Hairology part 2 – MINERALS for hair

Everyone must have heard that ‘hair needs vitamins to be healthy’. It is true.

Sadly, few know that vitamins make up a small group of substances necessary for hair to grow strong, shiny and beautiful.

Iodine, copper and iron usually make us think of the metal industry, not hair care.

Surprisingly, both vitamins and minerals must be delivered so hair grows healthy and astonishes with its condition. Minerals are as important as vitamins. They make up a large part of metabolism processes. Their deficiency leads to the imbalance in the body; it can be the cause of many diseases and worse appearance of our hair and complexion.

Here is the list of minerals that have a great influence on the beauty and health of our hairdos

Boron – it helps to fight off various scalp diseases e.g. dandruff, psoriasis, eczema. Boron has anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also prevents fungi. It protects the scalp from the unfavorable changes and provides a ‘good base’ for healthy hair growth.

Zinc – it is amazing at inhibiting hair loss and boosting hair growth. Zinc is a crucial mineral because it has a direct influence on the production of keratin – building block of hair. We should also mention that zinc enhances the absorption of vitamin A (also important to hair) and controls the function of sebaceous glands. It increases the resilience of both the hair stem and bulbs. The mineral keeps the scalp healthy as it stimulates thymus that produces a substance causing the proliferation of T cells (responsible for hair resilience).

Iodine – it is responsible for the elasticity and bounce of hair. What is more, its deficit may appear through problems with thyroid and – consequently – a poorer hair condition. A balance of hormones affects the hairdo. Hair becomes brittle and prone to damage without iodine. We must know that a proper hair growth largely depends on iodine.

Silicon – it makes sure that skin cells are free from toxic substances (e.g. heavy metals, toxins absorbed by skin and hair). Its deficit weakens disulfide bonds in hair. A low level of silicon leads to the drop of collagen. As a consequence, the skin and scalp lose elasticity and firmness; hair bulbs are poorly rooted in follicles so hair falls out in excess.

Magnesium – one of the most important minerals to our body. It takes part in lots of biological processes and affects our nervous system. Magnesium plays a key role in the production of protein – mainly keratin that makes up hair. Moreover, the deficit of magnesium causes extreme splitting and breakage.

Manganese – it forces the whole body to function properly. Without manganese, forget about boosted growth and healthy, elastic hair. The deficiency of manganese makes hair lose its vitality; it gets damaged at a great speed and stops growing. Hair does not fall out – it breaks because it is so dry.

Copper – it is not only responsible for the proper hair structure; copper affects the pigmentation – the saturation and intensity of hair color. The less copper in the body, the more quickly your hair shade fades. What is more, copper influences the development of disulfide bonds inside the hair. If there are too few bonds, hair is thin and weak. Cosmetics weigh such hair down and trigger frizz and static.

Potassium – it is unrivalled for those who have problems with weak and thinning hair. Its deficit considerably weakens hair bulbs that are no longer able to stay in follicles and ‘slip out’. Potassium is also responsible for the proper water content and moisture inside the cells. In other words, potassium makes hair hydrated and resilient.

Selenium – an extremely crucial and helpful element. Its particles work like a ‘cleaning crew’ in the body. Selenium helps remove toxic elements and reduces their harmfulness. It 'picks up' heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury) and combines with them, blocking their work and creating safe, nontoxic compounds. Thanks to selenium, they are eliminated more quickly. Moreover, it makes the cigarette smoke less harmful for hair and does not allow toxins to penetrate the hair. What is more, selenium is a strong antioxidant so it ensures hair vitality and youthfulness. It is essential to the proper action of another valuable element – sulfur.

Sulfur – it is hard to classify it to the group of minerals. It creates a separate category. Sulfur is untypical and cannot be compared to any other element. It works as fuel for all body cells (it can be called ‘the guard of the bonfire’ that should always smolder in our body). Another crucial feature of sulfur? It participates in the synthesis of keratin – the most important building block of hair. It also works wonders for oily hair and sebum overproduction because it controls the glands.

Sodium – it is important to the whole body because it balances the level of liquids inside the cells. In other words, it makes sure the body is well hydrated. It prevents hair dryness. Sodium ions – electrolytes – stabilize the level of water in the cells and lock it in.

Calcium – unusual and precious element. It is able to make hair bulbs firmly rooted in follicles. Calcium strengthens and repairs hair stem and takes part in a healthy and quick hair growth.

Iron – irreplaceable in an intensive hair repair. Ions of iron fulfil an important function – transport the energy to the cells in hair matrix. In other words, if there was no iron, nutrients would have no chance for regenerating cells.

Check where to search for minerals!

The ones delivered with food are the most important – they influence the whole body. Supplements for ‘beautiful hair and nails’ are not and should not be the main factor deciding about the health of your hair. Mineral and vitamin supplements should only support your hair care. Natural oils are the best and the largest source of vitamins and minerals, and so are mineral-dense marine algae - a hair mask rich in algae quickly provides the hair structures with minerals.

Moreover, remember that fatty acids in oils make it easier for vitamins and micro-nutrients to penetrate the cells. That is why using both masks and suitable blends of natural oils is the best way to revive the hair.