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Hair loss or thinning is something almost everyone will go through at some point, no matter how full your locks feel now. In fact, more than 50 percent of women will experience noticeable loss at some point in their lives, according to the Cleveland Clinic. "This can happen early during the teen years or twenties, but mostly occurs in our late thirties," says board-certified dermatologist and Women's Health Advisory Board member Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine.
Thinning is often due to physical or mental stress, genetics, styling practices, or androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss). One of the other most notorious culprits is a vitamin deficiency. That's where supplements can help. “Some hair growth supplements and vitamins may be useful for patients who are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss due to insufficient intake of certain vitamins,” says dermatologist Noelani González, MD. “You can think of supplementation as providing your hair with the necessary ingredients for it to develop in a healthy way.”
Best Supplements For Hair Growth
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
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. "Generally, liquids tend to absorb faster than pills because they don't require breakdown in the digestive system, making them a good option for quick nutrient uptake," says Dr. Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Perrysburg, OH. Still, she notes that a faster absorption rate doesn't necessarily mean it's more effective. It ultimately comes down to what your body needs and how you process each ingredient, which varies from person to person.
Something else to keep in mind is that capsules have a longer shelf life compared to liquids and gummies (they need to be stored at specific temperatures). Dietary restrictions also play a role. For example, gummies are higher in added sugars, so you might want to skip those if you're limiting your sugar intake. There's new technology to consider as well: Our pick for Best Overall, for example, features a hair growth peptide that is not supplementing for nutritional deficiencies, but rather stimulating growth through other pathways (more on that below).
How 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. "People are busy enough taking other medications and busy with their life in general, so I know when I speak to patients, they prefer medication or supplements that are once a day," says 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 "help with hair health and renewal of cells necessary for hair growth," explains Vandana Sheth, RDN, a Los Angeles-based 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. Gohara adds that vitamin D can also be helpful for overall immunity, as it's only recently been linked to hair health. Side note: Those who are more likely to be vitamin D deficient are those with brown skin living in colder climates without strong enough UV light, she says.
Finally, you'll want to have a supplement that includes omega-3 fatty acids. They're a "good source of protein, which can help enhance the strength of your strands," Sheth explains. 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 senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson, 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 Danielle Jackson and Aryelle Siclait.
Pros
Easy to take—two small capsules daily.- Works quickly: our testers noticed results in 9 weeks
Cons
- Results may diminish with discontinued use
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 wellness pioneer and best-selling author Naomi Whittel, who herself experienced hair loss in 2022, the product was born of a dream team of professionals, including Chief Hair Innovation Advisor, 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.
And test we did: For eight weeks, three members of the WH team—executive health & fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos, contributor Charlotte Walsh, and contributor 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 real deal. “I noticed results after the first six weeks,” Andriakos says. “It's very clear to me that the sparse areas around my temples are starting to fill in. 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.”
Read more: Best Rosemary Oil Products For Hair Growth
| Type | Capsule |
|---|---|
| How To Use | Two capsules, once daily |
| Key Ingredients | IFP Hair Factor Intermediate Filament Peptides, Biotin, Zinc, Niacinamide |
Most Loved By Dermatologists
Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Nutraceutical
Pros
- Recommended by many of the doctors we spoke to
- Protects scalp and follicles against environmental damage
Cons
- Users must take four pills a day
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. "This combo of antioxidants and vitamins helps to reduce the hormone DHT, which is responsible for hair follicle shrinkage and thinning," she says. Plus, it wards off environmental damage 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 Women's Health senior deputy digital editor Maridel Reyes, who's 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.
| Type | Capsule |
|---|---|
| How to use | Take four capsules once daily. |
| Key ingredients | Biotin, vitamin D |
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Pros
- Easy to work into an active lifestyle
- Meets the recommended dose from physicians
Cons
- Works best if you have a biotin deficiency
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 explains 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. "The other nice thing about this product is that you only have to take one per day," says Dr. Jaliman. However, if you have difficulties swallowing pills, she suggests opting for a liquid or gummy instead.
| Type | Softgel |
|---|---|
| How to use | Take one a day with a meal. |
| Key ingredients | Biotin |
Best For Scalp Health
Healthy Hair Vitamins
Pros
- Regulates oil production
- Contains vitamins to strengthen follicles
Cons
- Large pills may be hard to swallow for some
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. "Vitamin D can also help with scalp conditions like psoriasis by supporting the immune system and potentially preventing rapid skin cell turnover," adds Palinsky-Wade.
| Type | Capsule |
|---|---|
| How to use | Take two capsules daily. |
| Key ingredients | Vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B12, vitamin D |
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Best For Iron Deficiencies
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements
Pros
- Beloved by dermatologists
- Backed by clinical studies
Cons
- Expensive for number of capsules included
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 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 are deficient in iron, biotin, or zinc." Unfortunately, those who have a seafood allergy won't be able to take this, as it contains fish and shellfish.
| Type | Tablet |
|---|---|
| How to use | Take two tablets daily with water after a meal. |
| Key ingredients | Biotin, vitamin C |
Pros
- Good as a multi-vitamin as well
- Tastes great
Cons
- May be too sugary for some
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. "These gummies provide 6,000mcg of biotin per serving, which is a B-vitamin that plays a role in keratin production and may help strengthen hair," says Palinksy-Wade. "The vitamin D in these gummies may also help to improve the appearance of hair."
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.
| Type | Gummy |
|---|---|
| How to use | Take one gummy per day. |
| Key ingredients | Biotin, vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids |
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Pros
- Formula designed for mature women
- Addresses mineral and vitamin deficiencies
Cons
- Not ideal for younger women
Many women in their 50s experience hormonal changes from menopause, which Dr. Mitchell says can be characterized by a "decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, thus increasing androgen levels known as androgen excess, which can lead to a variety of health concerns, including hair loss." Since estrogen maintains the growth cycle and promotes the follicle health of your hair, many women experience shedding.
However, Ritual's ingredients, which include vitamin E, boron, vitamin D3, magnesium, omega-3, iron, vitamin K2, vitamin B12, and folate mitigate 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.
Read more: Best Multivitamins For Women
| Type | Capsule |
|---|---|
| How to use | Take two pills daily. |
| Key ingredients | Vitamin D3 (vegan), omega-3, vitamin B12 |
Meet The Experts
- Mona Gohara, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine.
- Debra Jaliman, MD is a dermatologist based in New York City.
- Erin Palinsky-Wade, RD is a registered dietitian and author of Walking The Weight Off For Dummies.
- 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.
- Vandana Sheth, RDN is a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes.
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Sabrina Talbert
Editorial Assistant
Sabrina Talbert is the beauty editorial assistant at Women’s Health. With over five years of experience, her bylines have appeared in Byrdie, Nylon, Daily Front Row, and more. She’s passionate about covering topics related to haircare, skincare, and the latest happenings at the intersection of beauty and sports. When she’s not working, you can catch her training for her next race (NYC Marathon loading!) and binge-watching F1 or combat sports.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
