Strong, healthy, glossy hair is something most of us want. Shampoo, conditioner and masks look after the surface of the strand, but the strand itself is made at the root, in a body that needs feeding. That is where nutrition comes in, and it is worth being precise about what nutrition can and cannot be said to do.
In this article we set out which nutrients carry an authorised hair claim, what the others on a typical label are actually approved for, and how to build a routine that looks after your hair and scalp.
The three nutrients with an authorised hair claim
In the EU and the EEA, health claims on foods and supplements are permitted only in approved wording. For hair, the list runs to three:
- Biotin (vitamin B7) contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Our premium hair vitamins contain 2500 µg per daily dose.
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails.
- Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails.
That is the complete list. Anything beyond it, whether on a pack, a website or a social media post, is not an approved claim.
What the other nutrients on the label are for
A good hair supplement contains more than three ingredients, and the rest earn their place. They simply have different approved claims:
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
- Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
- Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- Iodine contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
- Folic acid contributes to normal amino acid synthesis.
- Iron, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
None of these is a hair claim, and none of them should be presented to you as one.
Why hair changes, and when to ask for help
Hair grows in cycles, and several things can disturb them: ageing, genetics, hormonal change including pregnancy and the menopause, thyroid conditions, iron deficiency, illness or surgery, some medicines, prolonged stress and rapid weight loss. If your hair loss is sudden, patchy or continues for months, see your doctor or pharmacist. Several of the common causes are identifiable with a blood test and treatable, and that is a better route than guesswork.
Where Hair Luxious fits
Our premium hair vitamins for women and men are formulated for Scandinavian diets, at measured doses, and they contain biotin, zinc and selenium among other nutrients. Hair Luxious is a bestseller online and in Norwegian pharmacies, and is recommended by leading Norwegian hairdressers.
Making it a simple everyday routine
- Attach it to something you already do. Take the recommended dose with breakfast and a large glass of water, and you are far more likely to remember it.
- Choose the format you will actually take. If tablets are hard to swallow, our hair gummies contain the same nutrients in a form that is easier to get through.
- Feed the whole picture. Hair is largely protein, so eat enough of it, alongside iron rich foods, oily fish, nuts and seeds, and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Drink enough water.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose. More is not better, and some nutrients accumulate. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, check with a pharmacist first.
Looking after hair from the outside
Nutrition is only half the story. Wash as often as your scalp actually needs, with a mild shampoo, and keep conditioner to the lengths. Detangle from the ends upwards with a wide tooth comb, and go gently on wet hair, which is at its most fragile. Turn the heat down on dryers and straighteners and use a heat protectant. Space out bleaching and colouring. Loosen tight ponytails and braids. Trim regularly so split ends do not travel up the strand.
Buying hair vitamins online
Our premium hair vitamins and gummies, for him and for her, can be ordered online and delivered to your door. Compare the labels, look at the amount of each nutrient per daily dose, and ask us or your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
