Brittle Hair Repair: 6 Nutrients to Repair and Revive Your Locks

Brittle hair is hair at its most fragile state. It’s a combination of dryness, dullness, split ends, and frizz. It can be caused by a variety of factors, but most commonly, it’s a result of excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, heat and sun exposure, and using the wrong products. Make sure to replenish your hair with these essential nutrients found in hair care products to repair damage and promote healthy hair.

Like protein, the B-vitamin biotin can also be sourced from eggs. If you have dry, brittle hair, make sure you have enough biotin to promote scalp health. It can stimulate keratin production in the scalp and increase the rate of hair follicle growth, according to the National Institutes of Health. Biotin also improves overall hair quality and adds shine.

For strong hair that withstands damage, use Sunsilk Strong and Long Shampoo with biotin and aloe vera. This shampoo helps improve the appearance and health of your brittle hair, so you can grow it to your desired length and style as you wish.

Vitamin D plays a role in stimulating hair follicles, thus supporting hair growth and health. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D deficiency is linked to certain types of alopecia, especially in women. Even if your concern is brittle hair, taking vitamin D can be helpful since it can also help thicken and strengthen existing hair. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin E’s powerful antioxidant properties can help reduce oxidative stress on the hair. This type of stress is associated with hair loss. Using products with vitamin E can also improve scalp circulation, contributing to healthy hair. It can also help seal the hair cuticle, reduce breakage, and reduce damage, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

According to the National Institutes of Health, iron deficiency plays a role in weak, brittle hair and patterned hair loss — specifically, lack of ferritin in the body. Ferritin is a type of protein in the blood that stores iron. It’s essential to get enough iron from your diet because when you’re low on iron, your body borrows ferritin from the hair follicles. Meat, as well as whole grains, nuts, and legumes, are good sources of iron.

Zinc deficiency is also often seen in individuals with weak, brittle hair, cites the National Library of Medicine. Zinc is a nutrient known to support cellular production and tissue repair. On top of this, it also supports the sebaceous glands and keeps the hair soft and moisturized.

Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients known to be essential to skin and heart health, but some evidence shows that they can be good for the hair as well. A 2019 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that fish oil, a key source of Omega-3, can help stimulate healthy hair growth. It can also support hair thickness, especially in females, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Weak, limp, and brittle hair could be signs of a protein deficiency. If using remedies for dry hair still doesn’t work, you may need to add a little more protein to your diet and products. This nutrient is essential to hair growth and can also help strengthen the hair strands.

As for hair care products, add Dove Intense Repair Keratin Tri-Silk Serum Shampoo and Dove Intense Repair Conditioner to your regimen. These repair damaged hair from the core to the surface, getting rid of roughness and dryness.

Bring brittle hair back to health by using products suited to your hair type can help your hair regain its softness, strength, and shine.