Blow-dryers, irons, rollers, sprays, and dyes – these are just some of the eminent enemies that can damage your hair for good. Styling can revamp our appearance in many ways, but the aftermath of too much hairstyling is not great news at all. Besides a change in your hair care habits, you also need an adequate amount of zinc, a mineral that can fortify and improve your hair condition.
Perhaps, you may have read hair product packages charmingly including zinc in their labeling. Many people are attracted to this nutrient yet some are still scared to try zinc or any zinc-enriched products for their hair. What does hair growth and condition really have to do with zinc? Let's get to know more about this fortifying mineral, its hair benefits, and its natural sources.
Feeding the Curiosity: What Zinc Is and Why It Matters
Most people would be familiar with zinc being a trace element used in industrial activities. However, as farfetched as it may seem, zinc is also an essential mineral for your body. This mineral is necessary for dietary supplementation because it helps the immune system and uplifts one’s mood. But what’s even more interesting is its capability to improve hair and skin health. Learn more on how zinc’s benefits can make you zealous enough to care for your hair condition.
Hair Growth Benefits of Zinc: What Can This Mineral Do To Your Hair?
So, how does zinc help you in keeping your hair in its best condition? Find out the upsides of having zinc as a hair growth ally.
Z: Zinc prevents your hair from thinning.
Hair growth problems can manifest through hair thinning. Sadly, they may be caused by your hair follicles. The protein structures around the hair follicles are vital in growing healthy hair strands, and zinc is responsible for this maintenance. Without enough zinc, your hair follicles might not be able to reinforce your hair during the anagen or growth phase, which can lead to stunted hair growth and weak hair strands.
I: It keeps your hair and scalp from getting greasy.
When your hair is too greasy, not only will you feel uncomfortable touching your pate, but you might also ruin your hair condition. One way to regulate your sebaceous glands surrounding your hair follicles is to ensure that your zinc levels are balanced.
N: Not losing your hair is its utmost priority.
Studies show that people with zinc deficiency tend to lose their hair strands. As mentioned earlier, zinc reinforces the protein structure in your hair follicles, and having low zinc levels may cause hair strands to loosen their grip and fall out eventually. Hence, it would be necessary for you to have this mineral so that your hair can grow thick and strong.
C: Cell membranes and enzymes are protected against oxidative damage.
Zinc also has antioxidant properties that can ward off oxidants from damaging cells and enzymes that make up your hair follicles. Various studies on zinc supplementation have discovered the capability of zinc to reduce the enzymes that promote oxidative activities, thereby benefitting all body cells, including on your hair.
Finding Zinc: Where Can You Get Zinc?
Your body cannot store zinc, which is why you need an adequate amount of this nutrient from your daily intake. Where can you obtain zinc? Here are some of the easiest yet top-notch sources of this hair-fortifying mineral.
1. Red Meat
All kinds of meat, such as pork or beef, are not only packed with proteins. They are also powerhouses of zinc since this mineral is essential in building protein structures in meat products. To be more specific, red meat is one of the excellent meat sources of zinc, which also goes well with your antioxidant-enriched red wine. However, be wary and try to avoid eating processed red meats, for the amount of zinc might not outweigh the risks of eating them.
2. Parsley
If you are cutting low on meaty foods, you may opt to eat zinc-enriched herbs such as parsley. Not only is it known to spark the flavors of every meal, but parsley is also a healthy alternative, especially for vegetarian and calorie-conscious people. However, parsley contains only less than one (1) mg of zinc per serving. Instead of consuming plentiful amounts of parsley, add this zesty herb to your cuisine to increase your zinc intake every mealtime.
3. Oysters
There are many fishes in the sea, and so are different types of shellfish. Oysters are among them, and they are excellent sources of zinc. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, each serving of oysters contains 74 milligrams of zinc, making it a top-tier source for zinc-deficient people. Oysters are healthy but secure to clean and cook them properly to avoid bacterial infection and unwanted ramifications.
4. Lobsters and Crabs
If you’ve got a thing for gourmet food, then lobsters and crabs are perfect for your taste buds. These shellfish are especially rich in zinc, containing three to six milligrams per serving. Not only that, lobsters and crabs are also potent sources of minerals, such as phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium, all of which contribute to the tensile strength of your hair.
5. Fenugreek Seeds
Some seeds also have zinc in them, including those from the fenugreek plant. Its seeds do not only have a tinge of sweetness but are also loaded with hair growth nutrients. In fact, fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins and minerals such as iron and zinc, all of which are vital to the hair growth cycle. The flavonoids in these seeds are also antioxidant-enriched, making fenugreek a latent ingredient against hair damage and alopecia.
Nutrient Deficiency and Hair: What Happens If You Are Zinc-Deficient?
Zinc can be found in most foods that you eat every mealtime. However, some instances don't allow zinc to be absorbed by the body. What will happen if you lack this mineral in your body? Find out the following after-effects of zinc deficiency on hair growth.
1. Your hair might not feel thick and bouncy.
Zinc plays a crucial role in forming protein structures. Having low zinc levels in the body may affect keratinization, causing hair strands to become thinner and more brittle. Hence, you are at risk of breaking your hair strands anytime if your hair’s wispy and fragile.
2. The sebum production might be disturbed.
Healthy oil production is crucial for dealing with hair matters. Oils keep your pate healthier, but having an imbalance in your sebum production due to zinc deficiency can affect the quality of hair growth. Your hair may become excessively dry or greasy, and neither of those effects will make your hair healthy-looking.
3. You may experience hair shedding.
Your hair shaft needs to tighten its grip to prevent falling out prematurely. Unfortunately, a zinc deficiency can impede your hair follicles from undergoing the anagen or growth phase, pushing them to stay dormant in the telogen or resting phase. The longer they are inactive, the greater the chance for your hair strands to shed.
4. You might have to say goodbye to your hair for good.
Zinc has a profound contribution to hair growth, and lacking from this particular mineral may not only cause shedding but may even inhibit hair follicle growth. Zinc also reinforces your immune system. Hence, a deficit in this mineral can trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases. Some reports and studies have found zinc deficiency among alopecia areata and diffuse alopecia patients.
Safety: How Safe is Zinc Intake for Hair Growth?
The safest way to obtain zinc is to get it from what you eat. Though zinc is crucial in creating and fortifying hair strands, it would be best to keep in mind that too much of everything is unhealthy and risky for the body. Research shows that high zinc levels in the body can trigger hormonal imbalance. It can increase androgen levels and give them the leeway to attack your hair follicles. Pre-menopausal and menopausal women will need adequate zinc to keep their hair intact. However, they opt to have zinc supplementation, they have to consult a dietician and a physician for the proper diagnosis and dosage.
Protect Your Hair at All Costs with Zinc and Other Nutrients.
Your hair cannot survive healthily without having enough nutrients to nourish your hair follicles. Therefore, always treat your hair with love and protection. Spoil it not only with zinc but also vitamins and minerals that assist and boost hair growth. Yes, your hair needs to be durable enough to withstand abrasions and breakage, but it also needs enough moisture and coating against dehydration. Therefore, choose the best hair thickening and strengthening products that will keep your hair soft yet robust for a long time.
Use Fenugreek Seed Extract for Hair Growth.
It is essential to safeguard your hair follicles against oxidative damage that can cause hair loss. Learn more about female alopecia and prevent it from happening with the help of antioxidant-enriched ingredients, such as fenugreek seed extract. Protect your hair at all costs by using only the best hair growth products with vitamins for hair growth and DHT blockers.