Hair loss — it’s one of those things that so many of us deal with at some point, yet it still feels like a bit of a mystery. Whether it’s the result of hormone changes from menopause or postpartum recovery, the aftermath of a stressful time, or just something that seems to sneak up out of nowhere, noticing more hair on the brush or the shower floor can be seriously frustrating.
So, I decided to get to the bottom of it. What actually helps? Which supplements are worth trying, and which ones are just clever marketing? To find out, I spoke to Riya Lakhani-Kanji a clinical nutritionist who specialises in women’s health and got real-life feedback from the HELLO! team. If you’re on a mission to strengthen your strands and boost hair growth, keep reading — this is everything you need to know.
- Best for people who don’t like swallowing pills / capsules - Imarais Nourish Haircare Gummies, £38 (SAVE 5%) / $49
- Best for adding extra collagen: Viviscal Hair Supplements For Women, £30 / $24.60 (SAVE 30%)
- Best year’s supply of hair-loss supplements - Nutravita Biotin Hair Growth Supplement 12,000mcg, £15.99
- Best for sharing with your other half: Numan Biotin Hair Growth Support Supplement for Men & Women, £9 (SAVE 10%)
- Best Vegan & vegetarian option: Philip Kingsley Density Amino Acid Protein Booster Supplement, £33 / $46
Can taking a supplement really help with thinning hair and hair loss?
“Absolutely, supplements can be a game-changer for thinning hair and hair loss,” says Riya. “If your hair troubles are tied to nutrient deficiencies, then boosting your intake of certain vitamins and minerals can make a difference. Look for ingredients such as biotin, zinc, and vitamins D and E, as they are particularly beneficial for hair health.
How I chose the best hair loss supplements
As well as getting expert advice and recommendations from nutritionist Riya Lakhani-Kanji, (scroll down for more information about Riya and why you should trust her) we also consulted the team of HELLO! Online shopping experts to find out their favourite products and brands - we don’t recommend something unless we love it. We also tried to cater for all budgets and needs, so you’ll find something for you in this roundup whether you’re looking for a vegan product, an easy-to-take gummy or any thing else that suits your specific needs.
Best supplements for hair loss to shop now
Viviscal Hair Supplements For Women
© Viviscal
- Best for: Those who want an easy-to-swallow tablet
- Form: Tablet
- Supply: 30 tablets (2 weeks)
- Primary supplement type: AminoMarC proprietary collagen complex; iron, silica, vitamin C and antioxidant-rich millet seed extract
- Diet type: Vegan & Vegetarians
- Flavour: Lemon
Carla Challis, HELLO!'s Commerce Partnerships Editor, says: "Google hair loss supplements and these are often top. I know many women who have taken these, me included, and have heard mixed results. Everyone I know who has stuck with them has definitely seen an improvement in their health, with some seeing new hair and others noticing less hair fall. Me, I took them for around 4-5 months and noticed a lot less hair fall. When you don't have a lot of hair to start with, that makes them worth their weight in gold.
"I'd say these are great for people who hate taking supplements or tablets, as they're very small and super easy to swallow. The recommended dose is two a day, one in the morning and one in the evening after eating, and this is where I struggled a little. I prefer taking my supplements in one go as I will forget and found myself quite often only take one tablet a day."
Nutravita Biotin Hair Growth Supplement 12,000mcg
© Nutravita
- Best for: A year’s supply of hair-loss supplements
- Form: Tablet
- Supply: 365 tablets (1 year)
- Primary supplement type: Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, Copper
- Diet type: Vegan
- Flavour: Unflavoured
Nutritionist Riya Lakhani-Kanji says: “If you're looking for supplements to help with hair loss, Nutravita has some options that can support your hair health. One of my favourites is the 12,000ug biotin formula. It includes ingredients like biotin, zinc, selenium and copper which work together to promote stronger and healthier hair growth.”
Imarais Nourish Haircare Gummies
© Imarais- Best for: people who don’t like swallowing pills/capsules
- Form: Gummy
- Supply: 60 gummies (1 month)
- Primary supplement type: Vitamin B2
- Diet type: Vegan
- Flavour: Blueberry
Carla Challis, HELLO!'s Commerce Partnerships Editor, says: "I am a sucker for a gummy supplement, and the Imarais Nourish gummies are absolutely delicious - taking two a day was an absolute pleasure, they felt like a fruity-flavoured blackberry treat. Taste aside, these actually worked. As in, after a month of taking, I started to see baby hairs sprouting.
"It helps that I was very meticulous with my taking of these - again, the taste makes you want to remember to take two a day. But my hair definitely grew a little, and that's not really something I've seen at all in the past few years. I'm not sure what sort of magic they do, but it worked for me!"
Numan Biotin Hair Growth Support Supplement
© Numan- Best for: Sharing with your other half
- Form: Tablet
- Supply: 30 tablets (1 month)
- Primary supplement type: Biotin, Vitamin A, B, C, E, and Selenium
- Diet type: Vegan
- Flavour: Unflavoured
Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor says: “I was specifically on the lookout for a supplement that is suitable for men and women, as my other half was interested in giving them a go to, so we settled on Numan. Three months in and we’re both definitely seeing results. My hair looks fuller and healthier, as does his. I’m enticing my nails are stronger too. The tablets are small and very easy to swallow too, which is a massive bonus, and they leave no aftertaste. I’m happy with the price too so we’ll keep taking them to reap the benefits.”
Philip Kingsley Density Amino Acid Protein Booster Supplement
© Philip Kingsley- Best for: Vegans & vegetarians
- Form: Capsule
- Supply: 120 capsules (3 months)
- Primary supplement type: Vitamin C, Biotin and Selenium
- Diet type: Vegan & Vegetarians
- Flavour: Unflavoured
Carla Challis, HELLO!'s Commerce Partnerships Editor, says: "I have used these on and off for years as my sister, who suffers from hair loss, swore by them. Packed with vitamin C, biotin and selenium, the sweet spot with these supplements is the Amino Acid count - they're formulated for you to reach your Amino Acid quota, which is the thing you need to support healthy hair growth.
"I found these quite easy to swallow (you take two tablets a day) and had no adverse side effects. I didn't see any new hair growth, but after a few months I noticed my hair fall was less. I think this is the key with these supplements - you might not see a whole new head of hair suddenly grow, but they help to make the hair you do have healthier, stronger and less prone to shedding."
Nutravita Vegan Collagen Formation Complex
© Nutravita- Best for: Adding vegan collagen to your hair-loss wellness regime
- Form: Capsule
- Supply: 180 capsules (3 months)
- Primary supplement type: Collagen, Vitamin C & E, Zinc
- Diet type: Vegan
Nutritionist Riya Lakhani-Kanji says: “Another choice from my favourite brand Nutravita, The Vegan Collagen Formation Complex is also a great option as it contains vitamins E and C, zinc, copper and amino acids that are essential for maintaining healthy hair.”
Hairburst Biotin gummies for Hair Growth
© Hairburst- Best for: Preventing breakage
- Form: gummy
- Supply: 60 gummies (1 month supply)
- Primary supplement type: Biotin, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamins B6 & B12
- Diet type: Low sugar
- Flavour: Strawberry
Editor’s Note: “These gummies are one of the best-selling hair loss supplements on the market, and the reviews are glowing. Shoppers report improved thickness and length of hair, as well as positive effects on nails and skin too. The dose is two per day, and they’re so delicious you certainly won’t skip them!”
Hair loss supplement FAQs - all answers from our expert Riya:
What are the most common causes of hair loss in women?
Women can experience hair loss for several reasons. On the outside, factors like certain medications, tight hairstyles, and stressful events (like surgery) can lead to shedding. Internally, issues such as thyroid problems, hormonal changes after pregnancy, and inflammatory conditions can also play a part.
Genetics are important too, especially in cases like female-pattern hair loss, which typically starts in the 40s or 50s, leading to a wider part in the hair. This can be linked to family history and hormonal shifts during menopause.
Scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis can further exacerbate hair loss. Using harsh hair products or heat styling tools, along with nutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin D), can also lead to thinning or shedding of hair.
What vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy hair growth?
Our hair is one of the fastest-growing tissues in the body, which means it requires significant nutrition to support healthy growth. Key nutrients like biotin, zinc, iron, selenium, vitamins A, C, D, and E, and protein are essential for strong, healthy hair. If we lack these vital nutrients, it can result in thinning, brittleness, or even hair loss.
How can women choose the right hair growth supplement for their needs?
To find the right hair growth supplement, start by checking your nutrient levels with a blood test. You can do this either through a doctor or by using a home testing kit. This test will show if you're low on important vitamins and minerals that help keep your hair healthy, like iron and vitamin D.
Once you know what you might be lacking, you can choose a supplement that focuses on those specific needs. It's important to choose supplements from reputable brands. Look for ones that are known for their quality and are transparent about their ingredients. It’s even better if they have third-party testing, which means that an outside organisation has checked their products to ensure they really work and are safe.
Are there any ingredients to avoid in hair supplements?
Vitamin A is really important for keeping your hair healthy, but you've got to be careful about how much you take. For women, the recommended daily amount is 600 micrograms. If you go over 10,000 IU (which is roughly 3,000 micrograms) every day for a prolonged period, it could actually be harmful and might even cause hair loss. So, always check the dosage on any vitamin A supplements you consider taking to make sure you're not going over those safe limits. It's all about balance!
What should women look for when reading supplement labels?
When you're looking at supplement labels, there are a few things women should pay attention to. First, watch out for fillers, which are things like microcrystalline cellulose or magnesium stearate. These ingredients don’t really help your health; they’re just there to bulk up the product. Also, be cautious with herbal ingredients that don't have strong research backing them up, as they could be unsafe or not work at all.
Next, check the dosage of the actual beneficial ingredients in the supplement. It's important to compare these amounts to the Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) designed for women. This helps make sure you're getting the right nutrients your body needs, especially for your age and diet.
When should someone seek medical advice instead of relying on supplements?
If you're noticing that your hair is suddenly falling out a lot, if your scalp is itchy or red, or if you've been taking hair growth supplements but aren’t seeing any results, it’s important to talk to a doctor instead of just relying on supplements. Other signs to pay attention to include feeling really tired, gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, having a family history of hair loss, or experiencing side effects from medications you’re taking.
Can taking too many vitamins cause hair loss or other health issues?
Taking too many vitamins can actually do more harm than good, including causing hair loss and other health issues. For example, excessive vitamin A can lead to dizziness and nausea, while too much selenium may result in hair loss, brittle nails, and stomach problems. High doses of vitamin E can interfere with blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding, and overloading on iron can cause fatigue and even organ damage. To avoid these risks, always stick to recommended daily amounts and opt for balanced, high-quality supplements.
Any other advice or tips to deal with hair loss?
Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining skin and scalp health by stimulating and nourishing hair follicles and sebaceous glands. While the direct impact of omega-3s on hair growth and thickness is still being studied, research indicates that a deficiency in these essential fats can lead to dryness, inflammation, and even hair loss. Ensuring you get enough omega-3s in your diet can help create a healthy environment for your hair to thrive. Opt for a high-strength variety like the one from Nutravita
Meet the Expert
© Riya Lakhani – KanjiRiya Lakhani-Kanji is a dedicated expert in women’s hormone health, gut health and plant-based nutrition. She has completed a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Human Nutrition, and has developed a passion for giving advice on various topics on improving health and wellbeing. With a focus on perimenopause, menopause, fertility, and pregnancy, Riya is committed to addressing the root cause of symptoms for a holistic approach to wellness.
Navigating through a wide range of concerns, including acne, weight loss, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hair thinning, fatigue and mood swings, Riya’s practice emphasises personalised solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. Drawing from the valuable insights of Professor Tim Spector in plant-focused nutrition, Riya encourages embracing positive lifestyle changes that promote hormonal balance and enhance overall well-being.
