Taking vitamins to support your body is a good thing, and they can support all parts of you from the inside to the outside. But is there really such a thing as “too much of a good thing?” Can you take too many hair vitamins? Let’s have a look into this question in a little more detail…
Can You Take Too Many Hair Vitamins?
Taking supplements is definitely a good thing, especially because it’s hard to get enough of all the vitamins we need from our diets.
However, it actually is possible to take too many of one type of vitamin! You can’t overdose and die, but it may cause you some health problems.
Our bodies are designed very well, and each different vitamin and mineral interact with the others to make us fully functioning and healthy.
Taking too much of one vitamin can cause some others to be depleted, and all in all it can seem like a delicate balancing act!
Hair vitamins generally contain Biotin – also known as vitamin B7. This is something that most healthy people already have in good amounts in their bodies.
Supplementing with Biotin can help people who have a deficiency, but there is no evidence to suggest that it can help hair growth in people who are NOT deficient.
There are a great many natural supplements that you can take that support hair growth, such as:
- Caffeine
- Fish oils
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Horsetail
- Selenium
You can either find these items as supplements in health food shops, or you can source them yourself and incorporate them into your diet.
Always follow the dosage instructions when taking any supplement, and be aware that even though these are all natural substances, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and good lifestyle.
This article gives some more information about the ins and outs of hair vitamins.
How Many Hair Vitamins Per Day?
If you are taking shop-bought hair vitamins, the dosage instructions should be included on the box.
As with all types of supplement, pills and vitamins, you should not exceed the stated dose – it is there for a reason!
Also remember that the age of the person taking the vitamin will change the recommended dosage – children should always take less than adults.
It is recommended that you do not exceed 30-100 micrograms of Biotin per day as an adult or a teenager. Children between 7 and 10 can have up to 30 micrograms per day, and children between 4 and 6 should not exceed 25 micrograms.
You can take more than one type of hair vitamin in a day, but you should work out from the ingredients how much you are taking and don’t exceed the recommended daily dose.
It is far from the end of the world if you forget to take hair vitamins one day – just don’t feel like you need to take double the dose on the following day!
What Are The Side Effects Of Hair Vitamins?
As long as you are taking your hair vitamins according to the dosage instructions, you very likely won’t notice any problems at all.
You may notice some issues if you are taking too much at a time, or sometimes if you suddenly start taking them having never done so before.
There are a few documented side effects of taking hair vitamins, particularly Biotin, that it is well worth taking note of.
Constipation, diarrhoea or a generalised upset stomach can be a side effect of taking hair vitamins, which can be unpleasant.
However, these side effects are usually just a temporary adjustment that your body is making as it gets used to the supplements, and they should clear up on their own.
There are few or no serious side effects noted in taking hair vitamins, but bear in mind that any symptoms such as itching, difficulty breathing or a rash should be a sign that you stop taking the vitamins and seek medical attention immediately.
How Long Does It Take For Hair Vitamins To Make A Difference?
So, you started taking hair vitamins yesterday, and you expected to see glossy, lustrous locks when you looked in the mirror today.
Sorry, but it doesn’t work like that! It takes a while for your body to absorb any supplement, and even longer for them to actually start to work.
Generally speaking, you should expect to see vitamin supplements working their magic within four to six months of daily use.
The changes in the quality of your hair can usually be seen within a year, as long as you are using the product consistently.
You can’t really expect them to make much difference if you forget to take them for weeks at a time – having them on the shelf is not the same as having them in your body!
Once you have bought your hair vitamins and you are following the recommended dosage, stick to the routine and be patient. It WILL pay off.
If you’re after a really quick and simple way to improve your hair, check out this clever little video:
Do Hair Vitamins Really Work?
Anything that you put into your body with a view to supporting it better and helping meet its nutritional needs, will definitely help.
If you have a deficiency in your body, you may notice problem areas, particularly in the skin, hair and nails.
Hair vitamins can and do help your hair, but you do need to be mindful of looking at the body as a whole, and ensuring that it has all the right nutrients.
If you are taking hair vitamins alongside a balanced, healthy diet and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise, you will definitely notice a difference.
Make sure that you routinely take your hair vitamins, as well as doing all the other things that keep your body healthy, and you will notice them starting to work.
Final Words
The perfect, balanced diet should support your body enough, without the need for supplements – but as so very few of us actually manage this, vitamins are a great option!
It’s always good to do your research before you start popping pills, so get yourself informed on hair vitamins, and your luscious locks will thank you.
