss.
    • Vitamin C is believed to assist in the repair of damaged hair follicles.
      By: apichai
      Vitamin C is believed to assist in the repair of damaged hair follicles.
    • Omega-3 fatty acids may help maintain the natural hair color and prevent hair loss.
      By: maska82
      Omega-3 fatty acids may help maintain the natural hair color and prevent hair loss.
    • Supplements that contain vitamin B12 and folic acid may help discourage gray hair growth.
      By: Nenov Brothers
      Supplements that contain vitamin B12 and folic acid may help discourage gray hair growth.
    • For most, gray hair is a natural part of the aging process.
      By: Gianfranco Bella
      For most, gray hair is a natural part of the aging process.