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Looking to nourish your hair? Try a hair growth supplement! With so many options to choose from, you may wonder which products are good for you. After all, supplements often have advertising traps or false company claims, so we've done the research to find reputable products that can actually help your hair.
We picked Sugarbearhair's Hair Vitamins as our number one hair growth supplement because it's easy to take and has essential nutrients and vitamins for hair. Keep reading to find all the information you need in our buying guide, and check out all of the highly-recommended hair growth products in our top 10 list.
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Ready to choose a supplement? Make sure to choose a product with ingredients that encourage hair growth. It's also important to pick a form of hair growth supplement that will be easy for you to take!
Some supplements have a single ingredient, whereas others are composed of multiple vitamins and minerals for hair growth. Read about which ingredients can help stimulate new hair growth and maintain overall hair health.
Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B7, is one of the most common ingredients in hair growth supplement. Studies on biotin to date show that it can help stimulate new hair growth and possibly prevent current hair loss due to its ability to increase and maintain keratin levels.
Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant to look for in your hair growth supplement that helps moisturize your scalp and prevent hair breakage. The recommended daily amount of vitamin A is 700 micrograms for adult women and 900 for adult men. However, too much vitamin A can cause hair loss and other negative impacts on your health. Make sure to consume less than 3,000 micrograms per day!
Vitamin D supports new hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. A lack of vitamin D can cause thinning hair, which can link to baldness. Similar to vitamin A, vitamin E helps nourish your scalp, boost hair growth, and improve hair elasticity. The recommended daily intake of vitamin E is 15 milligrams.
Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which strengthens hair and prevents further hair loss. If you're looking for something to prevent further hair loss, look for vitamin C.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, plays an important role in hair follicles. It aids in carrying oxygen to the scalp, resulting in healthy hair roots. The lack of vitamin B12 can lead to hair loss, hair thinning, and premature grey hair, so this is very helpful to have in a hair growth supplement!
Biotin, a vitamin that is famous for helping grow hair, has no proven efficacy to help hair grow and can actually interfere with important lab tests, like thyroid function tests and troponin (the lab that is used to evaluate for a heart attack). If you do have low biotin, replacing the vitamin with a supplement could be helpful for hair growth.
There are studies to support biotin for promoting nail growth. Many people are deficient in Vitamin D, so replacing Vitamin D if it is low can help with hair growth as well.
Zinc, silica, and iron also play major roles in supporting healthy hair growth. They help to retain hair oil, carry oxygen to hair roots to stimulate growth, and reduce inflammation. If you’re getting enough of any or all of these nutrients, your hair will grow faster. Additionally, your new hair will become shinier, thicker, and stronger, too!
On the other hand, copper and selenium are known to help kill bacteria and fungi that can inhibit sufficient hair growth. The recommended daily intake for adults is 900 micrograms of copper and 400 micrograms of selenium, so if you don't think you're getting enough, consider a supplement with these.
Low iron is a cause of hair loss. Iron and/or ferritin (the lab that measures iron stores) is often low in menstruating women, so replacing iron can tremendously help hair growth if there is an iron deficiency.
Many hair growth supplements have iron in them, but if you want to take an iron supplement, a daily dose of 325 mg of OTC ferrous sulfate is recommended. Iron can be constipating, so eat a high fiber diet and drink plenty of water if taking iron supplements. Taking iron pills with Vitamin C, like a glass of orange juice or a vitamin C pill, can help make the iron absorb better and therefore make it more effective.
Along with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, there are some other key ingredients to look for that could help stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
Omega-3, or alpha-lineolic acid, is a fatty acid that has been shown to stimulate hair growth. In a hair growth supplement, it's often in the form of fish oil. It can also promote healthy nail growth, so it can tackle two possible concerns in one!
Collagen is a protein that strengthens hair and improves hair texture and quality. There are many collagen supplements options, and they usually come from natural sources like beef, chicken, fish, or eggshells. If your hair quality is also a concern, consider a supplement with collagen.
Many patients say that oral collagen powders and supplements have helped increase hair thickness and growth, but no formal studies have evaluated this claim. Some studies do show that oral collagen does increase skin elasticity and hydration.
One ingredient with a lot of anecdotal evidence but sparse scientific evidence in promoting hair growth is millet seed extract. A German study found that a specific combination of millet seed extract, amino acid L-Cysteine, and vitamin B5 reversed some effects of hair loss.
In addition, a Japanese study found that participants given a supplement of millet powder and keratin powder over a period of time had thicker hair and fewer clogged pores on their scalp. While much more study is needed on this ingredient, it is one you could consider for reversing the effects of hair loss.
Soy, or more specifically, soy isoflavones, can specifically help with cleaning hair follicles to stimulate new growth. Soy also contains equol, which is basically a less intense form of estrogen.
It's often used in concentrated doses like supplements to address symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, but if you're a woman and your hair loss is due to hormonal changes, this could help. It's even equally beneficial to men, according to studies.
Hair growth supplements usually come in tablets, capsules, powders, liquid drops, or gummies. Tablets, capsules, gummies, and liquid drops are convenient because you don’t need to mix them with anything.
Gummies are a good option for people who dislike taking pills. They’re easy to take because they’re delicious and taste like fruit snacks. However, they usually contain sugar, glucose syrup, or other sweeteners to improve the taste. If you're looking for a sugar-free supplement, it's a good idea to consider other forms.
Liquid drops can come with or without flavors. They usually come in small glass bottles, which are great for taking on the go. If you want a powder supplement, you’ll need to mix them in water, a liquid of your choice, or food. You’ll find that many coconut oil and collagen supplement products come in powder form.
Many of these supplements, just like many vitamins and minerals, can cause stomach upset and nausea when taken in a pill form. I recommend taking them with a large meal and not on an empty stomach. Collagen powder can easily be mixed in with your morning coffee or tea and usually does not cause any stomach upset.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sugarbearhair Hair Vitamins|60 count | $29.95 Mid | Best All-Around Supplement That's Easy to Take | ||
2 | Nutrafol | $88.00 High | Best for Overall Hair Health for Women | ||
3 | Viviscal | $30.77 Mid | Best Hair Growth Supplement for Men | ||
4 | Naturenetics HairAnew Healthy Hair Formula | $29.71 Mid | Best for People With Allergies or Dietary Restrictions | ||
5 | Sports Research Biotin Essential Vitamin|5,00mcg | $14.95 Low | Best Biotin Supplement for Stimulating Hair Growth | ||
6 | Olly | $19.99 Low Mid | Best Biotin and Keratin Capsules for Shiny, Strong Hair | ||
7 | Terry Naturally | $32.76 Mid | Best Millet Seed Oil Extract for Producing Keratin | ||
8 | Vital Proteins Unflavored, 1.5 pound | $34.39 Mid | Best for Improving Skin and Hair | ||
9 | Pure Research Biotin Extra Strength | $19.89 Low Mid | Best Liquid Drops for Thicker Hair | ||
10 | Ouai | $58.00 High Mid | Best Supplements for Taking On-the-Go |
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Looking for an easy and tasty way to take a hair growth supplement? These berry gummies are sweetened with tapioca syrup and raw cane sugar. They have a variety of vitamins and minerals that support hair health, like vitamins A, B, C, and E.
They also include 17,000 percent of your daily recommended value of biotin! Many reports support the claim that they help hair grow, saying their hair looks thicker, longer, and shinier. Their pleasant taste is also appreciated, unlike other supplements that can cause upset stomachs.
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These supplements contain a high percentage of many hair-healthy vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for general hair health. They have also been tested in a blinded clinical trial, proving their effectiveness for most women.
Since they contain more than the daily recommended dosage of some vitamins and minerals, consult with a doctor or dermatologist before taking these capsules. However, they are widely praised for combatting thinning hair for women of all ages. Many report thicker hair and new growth.
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These tablets contain hair-healthy vitamin C and zinc, but the key ingredient is a fish-based complex that's been proven to help men with thinning hair. However, do note that the manufacturer recommends taking them for at least three months to see results.
Overall, these tablets are praised for their ability to make men's hair look fuller. Visible results are common, especially with continued use.
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These pills contain vitamins and minerals, including biotin, zinc, vitamins B, C, E, as well as kelp, ginkgo, and bamboo. These ingredients help speed up hair growth, combat hair loss, and strengthen fragile hair. They are also free from eight common allergens and animal products too!
There are some instances of negative side effects, like headaches or stomach pain, so you may want to consult with a doctor before trying this product. However, these supplements are said to help fix bald spots. There are also some reports that they are good for thinning hair due to aging or thyroid issues.
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These softgels only have two main ingredients: biotin and organic cold-pressed coconut oil. Biotin helps support hair growth, and coconut oil may also support hair health. Additionally, they are made without gluten, soy, fillers, and animal ingredients.
Some say that these supplements produce positive results within two weeks, reporting thicker, healthier hair. If you're looking for a simple supplement that focuses on biotin, these may be for you.
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These softgels from Olly contain several ingredients that support hair health, including zinc, and vitamin D, and biotin. They also have more uncommon ingredients, like copper and keratin, to aid in hair growth.
There are some reports that the softgels are hard to swallow. The bottle isn't completely full as well, which some feel is a waste of plastic. However, these supplements often lead to shinier and healthier hair! They are also said to encourage hair growth, sometimes within a few weeks.
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If you're curious about the benefits of millet seed oil, these supplements may be for you. They have the usual mix of hair-healthy vitamins and minerals, but they also include 400 milligrams of millet seed oil for potentially thicker hair and less hair loss. Millet seed oil may support the production of keratin, a type of protein that makes up your hair and can help it grow.
There are some reports that these supplements need to be taken for months to see results. So, if you're looking for immediate or dramatic results, they may not be for you. However, many confirm that these softgels lead to stronger hair and reduce hair loss!
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If you're looking to add collagen to your diet, consider this powder! It's unflavored, so you can add it to drinks or smoothies. Collagen can lead to stronger hair, but it can also help support your skin and joints. However, do note that the collagen comes from animal hides.
Some reports say that the Amazon product is fake, so you may want to buy directly from the manufacturer. Overall, This powder is easy to mix into hot or cold drinks, and many report that it doesn't have a strong flavor. If you want to improve your skin and hair, this powder is an excellent choice!
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This liquid supplement offers 10,000 micrograms of biotin and 15,000 micrograms of collagen per serving! It has a berry flavor and uses stevia, a calorie-free sweetener. Additionally, it comes in a small glass bottle with a dropper that's convenient to use and carry around.
It may have an odd aftertaste, but the overall taste isn't unpleasant. Most say that it helps grow thick, full hair. It's also said to aid in quick hair growth, with some seing results after a few weeks.
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These supplements contain omega 3 and 6 for stronger, healthier hair. They also have a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D, calcium, and biotin. The addition of ashwagandha extract may help prevent hair loss. Ashwagandha is a shrub that's native to India and parts of Africa, and it's been linked to lower stress levels.
These tablets come in several blister packs, making it easy to tuck one sheet in a purse or work bag. However, there are some reports that they may cause acne. Still, many confirm that they lead to increased hair growth, especially with continued use.
In addition to her comments on the buying guide, Dr. Levy had some more advice to give about hair growth supplements.
Dr. Levy says, "Nutrafol is the hair supplement that I tend to recommend to my patients since it is backed by clinical studies. I have had male and female patients grow significant hair on this medication. The pills are quite large, however, and four need to be taken a day.
I like the post-partum pills for those suffering from telogen effluvium after giving birth, which is a common problem. This supplement is also breastfeeding-safe."
Dr. Levy says, "I add supplements to a hair loss treatment regimen in addition to medical management like topical minoxidil, oral DHT inhibitors (propecia), or PRP. I think when it comes to hair loss, more treatments targeting different pathways are best to help restore hair since it is a devastating condition for most.
Remember that if you have an inflammatory condition causing hair loss, see your board-certified dermatologist to treat the underlying condition as these supplements will not completely solve the problem."
Even though we've already given some helpful tips and info, there are probably still some lingering questions you have about hair growth supplements. With in-depth research and expert insight, we hope we can answer them for you!
Before you start taking hair growth supplements, it's helpful to understand the reasons why your hair is growing slowly or has stopped growing. Some people have weak hair at their roots because of external factors like pollution, certain medications, or regularly using hot styling tools, like hair dryers.
Others experience thinning hair due to internal factors like age, stress, lack of nutrients, hormone imbalance, or illness. Since hormone levels related to hair loss like estrogen and testosterone are naturally different in men and women, there are different treatments for different sexes available.
Since there are plenty of reasons, relying only on hair growth supplements may not be enough to fix the problem. Additionally, these supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and there is no scientific proof that they can promote hair growth. So, we think it's a good idea to consult with your doctor before taking them.
Dr. Levy also gave us some great advice. She says, "Hair loss in both men and women is a very common but very complicated problem. There are so many different causes of hair loss, with the most common being androgenic alopecia or patterned baldness. Other causes include stressful life events or illness (telogen effluvium), nutritional deficiencies, or inflammatory skin diseases like lupus, lichenplano pilaris, or alopecia areata.
Some supplements have been studied in small case studies but no large clinical trials. If you have a nutritional deficiency causing your hair loss, replacing the vitamins and minerals that you are missing may be helpful for your hair loss.
Some supplements contain natural DHT blockers like saw palmetto, which has been shown to help with patterned baldness. For inflammatory hair loss, these supplements will not treat the underlying problem causing hair loss."
Many other products help to stimulate hair growth and nourish hair. Check out some of our favorite products below to help your hair feel healthy and strong!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Sugarbearhair|Hair Vitamins|60 count
No. 2: Nutrafol|
No. 3: Viviscal|
No. 4: Naturenetics|HairAnew Healthy Hair Formula
No. 5: Sports Research|Biotin Essential Vitamin|5,00mcg
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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