Vitamin A

• Taking 100,000 IU a day of vitamin A can help trigger hair growth. Vitamin A produces sebum, which lubricates the scalp and helps the hair follicles to grow.
  
  

Minerals

• Zinc, silica, iodine and iron are important for hair growth. Dairy products, oats, barley, dark leafy greens, tuna, beef and nuts are food supplements that contain these essential minerals.
  
  

Hormonal Imbalance

• Women and men deficient in estrogen and testosterone may experience hair follicles that regress and stop growing.
  
  

Protein

• Protein is also essential to hair growth--hair is a form of protein known as keratin. Animal products such as beef, chicken and fish contain a high amount of protein. Vegetarians have alternatives such as soybeans, nuts and beans.
  
  

Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B6 can be taken as a supplement but can also be found in chickpeas. Chickpeas are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and can be eaten as falafel, hummus and patties.