MSM, which stands for methylsulfonylmethane, is a compound that is rich in sulfur.
The chemical formula for methylsulfonylmethane is (CH3)2SO2. The compound occurs naturally and is found in a variety of foods, such as green vegetables, garlic, seafood, onions, and milk.
MSM for Hair Growth: How It Works
Many women take MSM for hair growth because the chemical compound contains sulfur, which is one of the primary building blocks for your hair. But, will methylsulfonylmethane actually make your hair grow?
Some medical professionals suggest that methylsulfonylmethane can be used as a supplement for increasing hair growth.
It is also believed by many people that MSM can increase the rate of hair growth since it elongates the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
The anagen phase of the hair growth cycle is commonly referred to as the growth phase. Note that hair generally grows at roughly ½ inch per month.
If the supplement can significantly increase the rate of hair growth, this would be a scientific breakthrough. Unfortunately, scientific evidence is inconclusive at the moment.
My current opinion on using MSM for hair growth was derived mostly from reading a recent study from the College of Pharmacy at Yeungnam University in South Korea (Republic of Korea).
The objective of this study was to understand the effect of methylsulfonylmethane on increasing hair growth of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate for the treatment of alopecia.
Even though the results of the study are inconclusive, most people who read the study will come away with only marginal hope that future studies will demonstrate conclusive evidence.
It’s unlikely that you’ll see significant results using MSM for hair growth, however minimal increases in hair growth may be possible.
Even if it only helps a little, that’s worth something. Right?
Where Can You Buy Methylsulfonylmethane?
Methylsulfonylmethane supplements are available in almost every health food store, grocery store, pharmacy, and several online retailers.
Methylsulfonylmethane is present in many foods. However, the content level of MSM reduces while foods are cooking.
So you can ingest it without taking over-the-counter supplements, but most women will want to increase their overall intake of the chemical compound.
So, unless you eat most of your food raw, taking a supplement is likely the preferred option.
Other Uses of MSM Supplements
MSM is possibly effective for treating various ailments such as hemorrhoids, osteoarthritis, and rosacea. There are many other potential uses of MSM, but we can’t currently substantiate the other uses due to insufficient evidence.
It is true that the human body uses sulfur to build things other than just hair. Sulfur is also used to develop bones and form cartilage for the joints. MSM is not only beneficial to your hair but also good for your whole body.
What You Should Know Before Taking MSM
Before I conclude, it’s important for you to understand that using MSM also comes with several potential side effects. The National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, hasn’t established a recommended daily allowance (RDA) of methylsulfonylmethane intake.
Note that RDA is defined as the average intake necessary to satisfy the nutritional requirements of nearly all healthy people.
High doses can lead to negative symptoms such as itching, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, kidney problems, nausea, and diarrhea in some people.
MSM is generally considered safe for many people if taken in the appropriate doses. However, we always suggest that ladies speak with their medical doctor prior to taking any new supplements.
This is particularly the case for women who are pregnant or currently breastfeeding.
Sammie says
Yes and I also applied it to my scalp as well and I noticed growth in my alopecia spot.
Suzanne says
I started taking MSM some months ago as an aid to help arthritis in my wrist. Over the past month, I noticed my hair seemed to have a growth spurt. I thought it was just wishful thinking until several people commented on it. I have just googled whether it can affect hair growth and came across this article. It looks like it can work!!
Liz says
I’ve have significant hair growth but at a price….I’m African American and I relax my hair…At first I started to notice the new growth coming in thicker, I didn’t change how I relaxed my hair, usually 14-16 weeks before I need a touch-up…over a period of several months I started to notice my hair had become very dry, if I used a moisturizer or oil it would drink it up…because my hair was so dry I decided to relax my entire head thinking that would help, big mistake!!! now my hair is worst, very tangle and every time I comb it it’s a struggle and more hair comes out…I’ve since stop taking MSM, which is unfortunate because my skin and nails have never been better…
Nosytee says
Was it the perm or MSM?
Danielle says
Yeah it doesn’t seem like MSM was the culprit..
Reese says
Hi Liz, I hate to hear that. Sounds like you over processed your hair by putting relaxer from new growth to the ends. The previously relaxed hair was broken down twice. That is chemical damage not from the MSM. You now need rice water, Aphogee or Olaplex to bond, heal or strengthen your hair. Research which would be best for you.
You should also try a pre-poo treatment on your damaged hair if you don’t want to get it cut off. Try mixing 2 -4 tablespoons of olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil or hemp oil with in your conditioner. Make sure it is a thick deep masque conditioner in a jar not a bottle. Massage the mixture on your scalp, new growth and all over your hair before shampooing. Cover your hair with a deep conditioning bag. Let it sit for 10 -20 minutes then shampoo . This will help the shampoo and conditioners not strip so much from your hair. Kind of like how we used to try to protect our hair from chlorine in the pool. Momma would slap Vaseline and Cholesterol cream in our hair. LOL!
Please check the labels on your shampoo and conditioner. See if they are sulfate free as well. Signed, A Cosmetology School Dropout.
Nancy says
Has anybody notice weight gain I’ve only started about 1 month Gain some bit sure if it’s msm.i take powder with vitamin c ?
Gibson Dana says
Yes.. every time I start on msm I gain weight so I won’t take it orally. Maybe if I put it in my conditioner I won’t experience the weight game
Jamie says
I been taking MSM with Vitamin C for about a month now and haven’t had any issues with weight gain. In fact, I notice my stomach is less bloated, flatter and my skin is smoother, brighter. I put it in a 16 oz bottle of water and found it curbs my appetite as well, plus I’m actually drinking more water than usual. I even read somewhere that it curbs alcohol cravings, not sure about that yet and I’m still unsure about noticeable hair growth. But I’ve yet to increase my dosage so it may come in time.
Whitney Moore says
I’ve noticed some weight gain and it’s been two weeks now. I’m not mad at a little weight will not hurt.
Angel says
There is msm in this new hair product I’m trying. I love the product but the only bad part is it makes my scalp itch like crazy!!!! Is it possible I could be allergic or is it my hair growing?
E. Woodall says
I started losing my hair 15 years ago after an operation to remove a noncancerous brain tumor on the top of my head. My hair began to get thinner and thinner. I wore wigs all these years until this year (2019). I went on the internet and learned that sulphur is the backbone of hair growth and started taking it. In three months I had more and more hair on my head and do not wear my drawer full of wigs anymore. I simply could not believe that my head is covered with hair and I have hair to wash. My hair is very fine but my head is covered with hair. What a blessing! I have told everyone about this that I meet anywhere that is losing their hair. So far, everyone has been really interested. I also noted on the internet the other day that sulphur had the word keratin out by the side of it. You may recognize the word keratin from the shampoo that is being sold over the counter in stores for hair loss. Anyway, it is almost October and I still have my hair. I will have my 89 year birthday on the 30th. I still take my 2 tablets of sulphur ever day. I wish all of you my good luck.
Gin says
What brand of MSM did you use and how many milligrams?
Cheryl says
I would like to use it topically for my hair. Do I necessarily need to mix the bit c for it to be effective?
nj says
can anyone tell me how to take msm at beginnin, iam really lost..your useful tips will be helpful
key says
Look up “Curly Proverbz” on Youtube -search her channel for MSM. She has very long hair and she uses MSM. When you start using MSM do not start with the recommended serving size; start with about an eighth or a quarter of what they state as the serving size then build up using more each week. Also, use equal parts vitamin C to boost the benefits of vitamin C. It’s important to start with a low dosage of MSM because too much at once may cause a headache, nausea and whatever side effects that are known. Also, drink plenty of water and stay away from alcohol – many people say they seem to get drunk faster when taking MSM. I usually just take mine in the evening before bed, but you may split it up by taking some first thing in the morning and some before bed. MSM powder tastes horrible.
Therese says
I had been talking Adderall for ADHD. Recently It was changed over to Vivanse . I noticed about 3 months after starting Vivanse, huge amounts of hair began coming out in the shower. I mean I didn’t even lose this much hair during my cancer treatments. I was and am still horrified. I had a hell of a head full of hair. I can feel areas in the back of my head where I just have a few strands of hair are actually covering my scalp. The hair on my pillow could be donated for wig making, the hair on my sweaters and coats, send that too. The hair in the shower could coat two medium sized dogs. My hair is dry, and brittle even though I use oil. The strands are more than significantly thinner and weaker. I can go 2 or more weeks without shampooing, and I do, I’ve stopped brushing or coming my hair altogether to avoid losing any more. Will MSM help to grow my hair back? Or should I start wig shopping now??