Know what vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? Here’s what you should be doing and how to restore your strands!
If your hairbrush is collecting more strands than usual, it can be due to simple vitamin deficiencies. Read and understand which vitamins support healthy follicles, and how to naturally replenish them.
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss
1. Vitamin D
If your hair seems to be falling faster than leaves in autumn, low vitamin D might be the culprit. This vitamin helps in creating new hair follicles, which are the tiny pores where strands sprout.
So, when you don’t get enough of it, hair growth slows, and existing follicles can become dormant. It often leads to thinning or even patchy hair loss. You don’t need any supplement; just spend 15–20 minutes in sunlight a few times a week to boost your levels.
Tip: If you live in a region that gets limited sunlight, just load up on vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, fortified dairy, egg yolks, and mushrooms.
2. Vitamin B12
B12 is like a delivery driver for oxygen as it helps produce red blood cells! These cells transport oxygen and nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles. A deficiency means your hair roots aren’t getting the fuel they need, which will result in slow growth and excessive shedding.
If you follow a plant-based diet, you are at risk because B12 is found mainly in animal products. In that case, get a supplement for the same. If you’re a non-vegetarian, foods like eggs, milk, salmon, tuna, chicken, and fortified cereals can fulfill that adult requirement of 2.4 mcg per day.
3. Biotin (Vitamin B7)
When it comes to hair vitamins, biotin gets most of the spotlight and for good reason. It is essential for producing keratin, the protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. If you are suffering from low levels, that can cause thinning and even hair breakage.
Although biotin deficiency is rare, it can happen with a poor diet, certain medications, or gut issues that affect absorption. You will find it naturally in eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Bonus info: Most people need 30 mcg daily, but some hair health experts suggest slightly higher doses for noticeable results.
4. Vitamin E 
If you are dealing with weak, brittle hair and an itchy scalp, a lack of vitamin E could be the reason. This powerful antioxidant helps repair damaged hair follicles and improves blood circulation to the scalp. Without it, oxidative stress can damage your follicles and lead to slower hair growth.
You should incorporate vitamin E-rich foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, and spinach into your diet. A 15 mg dose per day will go a long way in strengthening your hair from the root.
Pro Tip: Massage vitamin E oil directly onto your scalp once a week. It not only boosts circulation but also creates a healthier environment for new hair growth.
With the right vitamins and a balanced diet, you can support stronger, thicker hair from the inside out.