We Tried 7 Derm-Approved Hair Vitamins, and This Amazon Find is the Clear Winner
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Hair loss or thinning is something almost everyone will go through at some poin. In fact, more than 50 percent of women will experience noticeable loss at some point in their lives, according to the Cleveland Clinic . Hair loss can begin in our teens and twenties, but most often in our late thirties, says board-certified dermatologist and Women's Health Advisory Board member Mona Gohara, MD.
Thinning is often due to physical or mental stress, genetics, styling practices, or androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss ). 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 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. That's where supplements can help. These vitamins can give your hair the nutrients it needs to grow healthier and stronger, says dermatologist
Best Supplements For Hair Growth
-
Best Overall: Omi Well Beauty Hair Growth Peptides
-
Best For Iron Deficiencies: Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements
-
Most Loved By Dermatologists: Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Nutraceutical
-
Best Biotin Supplement: Nature's Bounty Biotin Supplement
-
Best For Scalp Health: Healthy Hair Vitamins
What to Consider
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.
Liquids
Liquids provide quick nutrient uptake since they don't need to be broken down in the digestive system like pills, says Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Perrysburg, OH. A faster absorption rate doesn't necessarily mean it's more effective, she says. It ultimately comes down to what your body needs and how you process each ingredient, which varies from person to person.
Capsules
Capsules have a longer shelf life than liquids and gummies, which need to be stored at specific temperatures. Also consider dietary restrictions. Gummies are typically higher in added sugars, and you might want to avoid them if you're limiting your sugar intake.
Gummies
Also consider new innovations like our best overall pick and recent Women's Health Beauty Award winner, Omi Gummies . It features a hair growth peptide that stimulates hair growth through other pathways rather than supplementing for nutritional deficiencies (more on that below).
H ow 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. When you're juggling medications and busy lives, you'll probably want once-daily supplements, says board-certified 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
B-vitamins support hair health and cell renewal for hair growth, says Vandana Sheth, RDN , a 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.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports immunity and has recently been linked to hair health, says Dr. Gohara. People with darker complexions living in low-UV, colder climates are more likely to be vitamin D deficient, she says.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Finally, you'll want to have a supplement that includes omega-3 fatty acids to help strengthen your hair, says Sheth. 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 myself and beauty director Brian Underwood consulted six dermatologists and two registered dietitians for their recommendations. When possible, we had other members of the editorial team test the products (our pick for Best Overall was tested by three Women's Health staffers for 8 weeks and the results speak for themselves). We also sought out studies that speak to the efficacy of these hair products to narrow down the 7 best supplements for hair growth for a wide range of needs and preferences.
With additional reporting from Sabrina Talbert , Danielle Jackson , and Aryelle Siclait .
Omi Well Beauty Hair Growth Peptides
First things first: Don't call the OMI WellBeauty Hair Growth Peptides a supplement. Rather, it's a novel peptide that may stimulate new hair growth, reduce hair loss, and enhance the strength of individual hair fibers in just 90 days.
As a refresher, peptides are short chains of amino acids—sometimes lab-synthesized, sometimes naturally derived—that can target specific skin and hair issues topically and from the inside out. They're kind of like keys, unlocking biological functions that have gone dormant—in this case, optimal hair growth.
In double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies , participants experienced a 46% reduction in hair loss, a 93% reduction in hair breakage, a 59% improvement in gloss and shine, and a 16 times greater improvement in hair strength.
Developed by Naomi Whittel, who herself experienced hair loss in 2022, Omi was co-created with professionals including celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham , and Chief Medical Office Mike Hoaglin, MD. With new technology at play, we couldn't wait to test this one out.
For eight weeks, three members of the WH team—executive health & fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos , and contributors Charlotte Walsh and Kristen Saladino —tried the product daily as directed.Their incredible results, memorialized in some pretty staggering before and after photos , have convinced us it's the real deal.
Andriakos saw results in just six weeks. "It's very clear to me that the sparse areas around my temples are starting to fill in," she says. "There's at least an inch of hair that's already grown in those two bald spots."
And while Andriakos can't completely rule out that her new hair is simply the natural regrowth process starting to kick in, "the timing lines up to when I started taking these capsules, so I really think they work."
Since you're investing nearly $80 into a 30-day supply of hair growth supplements, resist the urge to stretch your dosage. Think of it similar to gym gains. Your hair improvements need consistency—two supplements daily—and stopping may reverse your growth. Consult your board-certified doctor about starting or stopping supplements.
Read more : Best Rosemary Oil Products for Hair Growth
- Women’s Health Beauty Award winner
- Easy to take—two small capsules daily
- Works quickly: our testers noticed results in 8 weeks
- Also available in gummies if you prefer
- Results may diminish with discontinued use
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements
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 on 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 that are deficient in iron, biotin, or zinc." Unfortunately, people with a seafood allergy won't be able to take this, as it contains fish and shellfish.
- Beloved by dermatologists
- Backed by clinical studies
- 3-month supply
- Skip if you have a seafood allergy
Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Nutraceutical
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. Nutrafol's combo of antioxidants and vitamins help reduce DHT which causes follicle shrinkage and thinning, says Dr. Gohara. Plus, it helps ward off environmental damage—styling, UV rays, and pollution—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 contributor Maridel Reyes , who is also 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.
- Recommended by many of the doctors we spoke to
- Protects scalp and follicles against environmental damage
- Users must take four pills a day
Nature's Bounty Biotin Supplement
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 says 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. Dr. Jaliman also appreciates that you only need to take one softgel daily. Also, if you have difficulties swallowing pills, she suggests opting for a liquid or gummy instead.
- Easy to work into an active lifestyle
- Meets the recommended dose from physicians
- Works best if you have a biotin deficiency
Hairfinity Healthy Hair Vitamins
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. Palinsky-Wade also points to vitamin D as a standout ingredient that can help scalp psoriasis. It supports the immune system and potentially prevents rapid skin cell turnover, she says.
- Regulates oil production
- Contains vitamins to strengthen follicles
- Large pills may be hard to swallow for some
SugarBearHair Hair Vitamins
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. Each serving of SugarBearHair delivers 6,000mcg (6mg) of biotin, a B-vitamin that's involved in keratin production and can help strengthen hair, says Palinksy-Wade. It's also infused with vitamin D, which can help improve your hair's appearance.
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. It's also worth noting that the sweet flavor is quite noticeable, so it's best to skip if you're not a fan of sugary-tasting supplements.
- Good as a multi-vitamin as well
- Tastes great
- May be too sugary for some
Ritual Essential For Women 50+
You might notice menopausal changes impacting your hair growth in your 50s. While it can be frustrating, we have some good news: these shifts are a normal part of menopause. Understanding these hormonal shifts and taking the right supplement can help. So what happens? As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, androgen levels can weaken your hair follicles and cause shedding, says Dr. Mitchell.
However, Ritual's ingredients, which include vitamin E, boron, vitamin D3, magnesium, omega-3, iron, vitamin K2, vitamin B12, and folate help manage 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.
- Formula designed for mature women
- Addresses mineral and vitamin deficiencies
- Not ideal for younger women
Meet the Experts
-
Mona Gohara, MD is a board-certified dermatologist, Women's Health Advisory Board member, and associate clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine.
-
Debra Jaliman, MD is a dermatologist based in New York City.
-
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.
-
Erin Palinsky-Wade, RD is a registered dietitian and author of Walking The Weight Off For Dummies .
-
Vandana Sheth, RDN is a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes .
Shop More of Our Favorite Products
Best Wrinkle Cream | Best At-Home Waxing Kit | Body Wash for Women | Best Moisturizer for Mature Women | Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices | Best Epilator | Best Microcurrent Device | Best Lip Balm | Hair Wax Sticks | Best Strengthening Shampoos | Red Light Therapy For Hair Growth
You Might Also Like
