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These Hair Growth Vitamins Actually Work, According to Experts
Move over, Rapunzel.
Sadness can creep in at any point in the day, but no moment bears greater sorrow than standing in the mirror and realizing your hair is thinning. The reflex is to research how to make your hair grow faster, which might yield results like hair growth devices, hair growth oils, or even red light therapy for hair growth. However, hair growth isn’t a quick fix; instead, it requires an everyday lifestyle change, and one way to encourage long-term growth is through hair growth vitamins. If you’ve noticed changes to your hairline, you’re not alone—in fact, by age 50, 40 percent of women have experienced some form of hair loss, according to the Journal of American Dermatology. This can be due to stress, hormones, lifestyle changes, or even heat or chemical damage. Hair growth vitamins and supplements might help you get more density back.
These supplements help boost your daily nutrients so that your body has all of the building blocks needed for hair growth. “Deficiencies in certain vitamins such as zinc, iron, selenium, and biotin can lead to shedding and hair loss,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Meena Singh. “So, supplements that contain these ingredients, as well as protein and vitamins A, C, D, and E, may help with hair cycling.”
Keep reading for our favorite hair growth vitamins recommended by experts, editors, and reviewers. As always, keep in mind that it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before adding any supplements into your diet.
Pros
- Provides visible results
- Physician-developed
Cons
- Some report nausea if taken without a meal
Thousands of customers online rave about Nutrafol’s supplements and their impressive results. These supplements, developed by physicians, contain stress adaptogens, DHT inhibitors, and antioxidants that work in tandem to reduce stress and target other major triggers of hair thinning and loss. Sam Archer, the vice president of product marketing and innovation at Nutrafol, says, “At Nutrafol, we’ve developed a more customized approach to address hair thinning with multi-targeted formulas, utilizing ingredients proven to address the internal root causes directly.” In a clinical study, 84 percent of the participating women experienced less shedding after six months of using the supplement.
Key ingredients: Ashwagandha, collagen
Servings: 120 capsules
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’ve always had thick hair that grows fairly quickly, but a few years ago, I completely fried my hair with a particularly damaging round of highlights. My hair just wasn’t growing like it normally does, so I turned to Nutrafol. I couldn’t believe how well it worked to encourage hair growth, but it also helped reduce the amount of hair fall I had and made my hair feel stronger and thicker.”—Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor
MaryRuth’s Organics Liquid Multivitamin + Lustriva® Hair Growth
Pros
- Liquid form makes it easily digestible
Cons
- Some users dislike the strong citrus taste
Everyone on TikTok is pining for longer, stronger hair, thanks to this multivitamin. A liquid version of your daily supplements packed with ingredients to bolster hair growth and improve the skin—biotin and vitamins A and C are just a few of the powerhouses included in this mix.
Key ingredients: Lustriva, biotin, vitamin C
Servings: 30
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “The older I get, the more concerned I am about my hair growth, which, in itself, is likely a part of the stress inducing the hair fall I’ve been experiencing. One day last year, I scrolled on TikTok and succumbed to the pressure to buy this liquid vitamin in hopes of returning to the thick, flourishing hair I always had. I big-chopped in February, months later, my hair was just as long as it was pre-cut. The proof is in the peach-mango-flavored pudding!”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Physician-formulated
- No fillers or artificial dyes
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for breakout-prone skin
Three capsules a day of this supplement will jumpstart your journey to thicker, fuller hair. Created by triple-board certified and Harvard-trained physician Daniel Yadegar, Wellbel Women supports healthy hair, skin, and nails with a balanced dose of biotin, plus saw palmetto, MSM, and betaine HCI. Per the brand, the formula is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made without harmful fillers or artificial dyes.
Key ingredients: Biotin, selenium, saw palmetto, MSM
Servings: 90 capsules
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I started taking this product to help my hair grow back after pregnancy. My hair is finally filling up again and getting longer; I couldn’t be happier. I took this product for my hair and the results for my nails have also been amazing. It takes a month or so to see improvement, but I love Wellbel and how it helped me get my confidence back.”
Pros
- Trichologically formulated
Cons
- Some reviewers note they didn’t like the taste
“For all-round support, I love Philip Kingsley’s Density Healthy Hair Complex, which we formulated for hair’s unique nutritional demands,” says Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president of Philip Kingsley. She notes it contains “optimal levels” of key vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, biotin, vitamin C, and L-lysine. Plus, this formula is also suitable for those with vegan and vegetarian diets.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, biotin, selenium
Servings: 60 tablets
Philip Kingsley rating: 5/5 stars
A Philip Kingsley reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for a year or so and it has worked for me. My hair and nails are stronger than they have ever been. My hair was just past shoulder length when I started using it, and I’ve managed to get it half way down my back and maintain the length while keeping it looking healthy. My hairdresser said I wouldn’t have been able to get to that length without the supplements, because my hair is thin and has a tendency to become straggly when longer.”
SpoiledChild L30 Biotin & Multi-Vitamin Hair Gummies
Pros
- Pleasant scent and taste
Cons
- Takes consistent use to see results
In about three months of taking two to four of these gummies a day, you’ll see improvements in the density of your hair, the strength of your nails, and the quality of your skin. It’s no wonder, as each delicious red gummy boasts a variety of nutrients, including biotin, folic acid, zinc, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, biotin, selenium
Servings: 120 gummies
SpoiledChild rating: 4.4/5 stars
A SpoiledChild reviewer says: “I’ve been using this for over a month. I noticed my nails grow a lot faster and are stronger. My hair has new growth. Plus, they taste great. I look forward to taking every day.”
Pros
- Clincally proven results
Cons
- Must take 3 capsules per day
“I had the unfortunate journey of having cancer at a very young age, just out of my teens,” explains Hair La Vie founder Carla Rivas. “And when you’re that young, because of the negativity in society, sometimes our vanity can take the lead.” To destigmatize the conversation around hair loss and to provide consumers with an effective supplement that would boost their confidence, Rivas developed Hair La Vie. The formula is packed with collagen, biotin, vitamin D3, and EVNol Max—an effective form of vitamin E clinically proven to promote hair growth—to make your strands longer and stronger.
Key ingredients: Collagen, berry extracts, biotin, zinc, vitamin D3
Servings: 90 capsules
Hair La Vie rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Hair La Vie reviewer says: “My hair began shedding suddenly and never seemed to ease up... I tried multiple oils and other hair vitamins. I tried Hair La Vie and within a week, I noticed way less shedding. Two weeks of consistent use and I am so impressed by how much my shedding has slowed down—especially in the shower. I will be re-purchasing every month and am excited to see what it does for new hair growth!”
Pros
- Geared towards your specific hair concerns
Cons
- Requires consistent use to see results
Prose’s customizable Root Source supplements feature “millet, a 100 percent natural, whole grain packed with an active molecule called miliacin and omega-6 fats” that “act directly on the hair follicle to stimulate hair growth,” explains Marie Mignon, the vice president of research and development at Prose. With Prose, you will answer several survey questions to create your perfect formula.
Key ingredients: Saffron, grape seed, sesame seed extract
Servings: 30 capsules
Our expert says: “Each individual blend of ingredients is designed to address the customer’s specific needs.”—Marie Mignon
Pros
- Results are seen in four weeks after daily intake
Cons
- 4 daily capsules might be too much for some
This daily multivitamin contains 21 active ingredients to promote thicker, healthier, and stronger hair. In addition to featuring a blend of vitamins and hair loss-inhibiting botanicals, it also features adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and ginseng, that balance the stress hormones that often contribute to shedding. What’s more, it has micronutrient-rich horsetail to help boost hair elasticity and improve cell turnover.
Key ingredients: Horsetail, biotin, kelp, pumpkin seed
Servings: 120 capsules
Moon Juice rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Moon Juice reviewer says: “It’s been a year of using Super Hair and I am very happy to say that my hair is without a doubt healthier, longer, and thicker. Places where my hair was thinning have filled in. I’m beyond pleased and continue to use it every day.”
Hair Vitamins Natures Bounty Hair Skin and Nails 230 Gummies
Pros
- Pleasant taste
Cons
- High doses of biotin may cause breakouts during early use
Biotin, a kind of B vitamin, is essential for the healthy growth of hair and nails. These strawberry gummies deliver more than enough of the nutrient, leading to longer, thicker hair and nails. Plus, you only need to take two daily, so a bottle of 230 will last you over three months. They’re only a trip to the drugstore (or click, if you’re an online shopper like us) away.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E
Servings: 230 gummies
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I was crying so much after losing more than 50 percent of my hair because of postpartum hair loss. I could feel my scalp if I ran my hand though my hair and the breakage was horrendous. These gummies did wonders for it! They literally saved my hair (and nails). You have to be consistent, but you can start noticing the first major results in a couple months. Not only did my hair grow faster but it has gotten its thickness back.”
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May take 6 months to see results
A tablet a day keeps the bad hair at bay. With a promise to support hair strength, health, and growth, this supplement is packed with all the essentials—biotin, keratin, folic acid, and zinc. Moreover, it has silica to strengthen, amla to boost shine, and copper, which some research says may help stimulate the follicle to encourage hair growth. The formula also gets bonus points for its sweet strawberry flavor.
Key ingredients: Biotin, keratin, zinc
Servings: 30 capsules
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair was falling out from over-processing and Covid. After only one week, I stopped losing chunks of hair. Baby hairs are sprouting all over. I don’t wash my hair for five days, and when I do, hardly any hair loss at all. I also pulled out too much eyebrow hair, had a bald spot, and it was filled in within a week. Olly is no joke; I’m in shock that a supplement actually delivered such extreme results and so quickly. The absolute best supplement.”
Meet the experts
Sam Archer is the VP of product marketing and innovation at Nutrafol, a supplement subscription service designed to promote hair growth regardless of age and lifestyle.
Dr. Meena Singh is a Kansas-based dermatologist and hair transplant specialist known for her informative videos on hair growth. She also stars in the TLC series Bad Hair Day.
Carla Rivas is the founder of Hair La Vie, an organic hair care company with products that range from daily supplements to treatment products that encourage hair growth.
Marie Mignon is the VP of research and development at Prose, a haircare brand that specializes in personalized hair products tailored to a slew of hair concerns and types.
Anabel Kingsley is a consultant trichologist and brand president of Philip Kingsley, a brand dedicated to hair and scalp health with clinics in London and New York. Their products range from shampoo and conditioner to treatments, and more.
Helen Reavey is a celebrity trichologist and founder of Act+Acre, a brand that specializes in hair wellness with a focus on the scalp.
Amanda Chantal Bacon is the founder of Moon Juice, a health and wellness brand that ranges from skin and hair to energy, brain, sleep, sex, and more.
What causes excessive hair shedding or thinning?
There are many factors that may go into hair loss. “Besides genetics, a lot of other factors—including stress, pollution, scalp imbalance, and oxidative stress from aging—can trigger hair shedding,” says Mignon. Many people who’ve had COVID-19 have also experienced hair shedding a few months after their diagnosis.
For women, “nutritional inadequacies are the most common cause of excessive daily hair shedding (telogen effluvium),” adds Kingsley. “Because hair is a non-essential tissue, it needs higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals to function—even levels that fall towards the low-normal of blood reference ranges can cause hair loss.”
What exactly do hair growth vitamins do?
Hair growth vitamins won’t miraculously grow new hair, but they can help your hair grow back thicker and healthier. Ingredients and vitamins such as biotin and vitamins C, E, and B1 “can prolong the anagen (growth phase) of the hair cycle and decrease the percentage of hairs in the shedding phase,” explains Singh. Biotin is also great for hair growth, as it promotes keratin production and can cause your strands to grow faster. Plus, it promotes healthy skin and nails.
Do hair growth vitamins actually work?
Experts agree on the benefits of hair growth vitamins. However “not every hair supplement is created equal,” says Moon Juice founder Amanda Chantal Bacon. “To ensure you get the best results with length, shine, and growth, look for a comprehensive multivitamin with bioavailable forms and clinically tested doses,” she suggests. “Also, look for additions like ashwagandha for stress relief, and targeted botanicals and micronutrients like horsetail, saw palmetto, and kelp for strength and thickness.” She notes that it is important to “pay close attention to the source and form of the ingredients and steer clear of fillers and flow agents, like magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide, which negatively affect bioavailability.”
“When taken consistently, hair growth vitamins and supplements do a great job of supporting scalp and hair health from a cellular level, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth,” adds Act+Acre founder and trichologist Helen Reavey.
Hair growth supplements are not tightly regulated by the FDA, so it is important to speak with your doctor before trying a new one.
How should people choose the best hair growth vitamins?
“Instead of seeking out a single ingredient, look for a formula that targets hair health from various angles,” explains Chantal Bacon. “For example, a lot of people think they only need biotin for hair growth, but taking too much of one good thing can have adverse effects. Keep in mind that biotin supplements with 5,000 MCG or more can break you out and skew the results of your thyroid and vitamin D hormone panels, so seek out appropriate doses.”
Reavey also suggests looking for hair growth supplements that are “rich in plant extracts and amino acids, which work to support common nutrient deficits in the modern diet.” Additionally, “vitamins A, E, and D can help support the hair follicle, while biotin, iron, and zinc have been known to support the hair growth cycle.”
What else should I know about hair growth vitamins?
“Growing stronger, fuller hair takes time, and is sadly not something that can be accomplished overnight,” says Rivas. Therefore, no matter what vitamin you are taking for hair growth, consistency and patience are key. “Hair growth occurs in cycles that include a growth phase (anagen), a resting phase (telogen), and a shedding phase (catagen),” explains Reavey. “Since hair grows relatively slowly, it may take around 90 days (roughly the duration of one growth cycle) to see noticeable changes in the length, thickness, or overall health of your hair.” While formulas can vary, remember that “any supplement that boasts immediate results is not realistic,” says Chantal Bacon. “You should start to notice small shifts over time, like a reduction of shower shed and changes in texture, shine, and length.”
Who can best benefit from hair growth vitamins?
“Most people can benefit from supplements, as it is difficult to meet your hair’s needs through diet alone, and busy, stressful lifestyles can make this harder,” says Kingsley. “Supplements are especially beneficial for those who are vegan or vegetarian, have hectic, high-stress lifestyles, and people who find it hard to eat three balanced meals consistently.”
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As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com writers spoke with numerous trusted hair experts to learn the benefits of hair growth vitamins.
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