Why Amino Acids Are Good For Hair Growth

If you want to boost your hair health, these nutritive supplements might come in handy.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vindhya L Veerula, MD, FAAD
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Dip
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

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.

protip_icon 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?

Main Amino Acid Types
Image: Shutterstock

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?

Woman holding hiar to show hair strength and health
Image: Shutterstock

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.

9 Amino Acids For Hair Growth And Food Sources

Amino Acid Food Sources
Image: Shutterstock

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  XAn 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.

protip_icon 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.

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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  XA testicular hormone responsible for regulating sex drive, sperms, RBCs, hair health, muscle mass, and fat distribution in men. into DHTi  XA 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  XA 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.

These are the 9 amino acids beneficial for hair growth and their food sources. But instead of food sources, can you take supplements? Let’s find out in the following section.

Can Amino Acid Supplements Help?

Amino Acids powder and pill supplements
Image: Shutterstock

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

Woman applying liquid amino acid to her hair
Image: Shutterstock

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:

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.

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.

top 4 amino acids that boost hair growth (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

Amino acids are important nutrients that play an important role in hair development. Consuming amino acids for hair growth can protect the locks from sun damage, boost collagen production, and strengthen your hair. You can use liquid amino acid and a leave-in conditioner to soften and smoothen your hair. Apart from this, you can either get amino acids through food or take them in the form of supplements. Be careful of over-supplementation as it may affect your hair. Consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 vitamin. It is also known as Vitamin H and is a part of the B complex group of vitamins.

Key Takeaways

  • Amino acids may soften, nourish, and protect against hair damage.
  • A balanced diet and proper hair care routine must include amino acid-rich foods like chicken, eggs, nuts, and supplements.
  • Using liquid amino acids with conditioner may promote hair growth and nourishment to hair follicles.
  • Consult a doctor before taking amino acid supplements.

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.

Personal Experience: Source

i. Glutamine and Lupus Hair Loss
https://autoimmunediagnosis.blogspot.com/2010/03/glutamine-and-lupus-hair-loss.html

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. THE NUTRITIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AMINO ACIDS
    https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/physrev.1938.18.1.109
  2. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316012307_Diet_and_hair_loss_effects_of_nutrient_deficiency_and_supplement_use
  3. Human hair keratins
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0022202X93905018
  4. Gene Expression of Mouse S100A3, a Cysteine-Rich Calcium-Binding Protein, in Developing Hair Follicle
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15402842
  5. Holistic Approaches to Maintain Healthy Hairs of Human Being
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279298224_Holistic_Approaches_to_Maintain_Healthy_Hairs_of_Human_Being
  6. Impact of Low Protein and Lysine-deficient Diets on Bone Metabolism (P08-072-19)
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6818847/
  7. Advances in Understanding Hair Growth
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293645835_Advances_in_Understanding_Hair_Growth
  8. Cysteines and Disulfide Bonds as Structure-Forming Units: Insights From Different Domains of Life and the Potential for Characterization by NMR
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7191308/
  9. Cystine
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cystine
  10. RET tyrosine kinase enhances hair growth in association with promotion of melanogenesis
    https://idp.nature.com/authorize?response_type=cookie&client_id=grover&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2F1204918
  11. Organization and expression of hair follicle genes
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0022202X9390500H
  12. Proline-dependent regulation of collagen metabolism
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00018-019-03363-3
  13. Amino acids in rice grains and their regulation by polyamines and phytohormones
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9228293/
  14. A systematic review: application of rice products for hair growth
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35133117/
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