BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) enhance protein synthesis and therefore hair growth – the protein keratin is one of the main “components” that make up the hair shaft. BCAAs are also the main components of the potassium-ion channels in human hair follicles, and it is considered that increasing your BCAA intake may speed up hair growth and possibly repair damaged follicles.
There are twelve common amino-acids, nine of which are essential to our survival – three of these are the branched-chain amino-acids, L-valine, L-leucine, and L-isoleucine. Apart from their hair growth stimulating effect, these compounds have numerous health benefits such as maintaining muscle mass and liver function, regulating blood pressure and insulin resistance, fighting infection and keeping you energized during intense physical effort.
Best BCAA Supplements for Hair Growth
Below are some of the most popular supplements containing BCAAs that might help with hair growth and improve overall health.
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Optimum Nutrition BCAA Capsules
Around $26 for 400 capsules
- Supports protein synthesis, including keratin for your hair and lean protein for the development of your muscle mass
- Contains leucine, isoleucine and valine, three of the most important amino-acids
- Speeds up tissue repair and rebuilding
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NutraBio BCAA
Around $14 for 150 capsules
- This complex speeds up protein synthesis by improving nitrogen retention, which will eventually result in hair growth as our hair is mostly made of protein
- Helps to increase muscle mass and prevents muscle breakdown
- Vegetarian, hypoallergenic
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Met-RX BCAA 2200
Around $11.50 for 180 softgels
- BCAAs enhanced with vitamin B6 for optimal metabolism
- Promotes hair growth, metabolic function and muscle gain
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Muscle Pharm BCAA 3:1:2
Around $20 for 240 capsules
- Optimal amino-acid ratio – 3 grams L-Leucine, 1 gram L-Isoleucine and 2 grams L-Valine. This is to help reduce muscle breakdown during strenuous effort.
- increases nitrogen retention; promotes protein synthesis, and therefore hair growth
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Natural BCAA capsules with beta-alanine
Around $25 for 150 capsules
- Promotes tissue repair and regeneration – skin, hair, nails
- Increases stamina and physical endurance
- Promotes muscle gain and prevents muscle breakdown during physical effort or dieting
- Obtained from botanical sources
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Dynamic Nutrition Pure BCAAs
Around $20 for 120 tablets
- Excellent for weight management, can be used with White Kidney Bean Extract to maximize results
- Increases protein synthesis for longer healthy hair and helps increase muscle mass
- Organic, suitable for vegetarians
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Jarrow Formulas BCAA Complex
Around $10 for 120 capsules
- Ideal BCAA ratio (2:1:1) to speed up metabolism and high leucine content to promote protein synthesis
- Vitamin B6 for additional support in amino-acid metabolism
- Ideal for healthy skin, hair, nails and musculoskeletal system
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Cellucor BCAA Supplement
Around $30 for 339g
- Instant mood lifter
- Increases protein synthesis, which speeds up hair growth
- Improves overall health and physical fitness
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Dymatize Nutrition BCAA Complex
Around $25 for 400 caplets
- Contains vitamin B6 for maximum absorption
- Gradual release of nutrients for added effectiveness
- Highly recommended for hair and skin health, weight management, fitness
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Universal Nutrition BCAA Pro
Around $ for
- Ideal 2:1:1 BCAA ratio for protein synthesis and fast metabolism
- Helps grow hair and increase muscle mass
- Keeps your body energized during intense physical effort
Foods Highest in BCCAs
BCAA supplements are a great way quickly and significantly increase your intake of key branch chain amino acids. In the short term supplementation may be the best way feed your body with BCAAs. In the long-term however you’re better off consuming foods that are high in BCAAs. To do that, try to eat lots of green leafy vegetables and add the foods in the list below to your meals regularly.
Chicken breast
Key nutrients
- Protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B6, phosphorus, niacin, selenium
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 172kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 9g
- BCAAs: 3.88g
Lean beef
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 332kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 30g
- BCAAs: 3.64g
How to Trigger Rapid Hair Growth
To learn about the method I used to provoke new hair growth and significantly increase hair density, use the link below:
Canned tuna
Key nutrients
- Vitamin B6, phosphorus, protein, niacin, vitamin B12, selenium
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 100kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 6g
- BCAAs: 3.29g
Wild salmon
Key nutrients
- Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, B6, E
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 182kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 8.11g
- BCAAs: 3.47g
Flank steak
Key nutrients
- Protein, calcium, potassium, sodium
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 194kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 8.3g
- BCAAs: 3.64g
Tilapia
Key nutrients
- Niacin, phosphorus, protein, vitamin B12, selenium
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 129kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 2.6g
- BCAAs: 3.47
Turkey breast
Key nutrients
- Riboflavin, phosphorus, protein, selenium
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 189kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 7g
- BCAAs: 3.05g
Egg
Key nutrients
- Riboflavin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, protei, selenium
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 155kcal
- Sugar: 1.1g
- Fat: 11g
- BCAAs: 0.81g
Egg whites
Key nutrients
- Protein, riboflavin, selenium
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 52kcal
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Fat: 0.2g
- BCAAs: 0.47g
Roasted peanuts
Key nutrients
- Niacin, manganese
Key facts per 100g
- Energy: 585kcal
- Sugar: 4.2g
- Fat: 49.7g
- BCAAs: 4g
Conclusion
While these supplements definitely provide the types of protein found in your hair and nails and promote their absorption, no one can ever be sure if these products will always work for everyone. Always ask for a professional opinion before taking any supplements, and allow a few months for them to start working. Results won’t be the same for everyone, and this doesn’t mean there is something wrong with the product or yourself! People are different and so is the way they are affected by what they eat.
