The Better Blog

The maximum length of time hair spends in the anagen phase, otherwise known as the active growth phase, varies from person to person depending mainly on genetics. Yet, various things can disrupt the time our hair spends growing, like our health, diet, stress and hormones. For example, an increase of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in our system during menopause leads to follicle miniaturization. 

When this happens, our once-healthy follicles start producing thinner, weaker hair. DHT and other issues can disrupt the growth phase for some of our strands, cause fragile hair and even result in permanent hair loss. But there are ways to counteract this issue and increase our hair's time in the active phase. 

There’s no denying the pregnancy glow of a mom-to-be—even her tresses tend to look thicker and more luminous. Perhaps you’ve even experienced fuller, longer hair firsthand during pregnancy.

What’s the secret behind this lustrous pregnancy-related hair growth? Some swear by their prenatal vitamins—prompting women everywhere to flock to their nearest supplement aisle. But is it all hype? Could it just be hormones? Keep reading as we take a closer look at hair growth during pregnancy, the role prenatal vitamins play and if the benefits make it worth adding them to your hair-care routine, even if you’re not expecting.

Our bodies use the nutrients we eat to create our cells and generate life-sustaining energy. This means vitamins are crucial for all our bodily functions, including our skin and scalp’s ability to retain their shape, conserve moisture and create hair fibers in the follicles.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for skin and scalp function. Our bodies require retinol in our system to effectively build healthy skin from the inside out.

We receive vitamin A from the foods we eat, however, that isn’t always enough. Retinol supplements are an effective way to buoy our reserves and promote optimal skin and scalp health.

Seasonal hair loss, more specifically hair loss that begins in the summer months, is a common concern among many women. In fact, even Google Trends supports this phenomenon with a marked increase in searches for “hair fall” beginning toward the end of summer and peaking well into the middle of autumn. So what’s really going on?

By understanding the link between healthy hair and the hair growth cycle, we can better recognize how our hair evolves through the seasons and whether hair loss in summer is real. While it’s unrealistic to think you can completely avoid shedding throughout the year, we’ll also take a look at a few hair loss treatments you can try at home to make sure your shedding doesn’t become extreme.

Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin responsible for helping your body create healthy new cells. Everyone needs folic acid with no exception. A deficiency in folic acid could not only cause problems for your hair but for your body overall. 

If you notice new issues arising with your hair, there is a chance that, among other things, a folic acid deficiency could be involved. In that case, quality supplements will ensure you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need to support healthy and beautiful hair. 

Biotin and collagen have risen in popularity in the beauty supplement world. Yet, many of us remain unsure of the difference between the two and if we should choose one over the other. Truthfully, much of your decision about what’s right for you will depend on your beauty goals. 

For example, if hair loss is bumming you out, you may need to ensure you're getting the proper nutrients for stronger, shinier hair. Likewise, to achieve healthier skin elasticity, you may need products that can help you boost protein building blocks for smoother, thicker skin.