No two hair journeys are equal and therefore shouldn't be treated with the same energy. Finding quick and easy solutions to our "problems" is also easy in theory but can be hard to pin down. I, like so many others, often feel hesitant when selecting a supplement to support my health. With so many products available claiming to address even the most niche of my concerns, the process can extend far beyond my limited medical expertise.
To better understand what I'm up against in the battle to maintain hair health, I reached out to New York based board-certified dermatologists Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, and Jessie Cheung, MD, FAAD. First up is the question of which vitamins are the most effective for jump-starting hair growth. Ready to learn everything you need to know about hair supplements? Keep reading!
The Right Supplements for the Job
"It is known that a deficiency in certain vitamins such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, and B12 may contribute to hair loss, in which case it can be important to supplement," Garshick says. "There are other supplements available that use a combination of different ingredients, which can be considered as well, such as Nutrafol, Viviscal, or Wellbel." While most supplements are considered safe to take, Garshick recommends speaking with your medical provider to determine what would serve you best.
Feeling like biotin is the best option? The popular vitamin, along with a number of other micronutrients, is found in the most effective supplements for hair growth. Biotin taken alone, however, has limited evidence. Both Garshick and Cheung cited a 2016 study released by the FDA warning that biotin may interfere with certain laboratory tests, including thyroid and troponin levels. That being said, it's always best to discuss all medications and supplements when visiting your doctor.
Cheung agrees with Garshick, recommending patients request their labs be drawn before adding any supplement to their diet. Of all the vitamins heavily touted for supporting hair growth, biotin is by far the most recognizable. "Biotin, which is one of the B vitamins, helps with hair strength," she begins. "The most effective micronutrients are iron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B, selenium, iodine, and antioxidant and adaptogen blends." Higher-quality supplements will be free of fillers and binders and contain bioactive and easier-absorbed formulations.
Below are the 10 best hair supplements based on dermatologist recommendations and thousands of glowing customer reviews to simplify your hunt for the most effective hair-growth aid. Here's to a new chapter in your hair journey and a whole lot of money saved.
Best Overall: Nutrafol Women's Hair Growth Nutraceutical
"Nutrafol is a supplement to help support hair growth, as it contains the Synergen complex, which includes a combination of anti-stress adaptogens, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and DHT-blocking ingredients," Garshick says. The end result? Studies show that 86% of women noticed improved hair growth, 84% noticed stronger thicker hair, and 75% noticed reduced shedding after use.
"I have taken this product for almost a year now, and I cannot recommend it enough. Anyone that has experienced hair loss due to stress or COVID needs this supplement to give your body what it needs to support more hair growth!" — Sephora customer
2. Moon Juice SuperHair Daily Dietary Supplement
Moon Juice's SuperHair helps replenish deficiencies with a clinical-strength multivitamin that combines adaptogens, botanicals, and nutrients for stronger, healthier hair from the inside out.
"This is not my first hair supplement, but this might be my last! I am almost done with my first bottle and will likely purchase a second. I love the natural ingredients, and it has eliminated my need to take multiple morning pills. Definitely looking forward to more hair growth in the future." — Sephora customer
3. Philip Kinglsey Tricho Complex Vitamin Mineral Hair Supplement
Created with over 60 years of trichological expertise, Philip Kingsley's Tricho Complex Vitamin
Mineral Hair Supplement supports the hair-growth cycle with daily use over 12 weeks. I love how it can also be used in combination with the rest of the brand's effective Trichotherapy line.
"I have been taking Tricho Complex for over three months now, and I can really tell the difference: less hair in the drain while washing and less fall out during brushing and throughout the day. Great value for the price! Would def recommend as a daily support for those with weaker hair." — Neiman Marcus customer
4. Briogeo Destined for Density Vegan Omega 3, 6, 9 and Biotin Supplement
This carefully crafted, sugar-free supplement combines a vegan omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acid complex, biotin, and essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy hair-growth cycle.
"I was looking for a product to help my shedding, and these supplements really worked. I noticed less hair in the shower drain and on my brush. My hair is also softer and less brittle after a three-month period. I will continue to use!" — Sephora customer
5. Hair La Vie Clinical Formula Hair Growth Vitamins
I'm talking about major shine and body with this one. Hair La Vie's nutrient-dense supplement promotes healthy hair with immune-supporting properties and nutrients like zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, selenium, iron, and reishi mushroom.
"This product is amazing, my hair had suffered horribly from stress and over-processing and had actually fallen out in clumps and would not grow back. These hair vitamins changed that, and my hair is once again long and thick. My nails and skin are also healthier, as an added bonus." — Amazon customer
6. The Nue Co. Growth Phase Hair Supplement
Clinically proven to increase hair growth and density in 12 weeks, The Nue Co.'s Growth Phase Hair Supplement combats breakage with a formula designed to support nutrition deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations, and stress. It also delivers essential minerals, adaptogens, and vitamins.
"I started taking these supplements a couple weeks ago, as I've recently experienced a lot of hair shedding and wanted to prevent my hair from getting thinner, and WOW—although I've only been taking these capsules for a couple of weeks, my hair shedding has reduced, and my hair health seems to be improving. Can't wait to see the results in a couple months!" — Sephora customer
7. Dr. Barbara Sturm Growth Cycle Hair Supplement
Dr. Barbara Sturm's Growth Cycle Hair Supplement uses a plant-based, patented solution based on six years of scientific research and multiple clinical trials. Its key ingredient is miliacin, a stimulating keratinocyte and strengthening collagen extracted from millet seeds.
"I love the product. I expect, as with all the Dr. Barbara Sturm products, it will be exceptional! I've only been taking it for a few weeks, and I have already noticed a difference." — Dr. Barbara Sturm customer
8. Phyto Paris Phanère Dietary Supplement for Hair Nails
Phyto Paris's high-potency biotin supplement supports healthier-looking hair, stronger nails, and a glowing complexion using a rich blend of biotin and essential B vitamins. If taken daily over the course of four months, you'll notice a major difference.
"This is a genuine review. Phyto is amazing! It is the real thing—my hair is growing back in places that I thought was destroyed at the root and would never regrow again. I am a supplement junkie and have tried many hair-growth products. Nothing has worked except for Phtyo (and it does not take long to work). I am thrilled and would highly recommend it to anyone." — Amazon customer
9. Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women
"[Viviscal] is made up of their AminoMar marine complex, in which clinical studies have shown a 75% reduction in hair loss," Garshick explains. "They also offer shampoo and conditioners as part of their haircare system to help volumize and support the hair-growth process."
"I bought this because I was having some hair loss, and I wanted to strengthen my hair without chemicals, so I tried Viviscal supplements. I noticed less shedding around 3 months, and my hair was stronger and longer in 6 months of continual use. The tablets are small, so they are easy to [swallow]." — Walmart customer
10. Movita Beauty Multivitamin
Need a multivitamin that checks all of your boxes? Movita's Beauty Multivitamin improves hair volume, shine, and growth while also promoting skin hydration and stronger nails using a formula filled with biotin and choline made from a balanced selection of organic ingredients.
"It's definitely worth a try. No weird aftertaste and just the right amount I need in my supplements. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly. I plan on repurchasing again." — Lovely Skin customer
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