Why is msm good for hair growth?

• Mix ingredients (10 grams of MSM powder, 15 grams of aloe vera juice, and 75 grams of water) thoroughly.
• Pour into spray bottle.
• Spray directly on scalp and leave on overnight (once per day for a month)
• Wash hair in the morning.

Our expert nutritionists discuss how MSM can impact the health of hair, including hair growth, hair thinning and hair strength.

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Sulphur is a mineral that is found in all cells in the body, including hair. Sulphur bonds are needed for strong, flexible, and healthy hair. MSM aids in the production of collagen and keratin, two proteins that are vital for hair growth.

Collagen provides strength and keratin makes hair less prone to breakage. Be cautious of taking collagen supplements and topical hair products however, the way collagen is sourced is surprising, you may like to read 'The truth about collagen' first.

MSM is known to help to reduce inflammation, which can cause damage hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. A reduction in inflammation leads to healthier hair growth.

There are several forms of MSM available, including powder, oils, and supplements. Good health starts with good nutrition, so it’s best to take supplemental MSM, to work on hair health from within. Capsule form is known to be the cleanest form of supplement consumption, and Hair Saviour is our nutrient-rich formula to combat dull, dry and brittle hair and fuel naturally strong hair every day.

Topically rosemary oil can also be applied to the scalp, as it contains MSM. Some hair products also contain MSM. Topical treatments are not a replacement for dietary and supplemental MSM.

MSM and other nutrients that can help reduce menopausal hair loss and support growth. A comprehensive supplement like DR Vegan hair saviour contains many nutrients targeted at improving hair growth.

Find out more about how 'How menopause affects your skin and hair'.

MSM is excellent for hair growth and preventing hair loss, but there are other nutrients that also help.

Part of the B vitamin family supports the production of keratin, the protein in hair.

Horsetail extract is rich in silica which helps strengthen hair and prevent thinning.

Testosterone is found in both men and women. Saw palmetto helps prevent testosterone converting into the form that causes hair loss and thinning.

Zinc is needed for the replication of new hair cells, deficiency can lead to hair loss and thinning. Zinc is actually very important for your immune system, hair, skin, and nails.

Iron is necessary for healthy blood cells and helps them carry oxygen and other nutrients to the scalp where they support hair growth. Iron is particularly important for women making it important to understand Iron-rich sources of food.

Copper is necessary for normal hair pigmentation and is one of our listed five key nutrients for healthy hair.

Folic acid is needed by quick growing cells such as hair cells. Folic acid is particularly important when pregnant and is an ingredient in our Pregnancy Multinutrient.

Iodine is needed for the normal function of the thyroid, which controls metabolism and the rate of hair growth.

Iodine is an important nutrient to supplement if needed, particularly on a vegan diet or when managing an underactive thyroid.

Alfalfa is rich in nutrients needed to support hair growth.

Cayenne pepper improves circulation to the scalp, improving nutrient uptake of the hair follicles. It is a dried chili pepper powder, available cheaply at supermarkets. Cayenne pepper adds a kick to lots of dishes, for example or baked feta spinach pasta recipe which is plant-based.

AnaGain is a clinically proven ingredient, from pea sprouts, and stimulates specific signal molecules in the hair follicle required for hair growth.

1. If you experience significant hair loss or slow hair growth, consult with your healthcare provider.

2. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, as well as reducing stress all contribute to hair growth.

To learn more about healthy hair growth and nutrition, read 'Ultimate advice for hair loss, from an expert nutritionist' and 'Best foods for hair loss and hair thinning'.

View our range of vegan vitamins and supplements

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MSM is known as a sulfur-rich compound with anti-inflammatory properties. There's also some inconclusive research on its effectiveness with hair growth and retention. MSM sulfur may form bonds essential to strengthening the keratin in hair and influencing hair growth.

MSM or methylsulfonylmethane is an organosulfur compoundi  XThese are the organic sulfur molecules found in all living organisms. They help treat diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. that occurs naturally in animals, humans, and plants.

MSM supplements have anti-inflammatory properties and are widely used (1):

MSM supplements are sources of sulfur for the essential amino acid methionine. The sulfur-rich amino acids can detoxify harmful free radicals, toxins, and reactive oxygen species in the body and help maintain the cellular systemsi  XThe human body is made up of trillions of cells, the fundamental units of the body. A group of cells is called a cellular system.  (1).

These benefits have also led to the belief that MSM can promote hair growth. What does research have to say about this? Find out in the next section.

There is not much scientific research regarding the hair benefits of MSM. However, some inconclusive research has explored the efficacy of MSM for hair growth.

A study found that a high dose (3 g/day) of MSM improved hair shine and volume within eight weeks (1). Another mice study found that a blend of 10% MSM and 7.5% MAP (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) could promote hair growth and be used to treat alopeciai  XA disease in which the immune system attacks the body, leading to sudden extensive hair loss or bald patches. . However, the study concluded that the result depended on the concentration of MSM (2).

Our hair and nails are composed of keratin, which contains cysteine, a sulfurated amino acid. MSM provides sulfur to these amino acids, which, in turn, strengthens the hair (1).

However, more studies are required for a definite answer. Meanwhile, you can consume sulfur-rich foods or take MSM supplements for hair growth. In the next section, we have discussed the ways to use or get MSM for hair growth.

Mix MSM powder with any hair cream, shampoo, or lotion, and apply it to your scalp. Consuming sulfur-rich foods is one way to cover the sulfur deficiency (if any). You can eat:

For the best results, incorporate these foods into your daily diet. However, you may not always meet the dietary requirement of sulfur or MSM with a well-balanced diet and may need MSM supplements. In the next section, find out the recommended dosage of the MSM

You can have anywhere between 500 milligrams and 4 grams of MSM per day.

MSM supplements fall under the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) category by the FDA and are well-tolerated (3). However, do not self-medicate. Using MSM (orally and topically) may cause a few side effects.

You may experience mild side effects like:

You do not need a prescription to buy MSM. In the next section, learn how you can get MSM for hair growth.

MSM supplements are over-the-counter products available in any drugstore in powder and pill forms. You can also buy the supplements from any supermarket or online e-commerce store. However, consult a doctor for the right dosage before using MSM. Considering the lack of research on the effects of MSM, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking the pills.

Can I take MSM and biotini  XA vitamin of the B complex that is water-soluble in nature. It helps promote strong and healthy hair. together?

Yes, you may take biotin and MSM together to help stimulate hair growth. Consult your doctor for the recommended dosages.

Does MSM affect hormones?

Yes, MSM may inhibit cortisoli  XIt is known as the stress hormone of the body. It helps regulate the body’s stress response in a fight-or-flight circumstance. levels and suppress negative hormones responsible for the growth of cancer cells (4), (5).

Are MSM and magnesium the same thing?

No, they are not the same thing. MSM is an organic sulfur compound found in humans, animals and plants.