Whether you want to bring back volume and vitality to your hair or are struggling with hair loss, you’ve probably thought about the best vitamins for hair growth. According to Dr. Hardik Doshi, Head Surgeon for Hair Regrowth at Ample, it’s important to first understand that hair loss can result from many factors, including nutrition. The first approach is to address any nutrient deficiencies through a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals to support hair growth and prevent excessive hair loss. “If you’re considering supplements, we recommend consulting a medical professional to assess your need, potential risks, and interactions with existing health conditions and medications,” he says. However, if everything checks out and you’re looking for a new vitamin to add to your medicine chest, keep reading as we bring you some expert-approved recommendations.
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Best Overall: Nutrafol Hair Growth Vitamins
Why we recommend it: When talking about hair growth, Nutrafol almost always comes up in the conversation, as the brand is recommended by many top dermatologists. “Nutrafol is plant-based and scientifically backed, and not only does it provide the building blocks for hair growth, it also works on other systems that impact hair growth and health,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Gordon. It comes in multiple formulas for men, women, age groups, and life experiences like postpartum. The women’s formula featured here is clinically tested to deliver the vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients women 18-44 years old need to address thinning hair. How to use: Take 4 capsules once daily. Time to see results: Visible results in 3-6 months. Key ingredients: Saw Palmetto, Ashwagandha, Organic Maca Root
Best Gummies: Vegamore Biotin Supplement
Why we recommend it: Vegamour shampoos, conditioners, and styling products not only promote healthy hair, but they also offer supplements in both gummy and powder form. According to Dr. Gordon, these biotin gummies are “natural, vegan, contain MCT oil for stress relief and antioxidant benefits, and are easy to take (once a day) and cleanly designed.” Plus, they come in strawberry flavor for those who prefer a tastier gummy over a tablet or capsule. How to use: Take one gummy per day. When to expect results: Visible results in 3-4 months. Key ingredients: Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamins A, B-5, C, E, 6, 12
Best for Digestion: Wellbell Vegan Hair Growth Supplement
Wellber
Cleansing supplements for hair, skin and nails
Why it’s great: WellBell’s herbal blend contains herbs like saw palmetto that are especially beneficial for women who suffer from male hormone-related hair loss, according to Alisa Vitti, a functional nutrition and female hormone expert. But what sets this product apart, she says, is that it contains betaine HCL, which supports protein absorption in people with low stomach acid. Low stomach acid is more common than many people realize and is the underlying cause of a variety of symptoms, including peeling nails, poor hair growth, anxiety, indigestion of meals containing animal protein, burping and bloating after meals, and widespread food sensitivities. “If you suspect you have low stomach acid, WellBell is a good choice,” she says. How to use: Take 3 capsules once a day. When to expect results: Visible results within 90 days. Key ingredients: Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract, Nettle Leaf, PABA Betaine HCI
Best Rich in Biotin: Grande Cosmetics Vegan Collagen Gummies
Vegan Collagen Hair Vitamin Gummies
Why we recommend them: Not only are these vegan collagen gummies adorable in a pink heart shape, they’re also super tasty, making them a joy to eat. They’re primarily made up of biotin (vitamin B7) and collagen, which “may boost skin and hair health,” according to Dr. Doshi. However, it’s not recommended to take more than your daily dose: “While biotin can benefit hair and nail health, taking too much will not provide any additional benefits beyond what’s needed.” How to use: Take two gummies per day, with or without food. See results: 45 days Key ingredients: Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Zinc
Best Probiotic: Love Wellness Healthy Hair Probiotic
Why we recommend it: Not only is this supplement packed with probiotics, it also contains vitamins B12, B6, and the popular biotin. While more research is needed to fully understand the role probiotics play in fighting hair loss, this probiotic formula contains AnaGain Nu, a clinically tested protein that targets the underlying causes of hair loss, including hormones, environmental factors, and stress-related hair loss. How to use: Take one capsule daily, with or without food. When to expect results: 4-8 weeks of daily use. Key ingredients: Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Biotin
Best for Stress-Related Hair Loss: Divi Hair Vitamins
Why we recommend it: Collagen powder and prayer alone can’t boost hair strength and health. Divi Vitamins are infused with KSM-66 Ashwagandha Root Extract and Arginine Silicate & Magnesium Biotinate Complex to promote hair health. For those who are conscious about what they put in their body (obviously!), this formula is free of dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat and gluten. How to use: Take 4 capsules daily with a meal. See results: After 90 days of consistent use. Key Ingredients: KSM-66 Ashwagandha Root Extract, Arginine Silicate, Magnesium Biotinate
Best for Hair Growth: Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement
Why we recommend it: Viviscal hair growth supplement is known for its powerful blend of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that are believed to promote hair growth. “Ingredients in Viviscal, such as biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and marine protein complex, are thought to promote hair health,” explains Dr. Doshi. Plus, there’s clinical research to back up the claims of thicker, fuller hair. How to use: Take two tablets daily. See results: After 90 days of consistent use. Key ingredients: Zinc, Vitamin C, Iron, Niacin
Great for Hair, Skin & Nails: Pure Encapsulations Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra
Why we recommend it: Dr. John Kim, a functional medicine pharmacist, recommends this brand for specializing in high-quality, hypoallergenic supplements that are “free of common allergens, unnecessary additives, and artificial ingredients.” This specialized formula is packed with Vitamin C, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Biotin, and Silica to help improve the appearance of your hair, skin, and nails. Hello, beauty sleep!How to use: Take 2 capsules daily with a meal.When to expect results: N/AKey ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Collagen
What are hair growth vitamins and do they actually work?
Hair growth is very complex and depends on each individual’s situation, and often requires a multi-pronged approach. According to Dr. Gordon, “(The best vitamins for hair growth) can definitely help. If you’re deficient in either amino acids, omega acids, or other vitamins, you need them to provide the ingredients your hair needs to grow.” She continues. Many hair growth gummies and capsules also contain plant extracts and other natural ingredients that mimic some hair growth pharmaceuticals and provide new mechanisms for hair growth. Some can also help with hormonal changes, stress, and other ailments.
But, as Vitti explains, more micronutrients don’t necessarily translate to hair growth. There are two main reasons for this: first, your body excretes what it can’t use, and second, people with gut issues might not be able to absorb the nutrients properly. Plus, it can take a long time to see results; expect it to take three to six months to notice real changes. Plus, getting stuck in a cycle of stress and hair loss (which leads to more stress) can be really tough, so make sure you keep an eye on your overall health if you’re adding these vitamins to your diet.
What vitamins and ingredients are good for thinning hair?
According to Dr. Gordon and Dr. Kim, iron and vitamin D are among the most common deficiencies in hair loss, along with B vitamins and amino acids (proteins). Some of the ingredients they recommend include:
