MSM For Hair Explained

What Is MSM?

MSM stands for Methylsulfonylmethane and is a natural source of sulphur. Sulphur is an element found in nature. In relation to hair, hair has the largest concentration of sulphur of all biological proteins. Sulphur contributes to the strength of hair and hairs rigidity and it’s ability to resist breakage.

Sulphur And Hair

Black hair (that is hair that is coloured black) is said to have less sulphur. Afro texture hair is also said to have less sulphur than other types. The size of the curl or coil is determined by the number of sulphur to sulphur bonds (di-sulphide) in the hair protein.

Sulphur and Hair Growth

There’s a lot of talk about the benefits of sulphur for increased hair growth and hair-regrowth.  My personal experience is that sulphur does not increase hair growth. Any improvements you may get from taking sulphur generally points to protein deficiency.

Taking a sulphur supplement can help reduce the effects of protein deficiency and therefore help regrow hair loss or hair problems caused by the lack of a complete protein diet. 

How your hair responds to taking sulphur supplements will depend on how deficient you are.  A lot of people report immediate benefits to taking sulphur. When I started taking sulphur supplements, I noticed hair regrowth in my bald spots. This led me to discover that I had low protein levels and I started taking a protein supplement as well as taking sulphur supplement.

Sulfur is also present in two B vitamins, thiamine (Vitamin B) and Biotin. Note, a lot of naturals claim to experience increased hair growth and healthier hair from taking mega doses of Biotin. This would explain why this supplement would work or some people and not so much for others. 

Natural sources of Sulphur 

Sulfur is readily available in protein rich foods:

Meats, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and legumes are all good sources. Egg yolks are one of the better sources of sulfur.

Other foods: onions, garlic, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and turnips. Nuts have some, as do kale, lettuce, kelp and other seaweed, and raspberries.

Daily Recommended Intake For Sulphur

In Australia at least, there is no DRI or RDA or RDI for Sulphur.  Some articles on the net suggest a daily intake of 850 mg – 1000 mg. The human body cannot manufacture or make sulphur, it has to be obtained from the diet. 

My Bald Spot after one month of taking MSM supplement alone

 

My bald spot after 10 months of taking MSM and protein and two months of taking MSM, Protein, and Vitamin B supplements (Please note I also made other improvements in my diet).

If you’re taking a supplement, follow the suggestions of the manufacture.