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Hair loss and thinning is something almost everyone will go through at some point, no matter how luscious and full your locks are now. In fact, more than 50 percent of women will experience noticeable loss at some point in their lives, according to the Cleveland Clinic. "This can happen early during the teen years or twenties, but mostly occurs in our late thirties," says board-certified dermatologist and Women's Health Advisory Board member Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine.
Thinning often stems from physical or mental stress, genetics, styling practices, and androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss). One of the other most notorious culprits is a vitamin deficiency. That's where supplements can help. “Hair growth supplements and vitamins may be useful for patients who are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss due to insufficient intake of certain vitamins,” says dermatologist Noelani González, MD. “You can think of supplementation as providing your hair with the necessary ingredients for it to develop in a healthy way.”
Best Supplements For Hair Growth
It's normal to lose anywhere from 50 to 150 strands of hair per day, but if you've noticed that your brush is picking up a few more strands than usual, this could be happening because you're either missing out on nutrients, you're on a specific diet, or you're dealing with a condition that strips you of these vitamins, says Dr. González. That's where the best supplements for hair growth can help
What to look for in supplements for hair growth
Before you hit the supplement aisle or search for the best hair growth supplements online, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Type
Supplements come in different forms, which makes it easier for people to find options that fit their preferences. Most come in the form of capsules, softgels, gummies, liquids, and powders. "Generally, liquids tend to absorb faster than pills because they don't require breakdown in the digestive system, making them a good option for quick nutrient uptake," says Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Perrysburg, OH. Still, she notes that a faster absorption rate doesn't necessarily mean it's more effective. It ultimately comes down to what your body needs and how you process each ingredient, which varies from person to person.
Something else to keep in mind is that capsules have a longer shelf life compared to liquids and gummies (they need to be stored at specific temperatures). Dietary restrictions also play a role. For example, gummies are higher in added sugars, so you might want to skip those if you're limiting your sugar intake.
How to use
Different forms of supplements will have different directions on how to use them. Some brands like Nutrafol require four pills a day, whereas others only instruct for one or two. If it's a liquid or a powder, you'll most likely need to measure a specific amount. You should also consider your lifestyle and what's easier to fit into your schedule. "People are busy enough taking other medications and busy with their life in general, so I know when I speak to patients, they prefer medication or supplements that are once a day," says dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD.
Ingredients
If you're on the hunt for vitamins that will support long, lush locks, there are a few ingredients worth keeping at the top of your list. B-vitamins "help with hair health and renewal of cells necessary for hair growth," explains Vandana Sheth, RDN, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes. You can find many good sources of B-vitamins in foods such as whole grains, dark leafy greens, seafood, and meat. Gohara adds that vitamin D can also be helpful for overall immunity, as it's only recently been linked to hair health. Side note: Those who are more likely to be vitamin D deficient are those with brown skin living in colder climates without strong enough UV light, she says.
Finally, you'll want to have a supplement that includes omega-3 fatty acids. They're a "good source of protein, which can help enhance the strength of your strands," Sheth explains. Similar to B-vitamins, you can also find this in foods like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, and walnuts.
How we selected
Women’s Health editors, including senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson and editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert consulted six dermatologists and two registered dietitians for their recommendations. We also sought out studies that speak to the efficacy of these products to narrow down the 6 best supplements for hair growth for a wide range of needs and preferences.
With additional reporting from Aryelle Siclait.
Pros
- Loved by dermatologists
- Protects scalp and follicles against environmental damage
Cons
- Users must take four pills a day
Dr. Gohara's a fan of Nutrafol because it's chock-full of antioxidants, including resveratrol, collagen (the primary building block of hair), curcumin, vitamin E, and kelp. "This combo of antioxidants and vitamins helps to reduce the hormone DHT, which is responsible for hair follicle shrinkage and thinning," she says. Plus, it wards off environmental damage that can put your locks through the wringer.
Many dermatologists love Nutrafol because of the clinical studies that support its effectiveness. One study from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that 79.5 percent of premenopausal women aged 20 to 45 with thinning hair saw major improvements after taking it daily for six months. This brand is also loved by Women's Health senior deputy digital editor Maridel Reyes, who's a big fan of Nutrafol’s Postpartum OBGYN-Formulated supplement made for hair growth and full-body recovery support.
The main downside is that users have to take four pills to get the full dosage. This might not be ideal if you're not a fan of pills to begin with, especially since they need to be taken on a daily basis. But if you don't mind setting some time aside, the results you may achieve will be well worth it.
Type | Capsule |
---|---|
How to use | Take four capsules once daily. |
Key ingredients | Biotin, vitamin D |
Pros
- Easy to work into an active lifestyle
- Meets the recommended dose from physicians
Cons
- Works best if you have a biotin deficiency
Biotin is well-known for being able to support hair health and growth, which is why you can't go wrong with these softgels from Nature's Bounty. Dr. Jaliman explains that enzymes allow you to metabolize carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids, and biotin is the co-factor that many enzymes need for the chemical reaction to happen in the first place. Research shows that those who have a biotin deficiency also seem to be more likely to experience the most benefits.
It also has 5,000 mcg which is equal to the 5 mg of biotin per day that is typically recommended by healthcare professionals. "The other nice thing about this product is that you only have to take one per day," says Dr. Jaliman. However, if you have difficulties swallowing pills, she suggests opting for a liquid or gummy instead.
Type | Softgel |
---|---|
How to use | Take one a day with a meal. |
Key ingredients | Biotin |
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Pros
- Regulates oil production
- Contains vitamins to strengthen follicles
Cons
- Large pills may be hard to swallow for some
In the past, celebrities have raved about this brand, but it's not just another A-lister-promoted supplement. These are packed with vitamin B12, which keeps the scalp and follicles nourished in order to retain growth. The blend of vitamin B improves hair elasticity, reduces dryness and breakage, and stimulates hair growth, says Erin Palinsky-Wade, RD, a registered dietitian and author.
She highlights that it also contains vitamins A, C, and D which are key for supporting scalp health as well. Vitamin A improves the production of sebum, which leads to a moisturized scalp, while vitamin C boosts collagen, leading to more protein. "Vitamin D can also help with scalp conditions like psoriasis by supporting the immune system and potentially preventing rapid skin cell turnover," adds Palinsky-Wade.
Type | Capsule |
---|---|
How to use | Take two capsules daily. |
Key ingredients | Vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B12, vitamin D |
Pros
- Beloved by dermatologists
- Backed by clinical studies
Cons
- Expensive for number of capsules included
Viviscal's blend of ingredients (vitamin C, flax seed extract, and zinc, to name a few) help hair remain in its growth phase, called anagen. Like Nutrafol, it's backed by peer reviews from dermatologists and clinical studies, says Dr. González. At the same time, Palinski-Wade calls out that these studies were done a very small group, which might not have the same result on a larger population, despite the positive results from the sample group.
"The fact that this brand has taken the time to do clinical research gives it a leg up on many competitors," says Palinski-Wade. "The ingredients in this supplement can benefit hair growth, especially in those are deficient in iron, biotin, or zinc." Unfortunately, those who have a seafood allergy won't be able to take this, as it contains fish and shellfish.
Type | Tablet |
---|---|
How to use | Take two tablets daily with water after a meal. |
Key ingredients | Biotin, vitamin C |
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Pros
- Good as a multi-vitamin as well
- Tastes great
Cons
- May be too sugary for some
With biotin, vitamin C, and folic acid, these gummies (that you've probably seen all over Instagram) might just be what your hair is missing. They have a sweet berry taste, making it easy (and delicious) to chew down. It also acts as a multivitamin. "These gummies provide 6,000mcg of biotin per serving, which is a B-vitamin that plays a role in keratin production and may help strengthen hair," says Palinksy-Wade. "The vitamin D in these gummies may also help to improve the appearance of hair."
Additionally, this supplement contains a mix of elderberry, inositol, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit hair. However, there isn't a ton of data that supports how helpful these can be in people who don't have some kind of nutrient deficiency, says Palinksy-Wade. That said, it's best to talk through this option with your doctor or dietician before adding them to your diet.
Type | Gummy |
---|---|
How to use | Take one gummy per day. |
Key ingredients | Biotin, vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids |
Pros
- Formula designed for mature women
- Addresses mineral and vitamin deficiencies
Cons
- Not ideal for younger women
Many women in their 50s experience hormonal changes from menopause, which Dr. Mitchell says can be characterized by a "decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, thus increasing androgen levels known as androgen excess, which can lead to a variety of health concerns, including hair loss." Since estrogen maintains the growth cycle and promotes the follicle health of your hair, many women experience shedding.
However, Ritual's ingredients, which include vitamin E, boron, vitamin D3, magnesium, omega-3, iron, vitamin K2, vitamin B12, and folate mitigate those effects. They can also address some deficiencies and inflammation. And since it's formulated specifically for women over the age of 50, Dr. Mitchell says the vitamin also supports healthy aging all around in postmenopausal women.
Type | Capsule |
---|---|
How to use | Take two pills daily. |
Key ingredients | Vitamin D3 (vegan), omega-3, vitamin B12 |
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Meet the experts
Mona Gohara, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine. Debra Jaliman, MD is a dermatologist based in New York City. Erin Palinsky-Wade, RD is a registered dietitian and author of Walking The Weight Off For Dummies. Hope Mitchell, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Perrysburg, OH. Nianda Reid, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Doylestown, PA. Oma Agbai, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Sacramento, CA and health sciences clinical professor at The University of California, Davis department of dermatology. Noelani González, MD is a dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York City. Vandana Sheth, RDN is a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes.
Danielle Jackson
Senior Beauty Editor
Danielle is the senior beauty editor at Women's Health. Her apartment is currently littered with beauty products, but when she's not testing them all out, you can find her watching facial ASMR videos on YouTube, binge-watching The Golden Girls on Hulu, and reading rom-coms.
Sabrina Talbert
Editorial Assistant
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.