Hair loss, including thinning and increased shedding, rarely has a single cause. Stress, hormonal shifts, aging, and nutritional gaps can all disrupt the hair growth cycle. This affects hair thickness and density. If you’re noticing increased shedding or a wider part but want to avoid prescription medications, it may be time to consider supplements. But be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new routine.

Nutrafol is one of the most widely recognized natural hair growth supplements for both men and women. It's our top recommended supplement for women’s hair loss. Nutrafol formulas combine vitamins, minerals, and botanicals for a targeted hair loss treatment that addresses factors like inflammation, stress, and hormone balance. 

In this Nutrafol review, we take a close look at the supplement’s overall effectiveness. We'll also consider clinical evidence, ingredient quality, the consumer experience, and the product's price and overall value. Our analysis is based on firsthand testing and expert insights. Keep reading to find out if Nutrafol is worth it for your hair goals.

Nutrafol

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• Multiple formulas to target specific needs
• Subscribers have access to naturopathic telehealth providers

• Flexible subscription options

Why we recommend Nutrafol

Nutrafol was co-founded by a doctor who sought answers to her own hair-thinning issues during the stress of medical school. The Nutrafol board is made up of board-certified dermatologists and other medical experts. The company focuses on high-quality, clinically backed natural ingredients, including marine collagen peptides, ashwagandha, and DHA omega-3s. 

Individually, the ingredients in Nutrafol supplements are believed to address specific causes of hair loss. For example, curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties.¹ And marine collagen peptides (proteins sourced from fish) have been shown to help prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth.² Combined, the ingredients in Nutrafol supplements help address many possible causes of hair loss. This includes nutritional deficiencies, stress, and hormonal imbalances. 

For women, Nutrafol offers a range of supplements tailored to age and life stage. These include the Women’s Balance supplement for women 45 and older and the Postpartum supplement for women in the first year after childbirth. Our team likes that you can also shop Nutrafol products by root cause. For example, if you have age-related hair loss, Nutrafol recommends one of its hair growth supplements paired with its Collagen Infusion powder. Collagen naturally decreases as we age and can affect hair growth.

Our testers appreciate that Nutrafol supplements, while formulated for hair loss, also include ingredients like Vitamin A and Vitamin D. 

Comparing Nutrafol hair loss treatments

Comparison Features	Nutrafol Women Visit Sitefor Nutrafol Women	Nutrafol Women’s Balance Visit Sitefor Nutrafol Women’s Balance	Nutrafol Men Visit Sitefor Nutrafol Men	Nutrafol Postpartum Visit Sitefor Nutrafol Postpartum	Nutrafol Hair Serum Visit Sitefor Nutrafol Hair Serum
Type	Oral Supplement	Oral Supplement	Oral Supplement	Oral Supplement	Topical Solution
Key Ingredients	Ashwagandha, Marine Collagen Peptides, Tocotrienal Complex (Vitamin E)	Maca, Saw Palmetto, Ashwagandha	Tocotrienal Complex (Vitamin E), Saw Palmetto, Curcumin	Shatavari, DHA Omega-3s, Apple Polyphenols	Tea Tree, Maca, Horsetail
Cost per month	~$75	~$75	~$75	~$75	$49
Best for	Mild to moderate thinning in women 18-44	Mild to moderate thinning for perimenopausal or menopausal women	Male-pattern hair loss	Postpartum shedding and thinning	Scalp dryness and other scalp issues

Our experience testing Nutrafol

A common reason our testers gave for trying Nutrafol was to avoid medications and find a natural hair loss treatment. From a physical standpoint, Nutrafol was generally easy for our tasters to take. The capsules are smooth and tasteless, and they didn’t cause stomach upset, digestive issues, or aftertaste for our testers. Yet the daily requirement of four capsules was a notable drawback. Over time, swallowing that many pills felt tedious, even for testers already used to supplements. On the plus side, none of our testers experienced negative side effects such as increased shedding, stomachaches, or skin irritation, which is a common concern with hair growth products. The lack of adverse reactions was one of Nutrafol’s strongest points, especially for those seeking a gentler, drug-free option.

Overall, our testers have been pleased with their results. One tester using Nutrafol Men saw a significant reduction in shedding within about eight weeks. He also saw visible improvements in hairline density, thickness, and overall hair health over the course of a year. Consistency and patience were key, and the gradual progress helped reinforce long-term use. For some users, the high price for a month's supply was a downside. 

A few of our testers noted that many of Nutrafol’s core ingredients—such as ashwagandha, saw palmetto, and turmeric—can be purchased individually at lower cost and higher doses. Nutrafol proved effective and convenient as an all-in-one solution. But its cost and reliance on shipping or subscriptions can make it less accessible to some users than other supplement options.

Nutrafol is more expensive than many other hair loss supplements, but signing up for a subscription can lower the cost per bottle. Also, every subscription includes wellness coaching with a naturopathic doctor through the myNutrafol app. Our team was impressed by Nutrafol’s extra perk: Subscribers also receive a free Headspace subscription. Headspace is a mental health app with guided meditations, sleep guidance, and more.

I was worried about taking four large pills each day, especially because supplements sometimes make me feel nauseous. I was happy to find that the daily Nutrafol dose, when taken with meals, didn’t cause any nausea or discomfort of any kind. Also, the capsules contain so many vitamins and nutrients, it feels like I’m doing something good for myself each time I take them.” 

—One of our Nutrafol testers

Nutrafol hair loss products explained

Nutrafol has three main products: Nutrafol Women and Nutrafol Men for hair loss, and Nutrafol Skin for non-cystic acne and other skin issues. All Nutrafol treatments are drug-free and contain several natural ingredients, including vitamins, botanicals, and vegan or animal proteins. Here, we break down the top Nutrafol options for hair loss.

Nutrafol Women

Best for Mild to Moderate Hair Thinning

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• Active Ingredients: Sensoril® ashwagandha, tocotrienol complex, marine collagen peptides, saw palmetto, curcumin 
• Who it’s for: Women age 18–44 experiencing hair thinning  

• May also support: Stress management and sleep quality

Nutrafol Women pros and cons

Pros

• Contains collagen for strengthening skin, hair, and bones
• May help address lifestyle causes of hair loss, like stress 
• Minimal reported side effects

Cons

• Results may take 3–6 months 
• Must take four large pills daily 
• Not effective for severe hair loss compared to prescription medications

Nutrafol Women’s Balance

Best for Hormone-Related Hair Loss

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• Active Ingredients: Sensoril® ashwagandha, maca, saw palmetto, astaxanthin, marine collagen peptides
• Who it’s for: Women 45+ experiencing mild to moderate thinning or shedding  

• May also support: Hormone balance and mood

Nutrafol Women’s Balance pros and cons

Pros

• Contains saw palmetto for supporting hormone balance
• May help address hormonal and lifestyle causes of hair loss 
• Generally considered safe to take with hormone therapy (HRT)

Cons

• Results may take 3–6 months 
• Must take four large pills daily 
• Not tailored to all hormone-related hair loss (specific to perimenopause and menopause)

Nutrafol Men

Best for Male-Pattern Hair Loss

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• Active Ingredients: Tocotrienol complex, saw palmetto, curcumin, marine collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid
• Who it’s for: Men 18+ experiencing mild to moderate male-pattern hair loss 

• May also support: Overall nutrition

Nutrafol Men pros and cons

Pros

• Ingredients target the reduction of DHT (important in male-pattern hair loss)
• May help address hormonal and lifestyle causes of hair loss 
• Discreet and natural hair loss support

Cons

• Results may take 3-6 months 
• Must take four large pills daily 
• Not ideal for advanced male pattern baldness

Nutrafol Postpartum

Best for New Mothers

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• Active Ingredients: Shatavari, DHA omega-3s, apple polyphenols, tocotrienol complex, stinging nettle
• Who it’s for: Women in the first year post-childbirth  

• May also support: Anxiety and stress management

Nutrafol Postpartum pros and cons

Pros

• Contains theanine for stress management  
• May help reduce shedding caused by post-pregnancy hormonal shifts 
• Supports overall postpartum health

Cons

• Results may take 3–6 months 
• Daily pill count may be challenging
• Not a substitute for postpartum medical evaluation

Nutrafol Hair Serum

Best for Scalp Health

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• Active Ingredients: Ashwagandha exosomes, Irish moss peptides, sea buckthorn, pea sprout extract, maca
• Who it’s for: Anyone seeking better scalp health or a natural, non-oral hair loss treatment 

• May also support: Hydration and overall hair appearance

Nutrafol Hair Serum pros and cons

Pros

• Targets scalp health directly 
• Lightweight and non-greasy
• Dropper allows for targeted application 

Cons

• Results may take 3-6 months 
• Messier than oral supplements 
• May not address the internal root causes of hair loss

Nutrafol Ingredients Explained 

Nutrafol products contain potent concentrations of herbs, vitamins, and other natural ingredients. But their unfamiliar names may make it confusing to know what they are and how they work in your body. Here’s an explanation of the top ingredients in Nutrafol products: 

• Sensoril® ashwagandha: A patented form of ashwagandha, an herb that may help reduce stress and regulate cortisol. 
• Tocotrienol complex: A potent form of Vitamin E known to have antioxidant properties. May help support nutrition and lifestyle imbalances contributing to hair loss. 
• Marine collagen peptides: Easily absorbed protein sourced from fish skin, scales, and bones. Strong source of collagen, which helps support the strength of skin, hair, and nails.
• Saw palmetto: A plant extract that may help reduce the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It has shown promising results in the treatment of hair loss.³  
• Curcumin: The active compound found in turmeric, which is known for having anti-inflammatory effects. May help reduce growth-inhibiting inflammation around hair follicles.
• Maca: A root vegetable native to Peru, shown to be effective in balancing hormones and relieving menopausal symptoms. May help address hormonal causes of hair loss.⁴ 

How much hair loss is normal? 

Some daily shedding is normal for all of us. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re experiencing significant hair loss. Mary Alice Mina, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at The Skin Real in Georgia, states, “Normal shedding is about 50 to 100 hairs a day. If you don’t wash your hair daily, it can be a bit more.” Anything over approximately 100 hairs a day could be excess shedding. Usually, this is not subtle, and people will see clumps coming out in the showers or left on their pillow.” 

As Dr. Mina shared, hair loss or thinning typically involves a noticeable reduction in hair density. You may also notice changes to the hairline or a widening part, or the development of thinning areas or bald patches. Not sure if what you’re experiencing falls within the range of normal? Talk to a doctor or dermatologist to identify underlying causes and determine possible treatments. 

Does Nutrafol Really Work for Thinning Hair?

The Nutrafol website cites several studies showing promising results for people using Nutrafol to treat hair loss. These results include thicker, faster-growing hair and reduced overall shedding. It should be noted, though, that most of the research cited by Nutrafol is funded by the brand itself and may not take into consideration factors like baseline nutrition deficiencies or stress levels. 

Still, the experts we consulted agree that Nutrafol can be a helpful supplement for people experiencing hair loss. This can be especially true, shares board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, when they are filling a nutritional gap. “Checking for and correcting common deficiencies like iron, vitamin D, or zinc can make a huge difference,” Dr. Yadav says.

From our expert:

“Nutrafol can be a helpful option for some women with thinning hair, particularly those going through perimenopause or menopause. Clinical studies show modest but real improvements in hair density and reduced shedding after about three to six months of consistent use, with benefits continuing over a year for some users. That said, the results tend to be gradual and less dramatic than prescription options like minoxidil, and the strongest evidence comes from company-funded studies in women with self-perceived thinning rather than clearly defined medical hair loss.”

—Geeta Yadav, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Medical Director & Founder of Facet Dermatology

Similar to pharmaceutical hair loss treatments like minoxidil or finasteride, Nutrafol results require consistent use over a long period. You can expect reduced shedding after about 1–2 months of daily use. Improved thickness and new growth may take 3–6 months to become noticeable. 

Nutraceuticals, or food-derived products like Nutrafol, can support overall hair health. But they do not treat medical hair loss conditions like alopecia areata, a patchy form of hair loss that can begin in childhood. If your hair loss is advanced, work with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment. 

Around the three-month mark, I started noticing real, significant changes, which motivated me to stay consistent. One thing I really appreciate about Nutrafol is that it uses clinically proven natural ingredients. I wanted to avoid anything chemical, so this was a big selling point for me. I also like that the ingredients build up in your system over time, so after you’ve been on the program for a while, you can take a break if you need to and start again later.” 

—One of our Nutrafol testers

Who should and shouldn’t use Nutrafol hair loss treatments

Nutrafol hair loss treatments aim to support hair growth by addressing the root causes of hair loss, including stress, hormones, inflammation, and nutritional gaps. For many people, a nutraceutical like Nutrafol can be a helpful part of a broader hair-care plan, but they work best when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. “Make sure you’re also monitoring your diet, stress, and sleep,” says Dr. Mina. She also reminds nutraceutical users that it will take a good 3–6 months to see results, “so it’s important to be consistent.” 

Always talk to your doctor before starting new supplements. Who shouldn’t use Nutrafol: 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women 
• People with actively irritated scalps or sensitivities 
• Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions who haven’t first been evaluated by a doctor
• Anyone taking medications that could interact with Nutrafol ingredients

If your hair loss is sudden or severe, you should consult a health care provider before starting treatment. 

Nutrafol hair loss pros and cons

Nutrafol Side Effects 

According to our testers and several online reviews, Nutrafol is generally well-tolerated and has minimal side effects. In fact, many of our users said they chose Nutrafol because it's known to have few side effects. Still, not all supplements affect everyone the same way. Some Nutrafol side effects that may occur include:

• Digestive upset 
• Headaches 
• Dizziness 
• Allergic reactions to active ingredients like marine collagen, which contains fish proteins

Be sure to read the Nutrafol nutritional label before you buy, as its ingredients may cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some people. 

Nutrafol Alternatives

Whether Nutrafol is a good fit for your lifestyle and hair needs depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, preferred form of treatment, and the causes of your hair loss. If you’re not sure Nutrafol is right for you, consider these alternatives: 

• Viviscal has similar ingredients to Nutrafol, including marine collagen peptides, and could potentially offer similar benefits.
• Minoxidil is the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Rogaine, and topical minoxidil is an FDA-approved, clinically proven treatment for hair loss. Telehealth platforms like Hers for women and Hims for men offer both topical and oral minoxidil in varying strengths.
• Hair loss shampoos and conditioners, like those offered by the hair loss treatment platform Ro, may help support your hair’s overall health. There’s a lack of clinical evidence, though, to show that specialized hair loss shampoos and conditioners can reduce shedding or cause new hair growth. 

Tips for getting the best results with Nutrafol

Experts agree: supplements like Nutrafol are most effective when used daily for a long period. Because results take months, users must be patient and consistent. Nutrafol users should also manage their expectations. While reduced shedding, improved thickness, and better overall scalp coverage are common outcomes, results vary for everyone. “Nutrafol is just one piece of the puzzle with hair loss,” Dr. Mina says. It shouldn’t be thought of as a “magic bullet” or a cure.

From our expert:

“If someone is going to try Nutrafol, consistency really matters. Most of the data suggest you need to take it daily for at least 3–6 months before you see meaningful changes, with improvements usually starting around the 3-month mark. It is also important to set expectations. Supplements work much more slowly and subtly than prescription treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.”

—Geeta Yadav, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Medical Director & Founder of Facet Dermatology

Nutrafol contact and customer service information 

Nutrafol users can consult the myNutrafol app to seek advice from doctors about side effects or other supplement-related questions. For questions related to billing and subscriptions, contact customer service: 

• Web support: Visit the Nutrafol customer support page for answers to frequently asked questions. A chatbot is also available from this page, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. ET. 
• Phone: Call or text 800-454-3320
• Email: support@nutrafol.com

Frequently asked questions

How much does Nutrafol cost?

Nutrafol products range from $77–$99 per bottle, with each bottle containing a month's supply of pills. Signing up for a subscription can lower the per-bottle cost. Keep in mind that several months of treatment are needed to see results.

Is Nutrafol safe? 

For people 18 and over, Nutrafol is generally considered safe. Pregnant women should not take Nutrafol. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.

How long will it take to see results with Nutrafol?

You can see the full benefits of Nutrafol after six months. However, you might notice some improvements in fullness and volume as early as three months.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.