
Experiencing hair loss can impact your state of mind, causing a loss of confidence and in some cases mental health issues. A hair restoration solution is highly desired for many people who experience hair loss in their lifetimes.
One potential treatment is methylsulfonylmethane MSM. In this article, learn everything you need to know about MSM for hair growth, including whether it works, potential side effects, and how to use it.
What is MSM?
Before understanding the link between MSM and hair growth, it helps to know what MSM actually is. MSM is a sulphuric chemical that can be found in various plants and animals, with many foods (such as coffee, eggs, and tomatoes) naturally containing it. It also occurs naturally in the human body, and is responsible for supporting healthy joints and boosting the immune system.
Many people take MSM supplements to improve their health, specifically those who have arthritis, swelling, joint inflammation, and frequent muscle cramps. It is a GRAS approved substance, meaning it is safe to use.
MSM for Hair Growth: Does it Work?
It is worth beginning by stating that there is no hard scientific evidence to show that MSM definitely works for hair growth. However, many researchers believe it can help.
One of the reasons for this is the anti inflammatory properties of MSM. Anti inflammatory products work well on the scalp to boost hair growth, as they reduce inflammation of the hair follicles, thus leading to improved hair overall.
Another way MSM may boost growth is by strengthening the bonds between keratin molecules in the hair, boosting collagen, and making way for thicker, healthier hair.
Finally, MSM can help with hair strength and growth by boosting blow flow to the scalp. When the scalp receives more blood flow, it receives more nutrients, which allows the hair follicles to be healthier and, in turn, grow thicker hair.
Side Effects of Using MSM for Hair Growth
It is always worth familiarising yourself with potential side effects before taking a new supplement. The good news is that MSM comes with mild side effects, with many people experiencing none at all. Here are some to look out for, however:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
If you experience a side effect of MSM, it’s best to speak with your doctor.
MSM Benefits for Hair Growth
These undeniable benefits of MSM for hair growth may push you towards trying out an MSM capsule, powder, or topical treatment.
It Can Strengthen the Strands
Taking MSM can help produce more collagen and keratin. As a result of this, you will likely experience stronger hair and less breakage.
It Can Fight Hair Loss
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of MSM can help fight hair loss that comes with ageing.
It May Provide Other Benefits
MSM is a very popular supplement, and not just because it can help with hair strength and growth – it can also provide an array of other advantages to the body. This includes boosting the immune system, improving skin, reducing joint pain, and helping speed up exercise recovery. [1]
Little to No Side Effects
Most people worry about side effects when taking a new supplement. While there are some side effects associated with MSM (see above), they aren’t too serious.
Some Studies Show its Effectiveness
There have been some studies that show a genuine increase in hair density. Most people want to know that there is some science behind a supplement they are taking, and MSM certainly has that. In a double-blind study with middle-aged women participants, results showed “significant improvement in hair shine with use of the product.” [2] Both doses used in the study led to an increase in hair volume after eight weeks.
Easy to Use
Using MSM is refreshingly simple as a hair loss treatment. Many other hair restoration solutions involve travelling to clinics or spending a lot of money. That’s not the case with MSM – you can either take it orally or topically daily without much effort on your part.
The Downsides of MSM for Hair Growth
Now that we have covered the upsides, it’s time to discover some of the downsides of taking MSM for hair growth.
There is Not Enough Research
Unfortunately, there is not enough research to back up the claims that MSM can definitely help with hair loss. While there are some good studies to suggest MSM can boost growth, researchers and scientists believe more research is necessary.
Potential Side Effects
As mentioned before, the side effects of MSM are quite minimal. However, that does not mean they don’t exist – some people may experience effects from supplements with MSM, such as stomach issues, headaches, and insomnia, causing them to stop taking it altogether.
An Ongoing Cost
The cost of a bottle of MSM supplements or a pouch of MSM in powder form is not too high. It is an ongoing cost, though, so users should consider how expensive it may be in the long run.
How to Use MSM for Hair Growth
Do you want to see whether MSM can help you grow a full head of thick, healthy locks? There are several ways to go about this.
Take MSM Supplements
Many people take MSM as a supplement, as it’s a simple way of getting the chemical into the body. You can do this in two ways: first, by taking MSM capsules, which give you a specific dose. The other is by using MSM powder, which you can add to your beverage of choice – many people like to add MSM powder to their smoothies, for example. Adding it to water is fine, too.
Eat MSM-rich Foods
You do not necessarily have to take a supplement to gain the hair-growing benefits of MSM, as many foods naturally contain it. These include coffee, milk, apples, tomatoes, leafy vegetables, whole grains, and raspberries. [3] Eating more of these may be enough to receive the benefits of MSM, and you may notice a change in your hair thickness.
Use Topical MSM
You can also find MSM as a topical hair treatment. To use this, you will want to apply the MSM to the scalp, perhaps as a weekly hair mask or as a daily scalp treatment. You don’t need to wash most MSM topical treatments out.
Whichever way you take MSM for hair growth, give it around three to six months before deciding whether or not it works for you. Most hair restoration treatments take some time to show results, as the hair grows quite slowly! You can always use a hair track app to monitor your new growth. Taking photos also helps, especially when looking at hair health and shine.
Other Hair Growth Solutions
Does MSM not work for your hair? That is not a major worry, as there are other hair growth solutions available, many with more evidence to back up their efficiency.
Hair Loss Medications
For those struggling with hair loss, perhaps because of androgenetic alopecia, one of the first hair growth methods to try is hair loss medications. There are several hair loss medications available – the first, minoxidil, is available over the counter and works for both men and women.
Other medications are specifically for men. Finasteride and dutasteride are medications that work by blocking the hormone DHT, which is responsible for male pattern baldness. Taking either of these can help restore hair growth but they do require a doctor’s prescription.
PRP Injections
PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections involve taking a patient’s blood from one area of the body and then injecting that blood into another area to stimulate healing – in this case, the scalp. It works by activating growth factors that stimulate hair follicles, leading to thicker hair shafts.
Light Therapy
Light therapy is another clinical therapy that can stimulate growth. Low-level laser therapy is popular because it stimulates the hair follicles and boosts hair growth. This can be done in a clinic, although some people like to purchase a light therapy device and use it from home as often as they like.
Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a type of surgery that takes follicles from a donor area and transplants them into the recipient area, which results in a full head of hair. The FUE method is particularly effective as it takes individual hairs, leading to a natural and permanent result.
MSM for Hair Growth: Final Thoughts
Overall, there are several indicators that suggest MSM may help with hair growth, strength, and shine. However, more research is needed before stating with any definitiveness that MSN will definitely regrow the hair, especially after experiencing hair loss. Still, some people think the low-cost, low-risk of MSM supplements are worth trying out, especially as it has many other benefits on top of hair growth.
Do you want a better solution for hair restoration? If you have experienced hair loss, you are not alone, and there are real solutions to help you enjoy a full head of hair once more. To learn more about our hair restoration methods, get in touch or head to our patients gallery to see the results we have already achieved.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/msm-supplements#:~:text=The%20Bottom%20Line,well%20as%20possible%20side%20effects.
- https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/beneficial-effects-sulfur-containing-supplement-hair-and-nail-condition
- https://www.healthline.com/health/msm-for-hair-growth#foods