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Thicker, fuller hair you'll love
There’s no shortage of hair supplements on the market today. Because certain nutrients and minerals help your hair grow, supplementing with them may promote thicker, healthier hair. One such mineral is silica.
Silica is found in a number of foods, including leafy green vegetables. You can also find silica supplements online. They’re often marketed as supporting healthy hair growth and skin function.
Although experts haven’t found any evidence that silica prevents hair loss, research suggests that it may promote the growth of strong, healthy hair.
Below, we explore silica’s benefits and side effects, plus the current research on silica for hair growth and overall wellness. We’ve also covered some good sources of silica if you’d like to integrate it into your personal care routine. So let’s have a look.
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Silicon dioxide (SiO2), or silica, is a mineral that consists of the trace element silicon and oxygen.
It’s one of the most abundant chemical compounds in the world — in fact, silica accounts for approximately 12 percent of all material in the earth’s crust.
Silica is also abundant in all of us. In fact, it’s the third most abundant trace mineral in the human body.
You can find silica in almost all naturally occurring rocks. From beach sand to granite, clay and silicone, silica makes up a diverse range of natural and artificial materials.
As an ingredient, silica is commonly included in foods as an anti-caking agent and dough modifier for controlling viscosity and for clarifying beverages.
It’s often added to medications and dietary supplements, usually as an excipient — which is an ingredient used to support or enhance stability.
Most people in Western countries get their dietary silica from cereals, as well as fruits, drinks and vegetable-derived products.
The bioavailability of silica (the amount of the compound that’s actually absorbed by your body) can differ from source to source. While some foods are silica rich, not all are equally effective at supplying silica to your body.
Like many other important minerals, silica is found inside your body.
Although researchers have yet to discover the full role that silica plays in human health, research suggests that it may be involved in many functions within the body.
Silica supplements are often marketed with claims that silica can:
Promote healthy bones and joints
Increase collagen production
Keep connective tissues healthy
Promote healthy skin, hair and nails
Although research into the health effects of silica is limited, there are some scientific findings that underscore its potential benefits.
A 2016 review underscored particular research that suggests silicon — especially a type of silica called orthosilicic acid — can improve collagen production in the skin, reduce hair fall, and strengthen nails. Relatedly, people with a silica deficiency often have soft, brittle nails.
Then, a 2007 study looked at the effects of silica on 48 women with fine hair. Half of the women took 10mg of silicon daily, while the other half took a placebo. Those who took silicon found that they had stronger, thicker hair after nine months of supplementation.
Some hypothesize these results may occur because silica supports keratin production. Keratin is a protein that helps form the structure of your hair strands and nails. Research indicates that silica also supports nutrient delivery to hair follicles, which can promote hair growth.
There’s also evidence that silica supplements can improve the appearance of skin by reversing the effects of photoaging (sun-induced skin aging).
In one 2005 study, researchers found that women who used silica supplements for a period of 20 weeks showed improvements in skin texture and elasticity. They also noticed positive changes in the strength of their hair and nails.
Silica is also linked to additional potential health benefits, including improved bone health.
Overall, research on silica is still limited. With that said, it appears to have a diverse range of potential health benefits.
Common silica-rich foods include:
Green beans
Bananas
Leafy greens, like spinach
Legumes
Whole grains, like brown rice
Cereals, like oats
Nuts and seeds
Silica is also commonly added to mineral water and other health drinks.
One of the easiest ways to add silica to your diet is with a silica supplement. You can purchase silica hair growth supplements from most drug stores, health food stores, or from online vendors.
Supplements often use silica derived from bamboo extract or horsetail extract, as those plants contain high amounts of silica. (Worry not, horsetail is a plant.)
Most silica supplements are quite affordable, with a month’s supply of capsules or liquid usually priced from $10 to $25. And many silica supplements use a vegetarian formula with silica from algae or plants.
While silica is important for healthy hair and skin, an excessive amount of silica isn’t necessarily going to help curb thinning hair or stop hair loss.
A word of advice: Instead of wasting money and time on a supplement that may or may not yield the results you’re after, take a more strategic approach and speak with a healthcare professional.
If you’re experiencing excessive hair breakage or shedding, speak with your provider so that you can figure out what’s causing it in the first place; it might not be a silica deficiency, but another issue. From there, you can get a treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Silica supplements appear to be safe for everyday use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits silica for use as a food additive.
You might have heard about the dangers of silicosis. This is a lung condition that is caused by inhaling silica dust — in other words, it isn’t caused by silica supplements, but by excessive exposure to the dust.
Silicosis typically affects people in industries that involve exposure to silica dust, such as stone countertop fabrication, foundry work, construction work, mining and hydraulic fracturing.
Currently, there is no evidence that shows a link between the use of silica supplements and any of these complications.
If you use a silica supplement, make sure not to exceed the recommended dosage listed on the product label. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider before using any supplements, including supplements that contain silica.
Silica may have some benefits for hair — but there are other supplements out there that have far more proof supporting their hair-boosting effects.
For example, you could try hair supplements that contain:
Biotin (vitamin B7)
Iron
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Our biotin gummies contain vitamin C, vitamin D, and a range of B vitamins.
Although vitamin deficiencies can lead to hair loss, they’re certainly not the only cause of hair loss in women. If your hair loss is caused by something like female pattern hair loss or alopecia areata, a supplement might not help.
Fortunately, there are other hair loss treatments that may be effective, such as:
Topical minoxidil. Sold under the brand name Rogaine®, topical minoxidil is the only FDA-approved hair loss treatment for women. It speeds up hair growth and increases blood circulation in the scalp.
Oral minoxidil. Low-dose oral minoxidil can be an effective treatment for hair loss. It may be worth trying if the topical formulation doesn’t work for you.
Topical finasteride. Finasteride can help women experiencing female pattern hair loss. It’s particularly appropriate for postmenopausal women who are experiencing hormonal hair loss. This topical finasteride and minoxidil spray combines both treatments to boost hair growth.
Hair care products. Look for hair products with ingredients that promote hair health. For example, our thickening shampoo and conditioner contains saw palmetto and an amino acid blend, while our volumizing shampoo and conditioner can improve the appearance of thin hair.
Want to learn more? Take a look at our guide to improving hair volume through styling techniques and hair care hacks. You can also check out our article on hair loss in women for a deeper dive into hair loss treatments.
Silica is often found in hair supplements. But should you use silica for hair growth? Here’s what you need to know:
The research on silica is limited. It plays a role in the production of keratin, which is the building block of healthy hair and nails. But there’s currently no evidence that silica plays any role in reversing hair loss.
It’s generally considered safe to consume. As long as you don’t exceed your recommended dosage of silica supplements, you should be okay.
There are other ways to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. While silica is one option, it’s a good idea to use more research-backed supplements — like those that contain biotin, vitamin D, and iron.
You can also use other hair loss treatments. Hair loss can’t always be solved with supplements and a healthy diet. Treatments like minoxidil may help restore your mane to its former glory.
Still not sure? Speak with a healthcare professional. They can help you consider the pros and cons of taking silica and explore all your treatment options.
If you’re ready to get the hair of your dreams, we can help you book an online hair consultation with a licensed professional today.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Dr. Knox Beasley is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss. Dr. Beasley obtained his Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and he subsequently attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA.
Dr. Beasley first began doing telemedicine during his dermatology residency in 2013 with the military in San Antonio, TX, helping to diagnose dermatologic conditions in soldiers all over the world. Dr. Beasley is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Dr. Beasley currently lives in North Carolina and enjoys spending time outdoors (with sunscreen, of course) with his wife and two children in his spare time.
Bachelor of Science, Life Sciences. United States Military Academy.
Doctor of Medicine. Tulane University School of Medicine
Dermatology Residency. San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium
Board Certified. American Board of Dermatology
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