We’ve all seen the sponsored posts, social media celebrity endorsements, and read the miracle stories of how hair growth vitamins have helped naturalistas accelerate their hair journey. Hair growth vitamins are pretty tempting, but how do you know if they are right for you?
Everything isn’t for everybody, and it is important to make an informed decision when it comes to any new health regimen. Continue reading for my top 5 list of things to do BEFORE taking vitamins to make natural hair grow.
Know What Your Doctor Thinks
Your doctor should be your first source of information when considering hair growth vitamins. They are well versed in your medical history and will be able to help evaluate the pros and cons of adding a supplement to your diet based on your health. They will also be able to provide insight as to if the supplement will conflict with any existing medications you may be taking.
Hair growth vitamins are considered dietary supplements and are not regulated in the same way as other drugs. Manufacturers are not required to submit their supplements to the FDA for pre-approval, nor are they required to show proof of the product claims they make before the supplement is sold online or in stores.A medical professional is your best source for reliable information about hair growth vitamins.
Know What’s In It
It may take a while to get a doctor’s appointment, and in some cases you’re just itching to start your hair growth journey, or a hair growth challenge. If you decide to start taking a hair growth vitamin before consulting with your doctor (and I don’t recommend this), be sure to read the ingredients list. It is important to understand what you’re putting in your body.
Be sure to research the side effects of any of the ingredients, and to check to make sure the supplement doesn’t contain something you have a known allergy to. Natural doesn’t always mean safe. There are herbs that exist naturally that can be harmful.
Know How to Take Them & What the Warning Signs Are
If the directions say take twice daily, follow the instructions. Don’t let your desire for longer hair lead you to making bad decisions about your health. It is possible to overdose on vitamins and minerals, even ones that seem harmless like iron or potassium.
There are recommended daily values (RDVs) for vitamins and minerals, and often times hair growth and similar supplements far exceed the RDVs, which can be dangerous in some cases. There is such thing as too much of a good thing.
The Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institute of Health has developed information sheets about many of the common ingredients found in hair growth vitamins. These fact sheets can be accessed via their website.
Most supplements also come with a warning. Be sure to read the warning label and watch for any of the listed symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms (or others), discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.
Should you ever have to see a medical professional as a result of a negative reaction, be sure to bring your bottle of hair growth vitamins, and any other medicine and dietary supplements you’re taking with you.
Know When They Expire
Like prescribed medication, supplements will have an expiration date. Once your bottle has reached the expiration date, discard the pills appropriately. While the vitamin may not be “spoiled,” it has reached the peak of its best performance. If you’re going to shell out the money for hair growth vitamins, you should at least be sure they are working as effectively as possible.
Know What Others Are Saying
There has likely been someone, many people in fact, that have taken the hair growth supplement before you. You should read product reviews (good, bad, and in between) to get an understanding of results and experiences. Have you ever wondered what happens once you’ve reached your goal and stop taking the vitamins? Reviewers will have that information for you.
I cannot over emphasize the importance of seeking the advice of a medical professional when adding any supplement to your diet. If you choose not to, please be sure to follow the tips above and adequately inform yourself about the risks and the rewards of supplementation.
