Hair supplements: do they work? Explore the best options available

Do you want hair that’s strong, shiny and lasting over time? Hair supplements can be a valuable ally to achieve this goal. But what are the long-term benefits of taking these products? And how can you choose a quality supplement that does not harm your health?

In this article, we’ll guide you through the mechanisms of action of the most effective supplements and give you practical tips to take care of your hair naturally.

The secrets of hair growth: an innovative study

To address the topic of hair care supplements in a complete and exhaustive way, we need to go a little more technical.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the six main types of GAGs, particular molecules called glycosaminoglycans, which are naturally present in human skin.

HA (Hyaluronic Acid) is a natural substance that helps kee the skin hydrated and youthful, and it is also the most abundant GAG in the dermal matrix. Here it performs a basic support function in combination with the network of collagen and elastin.

The dermal matrix also contains various extracellular proteoglycans, including versican (containing CS), decorin, biglycan (containing CS/DS), fibromodulin, lumican, keratocan (containing KS) and perlecan (containing HS). These integrate the GAG environment of the dermis, giving each skin layer unique functional characteristics.

GAGs are involved in regulating the hair follicle growth cycle, as evidenced by several studies over the years, including “Sustained Human Hair Follicle Growth Ex Vivo in a Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogel Matrix”, published in 2019.

This scientific study aims to unveil the mysteries of human hair growth. The researchers focused on the role of GAGs and associated proteoglycans, which are essential components of the extracellular matrix of the skin.

Until now,there was limited understanding of their impact on the hair follicle life cycle (the structure that produces hair). In this study, the researchers took human hair follicles in the growth phase and cultured them in the lab using a GAG hydrogel similar to the dermal matrix surrounding the follicle in the scalp.

The results were astonishing! The GAG hydrogel promoted sustained strong growth of hair follicle cells while maintaining a high proliferation rate in the bulb area and the region above it. This positive effect was associated with the activation of specific cellular signals that regulate hair growth and the expression of stem cell markers.

To sum up, the study demonstrates that the GAG-rich dermal matrix, and therefore hyaluronic acid, plays a key role in regulating the human hair growth cycle. Furthermore, GAG hydrogels could become valuable tools for modulating this process both in the lab and directly on the scalp.

Supplements for skin, nails and hair

This is not the only study conducted on the subject. The functionality of hyaluronic acid for the human body and how it is absorbed have also been explored in “Distribution of Hyaluronan and its CD44 Receptor in the Epithelia of Human Skin Appendages”, published in 1992.

Essentially, the scientists were able to examine the distribution of hyaluronic acid in human skin.

Using a specialized laboratory instrument, they discovered that HA is present in specific areas of the skin, such as the basal and spinous layers of the epidermis. They also noted that HA is often found alongside a protein called CD44, which is its receptor on the cell surface.

In hair follicles, HA and the CD44 receptor were found in areas where the cells are still alive, but not in the more superficial, dead layers. This finding suggests that HA may play a crucial role in hair growth and health by providing the necessary hydration and structural support.

In sebaceous glands, HA was found surrounding all the cells, while the protein CD44 was limited to the basal layer. This is why HA is often included in skincare products, as it helps maintain hydration and elasticity while also influencing sebum production.

The results of this study suggest that HA may have different functions in various parts of the skin, depending on the cell type and their stage of development. Such discoveries open new possibilities for research and the creation of treatments for skin, hair, and nails, emphasizing the essential role of HA in maintaining the health and vitality of tissues.

In conclusion, hyaluronic acid has long been recognized for its moisturizing and regenerative properties on the skin. However, this study further deepens our understanding of HA’s role in tissues, revealing specific distribution patterns and interactions with other molecules.

These results endorse the use of HA not only in skincare products but also in formulations for hair and nails, where it can enhance hydration, strength, and growth.

Best hair supplement

These studies highlight the essential role of hyaluronic acid in regenerating tissues such as hair.

With numerous hyaluronic acid-based supplements available on the market: which one should you choose?

Osidra represents a true innovation in the field of biomedicine, offering a natural and non-invasive approach to skin regeneration.

Its exclusive formulation, based on dual molecular weight hyaluronic acid, works effectively to stimulate the skin’s repair processes.

The combination of the two distinct molecular weights in Osidra is crucial to the outstanding results observed by long-term users. The low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, with its affinity for the CD44 receptor, penetrates deeply into the tissues, activating a series of biological reactions that enhance the production of new collagen and elastin. This process, known as tissue remodeling, contributes to improved hair health.

At the same time, the high molecular weight hyaluronic acid forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, retaining moisture and shielding the skin from external agents while drawing in large amounts of water for intensive hydration and added volume.

Thanks to this combined action, Osidra not only reduces the signs of aging but also stimulates the natural self-repairing ability of hair (for both women and men), promoting a healthier, younger, and more radiant appearance.

Other hair supplements

The market for hair supplements offers a wide range of products, each formulated with specific active ingredients to address various needs.

In addition to hyaluronic acid, other commonly used ingredients include:

• B vitamins, particularly biotin, which is beneficial for energy metabolism and hair health;
• minerals such as zinc, selenium, and copper, which contribute to hair pigmentation and strength;
• sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine and methionine, which are essential for keratin synthesis;
• plant extracts such as nettle, ginseng, and millet, which are rich in nutrients and have stimulating properties for scalp microcirculation.

Hair supplements: are they effective?

Although many hair supplements contain active ingredients beneficial for hair health, the effectiveness of these products can vary significantly from person to person.

Often, these supplements primarily act on the hair shaft, enhancing its external appearance without addressing the underlying causes of fragility and hair loss. In contrast, Osidra, with its unique formulation of dual molecular weight hyaluronic acid, works at the cellular level, stimulating tissue regeneration processes and improving follicle health from within.

Furthermore, sublingual absorption ensures high bioavailability and quick action. Unlike many other supplements that require prolonged intake to achieve visible results, Osidra can provide noticeable results in just a few weeks.