Join Now! | Sign In | Contact Us

Select a Review

ConsumerLab.com Answers

Supplements for Hair Loss

Question:
Do any supplements help for hair loss?
Supplements for Hair Loss -- woman looking at hairbrush

Supplements for Hair Loss -- woman looking at hairbrush

Answer:
There is some very preliminary evidence that saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and pumpkin seed oil may provide a benefit for people with androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness). Applied topically, melatonin and certain essential oils may be helpful for other types of hair loss. For details, plus information about other supplements, as well as deficiencies that can cause hair loss, see the full answer >>

Also see the Encyclopedia article about Alopecia.

Learn More About Supplements for Hair & Nails:

Do Sugar Bear Hair Vitamins make hair shine, nails stronger, and help both to grow? They taste good but are super expensive. >>

Do biotin supplements really improve hair and nails? >>

I am female and just purchased a saw palmetto supplement for hair loss. However, it says on the bottle that it is only for use by men. Is it really unsafe for women? Lots of sites suggest its use, but I'm fearful of trying it now. >>

What is the difference between cysteine and cystine? >>

What is BioSil? Can it really increase collagen production and strengthen hair, skin, nails and bones? >>

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency? >>

See other recent and popular questions >>

COMMENTS

Carol17150 September 5, 2018

I've had some stress filled years (job, eldercare, loss and a fall). I suffered with constant bouts of hair loss and needed help in keeping my strength up. Over the past couple years I've added collagen and bone broth in an effort to rebuild cartilage along with making me stronger in general. A hip transplant was out due to Illius when using anesthesia. My hair loss has almost completely stopped and I am feeling stronger. The hip will take time, but thank you for your research on best brands of bone broth. The old ways really are better.

Comment on Post

Patricia15526 September 13, 2017

I asked a Dermatologist for suggestions on what works to slow hair loss 4 years ago. She suggested 5,000 mgs. of Biotin daily. So my son I have been taking Natrol Biotin 5,000 mg. daily for 4 years and it did nothing to alleviate continued hair loss for both of us. But it
did greatly strengthen our nails.

Comment on Post

Paula15517 September 13, 2017

I found that Biotin absolutely helps with hair loss. I noticed that I need to take 10mg daily. 5mg is not enough. taking 5mg has no affect on my hair.

Comment on Post

Ann15516 September 13, 2017

I tried supplementing with zinc for thinning hair. Initially (1st month or 2) my hair stopped shedding. But as I continued supplementing every day (not sure of dosage) my hair began falling out more than before. After researching more deeply into zinc for hair loss I learned that both inadequate and excess amounts in your system cause hair to fall out. So I stopped supplementing with it daily and only take one every now and then.

Comment on Post

Lawrence15502 September 13, 2017

Are you aware of any studies for long term hair loss due to cancer therapy? My wife had cancer 13 years ago with chemo therapy; of course she lost her hair but it grew back albeit thinner. She then had a second incident three years ago with radiation therapy. Over time, her hair keeps getting thinner. She fears losing it all within several years.

Comment on Post

Patricia15542 September 16, 2017

I too did chemo and radiation and my hair is slowly growing back, but much thinner. Coconut oil only on my scalp did help with the itching I had as the hair was beginning to grow. It is now about two inches long. No I am trying a mixture of half caster oil and coconut oil and a little of vitamin E as a preservative to my scalp at night. I just started it so I am not sure if it is working. Too soon to tell!

Comment on Post

Susan 15426 August 21, 2017

I've found three things that contribute to loss of hair:

1. Not eating enough protein.
2. Huperzine, which is used for memory. Anything over 50 mcg daily isn't good. But, it removed hair from my head and the hair didn't grow back.
3. Rx prescription for over-active Thyroid: Tapazole (Metamizole). Hair gone; but, not bald.

Comment on Post

ConsumerLab.com August 22, 2017

Hi Susan - Thank you for sharing your experience with this. You can find more information about Huperzine A in the Huperzine A Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/_/Huperzine_A/ and this Encyclopedia article: https://www.consumerlab.com/tnp.asp?chunkiid=21761

Comment on Post

Vivien14042 May 19, 2017

I had 3 surgeries within a 2 week period and my hair which use to be very thick began to fall out and became thin. I researched online as to what I could use for that problem and Biotin supplements were suggested. I took one every day and after 3 months noticed how much thicker my hair was getting. It did nothing for my nails however or my skin but I was very pleased with what it did for my hair. I also used a biotin shampoo during that time then stopped using it when my hair became thicker. Maybe this will help someone else with thinning hair after surgery.

Comment on Post

ConsumerLab.com May 25, 2017

Hi Vivien - We aren't aware of any clinical studies showing improvement with shampoos containing biotin, but thank you for sharing your experience with this.

Comment on Post

Theresa16274 December 14, 2017

I was just wondering what dosage Vivien used (mcg/day) to get such good results for her thinning hair. Others here have noted that 10,000mcg/day worked for them when 5000 mcg/day did not. Thanks!

Comment on Post

ConsumerLab.com December 19, 2017

Hi Theresa - Please be aware that high doses of biotin can interfere with a number of laboratory tests. You can learn more about this in the "Biotin" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/Review_Best_B_Vitamins_and_Complexes_Energy_B6_B12_Biotin_Niacin_Folic_Acid/bvitamins/#kummer

Comment on Post

Barbara18255 August 25, 2019

My endocrinologist stated that Biotin supplementation can interfere with thyroid medication

Comment on Post

ConsumerLab.com August 26, 2019

Hi Barbara - As noted above, high doses of biotin can interfere with thyroid laboratory tests. You can find more information about this in the B Vitamins Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/Review_Best_B_Vitamins_and_Complexes_Energy_B6_B12_Biotin_Niacin_Folic_Acid/bvitamins/#kummer. Also see the CL Answer about supplement interactions with thyroid medication: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/do-any-supplements-interfere-with-thyroid-hormones/hypothyroidism_and_supplements/.

Comment on Post

Jeanne8028 November 1, 2015

I have read about topical melatonin (sold outside US) for hair loss. Has anyone used this product with success?

Comment on Post

Share your thoughts and comments about this topic in the space below. Please abide by the following rules:

If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
Please be respectful in your tone.
Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will comments that exceed 2,500 characters.

For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.

Comment:

Share your thoughts and comments about this topic in the space below. Please abide by the following rules:

If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
Please be respectful in your tone.
Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will comments that exceed 2,500 characters.

For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.

Comment:

You can modify your comment below. Please be aware the comment will have to approve the changes before they will be shown:

Comment:

Your edit has been submitted and is being reviewed by ConsumerLab.com prior to publication.

This CL Answer initially posted on 11/1/2015. Last updated 8/24/2019.

ConsumerLab.com members may submit questions to CLAnswers@ConsumerLab.com. We read all questions and try to answer those of popular interest.

BECOME A MEMBER

Instant Access to Reviews for OVER 1,000 Products!
Quality Ratings and Product Comparisons
Expert Insights and More!
Listen to CL's founder discuss more benefits below!

WARNINGS

Seller of Tea, Colloidal Silver, Homeopathic Products Warned for Manufacturing Violations

Advocare to Pay $150 Million to Settle Charges of Operating a Pyramid Scheme

See All Warnings

Product Reviews

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices

CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements

CBD & Hemp Extract Supplements

Fish Oil /Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements

Apple Cider Vinegar

... and More!

ENCYCLOPEDIA

In addition to our product reviews our encyclopedia covers the following:

Herbs & Supplements

Conditions

Drug Interactions

Alternative Therapies

MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

VISIT OUR PARTNERS

PharmacyChecker.com

MedicareDrugPlans.com

Follow us on...

ConsumerLab.com

Join \| Sign In
Product Tests Brands Tested Health Conditions Encyclopedia CL Answers Clinical Updates	News Recalls & Warnings RDAs Where to Buy Products	Raw Materials Tests Testing Program How Products Were Tested	Join CL Today Testimonials Join Free Newsletter Group Subscriptions Gift Membership	About Us The CL Seal CL Survey Privacy Policy Sitemap Contact Us/Help

©2019 ConsumerLab.com, LLC. All rights reserved. A single copy of a report may be printed for personal use by the subscriber. It is otherwise unlawful to print, download, store or distribute content from this site without permission.
ConsumerLab.com name and flask logo are both registered trademarks of ConsumerLab.com, LLC. This site is intended for informational purposes only and not to provide medical advice.