These 15 Hair Growth Vitamins Actually Work

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If you’ve ever experienced any hair thinning or shedding, there’s a good chance that you’ve searched for the best hair growth vitamins or supplements to come to the rescue. Hair loss is extremely common and can be the result of many different factors, from genetics to dryness caused by high-heat styling or the environment. Even nutritional inadequacies in your diet, stress, or hormone fluctuations may be to blame, which is why many new moms experience hair shedding during the postpartum phase.

Although some amount of regular shedding is normal, if you notice that you’re losing more strands than usual, it’s best to consult your doctor and discuss the best course of action. Luckily, there are a multitude of over-the-counter options, including hair growth oils and shampoos, high-tech hair growth devices, and hair growth vitamins that work to help reduce thinning and encourage hair growth.

According to dermatologist Dr. Meena Singh, there are many vitamins that can help boost your strands. “Deficiencies in certain vitamins such as zinc, iron, selenium, and biotin can lead to shedding and hair loss,” says Singh. “So, supplements that contain these ingredients, as well as protein and vitamins A, C, D, and E may help with hair cycling.”

To help you along your journey to longer, fuller hair, we’ve tapped some of the industry’s top hair experts and scoured customer reviews to bring you the best hair growth vitamins on the market. Ranging from easy-to-swallow pills to chewable gummies, see our list of the best 15 hair growth supplements out there.

Women Supplement

Three capsules a day of this supplement will jumpstart your journey to thicker, fuller hair. Created by triple-board certified and Harvard-trained physician Daniel Yadegar, Wellbel Women supports healthy hair, skin, and nails with a balanced dose of biotin, plus saw palmetto, MSM, and betaine HCI. Per the brand, the formula is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made without any harmful fillers or artificial dyes.

Key ingredients: Biotin, selenium, saw palmetto, MSM

Servings: 90 capsules

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I started taking this product to help my hair grow back after pregnancy. My hair is finally filling up again and getting longer; I couldn’t be happier. I took this product for my hair and the results for my nails have also been amazing. It takes a month or so to see improvement, but I love Wellbel and how it helped me get my confidence back.”

Thick and Full Hair Supplements

Aside from sitting pretty on your bathroom vanity, these hair supplements offer an effective solution for thinning hair. In a clinical study, these biotin and multivitamin-packed capsules were shown to improve overall scalp health while helping hair look fuller and thicker.

Key ingredients: Biotin, vitamin B5

Servings: 30 capsules

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I have used them for two months, and they did not cause any facial breakouts and my hair looks awesome. After a hysterectomy, I began to suffer from excessive shedding and hair loss. These supplements stopped the shedding and my hair is stronger and thicker.”

Density Healthy Hair Complex

“For all-round support, I love Philip Kingsley’s Density Healthy Hair Complex, which we formulated for hair’s unique nutritional demands,” says Anabel Kingsley, consult trichologist and brand president of Philip Kingsley. She notes it contains “optimal levels” of key vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, biotin, vitamin C and L-lysine. Plus, this formula is also suitable for those with vegan and vegetarian diets.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, biotin, selenium

Servings: 60 tablets

Philip Kingsley rating: 5/5 stars

A Philip Kingsley reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for a year or so and it has worked for me. My hair and nails are stronger than they have ever been. My hair was just past shoulder length when I started using it, and I’ve managed to get it half way down my back and maintain the length while keeping it looking healthy. My hairdresser said I wouldn’t have been able to get to that length without the supplements, because my hair is thin and has a tendency to become straggly when longer.”

SuperHair

This daily multivitamin contains 21 active ingredients to promote thicker, healthier, and stronger hair. In addition to featuring a blend of vitamins and hair loss-inhibiting botanicals, it also features adaptogens such as ashwagandha and ginseng that work to balance stress hormones—which often contribute to shedding. What’s more, it has micronutrient-rich horsetail to help boost hair elasticity and improve cell turnover.

Key ingredients: Horsetail, biotin, kelp, pumpkin seed

Servings: 120 capsules

Moon Juice rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Moon Juice reviewer says: “It’s been a year of using Super Hair and I am very happy to say that my hair is without a doubt healthier, longer, and thicker. Places where my hair was thinning have filled in. I’m beyond pleased and continue to use it every day.”

Thick + Full Capsules

From celebrity trichologist Helen Reavey, Act+Acre’s plant-based hair capsules aim to combat hair shedding and support healthy hair growth using horsetail extract and amino acids. These ingredients have been studied to help boost the strength of strands and provide nutritional support to optimize hair follicle function. Additionally, these capsules have a minty essence, so if that’s your thing, you’re in for a treat.

Key ingredients: Bamboo, horsetail extracts, vitamin C, amino acids

Servings: 60 capsules

Act+ Acre rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Act+Acre reviewer says: “I’ve been using these with my other act and care products for almost three months since cutting my hair into a bob and it’s already grown two inches. Love that they taste like peppermint.”

Hair Wellness Supplement

A cult favorite, Nutrafol has received thousands of reviews from users online for its effective stress adaptogens, DHT inhibitors, and super antioxidants. Formulated by physicians, these supplements are 100 percent drug-free and can easily be ordered through a monthly subscription. The supplement includes ingredients that address “the internal triggers that cause hair thinning such as stress, hormone fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, metabolism, aging, and lifestyle habits within the body,” says Sam Archer, the VP of Product Marketing & Innovation at Nutrafol. “At Nutrafol, we’ve developed a more customized approach to address hair thinning with multi-targeted formulas utilizing ingredients that are proven to address the internal root causes directly.”

Key ingredients: Ashwagandha, collagen

Servings: 120 capsules

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve taken this supplement for years, and when taken consistently, I see both accelerated hair growth and thickness in my hair. They’re expensive but totally worth it.”

Custom Root Source

Prose’s customizable Root Source supplements feature “millet, a 100 percent natural, whole grain packed with an active molecule called miliacin and omega-6 fats” that “act directly on the hair follicle to stimulate hair growth,” explains Marie Mignon, the VP of research and development at Prose. With Prose, you will answer several survey questions to create your perfect formula. “Each individual blend of ingredients is designed to address the customer’s specific needs,” she says.

Key ingredients: Saffron, grape seed, sesame seed extract

Servings: 30 capsules

Coconut Collagen Boost

Collagen supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. Simply add two teaspoons of this powder to your latte, matcha, or cold brew and mix well. It will give any drink a creamy, vanilla-coconut flavor while promoting hair growth. Plus, this supplement is packed with 80 milligrams of hyaluronic acid per serving to boost hydration. Make it your morning go-to or an afternoon pick-me-up. It's up to you!

Key ingredients: Coconut milk powder, biotin, hyaluronic acid

Servings: 15 servings

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve been enjoying this product for months and I always get compliments on my skin. It’s such a great addition to my coffee or smoothie!”

GrandeGUMMIES Vegan Collagen Booster

This vegan hair gummy might just be the answer to all your skin and hair woes. Thin eyebrows? Lackluster lashes? Problem skin? Just pop one of these citrus-flavored, heart-shaped babies twice a day. Not only do they contain plumping vegan collagen, but they’re also infused with biotin, folic acid, and zinc for all your hair and skin needs. Who knew happy, healthy hair could be so yummy?

Key ingredients: Biotin, vitamin A, vitamin C, collagen

Servings: 60 gummies

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Takes a week or two to get started but they work wonders. The taste is good, too!”

Hair, Skin, and Nails Gummies

You’ve probably seen these gummies on the shelf at your local pharmacy and wondered, “Do these work? Should I get them?” Well, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” These supplements are packed with biotin to promote hair, skin, and nail strength. Since they are always stocked at the pharmacy, you’ll never have to resort to online shipping fees. They also come in a soft-gel capsule if that’s more your thing.

Key Ingredients: Biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E

Servings: 230 gummies

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I was crying so much after losing more than 50 percent of my hair because of postpartum hair loss. I could feel my scalp if I ran my hand though my hair and the breakage was horrendous. These gummies did wonders for it! They literally saved my hair (and nails). You have to be consistent, but you can start noticing the first major results in a couple months. Not only did my hair grow faster but it has gotten its thickness back.”

Hair Strong Gummies for Stronger and Fuller Hair

These gummies check off all the boxes: 100 percent natural, 100 percent vegetarian and vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, and no preservatives. Game-changing ingredients like PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid) fight gray hairs and promote natural pigments, while fo-ti (a root used in Chinese medicine) strengthens strands. Plus, you’ll begin seeing results in as little as two months.

Key ingredients: Biotin, folic acid, zinc

Servings: 60 gummies

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “These really work for me. I had started experiencing major hair loss after weight loss and these vitamins are really helping with regrowth!”

Berry Extraordinary Vegan Hair & Nails Dietary Supplement

Go green in the name of healthy hair. These vegan vitamins are fortified with vitamin D, vitamin B12, iodine, folic acid, and biotin, so your strands will be hydrated and nourished for improved health. Plus, the container is made from recycled materials, creating less of a carbon footprint.

Key ingredients: Biotin, folic acid, vitamin D, iodine, vitamin B12

Servings: 60 capsules

Walmart rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Walmart reviewer says: “These gummies are wonderful! I bought them out of curiosity after having my second baby and losing a lot of hair. All my baby hair is growing back like crazy and my nails are growing so fast. They taste yummy, too! Highly recommend.”

Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins

“I had the unfortunate journey of having cancer at a very young age, just out of my teens,” explains Hair La Vie founder Carla Rivas. “And when you’re that young, because of the negatives of society, sometimes our vanity can take the lead.” To destigmatize the conversation around hair loss and to provide consumers with an effective supplement that would boost their confidence, Rivas developed Hair La Vie. The formula is packed with collagen, biotin, vitamin D3, and EVNol Max—an effective form of Vitamin E clinically proven to promote hair growth—to make your strands grow long and strong.

Key ingredients: Collagen, berry extracts, biotin, zinc, vitamin D3

Servings: 90 capsules

Hair La Vie rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Hair La Vie reviewer says: “My hair began shedding suddenly and never seemed to ease up... I tried multiple oils and other hair vitamins. I tried Hair La Vie and within a week, I noticed way less shedding. Two weeks of consistent use and I am so impressed by how much my shedding has slowed down—especially in the shower. I will be re-purchasing every month and am excited to see what it does for new hair growth!”

KeraNew

KeraNew aims to nourish the scalp and revitalize hair to make it look silkier and more youthful. The formula features DFK-Glow, a keratin-based complex that works to diminish the appearance of damage and split ends, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, niacinamide. and collagen to promote hair growth. You also get a boost of vitamins B, D, and E plus zinc and iron. With over 180 reviews and a nearly five-star average rating, these capsules are a customer favorite.

Key ingredients: Collagen, hyaluronic acid, horsetail powder

Servings: 60 capsules

Kintsugi rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Kintsugi reviewer says: “I am really happy with the changes in my hair since I started taking this product. My hair feels healthier, and I notice less hair loss in the shower. I am almost done with my second bottle, and I see growth happening. My hair does not seem quite as thin as before.”

Ultra Strength Hair Softgels - 30 Count

A tablet a day keeps the bad hair at bay. With a promise to support hair strength, health, and growth, this supplement is packed with all the essentials—biotin, keratin, folic acid, and zinc. What’s more, it has silica to strengthen, amla to boost shine, and copper, which some research says may help stimulate the follicle to encourage hair growth. The formula also gets bonus points for its sweet strawberry flavor.

Key ingredients: Biotin, keratin, zinc

Servings: 30 capsules

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair was falling out from over-processing and Covid. After only one week, I stopped losing chunks of hair. Baby hairs are sprouting all over. I don’t wash my hair for five days, and when I do, hardly any hair loss at all. I also pulled out too much eyebrow hair, had a bald spot, and it was filled in within a week. Olly is no joke; I’m in shock that a supplement actually delivered such extreme results and so quickly. The absolute best supplement.”

What causes excessive hair shedding or thinning?

“Besides genetics, a lot of other factors—including stress, pollution, scalp imbalance, and oxidative stress from aging—can trigger hair shedding,” says Mignon. Many people who’ve had COVID-19 have also experienced hair shedding a few months after their diagnosis.

For women, “nutritional inadequacies are the most common cause of excessive daily hair shedding (telogen effluvium),” adds Kingsley. “Because hair is non-essential tissue, it needs higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals to function—even levels that fall towards the low-normal of blood reference ranges can cause hair loss.”

What exactly do hair growth vitamins do?

Ingredients and vitamins such as biotin and vitamins C, E, and B1 “can prolong the anagen (growth phase) of the hair cycle and decrease the percentage of hairs in the shedding phase,” explains Singh. Biotin is also great for hair growth, as it promotes keratin production and can cause your strands to grow faster. Plus, it promotes healthy skin and nails. Double whammy!

Do hair growth vitamins actually work?

Experts agree on the benefits of hair growth vitamins, however “not every hair supplement is created equal,” says Moon Juice founder Amanda Chantal Bacon. “To ensure you get the best results with length, shine, and growth, look for a comprehensive multivitamin with bioavailable forms and clinically tested doses,” she suggests. “Also, look for additions like Ashwagandha for stress relief, and targeted botanicals and micronutrients like horsetail, saw palmetto, and kelp for strength and thickness.” She notes, “Pay close attention to the source and form of the ingredients and steer clear of fillers and flow agents like magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide, which negatively affect bioavailability.”

“When taken consistently, hair growth vitamins and supplements do a great job of supporting scalp and hair health from a cellular level, in turn promoting a healthier environment for hair growth,” adds Act+Acre founder and trichologist Helen Reavey.

How should people choose the best hair growth vitamins?

“Instead of seeking out a single ingredient, look for a formula that targets hair health from various angles,” explains Chantal Bacon. “For example, a lot of people think they only need biotin for hair growth, but taking too much of one good thing can have adverse effects. Keep in mind that biotin supplements with 5,000 MCG or more can break you out and skew the results of your thyroid and vitamin D hormone panels, so seek out appropriate doses.”

Reavey also suggests looking for hair growth supplements that are “rich in plant extracts and amino acids, which work to support common nutrient deficits in the modern diet.” Additionally, “vitamins A, E, and D can help support the hair follicle, while biotin, iron, and zinc have been known to support the hair growth cycle.”

What else should I know about hair growth vitamins?

“Growing stronger, fuller hair takes time and it’s sadly not something that can’t be accomplished overnight,” says Rivas. Therefore, no matter what vitamin you are taking for hair growth, consistency and patience are key. “Hair growth occurs in cycles that include a growth phase (anagen), a resting phase (telogen), and a shedding phase (catagen),” explains Reavey. “Since hair grows relatively slowly, it may take around 90 days (which is roughly the duration of one growth cycle) to see noticeable changes in the length, thickness, or overall health of your hair.” While formulas can vary, remember that “any supplement that boasts immediate results is not realistic,” says Chantal Bacon. “You should start to notice small shifts over time, like a reduction of shower shed and changes in texture, shine, and length.”

So, if your vitamin needs to be in the form of a tasty gummy, then definitely go for that method.

Also, don’t forget about your scalp! It deserves as much love as your strands. Try out a weekly scalp treatment like the JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil or an in-shower head massager like the Ceremonia Scalp Masajeador. Trust us, by giving your scalp a little TLC and finding the perfect hair supplement, your strands will thank you.

Who can best benefit from hair growth vitamins?

“Most people can benefit from supplements as it is difficult to meet your hair’s needs through diet alone— and busy, stressful lifestyles can make this harder,” says Kingsley. “Supplements are especially beneficial for those who are vegan or vegetarian, have hectic, high-stress lifestyles, and people who find it hard to eat three balanced meals consistently.”

Meet The Experts

Sam Archer is the VP of product marketing and innovation at Nutrafol, a supplement subscription service designed to promote hair growth regardless of age and lifestyle.

Dr. Meena Singh is a Kansas-based dermatologist and hair transplant specialist known for her informative videos on hair growth. She also stars in the TLC series Bad Hair Day.

Carla Rivas is the founder of Hair La Vie, an organic hair care company with products that range from daily supplements to treatment products that encourage hair growth.

Marie Mignon is the VP of research and development at Prose, a haircare brand that specializes in personalized hair products tailored to a slew of hair concerns and types.

Anabel Kingsley is a consult trichologist and brand president of Philip Kingsley, a brand dedicated to hair and scalp health with clinics in London and New York. Their products range from shampoo and conditioner to treatments, and more.

Helen Reavey is a celebrity trichologist and founder of Act+Acre, a brand that specializes in hair wellness with a focus on the scalp.

Amanda Chantal Bacon is the founder of Moon Juice, a health and wellness brand that ranges from skin and hair to energy, brain, sleep, sex, and more.

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com writers spoke with numerous trusted hair experts to learn the benefits of hair growth vitamins.

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