The 16 Best Hair Growth Vitamins for Longer, Stronger Hair

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Hair loss can have many causes—from mounting stress, to genetics, child birth, and more—but in addition to a well-rounded diet, the best hair growth vitamins contain ingredients, like Omega-fatty acids and vitamins, to help fortify weak or damaged hair. And while fortified shampoos or scalp oils may stimulate hair at the surface, ingesting a vitamin provides your body with the right nutrient balance for optimal growth. "Our scalps and strands have independent biological makeup and daily stressors, requiring an individualized approach," board-certified dermatologist Chesahna Kindred previously told Bazaar.

What are the best hair growth nutrients?

• MSM. Since your hair and nails are primarily made of keratin, the compound MSM (or methylsulfonylmethane) is an especially ideal ingredient to help improve the appearance and feel of hair, as it helps your body maintain it.

• Essential fatty acids. "To help with dry skin and scalp, essential fatty acids found in avocado and oily fish, like salmon, are helpful. In vitamin form you are looking for Omega-3 rather than 6 or 9," says Grow Gorgeous partner trichologist Stephanie Sey.

• Vitamins A, C, D, and E. In addition to MSM and Omega-3 acids, ingredients like vitamins A, C and E, saw palmetto, ashwagandha, hydrolyzed collagen, biotin, keratin, and magnesium can also be helpful in the regrowth process. While some vitamins can be useful to those in need of extra nutrients to encourage scalp health and hair growth, professionals advise that your body will naturally eliminate excess nutrients it doesn't actually need.

"Vitamins usually only work if there is a deficiency in the first instance," Sey says. "If the body is balanced, then those surplus vitamins are not useful, and in the case of water soluble vitamins like biotin the excess comes out in your urine. Ideally, it is best to get your vitamins from your food. if I had to recommend a key ingredient for overall hair health, I would say Vitamin D," she advises. "Most people are deficient, and it's important for many vital functions within the body."

Why does hair start thinning?

Sey tells BAZAAR.com that androgenetic (also known as male or female pattern) and telogen effluvium hair conditions are most commonly experienced, though loss often starts with general thinning. "Telogen effluvium is when you shed larger amounts of hair because your body has been shocked into moving your hair from the anagen or 'growth phase' to the 'telogen' resting phase, which causes excessive hair shedding," she explains. "Usually the shock can be cause by high grade fever, childbirth, surgery, or emotional distress."

Although the right growth vitamins can help mitigate hair loss with continued use, professionals advise speaking with an expert to find out the true root cause to prevent more thinning in the long run. "While someone might care about restoring their hair to its former luster and thickness, the cause of thinning ultimately determines the best method of treatment," says certified aesthetics, hair transplant, and restoration treatment physician at Eternal Hair and Esthetics Ednan Sheikh. If you're unsure what's causing your hair thinning, Sheikh advises consulting an expert to determine the origin of hair loss, and collaborate on a solution that works best for your needs.

To help you narrow down a new favorite, we've rounded up the best hair growth vitamins and formulas shoppers and experts and swear by for increased thickness and growth.

Related: The Best Eyebrow Growth Serums That Really Work

Hair Sweet Hair Vegan Berry Gummy Hearts

You can expect a noticeable difference in the appearance of your hair within four to eight weeks after eating these vegan berry-flavored gummies, which not only help enhance hair growth, but its color as well.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have been using these gummies for over five months and I have noticed a major difference in my hair growth. My hair is growing faster and fuller. I highly recommend this product because it works." —Andrea W.

Gummy Vitamins for Strong Hair, Skin & Nails (60 Count)

You might be tempted to eat these gummy hair, skin, and nail supplements from Tula like candy, but they work best when taken twice daily with your favorite meal.

One satisfied customer writes:

"The gummies taste great! My hair and nails are growing. The gummies are so worth it." —Myla N.

Healthy Hair Probiotics

This supplement helps manage stress and hormones, which can ultimately contribute to hair loss. It features vitamins B12 and B6 to reduce hair shedding while boosting shine and promoting thicker growth from the inside out.

One satisfied customer writes:

"So far I love them! I went to a new hair stylist in January of this year and she was nervous to bleach my hair because it was broken and fragile. I started taking the Healthy Hair supplements about a month ago and thought I noticed a difference but wasn't sure. I went back to the salon yesterday and my stylist randomly said, 'Wow! Your hair looks and feels so much healthier!" —Brooke

Growth Phase

The Nue Co.'s Growth Phase hair vitamins are made to reduce hair loss, breakage, and thinning within 90 days. The supplements also help balance nutritional deficiencies in your body using a combination of vitamins, proteins and adaptogens, as an added bonus.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This is a fantastic product. My hair has already begun to look and feel much better. It’s stronger and longer. Even my hairdresser has commented on the difference in the condition of my hair. There’s a bouncy healthy glow to my hair now. I intend to keep taking this supplement. It works!" —Sheila F.

Hair Growth Supplements for Women

There's a reason you'll find these Skincare Award-Winning tablets in the possession of star stylists and A-list celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Gwyneth Paltrow: Their natural blend of deep-sea fish proteins, horsetail extract, and vitamin C prevent the dry, frazzled ends that force you to chop your length off too soon.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I've been using Viviscal for about a year and my hair is thicker and grows a lot faster than it it was! Two different hair dressers have asked what I've done to make a difference so they could pass it on to other customers!!" —Maui33

Core for Women

In a sea of powders, gummies, pills, and shots promising thicker and fuller hair, Nutrafol is one of the few hair growth products that actually delivers results. Be patient: results can take three to six months—and you’ll need to keep taking it to maintain your new hair growth. It works by fighting off inflammation and free radicals that impair follicle function. Vitamin E, keratin, marine-based collagen, and hyaluronic acid speed up growth, promote absorption of hair-boosting nutrients, and add oomph from the inside out.

Hair Vitamins (75 count)

These little blue vegan chews are filled with biotin, folic acid, coconut oil, and vitamin C, and have gotten the stamp of approval from beauty mavens all over the internet. Cruising the before-and-afters on Instagram is more than enough to inspire us to pop a couple of these tiny bears a day.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I'm so happy to see that Ulta.com carries Sugarbear Hair! I've been using these for over a year and my hair has never been healthier! I have very fine hair and I've noticed my hair to be fuller as well as shinier and breaks less often. Not to mention these little bears taste amazing! Its hard to believe they are a vitamin." —Anonymous

Gro Biotin Gummies

Vegamour's coveted hair essentials come supermodel-approved, and these strawberry-flavored supplements are no exception. Eating one vegan gummy per day can help encourage keratin and collagen production, with visible results after three months of consistent use.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I am truly shocked by the results I got within only one month. After I had my son, I had a lot of hair loss and hormonal imbalances caused even further hair loss. I came across Vegamour and figured I would give it a try. The gummies are delicious! I also use the serum and shampoo. I feel so blessed to have found these products. Thank you!" —Kimberly G.

Manetabolism Plus Healthy Hair Vitamin

Over 600 Sally Beauty customers swear by these popular supplements, which are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, D3, E, and K1 for longer, thicker hair.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I purchase this every month for myself and my daughter. It has helped with our thinning hair. We both have a problem with psoriasis and that is what attacks our scalp. We believe that this is helping our hair quite a bit." —Karen W.

B. Well Vegan Omegas + Biotin Supplements

It's no secret that the maintenance experts at Briogeo know a thing or two about hair growth, which is why these top-rated supplements are a hit among shoppers. The vegan tablets blend ingredients like biotin and omegas 3, 6, and 9 to help fortify hair from the inside out.

Thick & Full Supplements

We previously covered the launch of OUAI's updated vegan formula for its popular Thick & Full hair supplements, which aim to strengthen hair over the course of two months of consistent use.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I ordered these about two to three weeks ago, and I have already noticed the hair around my crown growing, the sparse spots have thick baby hair starting to grow!" —Priti

Postpartum

These Nutrafol supplements are made with new mothers in mind. It aims to target the direct causes of postpartum hair thinning, including physical and emotional stress, hormonal changes, and lack of nutrients, to help hair grow back fuller over time. As a bonus, the daily supplements are also safe for breastfeeding.

"Nutrafol is excellent because it is clinically proven to support hair growth by targeting five root causes of hair loss including hormones, stress, environment, metabolism, and nutrition," says Ednan Sheikh, certified aesthetics, hair transplant, and restoration treatment physician at Eternal Hair and Esthetics. "It reduces oxidative stress which contributes to hair loss, as well as levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone whose presence causes hair follicles to rest rather than grow."

Extraordinary Gummy Vitamins Multi-Benefit Vegan Dietary Supplement

These vegan gummies from Love Beauty and Planet are infused with biotin, folic acid, and vitamin D, and housed in a recyclable bottle. Did we mention they also happen to be gluten-free?

One satisfied customer writes:

"These gummies are wonderful, bought them out of curiously 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." —Lina O.

SuperHair Daily Hair Nutrition Supplement

These coveted supplements from Moon Juice are created to help control cortisol (the stress hormone), thanks to adaptogens like ashwagandha and ginseng. They also feature a bevy of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients needed to support continuous hair growth.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I’m really happy with how my hair is look ever since buying this product! Its only been 2 months and I definitely been seeing growth and less breakage. Definitely recommend to anyone whose looking for supplements that help with hair loss:)" —Keiley T.

Healthy Hair Vitamins

Over 12,000 Amazon customers are raving about these supplements, which aim to compliment your regular diet and provide your body with added nutrients for healthy hair. These supplements also feature a blend of vitamins plus MSM, which create an optimal environment for hair to thrive.

One satisfied customer writes:

"These pills actually work if you take them daily as recommended. Easy to swallow and a good value." —Roz L.

Custom Root Source

Just like the rest of Prose's offerings, their growth supplements are designed according to your specific hair needs. They use a two step process that rebalances the scalp while stimulating the hair bulb to encourage growth while minimizing shedding.

Meet the Experts

• Board-certified dermatologist Chesahna Kindred is a researcher, published author, and national speaker, as well as the founder and president of the Onyx Medical Society.

• Grow Gorgeous partner trichologist Stephanie Sey is a professional trichologist and afro hair specialist.

• Physician Ednan Sheikh is a physician certified in aesthetics, as well as hair transplant and restoration treatments.

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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