Hair: The Long ’n Short of It — Natural Hair Growth and Health from Root to Tip

It’s something we see, touch, and style every day — yet few of us stop to wonder what hair really is, how it grows, or what it might reveal about our health. In truth, our hair tells quite a story — one of nutrition, hormones, circulation, and even stress.

From Myth to Microscope

Sir Lancelot & Lady Quinevere

Throughout history, hair has been a symbol of life, strength, and identity — from Samson’s divine power to Rapunzel’s tower of hope. Today, we understand that hair still holds meaning, only now it speaks in the language of biology.

Each strand is a living thread, born deep within the scalp in a follicle rich with blood supply, stem cells, and pigment-producing melanocytes. When these microscopic systems thrive, so does the hair. When they falter — from stress, hormones, or nutrient depletion — the evidence often shows up on our brushes and in the mirror.

When Hair Misbehaves

Hair loss or thinning can stem from many causes — hormonal imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune activity, stress, illness, or even sudden dietary changes. Male and female pattern baldness involve the hormone DHT; alopecia areata is autoimmune; and telogen effluvium often follows stress, illness, or childbirth. Understanding which pattern you’re seeing helps determine the best approach to restore healthy growth.

Hormones and Hair: The Delicate Balance Beneath the Surface

As we'll see shortly, nutrients are the building blocks of healthy hair, but hormones are the conductors of the orchestra. They cue follicles when to grow, rest, or shed — and when the balance shifts, your hair responds accordingly.

• The Androgen Connection: DHT and Pattern Baldness

The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent derivative of testosterone that binds to receptors in scalp follicles. In genetically sensitive individuals — men and women alike — DHT causes follicles to shrink, producing shorter, finer hairs until growth ceases altogether.Supporting healthy hormone metabolism and reducing excess DHT activity can make a real difference. Botanicals such as saw palmetto, nettle root, and reishi mushroom naturally help modulate DHT’s effects, while nutrients like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids support hormone balance and calm inflammation.

• PCOS: When Androgens Rise Too High

In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance often lead to elevated androgens. This can cause thinning hair on the scalp while increasing hair in other areas. Restoring balance begins with stabilizing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and supporting gentle liver detoxification — the body’s way of clearing excess hormones. Nutrients like inositol, chromium, and S-acetyl-l-glutathione are particularly helpful.

• Postpartum Shedding: The Estrogen Drop

During pregnancy, high estrogen keeps hair in its growth (anagen) phase, creating thicker locks. After childbirth, estrogen levels plummet, and a wave of follicles shift into the resting (telogen) phase — leading to the classic “handfuls of hair” months later.The good news? This type of loss is temporary. With time, nourishment, and stress reduction, the cycle resets and normal growth returns.

• Thyroid Imbalance: A Hidden Culprit

The thyroid gland governs metabolism at every level, including follicle function. Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) often shows up as dry, coarse, or thinning hair, while hyperthyroidism can cause diffuse shedding. Optimizing thyroid function — with adequate iodine, selenium, zinc, and tyrosine — can help restore normal growth patterns and improve texture.

In short: Hormones don’t just influence mood and metabolism — they literally shape the way our hair grows. When balance is restored, the follicles respond with renewed life, strength, and shine.

Feeding the Follicle

Healthy hair begins inside. The follicles rely on amino acids, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidant nutrients to keep the growth cycle running smoothly. A diet rich in protein, colorful produce, and healthy fats lays the foundation, while targeted supplementation can take results further. And...while healthfully losing excess weight will not cause hair loss, crash/low-fat diets can; get your healthy fats and proteins - ditch the sugar, carbs, and processed foods for healthy fat loss and shiny, healthy hair.

Specific Nutrients & Hormones for Natural Hair Growth and Health

• MSM: The Sulfur Secret for Stronger Hair - Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that provides one of the key building blocks for keratin, the structural protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. Sulfur strengthens the hair shaft, improves elasticity, and supports collagen production around the follicle. MSM also enhances circulation to the scalp and may help extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Many people notice thicker, shinier, faster-growing hair with regular MSM use — a true inside-out beauty mineral. TIP: If you aren't used to taking MSM as a supplement, start low and slow - 1/4 tsp daily, then for really noticeable hair/nail/joint/skin/collagen strides, increase to 1-3 heaping teaspoons daily (yes, that's right!) Don't like the bitter taste? Suck it up; your hair will love you! 😁

For more info on miraculous MSM, go here: MSM | Wondrous Roots

• Biotin: The B Vitamin For Beautiful Hair - Biotin (vitamin B7) plays a key role in the production of keratin, the protein framework that gives hair its structure and strength. It also supports energy metabolism within the follicle, helping cells generate the fuel they need for steady growth. Low biotin levels can contribute to thinning or brittle hair, while optimal intake promotes stronger strands and healthier scalp function. Found naturally in eggs, nuts, and seeds—or easily supplemented—biotin is a simple but essential ally for maintaining resilient, vibrant hair.

• Collagen & Glycine: The Scalp’s Structural Foundation - Collagen provides the connective framework that supports each hair follicle, while glycine—one of its key amino acids—helps the body build both collagen and keratin. Together they maintain scalp elasticity, strengthen the hair’s anchoring structure, and help reduce breakage. As natural collagen production declines with age, supplementation can restore the matrix that keeps hair strong, flexible, and well-nourished at the root. Above are links to the TotumVos Collagen Chews we carry, and their really nice, but there are many good collagen peptide products out there to choose from. If you're going to use glycine powder (many health benefits besides and terrific for sleep), try 3/4 tsp (3000 mg) nightly (this one tastes SWEET, not bitter, and glycine and MSM work very well together to raise the "miracle molecule" GLUTATHIONE!) For more information on Glycine go here: Nutrients/Vitamins/Minerals/Amino Acids | Wondrous Roots

• Zinc, Copper, and Iron: The Mineral Trio for Growth and Color - These trace minerals are indispensable for healthy hair—but balance is everything. Too much of any one mineral can disrupt absorption of the others or create oxidative stress. The best approach is to maintain all three within optimal range through diet or a balanced multivitamin rather than single high-dose supplements.

  • Zinc supports follicle repair, cell renewal, and hormone balance.

  • Copper assists in melanin production (color) and cross-linking of collagen and keratin.

  • Iron enables oxygen delivery to the follicle, vital for active growth.

• Vitamins A & D: The Regulators of Growth and Renewal - as found in cod liver oil or sourced from cod liver oil as supplements - Here's how they help with your hair: Vitamin A helps regulate the turnover of skin cells and sebum production on the scalp, keeping follicles clear and nourished. Vitamin D influences the growth phase of the hair cycle and supports the immune balance around the follicle. Deficiency in either can contribute to shedding or brittle texture. Because both are fat-soluble, moderation matters—excessive amounts can hinder rather than help.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-Inflammatory Nourishment for the Scalp - Omega-3s - especially from fish oil or sea buckthorn provide the essential fats that keep the scalp supple and reduce inflammatory signals that can shrink or irritate follicles. They also improve circulation and moisture retention, helping hair grow thicker and shinier. For many people, adding omega-3s restores luster and softness that no conditioner can match.

• DHEA: Gentle Hormonal Support for Vitality and Growth - Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally produced adrenal hormone that declines with age. It supports energy, mood, and tissue repair—and may also improve scalp circulation and follicle vitality. Restoring youthful DHEA levels can help optimize overall hormonal balance and indirectly promote healthier hair. Because responses vary, start low and monitor with lab testing to avoid excess androgen conversion. For lots more info on DHEA - the "longevity hormone" - see here: DHEA | Wondrous Roots

Four Kick-Butt/Boost-Root Wondrous Supplements for Hair Health

• Healthy Hair – nutritional support with Gotu Kola, Fo-Ti, Horsetail, and Nettle to enhance scalp circulation and follicle resilience. This is an herbal formula you take by mouth for natural hair growth and health.

• Healthy Roots! – a topical herbal oil treatment to awaken the scalp and promote strong new growth.

• Alpha-Bio Centrix New Hair/Skin Bioenergy Disk - this is pretty cool, and I have had good feedback regarding it - if you like energy medicine, check it out. This patch is (Long Term Therapy) designed to assist in the growth and restoration of hair. Contains frequencies associated with nutritional factors to mimic the “vasodilating” effect of Minoxidil, by promoting enhanced follicular size, oxygen and blood to the follicle and stimulating the growing phase of the hair growth cycle.

• ⭐Hair Complex (by Silver Fern Bran) – with solubilized keratin, bamboo extract, and sea buckthorn for fuller, thicker, shinier hair. I and others of my clients have been using this one faithfully over the last several months and noticing a difference in rate of hair growth and vibrance: Silver Fern® Brand Hair Complex delivers a uniquely potent trio of ingredients that reach deep into the follicle’s foundation. I recommend this over anything else I have seen "out there," and here's why:

1. Solubilized Keratin (Keragen-IV™)Sourced from New Zealand sheep’s wool, this next-generation keratin is fully digestible—a breakthrough over standard or hydrolyzed keratin. It supplies the amino acids your body uses to build keratin and collagen IV, the structural network that anchors each follicle into the scalp. The result: stronger roots, improved elasticity, and greater resilience against breakage. Keragen-IV™ also supports glutathione and taurine synthesis, further defending hair against oxidative stress.

2. Sea Buckthorn (SeaBerry® Omega Powder) - Called the “holy fruit” of Tibet, sea buckthorn brings a rare balance of plant-based omega-3, -6, -7, and -9 fatty acids plus vitamin C and antioxidants that calm inflammation and nourish the follicle. By enhancing circulation, supplying micronutrients, and protecting against oxidative stress, SeaBerry® promotes thicker, softer, glossier hair—and radiant skin to match.

3. Bamboo Extract - Rich in up to 70 percent organic silica, bamboo extract reinforces the collagen and elastin scaffolding that gives each strand strength and luster. Silica helps remineralize the scalp environment, clears away damaged cells, and boosts the hair’s natural shine and volume.

Together, these three elements form a comprehensive “follicular fitness formula” that supports hair at every structural level—root, shaft, and surface. Two vegetarian capsules daily helps fortify follicles, enhance growth, and restore the natural gloss and density that define truly healthy hair.

Together, they nourish the follicle inside and out — from blood flow and nutrient delivery to scalp stimulation and keratin synthesis.

The Long and Short of It

Whether your goal is to prevent shedding, encourage regrowth, or simply keep your hair as healthy and lustrous as possible, remember: your hair reflects your overall well-being.

Feed your body well. Balance your hormones. Reduce your stress. Support your circulation.And before long, you’ll find your hair responding in kind — stronger, shinier, and as full of life as you feel.

Want to learn more? Check out the replay of this lively live webinar from Saturday, October 18, 2025!

And Go Here to see my Body Parts Page for the downloadable PDF that goes with it!