ON TRIAL: NEW NORDIC HAIR VOLUME
We all want glossy voluminous hair. But not all of us have it. And as we get older our hair can get thinner. Short of a hair transplant – what can we do?
I’ve been trying out New Nordic’s Hair Volume tablets. They claim that the “unique bioactive nutrient hair growth factor combination contained in each tablet nourishes and activates the life processes of hair follicle cells. The tablet works from the inside out. The tablet, which is manufactured in Sweden contains micronutrients and herbal extracts including apple extract rich in procyanidin B2.”
It also contains, among other ingredients, horsetail, biotin, copper and zinc. None of the ingredients are derived from animals, and all the ingredients are GMO free.
So what do we know about these ingredients and their impact on hair growth?
Procyanidin B2 – there have been quite a few clinical trials that have consistently shown that this natural extract can indeed increase hair growth – in both mice and men!
Horsetail – this has been used for centuries to help make hair look glossy and thick. It is rich in the mineral silica or silicon, which works to strengthen bones, nails and hair. Horsetail also contains selenium, a mineral that is essential for the proper hair growth, as it helps the body process iodine, which regulates hair growth. A deficiency in selenium can lead to slow hair growth, and therefore consuming horsetail can help you get enough of these minerals in your diet.
Zinc – Zinc is a trace element in the human body that is essential for a lot of biochemical processes including cell reproduction, production and maintenance of hormone levels, protein synthesis and absorption of vitamins and other minerals. One of the signs of a zinc deficiency is hair loss. So it stands to reason that keeping the zinc within your body at optimal levels could help to keep your hair looking thicker. It may not help it grow – but it seems it will certainly help to stop it falling out or thinning.
Biotin is part of the B complex of vitamins but is also known as Vitamin H. It has long been thought to help hair to grow.
Dr. Richard Scher, a dermatologist who is widely known for his expertise on nail care and disorders, argues that it isn’t totally clear what role biotin plays. However, he believes taking the vitamin does improve the keratin infrastructure (a basic protein that makes up hair, skin and nails).
“Biotin deficiency is rare and low levels may result in brittle nails and hair loss,” explains Dr. Stuart. “However, hair loss and brittle nails may have multiple causes and taking biotin supplements may actually halt this process and even help to reverse it.”
[Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/08/05/biotin-hair-skin-nails_n_4016804.html]
Copper – Clinical studies have found that copper peptides remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and reduce scar tissue because they activate the skin’s repair system. This is why copper is often used as an anti-aging product. And thinning hair can be part of the aging process. Copper’s ability to assist in hair growth was discovered when it was noticed that the hair follicles around wounds treated with copper were exceptionally large.
It is believed that copper works on the follicle in two ways: increasing follicle cell proliferation; and copper also decreases programmed follicle cell death, which results in smaller follicles. In a study on rat hair, researchers noted an increase in follicle size and concluded that copper works on hair growth in a similar way to minoxidil.
So – that’s the science. But what were my conclusions after taking the product for 90 days?
My hair was definitely thicker and a thinning patch had disappeared completely. Before taking the product I could see my scalp in this area (a patch about the size of a 2p piece) and after 90 days my hair was as thick there as everywhere else and overall my hair looked fuller.
Will I keep taking it? Yes. It improved the thickness of my hair and there is good evidence to support that the ingredients are good for my general health.
FACT BOX
New Nordic Hair Volume is available from: http://www.newnordic.co.uk/all-products/hair-volume/hair-volumetm and all good health retailers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chantal Cooke is an award winning journalist and broadcaster with a passion for the planet. In 2002 she co-founded the award winning radio station PASSION for the PLANET and in 2009 Chantal was awarded London Leader in Sustainability status. Chantal also runs a successful communications agency: Panpathic Communications.