When I took supplements that were encased in gelatin capsules - animal based gelatin not vegetable based - my hair and nails grew like there was no tomorrow. My hair now reaches to my hips, where before the supplements it was at my shoulder blades. That took 2 and a half years. The supplement inside the capsule was not the cause of the growth either because I now take the same supplement without the capsules and the growth has slowed considerably. The same happened with my finger and toe nails. My nails grew long and strong, but when I stopped using the capsules, the growth slowed and they became brittle.
You can purchase gelatin powder at natural food stores and health food stores. Just add a tablespoon to a big glass of orange juice or milk once a day. It also acts as a temporary hunger suppressant because gelatin expands and congeals as the powder absorbs liquids. Then, once it reaches its maximum saturation, it breaks down and dissolves, but while it is expanding, you feel full. This is especially the case if you take it with milk. The gelatin turns to a kind of pudding in your stomach and you feel full for about an hour. If you use a teaspoon three times a day (before each meal), instead of a tablespoon once a day, you can have an appetite suppressant and keratin (hair and nails) growth accelerator in one. When taken just before a meal, you eat less because you already feel full. Most gelatin powder has no taste. So, it won't be gross tasting if you add it to milk or juice like a fiber powder.
I had to stop using gelatin capsules because the processed, hard capsules were not dissolving completely and I was not getting the full benefit of the supplement. So, if you take any medications, prescription or over the counter, take the medicine an hour before or an hour after you drink the gelatin powder. This will prevent the gelatin from blocking the absorption of the medication. The powder should dissolve quickly in comparison to capsules because the capsules are already dissolved and dried gelatin and that makes them harder to dissolve in that form. The powder, being smaller and unbound particles, makes it much easier to dissolve.
Oh, I almost forgot! You can also dissolve the gelatin powder in warm water to a very thin consistency and comb it through your damp hair. It will act as both a conditioner and hair gel. Once it dries, brush out your hair and it will leave you with strong, healthy hair that has lots of volume. You may see a powdery, dandruff like substance when you first brush your dry hair, but this is not dandruff. It is only the excess gelatin that has not adhered to the hair shaft. It is normal. Just brush your hair well to brush out the excess gelatin. You can also use this mixture on your eyelashes and eyebrows. Use an eyelash brush or old, cleaned mascara wand to apply it. Just be sure to rinse the wand well so it won't get stiff or sticky. This is actually how hairstyles were held in place before chemical gels and sprays were invented and how eyelashes and brows were enhanced before chemical cosmetics.
Good luck and I hope you see the same results that I have. Enjoy your long, strong and beautiful hair and nails.
If only my hair could grow that long in 2 years.. ┗( T﹏T )┛