The Mineral Connection to Hair Growth

THE INNER ECOSYSTEM

Each strand of hair is born from a living follicle, a small and intricate world where cells divide, rest, and renew. While topical care protects what’s already visible, nutrition fuels what is yet to emerge. Among the nutrients that shape this unseen process, minerals, especially iron and zinc, play an essential role. They are the architects of strength, shine, and vitality.

IRON: THE BREATH OF THE FOLLICLE

Iron carries oxygen, the essence of life, through hemoglobin in the blood. Hair follicles, among the most metabolically active cells in the body, rely on this oxygen to sustain their growth phase. When iron is low, follicles lack the energy they need, and the cycle can slow or shift into shedding.

Iron also supports DNA synthesis — the creation of new hair cells. Studies link low ferritin levels (the body’s stored iron) with increased hair loss, particularly in women.

ZINC: THE QUIET REGULATOR

Zinc maintains balance within the hair’s natural rhythm. It assists in keratin formation, the protein responsible for strength and shape, and keeps follicles cycling through their growth phases in harmony.

A deficiency in zinc can lead to brittle strands or excessive shedding. It also supports hormonal balance and scalp health by protecting against oxidative stress.

WHY ZINC MATTERS?

Protein and keratin formation
Zinc is essential for enzymes that build keratin, the main protein in hair. Without enough zinc, keratin production is impaired, which can lead to weak, brittle strands. 

Hair follicle cycle regulation
Zinc helps regulate the phases of the hair growth cycle (anagen / catagen / telogen). Deficiency may lead to follicles moving into resting/shedding phases prematurely. 

Hormonal balance and DHT modulation
Zinc has been shown to modulate hormones, including suppressing the enzyme 5-α reductase that converts testosterone to DHT. Elevated DHT contributes to androgenetic hair thinning in some people. By supporting balanced hormonal activity, zinc can reduce one cause of follicle miniaturization. 

Antioxidant & immune support
Zinc helps protect against oxidative stress in scalp tissue and assists in tissue repair. It also supports immune function so that inflammation (which can damage follicles) is better regulated.

THE ENSEMBLE OF TRACE MINERALS

Iron and zinc rarely act alone. Trace minerals such as selenium, copper, and magnesium assist in collagen production, antioxidant defense, and tissue repair. Together, they sustain the environment where hair can thrive.

Our philosophy of holistic haircare means the inner and outer worlds are one; the outer cannot thrive without optimal inner function. Our formulations are enriched with plant actives like peptides, fermented minerals, stem cells and oils to mirror the nourishment that begins within.

A RITUAL OF WHOLENESS

Nourishing hair is a slow ritual. It asks for consistency over intensity — in meals, in care, in rest. Pair mindful eating, movement, sunlight with holistic haircare.

• Cake Restorative Scalp Tonic to awaken circulation and nourish follicles
• Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In to protect and soften
• Eros Resurrection Hair Mask to hydrate and restore

These acts are not separate, but cyclical, echoing the same truth that hair health begins at the root, and radiates outward.

Explore rituals that compliment your inner nourishment at gmreverie.com