Let’s be honest, the natural hair industry is inundated with hair vitamins to promote hair growth and optimal hair health. With so many brands to choose from it can be very easy for any naturalista to feel overwhelmed while on the quest for healthy hair. Here are 4 vitamins essential for optimal hair health and growth.

1. Biotin for elasticity
2. Niacin to nourish the scalp
3. Vitamin C contributes to the development of collagen
4. Vitamin E helps your scalp

#1 Biotin for elasticity

Biotin (B-Complex) – biotin is one of the most researched and known of all hair vitamins. Biotin is essential in promoting healthy hair by increasing the hair’s elasticity. Elasticity is an important sign of healthy hair because it refers to how far strands can stretch and bounce back to its original shape without breaking. You can get your biotin boost from foods like lentils, bulgar, green peas, brown rice and oats.

# 2 Niacin to nourish the scalp

Niacin (B3) – also known as vitamin B3, helps to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Signs of niacin deficiency include dry, brittle, lackluster hair. You may even notice hair loss. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you try boosting your niacin intake with foods like fish, chicken, turkey, pork, liver, peanuts, beef, mushrooms, green peas, sunflower seeds, and avocado.

#3 Vitamin C contributes to the development of collagen

Vitamin C –contributes to the development of collagen. Collagen is important in promoting hair growth and maintaining the strength of hair. Vitamin C also assists in the absorption of iron, which is essential in keeping strands strong and healthy. Foods like cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, broccoli, green and red peppers, and tomatoes all serve as significant sources of Vitamin C.

#4 Vitamin E helps your scalp

Vitamin E – is a significant factor in creating a healthy base for a thriving scalp. Just like soil to a plant, a healthy scalp is the foundation for beautiful healthy hair. Signs of a healthy scalp include soft, nourished hair with minimal frizz and few split ends. Foods that contain high amounts of vitamin E are spinach, almonds, avocado, sunflower seeds and tomatoes.

Keep in mind, the two most important things you can do to obtain healthy hair is to start from within. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a nourishing healthy diet year round will undoubtedly allow for your scalp and strands to flourish on a consistent basis. How do you feed your hair?

Want more? Watch this video for 55 Ingredients that will help you when you're making your own hair care products at home.