7 Awesome Benefits of Amino Acids for Hair

What are the essential benefits of amino acids for hair growth? Discover why amino acids play an important role in your overall hair health.

Having a shiny, sleek and beautiful mane is not only essential for your confidence and self-esteem, but it is also a key sign for healthy and vibrant hair. And who doesn't love rocking a gorgeous crown of luscious locks?

If you are keen on unlocking the secrets to healthy hair, hear us out: one of the best things you can do for it today is to start using amino acids.

In our last article, we talked about the most important amino acids for hair growth - today, we will share with you the top benefits of amino acids for hair. So, if you want to learn more about them, continue reading!

But first, let's clear out a couple of questions about amino acids:

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are essentially the building blocks of life, at least when it comes to proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids that can be combined to create a protein, and they each have a unique structure and function.

They contain an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a side chain that is specific to each amino acid.

Some amino acids can be produced by your body, while others, known as essential amino acids, must be obtained through your diet. They're crucial for everything from building and repairing tissues to serving as chemical messengers.

How do you obtain amino acids?

As we just mentioned, there are amino acids that can be produced by the body, while others need to be obtained through other sources such as your diet. So, in order to reap all the benefits of amino acids, you need to ensure that you are getting them in the right quantities.

Let's take a look at the different ways in which you can obtain amino acids:

Through a balanced diet

Eating a varied diet ensures that you get a broad spectrum of amino acids. Different foods contain different amino acid profiles - for example, foods like meat and poultry contain histidine, lysine and isoleucine, while eggs are highly rich in leucine.

Through supplements

While supplements cannot compensate for a bad diet, they can help people meet their specific needs so they can reap the maximum benefits of amino acids. These amino acid supplements for hair growth can be in the form of capsules, powders, or liquid extracts.

Some supplements focus on providing only essential amino acids, ensuring you get the amino acids your body can't produce on its own.

In addition, you can further enhance the benefits of amino acids for hair by using hair care products that contain them. For example, NuMe's hair care products like the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care Set contain 11 amino acids to help nourish and hydrate your hair.

 

It's essential to note that obtaining amino acids through a balanced diet is generally the most recommended and sustainable approach.

What are the benefits of amino acids for hair?

And now, let's take a look at 7 essential benefits of amino acids for hair growth and overall health:

1. Hair Structure and Strength

Among the biggest benefits of amino acids for hair is improved hair structure and strength. 

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, such as keratin. Keratin is the main structural protein in hair, and it is rich in various amino acids. Amino acids, especially cysteine, are essential for the synthesis of keratin.

When you consume protein-rich foods or use hair care products containing amino acids, these building blocks contribute to the formation of new proteins in the hair shaft.

2. Prevention of Hair Breakage

Amino acids play a significant role in preventing hair breakage through their involvement in the structure, strength, and repair of hair.

For example, cysteine, an amino acid abundant in keratin, is a key player in the formation of disulfide bonds. These bonds create a strong and resilient structure within the hair shaft, reducing the likelihood of breakage.

On another hand, amino acids like proline and lysine contribute to the synthesis of collagen.

Collagen is a structural protein that provides support to various tissues, including the hair shaft. Enhanced collagen production helps prevent hair from becoming brittle and breaking.

3. Moisture Retention

Amino acids help to retain moisture in the hair shaft, preventing dryness and promoting softer, more manageable hair. So, if you are looking forward to having soft and smooth hair, make sure to add them to your hair care routine.

A great way to do that is to use hair care products that are enriched with amino acids for maximized hydration and moisture retention, such as the NuMe Hair Care products. 

4. Repair of Damaged Hair

Amino acids help with hair repair by contributing to the synthesis of new proteins, especially keratin. They provide the necessary elements for rebuilding and strengthening the hair shaft.

Additionally, some amino acids have specific roles in promoting hair health. Some of them include, but are not limited to cysteine, arginine, methionine and proline. 

When your hair undergoes damage from various factors like heat, chemicals, or environmental stress, it can result in the breakdown of the protein structure - this is where amino acids can really make a difference.

5. Enhanced Elasticity

Amino acids contribute to the enhanced elasticity of hair primarily through their role in protein synthesis, especially in the formation of keratin.

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that makes up the majority of the hair shaft. The elasticity of hair is closely linked to the integrity and flexibility of its protein structure.

Amino acids such as proline are involved in the synthesis of collagen, a protein that provides structural support to various tissues, including the hair. Collagen contributes to the elasticity and strength of the hair.

6. Improved Texture and Shine

Amino acids contribute to the improved texture and shine of hair through their role in building and maintaining the protein structure of the hair shaft, primarily composed of keratin.

7. Stimulation of Hair Growth

Amino acids play a pivotal role in stimulating hair growth by actively contributing to several key aspects of hair health. As the building blocks of proteins, amino acids are integral to the synthesis of keratin, the primary structural protein in hair.

This synthesis is essential for the regeneration of hair strands and the overall health of the hair follicles. Specific amino acids, such as arginine, exhibit vasodilatory effects, promoting improved blood circulation to the scalp.

This enhanced blood flow ensures the efficient delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients to the hair follicles, creating an optimal environment for hair growth.

Additionally, amino acids contribute to collagen production, a protein crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of hair and supporting the health of follicular cells.

In essence, amino acids support hair growth by providing the necessary building blocks for protein synthesis, improving blood circulation, and fostering the overall health of the hair and scalp.

FAQ

What do amino acids do to hair?

Amino acids are vital for hair health, serving as building blocks for proteins like keratin. They enhance structural integrity, promote growth, and support blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring optimal conditions for healthy, resilient hair.

Do amino acids help grow hair?

Amino acids are essential for hair, being the foundation of proteins like keratin. They bolster structural integrity, encouraging strong and resilient hair strands.

Amino acids also contribute to the stimulation of hair growth by promoting blood circulation to the scalp, facilitating nutrient delivery to the hair follicles.

Their role in collagen production further supports the overall health of hair, enhancing elasticity and shine.

In essence, amino acids play a multifaceted role in maintaining, repairing, and promoting the well-being of hair, contributing to its strength, growth, and aesthetic qualities.

Which amino acid is important for hair?

Cysteine is crucial for hair health as it contains sulfur, forming disulfide bonds in keratin—the main protein in hair. These bonds contribute to the structural strength of the hair shaft, enhancing resilience and preventing breakage.

Cysteine's role in maintaining the integrity of the hair structure is fundamental, making it a key amino acid for promoting healthy and vibrant hair.

Is protein or amino acids better for hair?

Both protein and amino acids are essential for hair health, but they serve distinct roles. Protein, such as keratin, forms the structural basis of hair. Amino acids, being the building blocks of proteins, contribute to the synthesis of these structural elements.

While adequate protein intake is crucial, ensuring a balance of essential amino acids is equally vital. Amino acids play a direct role in repairing and maintaining the integrity of the hair shaft.

In essence, it's the synergy between protein and amino acids that fosters optimal hair health, combining structural support and the necessary components for growth and repair.

Is it safe to take amino acids every day?

In general, it is safe to take amino acids daily, especially through a balanced diet. However, excessive supplementation can lead to imbalances. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised to determine individual needs and potential interactions with existing health conditions or medications.

While amino acids are essential for various bodily functions, moderation is key to ensure overall well-being and avoid any adverse effects associated with excessive intake.