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The best hair growth vitamins and supplements of 2024, according to experts
Hair loss or thinning is a natural part of life. While it can be a side effect of something like COVID-19, it can also happen because of other underlying causes like iron deficiency or nutrient deficiency. In fact, 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss in the United States, according to the Hair Society. Shedding and hair loss can happen for a multitude of reasons. Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist, tells AOL, “Among the multitude of factors contributing to hair loss, hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, stands as the most prevalent cause. While genetics play a significant role, other factors such as stress, illnesses, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can also contribute to hair loss.”
Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails
Best overall hair growth vitamin
Nutrafol Women's Hair Growth Supplements
Best overall hair growth supplement
FoliGROWTH™ Hair Growth Supplement
The best hair growth vitamin for aging hair
ACT+ ACRE Cold Processed Thick and Full Hair Capsules
The best hair growth vitamin for damaged hair
Hum Hair Strong Daily Gummies
The best gummy vitamin for hair growth
Nutrafol Postpartum Hair Growth Supplements
The best postpartum hair growth vitamin
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements
Best supplement for hair growth and thickness
Though there are many causes of hair loss and thinning, there are plenty of ways to reverse it, make hair grow and maintain the hair you have. Managing stress levels, maintaining a well-balanced diet, a healthy fitness and wellness routine and staying hydrated are some easy ways to improve the health of your hair, but if you need to take it a step further, you have options. Many clinical studies have proven that hair growth supplements and multivitamins with key ingredients successfully promote hair regrowth, help reduce loss, and improve the overall look and feel of your hair. But with so many hair supplements on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the best option for you. Speaking with your healthcare provider about a treatment plan that’s right for you is always recommended.
We spoke with board-certified dermatologists, trichologists and other healthcare professionals to learn what to look for while reading supplement labels and what is all hype. Biotin is key to support hair growth, as are Vitamins D, E and C, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Fo-Ti, an herb that is said to increase liver and kidney functions, is another ingredient you'll see mentioned for promoting regrowth in a few products below. See below our top picks for our experts' explanations of the best vitamins for hair growth and minerals you should look for on your journey to thicker hair.
We chose our winners for the best vitamins and supplements for hair growth based on their key ingredients, plus brand reputation, ingredient quality, user reviews, and proven results.
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Key ingredients: Biotin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid
Nature Bounty's Extra Strength Hair, Skin & Nail soft gels is our choice for the best overall hair growth vitamin. It is a shopper favorite, with over 4,800 verified five-star ratings on Amazon. It's formulated with a potent blend of the key ingredients we mention above, known to foster new hair growth, such as biotin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. The result is an all-in-one solution that not only targets hair growth and overall hair health, but also supports skin and nail vitality. One reviewer who called it a wonder vitamin said, "A few years ago, I started losing my hair and was told it's due to my age. That it was normal. Well, I began using this wonder vitamin, and my hair is fuller. My nails grow, and my skin is healthier. I highly recommend using this!"
- Improves overall hair, skin and nail health
- Cost-effective
- Gluten-free
- Not suitable for individuals allergic to yeast
Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, iodine, zinc, selenium
Nutrafol's Hair Growth Nutraceutical is a top choice among dermatologists and consumers. This supplement was formulated by physicians and works by using natural ingredients to target the root causes of hair thinning, like stress, lifestyle, genetics and nutrition. The product is backed by clinical trials that demonstrate a reduction in hair shedding and overall improvement in volume after six months of consistent use. The secret can be found in Nutrafol's proprietary blend of hair growth aids, plus those big key ingredients — vitamins A, C, D and E, biotin, iodine, zinc— and selenium. This is more expensive than some other options on our list, but Nutrafol users say that it's super effective and worth the investment!
- Clinically proven to reduce hair shedding and improve volume
- Free from gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, artificial additives and GMO
- Dermatologist recommended
- More expensive than many other hair growth supplements
- May take up to 6 months to see results
Key ingredients: Biotin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, Opti MSM, Fo-Ti, PABA, zinc, iron, choline, pine bark extract
Advanced Technology FoliGROWTH Ultimate Hair Nutraceutical is designed to tackle multiple hair issues — thinning, breakage, and aging hair. This clinically tested supplement goes beyond the ingredients we typically see and includes a blend of 28 herbs and vitamins to promote hair health and growth. This includes Fo-Ti, R-lipoic acid, and hyaluronic acid for improved aging support. Not only is the brand recommended by the American Hair Loss Association, the 90-day money-back guarantee and free returns are an added perk that gives peace of mind when purchasing.
- Clinically tested and proven effective
- Vegetarian and free from gluten, soy and wheat
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Recommended to take twice per day
- Smell may be off-putting
Key ingredients: Biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D2, bamboo extract, horsetail extract
Act+Acre Plant-Based Hair Capsules are designed for those with thinning and damaged hair, making it an easy choice for the best hair growth vitamin for damaged hair. In clinical trials, 89% of users agree that their overall hair health has improved, while 85% of users share that their hair feels less brittle. This vegan supplement combines plant-based ingredients, bamboo and extracts from the herb horsetail to increase the body's collagen, keratin, and elastin levels for improved hair growth, resilience, and strand thickness.
- Free from synthetic fillers or dyes
- 100% vegan supplement
- Trichologist recommended
- Not a complete multivitamin
Key ingredients: Biotin, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, Fo-Ti, PABA
Hum Hair Strong Gummies are a great, clean, plant-based gummy for hair growth. Formulated with Fo-Ti, PABA, biotin, and other vitamins and minerals essential for hair health. The strawberry flavor is nice, but more importantly, they have been clinically shown to improve hair growth. In clinical studies, 94% of users reported an improvement in hair strength, while 89% of users reported faster hair growth. Plus, Hum Hair Strong Gummies contain only verified clean ingredients and have been triple-tested and third-party validated for purity and quality.
- Clean Label Project certified
- Third-party verified
- Free from artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors and preservatives
- Only available in one flavor
- Some may not enjoy the texture
Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, biotin, L-cysteine, L-Methionine, pea (sprout) extract, sea buckthorn, L-lysine
Nutrafol Postpartum is specifically designed to address the unique needs of individuals in the first year after giving birth or breastfeeding. This OBGYN-developed supplement targets six key root causes of hair thinning and shedding following childbirth, including stress, hormonal changes, and nutrient depletion. Not only did 91% of users see less hair shedding after two months during clinical trials, 98% saw improvement in their hairline after four months. Some women even reported improvements in sleep quality.
- Breastfeeding friendly
- OBGYN-developed
- Compatible with most prenatal and postnatal vitamins
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- More expensive than some other products on the list
- Some users report unpleasant flavor
Key ingredients: Biotin, iron, vitamin C, zinc, AminoMarTM
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements offer a clinically proven formula that helps nourish hair to promote healthy and strong hair growth. Its unique blend of ingredients promotes existing hair growth and nourishes thinning hair, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to improve slow-growing hair. With over 11,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, many users agree. One reviewer shared, "I am in my 10th week of using the product and EVERYONE I know comments on how much longer my hair is and how healthy it looks."
- Clinically proven to promote reduce shedding and increase hair thickness
- Suitable for all hair types
- Recommended to take it twice daily
- Many users say results take six or more months
What key ingredients should I look for in the best hair growth vitamins?
A variety of factors can cause hair loss, so what you find to be effective may differ from what works for someone else. However, there are some key ingredients our experts recommend that you should look for when selecting the best hair growth vitamins.
"Look for specific ingredients that have shown efficacy in promoting hair growth. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is one of the most widely recognized nutrients for hair health. Studies have shown that biotin supplementation can improve hair thickness and increase hair growth rate," Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss and research advisor at Gya Labs, tells AOL.
"Other essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy hair growth include vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients contribute to the production of necessary proteins and antioxidants that promote hair growth and protect hair follicles," Green adds.
How we chose the best hair growth vitamins and supplements
When selecting the best hair growth vitamins and supplements, we spoke to dermatologists and scoured the internet for the highest-rated products on the market. We considered factors like active ingredients, user reviews and ratings, price, and product availability. Ultimately, we narrowed it down the nine best hair growth vitamins and supplements, which contain a combination of effective ingredients in a range of price points to fit each budget.
Hair growth vitamins and supplements FAQs
How do hair growth vitamins and supplements work?
Hair growth vitamins and supplements work by nourishing the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals for improved hair growth, such as biotin, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help promote existing hair growth and improve hair strength for a thicker, healthier head of hair.
How long does it take to see results from hair growth vitamins and supplements?
The effects of hair growth vitamins and supplements vary from person to person, as each individual's hair growth cycle is unique. According to Dr. LoGerfo, consumers should allow at least 4 to 6 months of consistent use before expecting to see changes in hair growth.
"Patience is key when utilizing hair growth supplements, as the benefits often become evident after extended periods of use," Dr. Green adds.
Are hair growth vitamins and supplements safe for everyone to take?
"Hair growth vitamins and supplements are generally considered safe for most individuals when taken as directed," Dr. Green tells AOL. "It's essential, however, for people to consult their doctor before starting any new dietary supplements, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications that could potentially interact with the supplements," she adds. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should always consult with their healthcare provider prior to starting any new dietary regimen.
What other types of hair growth products are available?
When it comes to hair growth products, it all comes down to clinically proven key ingredients and product preferences. You may not have much time in your daily routine, so a supplement, vitamin or a shampoo for thinning hair may be best for you since it does not require you to add any extra steps to your normal hair care regime. Perhaps you have a very dry scalp and split ends, in that case, a hair growth oil or serum may be a better bet. We have also created an article on the various product types and needs surrounding hair loss and thinning, to further help our readers find their best hair growth product.
When should I see my doctor about hair loss?
Although some shedding (around 50 to 100 hairs per day) is considered normal, more rapid hair loss or an absence of new growth can be a sign that something is off. If you're experiencing significant hair loss, it's important to see your doctor for medical advice and treatment options. Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist says early intervention is key: "Most patients only notice hair loss when approximately 50% of the hair has been lost in a region on the scalp; thus, early diagnosis with tests such as a genetic test for androgenetic alopecia could provide the best chance for successfully treating hair loss before it is visible."
Meet our experts
Dr Amy Taub, a board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist and trichologist
Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
