Are you planning to use MSM for hair growth? If so, this article will provide information that will help you determine if the supplement is right for your hair growth goals.
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 dietary 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 MSM 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 an MSM supplement is likely the preferred option.
How Much MSM Should You Take for Healthy Hair Growth?
The recommended dosage is 6 grams per day. For each dose, you should only take 2 grams. People say that it takes about 2 weeks after taking the first dose for you to notice a change in your hair. You can also put MSM on your hair using a cream, MSM spray, or you can use an MSM shampoo instead of taking an oral supplement.
Does MSM Help With Hair Loss?
This supplement can be used as a hair growth therapy for people who have bald patches. It is not FDA-approved to treat male pattern balding, but it may offer a promising way to increase hair growth based on anecdotal evidence.
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.
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The jury is still out on whether MSM for hair growth actually works. In the meantime, you can try it and see if there are any noticeable changes in your hair’s thickness or length.
There might be a little bit of improvement to your hair’s growth rate even if it doesn’t work as well as advertised! Even if a MSM treatment only helps a little, that’s worth something- right?
Kenneth Byrd holds a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a serial hair blogger that has been writing about hair care since 2008, when he co-founded Curl Centric and Natural Hair Box. Curl Centric is a website operated by a husband and wife team that encourages healthy hair care.