With the explosive growth of beauty supplements coming to market promising increased hair growth, it’s important to recognize that the ingredients used in these products act and work uniquely to support healthy hair – some with better efficacy than others.
As a manufacturer in the beauty and wellness industry, understanding the process of hair growth is essential to help select the right ingredients when creating effective products that meet the needs of consumers seeking thicker, healthier hair .
From understanding the phases of hair growth to identifying key ingredients that support this process, let's delve into the science behind hair growth and the role of ingredients like biotin and silicon.
The Phases of Hair Growth
Hair growth occurs in a cyclical process consisting of three main phases: anagen, catagen and telogen.1
The growth of the hair follicle is cyclical, with stages of rapid growth and elongation of the hair shaft alternating with periods of quiescence and regression that are governed by apoptotic signals. This cycle is often divided into three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest).
Anagen Phase (Growth): This is the active growth phase, during which hair follicles produce new hair cells. The duration of the anagen phase can vary depending on factors such as genetics and age but often lasts between two to seven years. Hair grows about a half inch per month during this phase.
Catagen Phase (Transition): After the anagen phase, hair enters a transitional phase known as catagen. This phase lasts for approximately two to three weeks and signals the end of active hair growth. During catagen, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla, while preparing to enter the next phase.
Telogen Phase (Rest): The telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, is when hair follicles stay dormant. This phase lasts for approximately three to four months, after which old hair sheds, and the cycle begins again with initiation of a new anagen phase.
Understanding these phases is crucial for developing products that support hair’s natural growth and promote thicker and healthier hair.
Key Ingredients for Supporting Healthy Hair Growth
Several ingredients have been studied for their potential to support healthy hair growth and thickness. Two of the most widely recognized ingredients in this regard are biotin and silicon.- Silicon: Silicon is a naturally occurring mineral that is critical for hair, skin and nails. It is involved in the formation of collagen, a protein that provides structure and strength to hair follicles. Silicon also helps improve hair elasticity and resilience, promoting thicker, healthier-looking hair. Studies have shown that silicon supplementation may enhance hair strength and reduce hair brittleness.2
- Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, biotin also plays a vital role in supporting the growth and maintenance of healthy hair, skin and nails. Biotin is a key cofactor for enzymes that are involved in multiple aspects of metabolism and energy production, including the metabolism of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. As such, it is essential for the structure and function of hair follicles and the growth of hair itself. Research suggests that biotin deficiency may lead to hair loss or thinning, making it a sought-after ingredient in hair-care supplements and products.
Incorporating these ingredients into hair-care formulations can help provide the necessary nutrients and support for optimal hair growth and thickness. However, the body’s ability to extract the benefits from these ingredients directly relate to the form in which they are delivered as well as their solubility and, in turn, how easily the body is able to absorb them.
Fortunately, Nutrition21 offers a patented, science-backed and one-of-a-kind ingredient that tackles all of these concerns: Lustriva®.
Lustriva is a proprietary blend of Bonded Arginine Silicate with Magnesium Biotinate, offering superior forms of biotin and silicon, to promote healthy-looking skin and hair.
Magnesium Biotinate is a novel form of biotin offering improved solubility (40x greater!) compared to than that of D-biotin alone. The Bonded Arginine Silicate provides a novel and bioavailable form of silicon.
In pharmacokinetic studies, both Magnesium Biotinate and Bonded Arginine Silicate show proven absorption of biotin and silicon , respectively.
Lustriva is formulated to specifically aid in nurturing hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth, particularly during the active growth phase, anagen. Clinical research shows that Lustriva:
- Increased the growth of thicker hair (terminal hair) by nearly 20% in as little as three weeks.
- Promotes the growth of existing hair – leading to a fuller, thicker look.
Manufacturers' Considerations
When formulating hair-care products, manufacturers should prioritize the quality, efficacy, and safety of ingredients. Using clinically tested ingredients backed by scientific research can instill confidence in consumers and ensure the effectiveness of the final product.
By understanding the phases of hair growth and incorporating science-backed ingredient complexes into their formulas — such as Lustriva —manufacturers can help consumers achieve their haircare and beauty goals with confidence.
Click here to download our white paper, ‘Inner Glow, Outer Shine: Unveiling the Science Behind Beauty’ to learn more about the shifting dynamics in the beauty from within market.
References:
1.Hoover E, Alhajjm M, Flores JL. StatPearls: Physiology, Hair. National Library of Medicine. July 30, 2023. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK4999482. Araújo LA, Addor F, Campos PM. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. An Bras Dermatol. 2016 May-Jun;91(3):331–335.
3.Kalman DS and Hewlings SJ. A randomized double-blind evaluation of a novel biotin and silicon ingredient complex on the hair and skin of healthy women. J Clin Exp Dermatol Res. 2021;12(1).
