If you’ve been searching for ways to improve the health of your hair and nails, you’re in the right place. We know how frustrating it can be when your nails feel brittle, your hair lacks luster, or maybe it just doesn’t grow as quickly as you’d like. Luckily, supplements can provide that boost you’re looking for, filling in any nutrient gaps in your diet to promote healthier, stronger hair and nails.

In this guide, we’ll go through the best supplements that can support your hair and nail health. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for and what products you can add to your daily routine to see real results.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services I trust.

Biotin: The Beauty Booster

When it comes to hair and nail growth, biotin is practically a household name. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays an important role in promoting the production of keratin—the protein that makes up your hair and nails. If you’re deficient in biotin, you may notice thinning hair, brittle nails, or even scaly skin.

How Biotin Works: Biotin works by metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins to convert them into energy, which helps the cells that create healthy hair and nails grow efficiently.

Recommended Product: Sports Research Biotin Essential Vitamin (5,000 mcg) is a popular option available, with thousands of positive reviews. It’s non-GMO and includes coconut oil to boost absorption, which makes it a perfect choice for those looking to enhance their beauty routine.

How to Use: Biotin supplements are typically taken in doses between 2,500 and 10,000 mcg daily. If you’re concerned about potential side effects or dosage, start small and work your way up under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Collagen: Strength from Within

Collagen is often considered a beauty powerhouse, and for good reason. Collagen is a structural protein that helps build and maintain skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. As we age, our body produces less collagen, which can lead to weaker nails and less elastic, thinner hair.

How Collagen Works: Supplementing with collagen helps support the building blocks needed for healthy hair and nails. It supplies the amino acids that strengthen nail beds and enhance the elasticity of hair strands.

Recommended Product: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is highly rated and widely trusted. It’s flavorless, easily dissolvable, and contains both collagen types I and III, which are especially good for skin, hair, and nails. You can add it to your coffee, smoothies, or even water.

How to Use: Adding one scoop of collagen powder to your daily routine is a great way to give your hair and nails that extra boost. Consider mixing it with a hot or cold beverage of your choice.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shine and Hydration

Omega-3 fatty acids are not just for heart health—they can also benefit your hair and nails by improving hydration and elasticity. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that help nourish hair follicles, promote scalp health, and reduce the risk of dry, brittle nails.

How Omega-3 Works: Omega-3s help keep your scalp moisturized, which is key to promoting the growth of healthy, strong hair. They also enhance nail health by reducing brittleness and supporting hydration from the inside.

Recommended Product: Nature Made Fish Oil is a favorite with thousands of positive reviews, delivering a good balance of EPA and DHA, which are the essential components of omega-3 fatty acids.

How to Use: Omega-3 supplements come in capsule or liquid form. It’s generally recommended to take around 1,000 mg of fish oil per day, but always check with your doctor before beginning a new supplement.

Zinc: The Cell Restorer

Zinc is an essential mineral that can help promote hair and nail health. Zinc supports cell division and protein synthesis, both of which are crucial to the growth of healthy cells in hair follicles and nail beds.

How Zinc Works: Zinc helps repair damaged cells, encourages regrowth, and plays a role in regulating hormone levels, which can affect hair loss.

Recommended Product: Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a great option that’s easily found on. It’s derived from whole foods, which makes it more easily absorbable, and contains added vitamins like C and B6, which can further support hair and nail health.

How to Use: Zinc supplements are typically taken in doses of 15-30 mg daily, and they’re best taken with food to avoid stomach upset.

Vitamin E: The Antioxidant Protector

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent oxidative stress, which is often a culprit behind dull, damaged hair and brittle nails. If you’re experiencing hair loss or breakage, vitamin E could be the solution.

How Vitamin E Works: Vitamin E helps improve circulation to the scalp, supports the integrity of hair follicles, and provides the antioxidant power needed to fight free radicals that cause hair and nail damage.

Recommended Product: Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E Softgels is highly rated and easy to take, providing you with a reliable source of vitamin E that can help promote hair and nail growth.

How to Use: Vitamin E supplements can be taken in doses of 100-400 IU per day. Alternatively, you can even puncture a softgel capsule and massage the oil directly into your scalp for extra conditioning.

Keratin Supplements: Building Block Boost

Keratin is the main protein that makes up your hair and nails. While your body naturally produces keratin, you can further support this process by taking a supplement that supplies more of this key protein.

How Keratin Works: Taking keratin supplements can directly improve the strength and texture of your hair and nails, reduce breakage, and make hair appear shinier and healthier overall.

Recommended Product: Reserveage Nutrition Keratin Booster with biotin is a solid option, featuring a patented form of keratin called Cynatine HNS. It’s been shown to help reduce hair shedding and improve nail strength, and it’s a popular choice with good reviews.

How to Use: Typically, keratin supplements are taken daily. Make sure to follow the recommended dosage on the product label for the best results.

Vitamin C: The Collagen Companion

Vitamin C is not just important for immune health—it also helps with the synthesis of collagen. Without adequate vitamin C, collagen production can be hindered, which in turn affects the growth and resilience of hair and nails.

How Vitamin C Works: Vitamin C works hand in hand with collagen, helping to create the necessary environment for collagen production. It also has antioxidant properties that protect hair follicles from damage.

Recommended Product: Emergen-C 1000mg Vitamin C Powder is an easy way to boost your intake. You can mix it with water for a quick, tasty drink that provides the vitamin C you need to support hair and nail health.

How to Use: Simply dissolve one packet of Emergen-C in a glass of water daily, or follow the directions on the product label.

Horsetail Extract: The Silica Superstar

Horsetail extract is another supplement that is sometimes overlooked, but it’s actually quite beneficial for hair and nails due to its high silica content. Silica helps promote the strength and shine of your hair and nails.

How Horsetail Extract Works: Silica is crucial for strengthening the structure of both hair and nails, making them more resistant to breakage and damage. It also boosts the overall vitality and appearance of your hair.

Recommended Product: Solgar Skin, Nails & Hair Tablets contain horsetail extract along with a blend of other key vitamins and minerals that support hair and nail health.

How to Use: Horsetail extract supplements can be taken daily, but check with a healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage.

Tips for Getting the Best Results with Supplements

Supplements can make a big difference in your hair and nail health, but they work best when paired with healthy habits. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Consistency Is Key: Supplements can take time to work, so be patient and consistent. You’ll likely need to take them for at least 2-3 months before you see significant changes.
• Healthy Diet: No supplement can replace a healthy diet. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to complement the effects of your supplements.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps your body absorb nutrients and supports overall hair and nail health.
• Stress Management: Stress can wreak havoc on your hair and nails, leading to breakage and hair loss. Finding ways to manage stress, like through exercise, meditation, or hobbies, can make a big difference.
• Avoid Overstyling: Heat styling, chemical treatments, and acrylic nails can damage your hair and nails, negating the effects of your supplements. Whenever possible, try to give your hair and nails a break from harsh treatments.

Final Thoughts

Adding supplements to your routine can be a game-changer for hair and nail growth, especially if you’re dealing with brittleness, breakage, or slow growth. Biotin, collagen, omega-3s, zinc, vitamin E, keratin, vitamin C, and horsetail extract are all great options for giving your body the nutrients it needs to grow healthy, strong hair and nails.

Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially if you’re taking other medications or have existing health conditions. But once you’re ready to go, you’ll be on your way to stronger nails and more beautiful, luscious hair.

Feel free to browse products that fit your needs and lifestyle. Thousands of people have found success using these highly-rated supplements, and with consistency, you may just see those amazing transformations you’ve been dreaming about!