Hair loss and thinning along with dullness can be caused by diet, genetics, health problems, hormones, medication side effects or stress. Hair supplements - taken orally as either tablets or capsules - encourage the production of strong and shiny hair from the inside out. These supplements include ingredients that are easily absorbed by the body and can lead to thicker manes and longer lashes.

Hair supplements may contain vitamins and minerals to help address a deficiency of these essentials in your diet. Formulations can include the vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as folic acid and zinc. However, take care not to exceed the recommended daily allowances of these vitamins and minerals, as doing so may cause a nutritional imbalance.

As an additional advantage, taking hair supplements may also benefit the health of your skin and nails thanks to the keratin component found in all three. You can enjoy a fuller head of bouncy hair, brighter and more radiant skin, and long nails that resist cracking and breakage.

Because these supplements work below the skin to both restore the growth of hair and boost the existing follicles, results may take several months to appear.