Why Amino Acids Are Good For Hair Growth

There are many advantages of using amino acids for hair growth. Amino acids are important nutrients for good hair development. Unfortunately, out of 22 amino acids, our body cannot synthesize nine of them (1). Deficiency in a few of these essential and non-essential amino acids can cause hair loss (2).

Fortunately, you can obtain them from different food sources. Continue reading to learn about the 9 amino acids that promote hair development, as well as their nutritional sources and advantages. Scroll down.

Know Your Ingredient: Amino Acid

What Is It?
One of the 22 essential building blocks of protein.

What Are Its Benefits?
It helps nourish and provide definition and protection to the hair, while softening and adding shine to it.

Who Can Consume It?
Anyone can and should consume them; in fact your body makes amino acids of its own.

How Often?
It should be consumed daily in controlled amounts.

Caution
Excessive consumption can cause damage to the hair and make it brittle and prone to easy breakage.

What Are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which makes up one-fifth of the human body. Scientists have discovered at least 22 amino acids (1). Also known as essential amino acids, the 9 amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize are valine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine, and methionine. Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, can be synthesized by the human body. Some of them include glycine, proline, serine, and arginine.

But the question is, why are these amino acids good for the hair? Scroll down to find out.

Why Are Amino Acids Good For The Hair?

Amino acids are good for maintaining hair health, tensile strength, hair density, and shine. Essential and non-essential amino acids combine to form various types of proteins. One of these proteins is keratin, the major component of hair fiber (3). Eighteen amino acids (essential and non-essential) form this keratin protein.

Which amino acids do you need to consume? What are their food sources? Scroll down to know about them.

1. Cysteine

Cysteine is the most crucial amino acid for hair growth.

It helps stimulate new hair growth (4). Cysteine is a potent antioxidant that shields the hair from sun damage and other harmful radiations (5). Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can treat the symptoms of alopeciaⁱ  An autoimmune medical disorder in which the immune system becomes faulty and attacks healthy hair follicles causing hair loss. . Cysteine also provides sulfur to hair cells and enhances texture and strength.

Food Sources Of Cysteine: Broccoli, Chicken, Wheat germ, Brussels sprouts, Milk, and Yogurt.

Trivia

Salons and hair professionals offer cysteine hair treatment for temporarily strengthening and straightening the hair.

2. Methionine

Methionine is another essential amino acid for hair growth.

This amino acid is a strong antioxidant and warehouse of sulfur, a key ingredient for combating hair disorders. This increases blood supply to the hair follicles and scalp, which leads to hair growth. Anecdotal evidence suggests that methionine also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen that is responsible for strengthening the hair shaft.

Food Sources Of Methionine: Fish, Eggs, Brazil nuts, Cereal grains, and Sesame seeds.

Trivia

Fish such as tuna, grouper, snapper, yellowtail, salmon, pike, cod, mackerel, sardines, and trout are especially high in methionine.

3. Lysine

Lysine aids in the formation of collagen by absorbing calcium

(6). This collagen is essential for developing the basic structure of hair follicles, strengthening the hair, and boosting hair growth. Lysine is also thought to inhibit 5-alpha reductase from converting testosteroneⁱ  A testicular hormone responsible for regulating sex drive, sperms, RBCs, hair health, muscle mass, and fat distribution in men. into DHTⁱ  A sex hormone (dihydrotestosterone), the excess of which can interfere adversely with the hair growth cycle and reduce new hair growth. , which is the main cause of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

Food Sources Of Lysine: Chicken, Eggs, Fish, Red meat, Legumes, Nuts, Pulses, Pork, and Dairy products.

4. Glycine

This amino acid plays a vital role in the production of collagen necessary for hair growth. Glycine is also essential in the effective functioning of the digestive and central nervous systems. Thus, it can protect the body against nerve disorders that cause hair loss.

Food Sources Of Glycine: Meat, Fish, Dairy products, and Legumes.

5. Arginine

Arginine is an essential amino acid required for healthy hair. Human hair growth is dependent on arginine (7). However, the sun depletes arginine, which makes the hair dry and damaged. Consuming foods rich in arginine can help curb this problem and make the hair thick and shiny.

Food Sources Of Arginine: Nuts, Seeds, Whole grains, Meat, Seaweed, Yogurt, and Cheese.

6. Cystine

Do not confuse this cystine with the cysteine that we discussed earlier! Cystine is a non-essential amino acid that helps stimulate hair regrowth and fight hair loss. Cystine is formed in our body by the disulfide bonding of two cysteine molecules. This dual bonding of amino acids provides strength to the hair (8), (9).

Food Sources Of Cystine: Eggs, Red meat, Chicken breast, Tuna, Lentils, Seeds, and Cheese.

7. Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid produced naturally in our body and responsible for hair melaninⁱ  A natural pigment produced by the special skin cells, melanocytes, that imparts color to skin, hair, and eyes. production (10). It also treats anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other stress issues that cause hair fall and hinder healthy hair growth (11).

Food Sources Of Tyrosine: Dairy and soy products, Almonds, Lima Beans, Pumpkin seeds, and Fish.

8. Glutamine

Glutamine’s role in hair growth is quite tangential. The main component of the hair is keratin, which contains large amounts of cysteine. The synthesis of cysteine requires sulfur, which is delivered to the scalp with the help of glutamine.

JK, an aerospace engineer and a blogger, shared how glutamine helped manage the hair loss caused by lupus. She said, “I noticed my hair drastically changed textures and started rapidly growing even in my thin spots from Lupus (i).”

Food Sources Of Glutamine: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Cheese, Yogurt, Eggs, Beans, Legumes, Nuts, Cabbage, and Spinach.

9. Proline

Proline is a fairly non-essential amino acid that helps in collagen production and plays a role in maintaining muscle tissues (12).

Food Sources Of Proline: Eggs, Meat, Dairy products, Beans, Soybeans, Legumes, Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Avocado.

So, if you’re searching for specific foods for hair growth, consider eating foods that contain these crucial nine amino acids. We have already listed the food sources of these essential amino acids. But instead of food sources, can you take supplements? Let’s find out in the following section.s? Let’s find out in the following section.ut in the following section.

Can Amino Acid Supplements Help?

If you work out and have protein drinks, you are probably taking amino acid supplements. Protein drinks with L-glutamine and collagen can make your hair healthy. However, there is no research suggesting that protein supplements can help hair growth.

Note: Consult a doctor and find out which supplements will work for you.

Did you know that liquid amino acids are also used for the hair? Scroll down to know what they are.

What Is Liquid Amino Acid?

Liquid amino acids are mostly used as food seasonings. They are prepared by fermenting coconut sap or treating soybeans in an acidic solution.

But can you apply it to your hair? Yes, you can. But no research studies confirm liquid amino acid’s efficiency in promoting hair growth when applied topically.

Here’s how to use liquid amino acids for hair growth.

How To Use Liquid Amino Acid For The Hair

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of liquid amino acid
• 3 tablespoons of leave-in conditioner

How To Use

1. Mix the liquid amino acid and leave-in conditioner in a bowl.
2. Massage this mixture gently onto your scalp.
3. Apply the rest of it to your hair strands.
4. Wear a shower cap and wait for 30 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with shampoo.
6. Do this at least once a week and not more than twice a week.

How will applying for liquid amino acid help? Scroll down to find out.

Benefits Of Liquid Amino Acid

Here are the benefits of applying liquid amino acid to your hair:

• Softens the hair.
• Adds definition to wavy and curly hair.
• Protects the hair from damage.
• Nourishes the hair follicles.
• Adds shine to the hair.
• Smoothens the hair.
• Prevents excessive hair shedding.
• Enhances hair elasticity

Apart from liquid amino acid, you can also try out rice to get these essential nutrients. You can often find rice amino acids in hair care products like shampoos and hair masks as well. Learn more about them in the next section.

Rice Amino Acids For The Hair

Ripe rice grains contain 20 amino acids, including lysine and methionine (13). As mentioned earlier, these amino acids may promote hair growth. Moreover, studies suggest that rice products may help increase the expression of growth factors associated with the anagen phase of hair growth (14). Therefore, you can use rice products like rice bran oil and rice water to enjoy their hair benefits. Here is how you can use rice water at home:

• You Will Need
• 1 cup rice
• 3 cups water

How To Use

1. Wash one cup of rice and soak it in three cups of water for 1-2 hours.
2. Gently knead the rice and strain the water into a glass jar.
3. Use the water to rinse your hair after shampooing.

Before we come to a close, here’s what you need to know.

How To Incorporate Amino Acids Into Your Diet

Incorporating amino acids into your diet is a great way to avail of their benefits. Here’s how you can ensure you are getting a balanced intake of amino acids (15).

1. Protein-Rich Foods

Focus on including a variety of protein sources in your meals. Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products are excellent sources of essential amino acids. Plant-based options include beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, and seeds.

2. Legumes And Whole Grains Combination

Combining legumes (like beans and lentils) with whole grains (like brown rice or quinoa) can provide a complete amino acid profile. For example, a meal of rice and beans offers a balanced mix of essential amino acids.

3. Fruits And Vegetables

While fruits and vegetables are not the best sources of amino acids, they provide vital vitamins and minerals that support protein metabolism. Leafy greens, broccoli, and avocados are particularly beneficial for overall health.

4. Nuts And Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats and also provide essential amino acids. Add almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds to your snacks or meals for a nutritious boost.

5. Balanced Meals

Aim to create balanced meals comprising proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This ensures that you are consuming a range of amino acids along with other nutrients.

6. Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and tempeh can enhance amino acid absorption due to their probiotic content.

7. Protein Supplements

Consider protein supplements such as whey, casein, or plant-based protein powders if you find it challenging to get adequate amino acids from food alone. These can be easily added to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods.

By following these tips, you can incorporate amino acids into your meals, supporting your overall health and hair growth.

While supplements are the way to fill the gaps in your diet, too much of it can lead to health issues. Read on to know more.

Watch Out For Over Supplementation

Over supplementation is never good for your hair. Consume foods rich in amino acids, but do not overconsume. Your body needs a balanced diet that includes carbs, fats, and proteins. Merely consuming proteins and sources of amino acids will adversely affect your hair.

Infographic: Top 4 Amino Acids That Boost Hair Growth

It is important to strike a balance between reaching your recommended dietary intake for a particular nutrient and making sure you have met the level required to boost hair growth. There is a chance of over-supplementation in your quest to observe results quickly.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the foods that contain the amino acids that promote hair growth to obtain the most nutrients in just a single food source.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stress affect amino acid levels and hair growth?

Yes. Both acute and chronic stress can lead to deficiencies of nutrients like amino acids (16). This can consequently impact hair health negatively.

Can a lack of amino acids cause hair loss?

Yes, amino acid deficiency can cause hair loss.

Is it safe to take amino acids every day?

Yes, it is safe to take amino acids every day as long as they are not consumed in huge amounts.

How many amino acids are there in the hair?

Your hair is made of keratin protein, which is made of 18 amino acids.

Is lysine good for hair growth?

Yes, lysine is good for hair growth as it helps in the production of collagen.

Is keratin an amino acid?

No. Keratin is a protein, which is made of 18 amino acids.

How many amino acids are found in keratin?

There are 18 amino acids in keratin.

Is Biotin an amino acid?

No. Biotin is a popular vitamin for hair growth. It is also known as Vitamin H and is a part of the B complex group of vitamins.

Illustration: Amino Acids For Hair Growth Food Sources Benefits

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Do you want to know if amino acids can help your hair grow? Click on this video to find out if amino acids offer any potential benefits for your hair.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD

   

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness.

Read full bio of Dr. Vindhya L Veerula

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E