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Best Hair Loss Vitamins in 2025, Researched and Tested

Shelves are packed with options, but which hair loss vitamins are actually worth the money? We tested top brands to find out.

  • We chose Nutrafol as the best overall vitamin for hair growth because it offers formulas tailored for women and men and targets multiple root causes of thinning.
  • Hair growth vitamins aren’t miracle solutions, but the right supplement may help fill nutritional gaps that contribute to thinning or shedding.
  • Talk with your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you take prescription medication.

Hair isn’t just part of our body; it can also be an extension of our identity and a way to express ourselves. This may make age-related hair loss more upsetting. Around age 65, as many as 53% of men and 37% of women will have hair loss.1 

There are many causes of hair loss or hair thinning, including hormonal changes in both women and men, lifestyle factors such as stress, certain medical conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. In this guide, we focus on nutrition, one of the few hair-loss factors you can influence through daily habits, and review the best vitamins for hair growth based on our testing.

While no supplement can replace a well-rounded diet or cure a medical condition, a high-quality vitamin targeting hair loss may support fuller, healthier-looking hair. Supplements may also be helpful if your appetite has changed or you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals through food. It’s important to speak with your doctor before starting a supplement, especially if you take prescription medications or have an underlying health condition.

To find the best vitamins for hair growth for men and women, we tested popular supplements and found Nutrafol, Happy Head Hair Growth Supplements, and Hims & Hers Multivitamin Gummies to be the best vitamins for hair growth. As our testers continue taking their vitamins and noting their progress, we’ll update this article.

Our Top Pick

Nutrafol

Best Overall
Nutrafol Women’s Balance
  • Formulated specifically for women over 45
  • Easy access to telehealth providers
  • Website is simple and straightforward

Our picks for the best vitamins for hair growth in 2025

Nutrafol: Best Overall

Happy Head Hair Growth Supplements: Best Value

Hims & Hers Multivitamin Gummies: Best Gummy

Compare the best hair loss vitamins in 2025

Comparison Features
Our rating*

9.6

9.8

9.9

Billing cycles

One-time purchase, or subscription every month, 3 months or 6 months

One-time purchase or every month

3 months

Prescription required?

No

No

Yes

Cruelty-free?

Yes

Yes

Yes

*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score

Our reviews of the best vitamins for hair growth

Nutrafol: Best Overall

We chose Nutrafol as the Best Overall Vitamin for Hair Growth because its formulas combine vitamins, minerals, and plant-based ingredients to support scalp health and address several common causes of thinning. We tested Nutrafol Women’s Balance, a formula designed specifically for women over age 45. Nutrafol also offers versions for younger women and for men.

Nutrafol

Best Overall
Nutrafol Women’s Balance
  • Active ingredients: Biotin, selenium, vitamin A, saw palmetto extract, L-lysine 
  • Subscription: Available 
  • Dosage: 4 capsules daily
  • Servings per container: 30 
  • Form: Capsule
  • Standout feature: Formulas tailored by age and sex, including versions for women 45 and older and men.

Pros

  • Formulas tailored for women over 45 and for men
  • Website is easy to use 
  • People who subscribe get unlimited messaging with a Nutrafol naturopathic doctor
  • Nutrafol has a vegan option, though it’s not made specifically for older adults

Cons

  • Not the most affordable option
  • Serving size is four capsules, which some may find difficult to take daily

Why we chose Nutrafol as Best Overall

Nutrafol is often considered a leading option in hair-growth supplements. It has a patented blend of ingredients that address several factors that may lead to hair thinning, including stress and age-related hormonal changes. Nutrafol makes specific formulas for men and for women at different stages of life. Nutrafol also publishes clinical research on several of its formulations, which may help users feel more confident in the product.

We tested Nutrafol Women’s Balance, which is designed for women ages 45 and older. It contains saw palmetto extract, an ingredient that research has found may help reduce hair shedding associated with androgenetic alopecia.2 This type of hair loss commonly occurs in men of all ages and becomes more common in women around menopause, when hormone levels shift and change how the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) interacts with the hair follicle.3 

Women’s Balance and Nutrafol Men also contain ingredients like ashwagandha that early research suggests may help the body manage stress and inflammation, two factors that can worsen hair shedding.4,5

A Nutrafol serving is four capsules, and each dose includes hair growth-supporting ingredients, like biotin and vitamin A. Full ingredient lists for Nutrafol Men and Women’s Balance can be found on Nutrafol’s website. Most people can expect to wait three to six months for visible results from any hair-growth supplement, including Nutrafol.

Our testing experience with Nutrafol

One tester noted they appreciated Nutrafol’s “good reputation” in hair loss care and said that the company’s reviews and website helped them feel confident in their purchase. They also described the website as easy to navigate, which made placing an order straightforward.

“There were no cons,” the tester said of the sales experience. “It was easy to make a purchase.” 

When we tested the brand for our Best Hair Loss Treatments for Women roundup, our team found that the dosing instructions were clear and simple to follow. It’s also important to note that the capsules may be large for people who don’t like swallowing pills.

The Nutrafol customer experience

  • Warranty and trial period: Nutrafol doesn’t offer a warranty or money-back guarantee, but it will issue a refund for unopened items within 30 days of purchase. Nutrafol doesn’t offer a trial period. 
  • Financing: No
  • Customer service: If you need additional assistance, you can visit the Nutrafol customer support page. You can reach customer support by phone or text. A chatbot is also available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. ET. 
  • Phone: Call or text 800-454-3320
  • Email: support@nutrafol.com

Subscribers also have access to Nutrafol’s naturopathic doctors, who can answer questions about supplement use and hair-support routines.

Happy Head Hair Growth Supplements: Best Value

Happy Head Hair Growth Supplements were chosen as the Best Value Vitamin for Hair Loss because each capsule has a lower cost per serving compared with similar brands. Like Nutrafol, Happy Head supplements contain ingredients researched for hair growth. But Happy Head’s supplements aren’t formulated for specific groups.

Happy Head

Best Value
Happy Head Hair Growth Supplements
  • Active ingredients: Biotin, selenium, vitamin D3, hydrolyzed bovine collagen
  • Subscription: Available 
  • Dosage: 2 capsules daily
  • Servings per container: 30 
  • Form: Capsules 
  • Standout feature: More affordable prescription-free supplement option from a brand that also offers personalized prescription products

Pros

  • Same active ingredients as competitors at a lower price
  • Serving size is half the capsules of Nutrafol 
  • Large product lineup that allows users to combine supplements with prescription options if medically appropriate

Cons

  • Website was somewhat confusing to navigate
  • Supplements don’t come in specific formulas based on age or gender

Why we chose Happy Head as Best Value

Happy Head supplements contain ingredients that support overall hair health, like biotin and collagen. The supplement also includes ingredients such as ashwagandha and saw palmetto, which early research suggests may help with factors linked to age-related thinning, such as stress and hormone-related shedding.5 

A daily serving of Happy Head Supplements costs about $2.63, while a serving of Nutrafol supplements cost about $2.93 for a one-time purchase. Subscribing can lower the cost, depending on the billing cycle you choose.

Our testing experience with Happy Head

We appreciated Happy Head’s transparent ingredient list. Testers noted that the list didn’t include hard-to-pronounce mystery ingredients. We also liked the range of hair-growth products available on the company’s website. Happy Head offers several supplement and prescription options, making the website a “one-stop shop” for users who may want to pair a supplement with a medicated treatment.

But Happy Head’s website was somewhat tough to navigate when it came time to buy. One tester noted that the layout of the Happy Head Growth Supplement page made them think they needed to go through the process of getting a prescription, when the supplements can be purchased without one by scrolling down the very bottom of the page.

The Happy Head customer experience

  • Warranty and trial period: Happy Head offers a six-month money-back guarantee. You have up to six months to request your money back if you’re not satisfied with a product. But the guarantee only applies to the product that you’ve most recently ordered, not to all of the products that you have ordered or used during the six months.
  • Financing: No
  • Customer service: If you need assistance, you can visit the Happy Head customer support page. There, you can submit a help request online or use the website’s chat function. You can also text or call Happy Head. 
  • Phone: 844-962-4247, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.
  • Text: 213-464-0214, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. 

Hims & Hers Multivitamin Gummies: Best Gummy

Hims & Hers Multivitamin Gummies are made with nutrients that support overall hair health, like biotin and several B vitamins that you may not get enough of in your diet. For people who don’t like swallowing capsules but want to add a simple supplement to their routine, this Hims & Hers vitamin is a good choice.

Hers & Hims

Best Gummy
Hims and Hers Biotin Builder Gummies
  • Active ingredients: Biotin, vitamin B12, folate (folic acid), vitamin B6, vitamin E
  • Subscription: Available 
  • Dosage: 1 gummy
  • Servings per container: 30 
  • Form: Gummies 
  • Standout feature: Chewable form that may be easier for people who dislike swallowing capsules

Pros

  • Serving is just one gummy a day
  • Contains biotin, folate, and B vitamins that help support overall nutritional needs

Cons

  • Not formulated to target hormonal or lifestyle causes of hair loss
  • Contains beef gelatin, so not suitable for all diets
  • Some may prefer a multivitamin designed specifically for older adults

Why we chose Hers & Hims as Best Gummy

Hims & Hers began as a telemedicine platform offering care for common health concerns, including hair loss, mental health, and sexual health. Today, it offers a variety of prescription hair-growth products for men and women, along with over-the-counter supplements.

Hims & Hers multivitamin gummies have biotin plus vitamins A, E, D, B6, B12, and niacin—all of which are nutrients that may support overall health and hair growth. Unlike other hair loss vitamins we tested, the Hims & Hers multivitamin gummy also contains folate, which is important for cell function but some adults may not get enough of in their diet.6 Folate may also help regulate keratin production, which is important for hair growth.7

Our testing experience with Hers & Hims

We appreciate the overall experience of the Hims & Hers website, with one tester noting the product information is presented in a “clear, concise” manner. They also liked the platform’s initial survey, which helps match users with products that fit their needs. 

“It allows you to answer a series of questions beforehand so that the right product is chosen,” the tester said.

Testers liked the flavor of these gummies—likely because they contain sugar. They may not be the right fit for those who need to limit sugar intake.

The Hers & Hims customer experience

  • Warranty and trial period: None
  • Financing: No
  • Customer service: Hims subscribers receive unlimited messaging with customer service or medical professionals. Customer service responds within 24 hours. If you’re not a subscriber, you will need to submit a message online, and the response time is typically 24 to 72 hours. 

How vitamins and supplements can help with hair loss

Supplements for hair loss can help fill in mineral and vitamin gaps if you’re not able to get them through food. But in most cases, they are not going to work as well as the best prescription treatments for hair loss.

Hair loss vitamins aren’t quick-acting solutions. Companies that make supplements for hair growth usually say to expect results after at least three months. And hair growth vitamins won’t impact hair loss caused by medical conditions, like autoimmune disorders or thyroid disease. 

What vitamins and supplements are good for hair loss?

While the scientific evidence is stronger for some ingredients than others, here are some of the main ingredients to look for in a quality hair growth vitamin: 

Vitamin D 

Multiple studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to hair loss.8 And more than one in three adults in the US are deficient in vitamin D.9 

While it’s uncommon, too much vitamin D can also be harmful, so ask your doctor whether you should take a hair growth product that contains vitamin D if you’re already taking a multivitamin or another supplement that includes vitamin D.10

Saw palmetto 

Saw palmetto is an herbal ingredient used in some hair-growth supplements, and more research on its effects still needs to be done. It has anti-inflammatory properties may support those experiencing androgenic alopecia by helping to block the DHT hormone, although research is limited.2

Saw palmetto can interfere with blood-thinning medication (such as Aspirin or Warfarin), so discuss any supplement containing saw palmetto with your doctor first.

Zinc

Zinc plays an essential role in how our body functions, including how our hair grows.11 Zinc supplements have been used as part of treatment plans for telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding) and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease.12 

It’s also worth mentioning that zinc deficiencies can also cause hair shedding and lead to other health concerns. 

Biotin

Biotin is often the first ingredient people look for in a hair loss vitamin, and you’ll usually find it in high amounts on supplement labels. But research on the effectiveness of taking biotin supplements for hair growth remains limited. Some research has found that biotin benefits hair growth for people who are deficient, but biotin deficiencies are much less common than vitamin D deficiencies.13, 14 If you’re not sure whether you’re deficient, you should speak with your doctor.

Keep in mind, high doses of biotin can affect the results of certain blood tests, including thyroid tests.15

Collagen 

Our bodies produce collagen naturally, but this production slows as we age. There is some research suggesting collagen peptide supplements may help improve skin elasticity and hydration, but experts are hesitant to say taking collagen supplements will help with skin or hair growth due to a lack of direct evidence.16 Still, many of the best vitamins for hair growth include collagen in their formulas, usually as marine or bovine collagen. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha isn’t a must-have for hair growth supplements, but it’s included as a hair growth ingredient because it has stress-reducing properties, and stress can worsen hair shedding.4 

What to look for in a hair-loss vitamin or supplement

A quality hair loss vitamin will have vitamins and minerals that you may not get enough of from diet alone but are needed to grow healthy hair. They also likely contain anti-inflammatory ingredients like curcumin (turmeric), ingredients that support healthy hormone balance around the hair follicle (saw palmetto), and amino acids, including L-Lysine, L-Methionine, and L-Cysteine, that support keratin production. 

As you’re choosing a hair growth vitamin, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor, especially if you take prescription medication. Common ingredients in hair loss vitamins, including saw palmetto and curcumin, can raise the risk of bleeding in people who take blood thinners.17 Also, many vitamins for hair loss may contain ingredients that overlap with what’s already in your multivitamin or other supplements.

Beyond safety concerns and the ingredient list, you should also consider personal preferences. Think about how much you’re willing to spend on a hair growth product that you may need to take daily for years, and whether you’d rather swallow a capsule or chew a gummy.

Keep in mind that supplements aren’t regulated like prescription medications, so choose a brand your doctor recommends or one with strong brand transparency and third-party testing. Avoid supplements that make hair-growth claims without evidence or clear safety information.

What to expect from hair growth vitamins

Hair growth vitamins can support healthier hair over time, but don’t expect instant results. Visible changes typically take three to six months. And results can vary based on the severity of hair loss and what’s causing it.

Who should consider hair growth vitamins

People who want to support their overall nutrition or address possible vitamin deficiencies may benefit from a hair growth supplement.

Everyone can benefit from seeing a doctor first to discuss their hair loss concerns, especially because some causes of hair loss are due to a medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or thyroid condition, that needs specific treatment. This is especially important for people who suddenly start losing their hair or if hair loss appears in patches. 

Your health history is unique, and a clinician can help determine the cause of your symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best vitamins for hair growth?

We selected Nutrafol, Happy Head Hair Growth Supplements, and Hims & Hers Multivitamin Gummies as the best vitamins for hair loss. We’ll update this article as new testing data becomes available. 

Can you take prenatal vitamins for hair growth?

Prenatal vitamins contain a lot of the same ingredients as vitamins for hair loss, just in varying amounts.18 But it may be more helpful to choose a hair growth supplement that is specifically formulated for your age and overall health needs.

How long does it take for vitamins to work?

Most supplement companies suggest expecting visible results after 3–6 months of consistent use.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Villani A., et al. Hair Aging and Hair Disorders in Elderly Patients. International Journal of Trichology. Jan. 31, 2023. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10075351/
  2. Sudeep H.V., et al. Oral and Topical Administration of a Standardized Saw Palmetto Oil Reduces Hair Fall and Improves the Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects – A 16-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. Nov. 11, 2023. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10648974/
  3. Rinaldi F., et al. The Menopausal Transition: Is the Hair Follicle “Going through Menopause”?. Biomedicines. Nov. 14, 2023. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10669803/ 
  4. Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? National Institutes of Health. May 2, 2025. Found on the internet at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ 
  5. Telogen Effluvium. Cleveland Clinic. Dec. 1, 2022. Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24486-telogen-effluvium
  6. Araújo J.R., et al. Folates and aging: Role in mild cognitive impairment, dementia and depression. Ageing Research Reviews. Volume 22 July 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568163715000458 
  7. Guide to Best Vitamins and Minerals for Hair Growth. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). Found on the internet at https://ishrs.org/patients/treatments-for-hair-loss/nutrition-and-vitamins/
  8. Saini K., et al. Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Nov. 20, 2021. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34553483/ 
  9. Vitamin D Deficiency. Cleveland Clinic. Aug. 2, 2022. Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency
  10. Hair Supplements: Are They Worth the Hype? Hair Restoration Experts Examine the Science Behind Key Ingredients in Over-the-Counter Hair Growth Products. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). Found on the internet at  https://ishrs.org/vitamins-to-increase-hair-growth/
  11. Zinc. National Institutes of Health. Sept. 28, 2022. Found on the internet at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
  12. Park H., et al. The Therapeutic Effect and the Changed Serum Zinc Level after Zinc Supplementation in Alopecia Areata Patients Who Had a Low Serum Zinc Level. Annals of Dermatology. May 31, 2009. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2861201/
  13. Patel D.P., et al. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disorders. April 27, 2017. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5582478/
  14. Cui, A., et al. Prevalence, trend, and predictor analyses of vitamin D deficiency in the US population, 2001–2018. Frontiers in Nutrition. Oct. 3, 2022. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9573946/
  15. Block-Galarza, J. Clinical Thyroidology for the Public. American Thyroid Association. Vol 11 Issue 12 p.3-4. December 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/december-2018/vol-11-issue-12-p-3-4/
  16. Al-Atif, a. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. Jan. 1, 2022. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8824545/
  17. Kim, D.C., et al. Anticoagulant activities of curcumin and its derivative. BMB Reports. April 2012. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22531131/
  18. Is it OK to take prenatal vitamins if I'm not pregnant, and I don't plan to become pregnant? Mayo Clinic. Aug. 19, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/prenatal-vitamins/faq-20057922

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