When it comes to achieving strong, resilient hair, one of the most underrated nutrients is MSM — short for Methylsulfonylmethane. Known as the “beauty mineral” among wellness experts, MSM provides a natural source of sulphur — an essential element that forms part of the building blocks of keratin, the structural protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. In this spotlight, we’ll explore what MSM is, how it supports hair from within, and why it’s one of the star ingredients in Anavive.
What Is MSM?
MSM is an organic compound naturally found in plants, fruits, vegetables, and even rainwater. It’s a bioavailable form of sulphur, meaning your body can easily absorb and use it. Sulphur is often called the “beauty mineral” because of its role in maintaining the structure and strength of connective tissues, including collagen and keratin — two key proteins that contribute to firm skin and strong, healthy hair.
In supplement form, MSM is valued for its purity and stability. The type used in Anavive is a clean, high-grade powder refined through a multi-step distillation process, ensuring it’s free from impurities and gentle on digestion. This makes it suitable for daily use as part of a holistic hair health routine.
Why Sulphur Matters for Hair
Your hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin, which itself is rich in sulphur. These sulphur atoms form bonds within the keratin structure, giving hair its strength and elasticity. Without adequate sulphur, these bonds can become weaker, potentially affecting the hair’s ability to remain strong and flexible. MSM provides the body with a readily available source of this vital mineral, supporting the structural integrity of each strand from within.
In simple terms, sulphur helps your hair “bounce back.” It’s part of what allows your hair to stretch slightly without breaking — a crucial feature for maintaining healthy, glossy locks that can withstand brushing, styling, and environmental stress.
The Origins of MSM
MSM is found naturally in small amounts throughout the environment. It forms when plankton in the ocean releases sulphur compounds into the atmosphere, which return to the earth through rainfall and are absorbed by plants. This natural cycle means MSM is present in a wide range of foods — though often in tiny quantities that can be lost through cooking or processing. That’s why supplementation can be a practical way to ensure consistent intake.
Interestingly, MSM has been used for decades in wellness and skincare formulations, thanks to its gentle but supportive role in maintaining connective tissue health. Over time, it has gained attention in the field of hair nutrition for its potential to help hair look thicker, stronger, and more vibrant.
Why We Include MSM in Anavive
At Anavive, we look for ingredients that work with the body, not against it. MSM stood out because it offers a simple yet powerful benefit — it provides the raw material your body needs to maintain strong structural proteins. When paired with other key nutrients in our formula, such as Biotin, Zinc Bisglycinate, and Vitamin C, MSM helps form the foundation for visibly healthier hair.
MSM also complements AnaGain™ (Pea Shoot Extract) beautifully. While AnaGain™ supports the natural hair growth cycle, MSM provides the material strength behind each strand. Together, they help create the conditions for both stronger and fuller-looking hair over time.
How MSM Supports Hair Wellness
MSM plays a number of indirect but meaningful roles in maintaining healthy-looking hair:
- Supports keratin structure: MSM provides sulphur, which contributes to strong and flexible keratin bonds — the building blocks of every strand.
- Encourages a healthy scalp environment: Its natural sulphur content supports the maintenance of balanced, comfortable skin, including the scalp.
- Works synergistically with other nutrients: MSM pairs well with vitamin C, which supports normal collagen formation — another structural component important for hair and scalp health.
- Helps maintain resilience: Many users find that MSM helps hair feel stronger, more elastic, and less prone to breakage over time.
The Science Behind MSM
While MSM isn’t a new discovery, scientific interest in it has grown in recent years. Studies have examined its bioavailability, antioxidant potential, and role in supporting healthy connective tissues. Some early research has also explored how MSM supplementation may contribute to improved hair appearance, particularly when combined with other essential nutrients.
These findings align with what many people experience anecdotally — that MSM contributes to stronger, shinier, and more manageable hair when taken consistently as part of a balanced routine. However, it’s important to remember that supplements are not medicines, and results vary from person to person. What matters most is consistency, patience, and overall wellness.
What Makes Anavive’s MSM Different
Not all MSM is created equal. The MSM used in Anavive is a highly purified form designed for superior absorption and digestive comfort. We’ve paired it with other synergistic nutrients in specific forms — such as calcium ascorbate (a gentle form of vitamin C) and bisglycinates (a form of minerals bound to amino acids for better bioavailability). This combination ensures that every capsule supports your hair, scalp, and overall vitality efficiently and effectively.
Our MSM is vegan, non-GMO, and produced without unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. Like all our ingredients, it’s chosen for purity, safety, and traceability — because we believe that what you put in your body matters just as much as what you see on the outside.
How to Use MSM Effectively
MSM works best when taken consistently. Hair grows slowly — roughly one centimetre per month — so regular intake over several months provides your body with a steady supply of sulphur to support natural renewal. Taking Anavive daily with water, ideally alongside food, ensures optimal absorption and complements your diet with steady, gentle nourishment.
It’s also worth noting that MSM is synergistic with vitamin C. The two work hand in hand in collagen synthesis, which in turn supports healthy connective tissue — a vital part of strong hair follicles. That’s why Anavive includes both ingredients together in each capsule.
Who Benefits Most From MSM?
While everyone can benefit from sulphur in their diet, MSM can be particularly useful for those who:
- Experience brittle, easily broken hair due to styling or environmental stress.
- Follow plant-based diets and may have lower sulphur intake from food sources.
- Want to support their scalp and connective tissue health naturally.
- Are looking for a gentle, evidence-led ingredient that complements other hair-supporting nutrients.
Beyond Hair: MSM’s Wider Role in Wellbeing
MSM doesn’t only support hair. It also contributes to the structure of collagen and elastin throughout the body, helping maintain flexible joints, healthy skin, and general vitality. This is part of why it’s so beloved in the wellness world — it’s a single nutrient that supports multiple aspects of beauty and wellbeing from within.
At Anavive, we see MSM as part of a bigger picture — one where internal nourishment reflects outwardly in stronger, more radiant hair and healthier overall balance.
Pairing MSM with Lifestyle Choices
For best results, pair your daily supplement with supportive lifestyle habits. Aim for a balanced diet with protein-rich foods, manage stress through mindfulness or exercise, and stay hydrated. A healthy scalp environment and consistent self-care routine amplify the benefits of ingredients like MSM and AnaGain™, helping you maintain visible results over time.
Key Takeaways
- MSM is a natural, bioavailable source of sulphur — a key component of hair’s structural protein, keratin.
- It supports the strength, flexibility, and overall resilience of hair.
- MSM works best in combination with other nutrients such as vitamin C, biotin, and zinc — all present in Anavive.
- Consistent daily use supports long-term improvements in hair health and vitality.
In Summary
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is an understated hero ingredient in the world of hair nutrition. By providing the body with organic sulphur, it supports the building blocks that keep hair strong, flexible, and vibrant. In Anavive, we’ve combined MSM with complementary nutrients that enhance its benefits, creating a daily formula that strengthens hair from within while respecting your body’s natural balance.
Discover the next ingredient in our series — Bamboo Extract (Silica): Nature’s Source of Strength and Shine.
About Anavive
Anavive is a premium daily supplement for men and women, formulated to protect, strengthen, and regrow hair from the inside out. Made in the UK, each capsule combines clean, highly absorbable nutrients and scientifically researched plant actives to support healthy hair growth, thickness, and resilience — all without compromise.
