TL;DR: Slow hair growth and hair loss can stem from factors like stress, genetics, nutrient deficiencies, or chemical and heat damage. Addressing the root cause through gentle care, a balanced diet, and targeted supplements may support healthy hair growth. In Australia, options like biotin, collagen, and silica are popular choices.
Understanding Hair Growth and Hair Loss
Each hair strand is made of keratin, a structural protein produced by hair follicles in the scalp. The follicles receive oxygen and nutrients through the blood and secrete natural oils (sebum) to protect the strands.
Your scalp typically holds around 100,000 hair follicles, each cycling through stages of growth, rest, and shedding. It’s normal to lose 100 hairs a day (Better Health Channel).
Hair loss becomes concerning when new strands fail to replace the shed hair quickly enough, resulting in visible thinning or slower regrowth.
Why Hair Growth Slows Down
Slow hair growth or hair loss may be caused by one or several of the following:
|
Potential Cause |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Nutrient Deficiencies |
Low intake of protein, iron, zinc, or B vitamins can weaken follicles. |
|
Hormonal Changes |
Conditions like thyroid imbalance or menopause can impact hair cycles. |
|
Stress |
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can suppress hair growth. |
|
Hairstyling Damage |
Repeated colouring, heat styling, or tight hairstyles cause breakage. |
|
Environmental Factors |
UV exposure, humidity, and pollution can damage hair integrity. |
|
Medications |
Some prescription drugs list hair loss as a side effect. |
Even healthy adults may experience slow growth due to oxidative stress and nutrient depletion over time.
Groups Affected by Slow Hair Growth
While hair thinning is often linked to ageing, it can affect people of all genders.
- Men: Commonly experience male pattern baldness due to genetic and hormonal factors.
- Women: Over 50% may experience female pattern hair loss, where thinning occurs along the part line or crown.
- Young Adults: Increasingly affected by nutrient deficiencies, stress, or excessive styling.
Supplements for Hair Health
Treating slow hair growth as a health concern rather than a cosmetic issue can help achieve sustainable results. Supplements formulated in Australia under TGA-certified standards ensure quality and safety.
Biotin
- Supports keratin production for stronger strands
- Research: Studies suggest biotin supports skin, hair and nail health
- Source: Nuts, seeds, and whole grains
- Available in: Vitable Hair Growth
Collagen
- Provides structural support for skin, hair, and nails.
- Research: Supplementation may support hydration and elasticity in the skin and maintain/support nail and hair health
- Tip: Look for hydrolysed marine collagen for better absorption, check out Vitable's Collagen Plus Hyaluronic Acid
Silica
- It is suggested that higher silicon content in the hair fibre results in a lower rate of hair loss and increased brightness ( Araújo et al, 2016)
- Benefit: Promotes healthier, shinier hair by aiding tissue repair
- Available in Vitable Cranberry formula
When to See a Professional
If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue or hormonal irregularities, consult your GP or dermatologist.
They may investigate:
- Thyroid function
- Iron and ferritin levels
- Hormonal balance
These medical checks can reveal whether supplementation or treatment adjustments are needed.
FAQs
Q: Can supplements replace a balanced diet?
A: No. Supplements should complement, not replace, whole foods.
Q: How long until I notice results for hair growth?
A: Hair growth cycles take 3–6 months. Consistency in supplementation and nutrition is key.
Q: Are Vitable supplements TGA-approved?
A: All Vitable products are formulated in Australia and manufactured in TGA-certified facilities that comply with Australian quality and safety standards.
Q: What if my hair loss is genetic?
A: While supplements support follicle health, genetic hair loss may require medical interventions, which should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. “Hair loss in women”. Cleveland Clinic.Published (n.d.) on https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women.
- Better Health Channel. “Patterned Hair Loss”. Better Health Channel. Published (n.d.) on https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/patterned-hair-loss#how-hair-grows.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. “HAIR LOSS: TIPS FOR MANAGING”. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Published (n.d.) on https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/tips.
- Araújo, L. A., Addor, F., & Campos, P. M. (2016). Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 91(3), 331–335. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163986
