Key vitamins for healthy, strong hair

I cannot shake the impression that demand for serums promoting hair growth, strengthening the roots, or supporting scalp health has surged this year. I believe this trend may also be the result of the fact that for several years in a row we insisted on the sleek bun hairstyle. Just as the trend of exfoliating acids boosted the popularity of barrier-repair serums, a hairstyle that emphasizes the strength of the hair roots has encouraged many people to look for solutions to excessive hair loss.

And while scalp serums are an excellent topical solution for the growth of healthy, strong hair, we should not forget the importance of nutrients, hair vitamins, and minerals that form the foundation of healthy hair from within. In addition to hairstyles that are not friendly to the hair roots, other factors can cause premature hair loss.

Excessive hair loss can be a sign that something deeper in the body is out of balance. “Healthy hair is not just an aesthetic issue, but a reflection of overall health,” emphasizes Dr. Sara Brdek, specialist in dermatology and venereology at Poliklinika dr. Jakić, adding: “In dermatological practice, we often see that increased shedding, loss of shine, or hair breakage are not problems of the scalp itself, but signs of nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalance.” Dr. Vana Kljaković Gašpić, owner of Poliklinika Nova, reports the same experience: “Hormonal changes, stress, a lack of certain nutrients, or genetic predisposition often manifest first precisely on the scalp.”

Photo: Darina Belonogova

The most important vitamins for hair

While we often discuss peptides for hair or plant extracts that strengthen the roots, Dr. Kljaković Gašpić highlights the importance of hair vitamins that help create the foundation for strong, healthy hair: “From everyday dermatological practice, I can confirm that vitamins are important for a normal hair growth cycle. They are involved in follicle cell metabolism, keratin synthesis, and the supply of oxygen and energy to the hair roots.” As the most important, the doctors single out the following hair vitamins:

• Vitamin B7 (biotin) participates in the process of producing the protein keratin that builds hair.
• Vitamin D, whose deficiency may be linked to hair loss.
• Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and better iron absorption, both of which are essential for hair health.
• Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper oxygen supply to the follicles; its deficiency may be associated with hair loss.
• Vitamin E provides strong antioxidant activity and protects the roots from oxidative stress that can trigger premature hair loss.

Photo: Rin Owen

However, it should not be forgotten that beautiful hair, as a reflection of overall health, is not achieved through vitamin supplementation alone. “Healthy hair is not the result of one ‘magic’ vitamin or product, but of balance. Proper nutrition, targeted replenishment of nutrients, medically grounded therapies, and an individualized approach are the key to long-term results,” adds Dr. Kljaković Gašpić.

Alongside hair vitamins, other micronutrients also play an important role. “We must not forget iron, zinc, and selenium, minerals essential for hair growth and renewal, nor omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to scalp health and reduce inflammatory processes,” adds Dr. Brdek, who emphasizes that before recommending supplementation, a scalp analysis and laboratory tests should be carried out according to a doctor’s advice. “The goal is not indiscriminate use of dietary supplements, but targeted replenishment of what the body truly lacks, because only in this way can we achieve long-term healthy, strong, and shiny hair,” concludes Dr. Brdek.

Photo: Readymade

A balanced diet and targeted nutrient replenishment are key to hair health. Properly selected hair vitamins help preserve the strength, shine, and density of the hair, while minerals and omega-3 fatty acids further support growth and scalp health. Regular checks of nutritional status and consultation with a dermatologist ensure that supplementation is effective and tailored to individual needs, resulting in long-term strong and healthy hair.