We are constantly getting consultation requests from girls with the same issues: weak, dry, or brittle, thin hair with varying degrees of damage. And every single person is seeking that “miracle” “quick fix” solution to solve their problem.

While our Nano-link hair extensions are a fantastic way to help your natural hair’s integrity, grow out damaged hair, and are safe for our ladies with especially weak hair, another thing you may want to consider is “hair, skin, and nail gummies.” We know our extensions will help your hair on the outside, but why not couple them with a proper supplement to nourish from the inside.

With a few exceptions, the health and strength of your hair is a direct result of your body’s health and any unbalance or deficiencies you might be experiencing. If you have noticed a sudden change in the condition or thickness of your hair, it’s not a bad idea to see your doctor to run a full blood test. That way you will know if you’re lacking anything and if your thyroid gland and hormones are functioning like normal.

Not all hair, skin, & nail supplements are created equal

Some are great. Some are just okay. Some are complete scams. First, let’s see what science has to say on the subject.

We all know that hair, skin, and nail supplements commonly contain antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, or Co-enzyme Q10, as well as Biotin, a B-complex vitamin. Minerals like magnesium and selenium are also often found in supplements marketed for healthy hair, along with fatty acids such as fish oil and/or flax seed oil.

Deficiencies of these nutrients, although uncommon, may cause the hair and sometimes the skin and nails to change. Over time, for instance, insufficient intake of vitamins A and E may cause rough, scaly, skin patches, whereas a deficiency of Biotin could certainly cause eczema and hair loss.

However for those of us with no clear deficiencies, experts say there’s no good evidence that supplements can make a difference. Ergo, you are wasting your money!

“I’m not aware of any robust data suggesting that any supplements can treat natural, aging-related hair loss or nail damage, or give you healthier skin,” says Pieter Cohen, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an expert on dietary supplements.

Two studies from the nineties did find that Biotin supplements may help strengthen soft, easily breakable nails. But the studies were small and not rigorously conducted, and haven’t been replicated, Cohen says.

“It’s nothing that would ever lead me to recommend it to any of my patients,” he adds.

“What if I’m deficient?”

Most people get enough of the nutrients mentioned above through diet alone, but in rare cases, a medical problem may cause a deficiency or affect your hair, nails, or skin. Take for example those of us who use antibiotics long-term, or use anti-seizure drugs. An over- or under-active thyroid could also be the culprit that’s causing hair loss and dry strands.

Still interested in hair supplements?

It goes without saying that the quality of a supplement depends on what’s in it—the ingredients.

Ideally, you should look for the following:

Biotin – Also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, Biotin is a nutrient that is most prevalent in kids, which is why their hair is always so shiny and smooth. The amount of Biotin in our bodies decreases as we get older. Biotin deficiency is associated with thinning, graying hair.

Try to find a supplement that contains minimum of 3,000 micrograms of Biotin. If you can get one with even more than that, great! Anything less, however, may not make any difference to you.

Anti-oxidants – Two absolutely essential anti-oxidants are Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These are two of the best nutrients for your hair and really, your entire body. Try to find a supplement with even more anti-oxidants, like grapeseed extract or Goji berry extract, but the most important are Biotin and Vitamins C and E.

Gotu Kola Extract – Gotu Kola is an herb that has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for fighting and treating infections. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can make it effective for healing and rejuvenating the body’s production of essential vitamins for hair support. It also affects hair follicles and the scalp and skin moisture.

Bottom line is to always be wise before you buy. These companies spend millions on marketing and advertisements, including paying celebrities to endorse them. These trendy, yummy treats are never going to fix your chemical haircut, nor are they going to dramatically thicken your limp locks. Don’t expect your dry, bleach blonde hair to become shiny and manageable, or your pixie cut to start growing faster. That said, if you do come across a good supplement and research what is in it (and how that will benefit you personally) we believe that can’t be a bad thing! At Hair Flair, we are huge advocates of strong, confident women, and we know it starts from within.