While heredity is still the chief cause of hair loss in the United States, the fact that some people have used MSM for hair growth is a sign that our environment is also playing a role.
Seems the ice caps aren’t the only things receding.
But unlike our ecosystem, hair growth may be an easy fix thanks to MSM used as a natural hair growth supplement.
Introduction to MSM for Your Hair
MSM is short for Methylsulfonylmethane. It’s a member of the sulfur family and is sometimes referred to as organic sulfur. MSM, however, is odorless—unlike its famously stinky cousin, sulfur.
Before people began using organic sulfur for hair growth, researchers had learned that MSM was a vital part of our bodies’ ability to create and process amino acids, antioxidants, and enzymes. Maybe even more importantly, MSM plays a vital role in removing toxins from our cells, which can help prevent fatigue and serious illness (more on that later).
MSM is a trace mineral. While we do produce it on our own, our body’s supply needs to be supplemented through diet. This goes for everyone, not just those using MSM for hair growth.
Luckily for us, many commonly found foods contain MSM, including:
- Eggs
- Seafood
- Meat
- Nuts
- Coffee
- Beer
- Leafy greens
- Apples
- Tomatoes
And there are plenty of other foods that were left off the list for space. But even then, it seems to be getting harder and harder to get enough of the trace mineral, whether we’re using MSM for hair growth, or just trying to live healthier lives.
And it might not be your fault.
Your Diet Most Likely Lacks Enough Sulfur
Here’s where you might be saying: “Wait, how can my diet lack enough sulfur? I eat eggs and leafy greens regularly.”
The reality is that there are several reasons why it may not be your fault, as environmental and societal influences seem to be contributing to the rise in use of MSM supplementation and, specifically observed for this case, its use in hair growth.
So what exactly happened?
Commercial Farming
Much of the problem comes from the heavy commercialization of the farming industry. Every crop pulls sulfur from the soil to help it grow. Unfortunately, farmers often don’t supplement the soil with the correct amount of sulfur, which in turn doesn’t provide our bodies with enough of this important nutrient.
Our Diets Are Getting Worse
The most likely culprit, unfortunately, can’t be blamed on outside influences. Society as a whole consumes a HUGE amount of highly processed food that simply doesn’t retain its nutritional value after the commercial food prep process. In other words, don’t expect to get the MSM you need from a fast food burger, even if it does claim to have beef and tomato.
How Does MSM Help Your Body and Hair Detoxify?
MSM benefits for hair happen at the cellular level, which makes it a helpful nutrient for the rest of your body, too. When ingested, MSM is absorbed by your cells. The cell walls then soften, allowing gathered toxins to be released and replaced with nutrients and vital enzymes.
This process revitalizes not just your hair, but works to detoxify your entire body. Most notably it fights off chronic toxicity, a condition in which your cells hold onto those toxins, leading to inflammation, illness, and sometimes even diseases like cancer.
Does MSM Help Hair Loss?
If MSM and hair loss had a relationship status, it would be “complicated.” While using MSM for hair growth hasn’t been approved as a viable claim by the FDA, organic sulfur’s impact on your hairline is undeniable—especially when you don’t get enough of it. That makes taking an MSM supplement an easy way to ensure an acceptable rate of hair growth while also preventing hair fall associated with a sulfur deficiency.
How does it help?
Keratin: Why You Should Be Using MSM for Hair Growth
This protein is the fibrous building block of our bodies’ hair production, and it can’t be created without our internal supply of MSM. It’s the only reason some people are using MSM for hair. When organic sulfur is ingested and digested, it enters the bloodstream and is absorbed by cells along the way.
But, when there isn’t much sulfur to begin with (whether due to farming or diet), there’s often nothing left when the blood circulates through your scalp. Just like the cake at an office birthday party, there’s probably not enough for everyone.
And just like MSM may well be the icing on the cake, there are many other supplements to consider for hair growth.
What Form of MSM Should You Consume for Hair Growth?
First, it’s important to know that, while you can certainly add organic sulfur to your current diet, it’s just one of many supplements on the market. The best approach may be to try MSM for hair growth as one part of a holistic lifestyle geared toward achieving overall health.
Second, there are differences between the different forms of MSM supplements on the market, including:
- Crystal MSM: This is organic sulfur in its purest form, and many argue this is the best way to introduce the trace mineral into your body as a supplement. Some studies have even shown that taking a mix of MSM and Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) for several months improved the rate of hair growth in some subjects.
- Pills/Powders: While good in a pinch and readily available, the MSM found in pills or powders may not be in its most purest form and most likely is ridden with fillers galore, which isn’t what you want for your precious hair follicles.
The Verdict on MSM
So, should you take MSM for hair loss?
Absolutely, especially when any bit helps.
The fact of the matter is that organic sulfur is an essential nutrient that we need all the way down to our cells. We can’t rely on our diets to provide it and denying our body the ability to detoxify itself, especially since the nutrient has been stripped from most of our food sources, is probably not the best option.
So, if you’re experiencing hair loss, try working MSM into your diet.
