A top hair surgeon revealed some unusual components for healthier and thicker locks.
Dr Balwi, the top hair surgeon at Elithair, which is recognised as the largest clinic for hair loss in the world, revealed how you can revamp your hair. Amid the chilly winter months, these supplements are particularly beneficial to those grappling with an increase in hair shedding.
One such supplement Dr Balwi commends is lion’s mane due to its powerful anti-inflammatory traits. The supplement can significantly improve scalp health, decreasing inflammation around follicles and staving off added hair loss.
The doctor said: “Lion’s mane further reduces stress and anxiety, which is beneficial for those suffering from stress-related hair loss. Conditions like Telogen Effluvium and male pattern baldness are worsened and sometimes even caused by stress, therefore the supplement’s stress-relieving properties make it ideal for those trying to manage the root cause of their hair loss.”
Furthermore, he points out hair loss might also stem from a scarcity of nutrients reaching the follicles. Here the lion’s mane mushroom comes into play again, possibly helping by boosting blood flow, thus carrying more nutrients directly to hair follicles, thereby warding off hair loss and increasing the overall health of the hair.
The surgeon recommends magnesium glycinate supplements as the second key ingredient, explaining: “Magnesium helps to prevent the build-up of calcium on the scalp. Scalp calcification occurs when excess calcium deposits on the scalp, potentially restricting blood flow to hair follicles.”
He adds: “This can weaken the follicles, leading to hair thinning or loss. Magnesium helps balance calcium levels in the body, preventing these deposits and encouraging better follicle health.”
The third supplement endorsed by the doctor is collagen, an essential protein that supports the maintenance of skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues, offering numerous benefits for stronger, thicker, and more resilient hair. Collagen provides amino acids necessary for keratin production, which constitutes the protein in hair.
The doctor notes: “Adequate keratin production is crucial for maintaining hair structure, strength, and elasticity. By supplying these amino acids, collagen supports the body’s ability to produce keratin, essential for hair growth.”
Furthermore, he states: “Collagen is good for helping to reduce hair loss as it strengthens the hair follicles, helping to maintain the connective tissue around the hair follicle and preventing hair from thinning or shedding.”
People aged 25 and above should think about incorporating collagen into their routine, as this is the age when “the body stops producing collagen naturally”. However, be wary of collagen gummies as they can pack more sugar than the WHO’s daily recommended amount, so it might be better to opt for a liquid or powder form.
The supplement has been hailed on social media, with many users sharing how it has positively impacted their hair health. In one clip, content creator Izzy Furniss flaunts her luscious locks and encourages: “This is your sign to start taking collagen for hair growth.”
Dr Balwi also sings the praises of sea moss for its high concentration of vitamins and minerals which may “strengthen hair from the roots, reducing hair loss”.
He explains that nutrient deficiencies “are often a cause of hair thinning”, so “ensuring adequate intake of key nutrients like iron, zinc, and iodine – found in sea moss – can help combat hair loss and promote growth”.
The doctor further notes: “Sea moss is also known for its ability to hold moisture, which may benefit hair hydration. Hydrated hair is less prone to breakage, frizz, and damage. Sea moss can help improve the overall moisture balance of both the scalp and hair, leading to healthier, shinier strands.”