1. Biotin for hair growth and strength. According to a review in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 1-2 mg of biotin daily for 2 months has anecdotal clinical support may be worth consideration for supporting hair growth. However, the article also advises that excessive intakes of nutritional supplements are not recommended. Biotin deficiency is reported to cause dermatitis and hair loss, although most patients with relatively healthy, balanced diets do not have such a deficiency. As a result, it is advisable to take biotin supplements of no more than 1-2 mg daily. A recommended source is GNC Hair, Skin and Nails Formula ($17.99, Amazon.com) with 2500 mcg (2.5 mg) of biotin.

2. Keravis for hair growth. (For you scientists out there, the INCI name for Kervis is Aqua (and) Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol.) In a study in Cosmetics and Toiletries Manufacture Worldwide, it was found that Keravis was more effective than D-panthenol (a component in Pantene, amongst others) in increasing the strength of hair as measured by Flexabrasion. According to the study, Flexabrasion “measures a number of parameters that are considered to be most relevant during normal grooming practices,” and is ultimately a measure of hair’s strength after treatment. Keravis is available in 1% concentration in Naked Naturals shampoos and conditioners.

For more on Keravis, the study is available here.

3. Thermal protection ingredients. Blow-drying is damaging for the hair because it is hitting the hair in a weakened state. My mother, a former beautician specializing in hair care, used to always tell me to imagine the hair like a piece of lace. When the lace is moistened, it certainly is easy to realize that it is weaker and more susceptible to damage. As such, always towel-dry with a super-absorbent towel first, air-dry if possible, and treat your hair with a leave-in conditioner. Two great options: Paul Mitchell Soft Style Heat Thermal Protection ($15.95, Amazon.com) and Kerastase Ciment Thermique ($34.00, KerastaseUSA.com).

4. Hair sunscreen. Just as UV light induces free-radical damage in the skin, UV light can damage the hair, and even strip the hair of color, strength, and moisture. Luckily, companies have recognized this and have developed effective hair sunscreens. I recommend using a hair sunscreen that makes the SPF available, so you can compare the amount of protection, cost, and formulation consistencies across different brands. Two great ones are Shiseido Refreshing Sun Spray SPF 16 ($26.00, Amazon.com) and Quintessence Q-Shade Leave-in Conditioner and Scalp Treatment SPF 30 ($25.00, Amazon.com).

5. Antioxidants! Antioxidants have been demonstrated to combat the negative effects of cigarette smoke, pollution, UV rays, and other sources of free radicals on the hair as well as the skin. Although free radicals can attack living cells in the skin, and the hair is comprised of non-living cells, the effects of free radical accumulation on the hair follicle have been reported to be detrimental to hair growth and coloring. Antioxidants commonly found in hair care products include olive oil, varied plant extracts, vitamin C and vitamin E. Because antioxidant strength is the same whether it is applied on the skin or on the hair follicle, the same advice applies: go for the best! I like Frederic Fekkai Olive Oil Glossing Cream ($19.50-$26.50, Amazon.com) because it contains antioxidant olive oil, has a nice light consistency, and really makes my hair shine.

As dermatologists treat hair, skin, and nails, so I’m going to make more posts about hair care soon!