Supplements For Hair Loss In Females

Are nutritional supplements or dietary changes safe and helpful for people who are losing their hair?

Researchers in Boston and Miami looked at the results of 30 different studies. Some of the studies focused on men, while others were mostly on women. Also, other studies looked at how children lose their hair. Based on the results of these studies, several brands of hair loss supplements and natural supplements were found to have the most promising nutritional supplements.

The Most Promising Nutritional Supplements For Hair Loss

  1. Viviscal
  2. Nourkrin
  3. Nutrafol
  4. Lamdapil
  5. Pantogar

Potentially helpful supplements include:

  1. capsaicin
  2. isoflavone
  3. omegas 3 and 6 with antioxidants
  4. apple nutraceutical
  5. total glucosides of paeony
  6. compound glycyrrhizin tablets
  7. zinc
  8. tocotrienol
  9. pumpkin seed oil

The study said that all supplements had mild or no side effects.

Health experts say that whether the supplements work may depend on the person and the type of hair loss, they are having.

The study found that zinc made hair thicker and denser, apple nutraceutical made hair denser and more hairs grew, and Viviscal made hair counts go up and hair loss goes down. According to recent research published in JAMA Dermatology, zinc, pumpkin seed oil, and other dietary supplements may aid with hair loss.

My Number 1 Supplement For Hair Loss

Nutrafol is a popular hair growth supplement that has gained attention for its blend of natural ingredients designed to support hair health from within. However, like any product, it has its pros and cons. Here’s my breakdown based on the research I have done:

Pros:

  1. Clinically Tested – Nutrafol has undergone clinical trials to prove its efficacy, making it more trustworthy than some other supplements on the market.
  2. Natural Ingredients – The product is made from natural ingredients like saw palmetto, marine collagen, and ashwagandha, which are known for their health benefits.
  3. Holistic Approach – Nutrafol aims to address multiple potential causes of hair loss, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and poor nutrition, providing a more comprehensive solution.
  4. Physician-Recommended – Many dermatologists and physicians recommend Nutrafol, and it’s often cited in reputable publications for its effectiveness.
  5. Gender-Specific Formulas – Nutrafol offers specific formulations for men and women, recognizing that the causes and patterns of hair loss differ between genders.
  6. Convenient – It’s a simple, non-invasive way to address hair loss, as opposed to treatments like hair transplants.

Cons:

  1. Price – Nutrafol is relatively expensive.
  2. Time-Consuming – Results aren’t immediate and usually require consistent use for at least 3-6 months.
  3. Not for Everyone – While many people see positive results, the product doesn’t work for everyone. Hair loss can be due to a variety of factors, not all of which may be addressed by Nutrafol. Honestly, it did not work for me.
  4. Potential Side Effects – Though made from natural ingredients, some people may experience side effects like digestive upset. It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
  5. Drug Interactions – If you’re taking other medications, especially hormonal medications, there could be potential interactions. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
  6. Not FDA-Approved – Dietary supplements like Nutrafol are not rigorously regulated by the FDA, so there’s less oversight compared to pharmaceuticals.

Nutrafol – Check Price

As with any supplement or treatment, I suggest it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Nutrafol can be a good option for many, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. And don’t just take my word, do your own research too.

Vitamins To Help Stop Hair Loss

Does what you eat affect your hair? Did you know if you don’t get enough of a few important vitamins and minerals, you could lose your hair? 

Find out what foods have these important nutrients, and if you want to take a supplement, make sure you talk to a doctor first. When it comes to vitamins, more is not better, and too much can sometimes be bad for you.

1. Iron

In order to carry oxygen, red blood cells need iron. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by low levels. Some of the symptoms are tiredness, pale skin, and hair loss.

You might have low iron if:

  1. You’re a woman who has heavy periods.
  2. You have a long-term illness.
  3. You’re a vegetarian or vegan

Some foods that naturally have a lot of iron in them are:

  1. Grass-fed red meat
  2. Leafy greens  Legumes

2. Biotin

The cells in your body need biotin (vitamin B7). Low levels of it can make you lose your hair, get rashes, and have nails that break easily. If your levels are low, it could be because:

pregnant or still nursing

Taking some antibiotics or drugs for seizures

Biotin is found in foods that most people eat. It’s found in foods like:

  • Whole grains
  • Egg yolks
  • Meat

Though it’s ideal for those who have thinning hair, this unique combination of biotin, zinc, and iron is also ideal for anyone who wants shinier, healthier strands or long, strong nails.

3. Zinc

Zinc is an important part of how your hair and other cells make proteins. Your body can’t make it, so you have to get it from food or supplements. Low zinc can cause hair loss, slow healing of wounds, and a weak sense of taste or smell.

You might have too little zinc if:

  1. are pregnant or feeding a child
  2. Have a disease of the bowels or very bad diarrhea
  3. Have kidney disease

zinc can be found in foods like:

  1. shellfish
  2. meat
  3. beans
  4. nuts
  5. seeds

4. Vitamin C

In order for your gut to absorb iron, you need vitamin C. Here are some good places to find it:

  1. Citrus fruits
  2. Leafy greens
  3. Bell peppers

Megan Byrd, RD, tells WebMD Connect to Care that eating foods with iron at the same time as foods with vitamin C will help you absorb the iron in those foods better.

5. Vitamin D

You might already know that bones need vitamin D. But did you know that having too little of it can cause you to lose hair? Sunlight makes your skin make vitamin D, but many people can’t get enough just from sun.

You can get more iron by eating fatty fish or drinking milk that has iron added to it. You can also ask your doctor for a supplement suggestion. Taking magnesium with Vitamin D will make it easier for the body to absorb.

Sebum, an oily fluid produced by skin glands that hydrates the scalp and promotes healthy hair, is aided by vitamin A. Vitamin A refers to a group of compounds that include retinol, retinal, retinoic acid and provitamin A carotenoids.

Studies On Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair

According to Harrison S, Bergfeld W. Diffuse hair loss: its triggers and management. Cleve Clin J Med. 2009;76:361–367. [PubMed] [Google Scholar], “Androgenic alopecia or male-pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in men and less commonly a cause of hair loss in women.” 

And in addition to Harrison S, Bergfeld W., according to Thiedke CC. Alopecia in women (women’s health). Am Fam Physician. 2003;67:1007–1014. [PubMed] [Google Scholar], it is interesting to note the common causes of hair loss in women are due to medical conditions such as:

  1. hypothyroidism
  2. medications including oral contraceptives
  3. nutritional deficiencies
  4. physiological and emotional stresses

According to Chen W, Yang CC, Todorova A, et al. Hair loss in elderly women. Eur J Dermatol. 2010;20:145–151. [PubMed] [Google Scholar], THair loss in older women may have more than one cause. In a study of 100 adult women with diffuse hair loss, the following were found to be the most likely causes:

  1. psychological stress (30%)
  2. fever (33%)
  3. abortion and delivery (21%)
  4. trauma or surgical operations (13%)
  5. hypothyroidism (10%)

According to the following clinical studies:

  1. Lassus A, Jeskanen L, Happonen HP, Santalahti J. Imedeen for the treatment of degenerated skin in females. J Int Med Res. 1991;19:147–152. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Eskelinin A, Santalahti J. Special natural cartilage polysaccharides for the treatment of sun-damaged skin in females. J Int Med Res. 1992;20:99–105. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Thom E. Efficacy and tolerability of Hairgain in individuals with hair loss: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. J Int Med Res. 2001;29:2–6. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Pereira JM. Uso do extrato de protefnas e polissacarfdeos de origem marinha no tratamento da alopecia androgenetica. Rev Bras Med. 1997;53:144–155. [Google Scholar]
  5. Majas M, Puuste O, Prästhacka B, Brorsdotter-Johansson P. 1996. Treatment of alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis with oral ViviScal for 12 months. Swedish Association for Alopecia. 

They found that women with sun-damaged skin could benefit from taking a mixture of proteins and glycosaminoglycans from the sea. The results of two studies showed that the look of sun-damaged skin got better and that the skin got thicker and more flexible. After 90 days of treatment, the hair and nails that were brittle went back to normal.

In later studies, a similar marine extract was tested with other natural compounds (Viviscal® Hair Nourishment System; Lifes2good, Inc., Chicago, Illinois) to see if it could be used to treat androgenetic alopecia.

Several six-month, randomized, controlled studies have shown that Viviscal works to treat androgenetic alopecia. The product used in these studies was first sold under the brand name Hairgain® [Parexel Medstat AS, Lillestrm, Norway].

In both 8-month and 12-month open-label studies, the same results were seen. Since these studies were done on men, we don’t know as much about how women with thin hair can use Viviscal.

What Are the Stages of Hair Growth?

  1. Anagen: Growing stage

The anagen phase is the first stage of hair growth. It is the longest phase, lasting about 3 to 5 years for the hairs on your head, though a single hair may continue to grow for 7 or more years in some people.

Fortunately, the anagen phase differs between hair types. For example, the anagen phase of brow and pubic hairs is much shorter than that of scalp hairs.

During the anagen phase, your hair follicles produce hairs that will grow until they are cut or reach the end of their lifespan and fall out(growth cycle or growth phase). At any given time, approximately 90% of the hairs on your head are in the anagen phase.

  1. Catagen: Transition period

The catagen phase begins when the anagen phase ends and lasts about 10 days. Hair follicles shrink and hair growth slows(hair cycle). The hair also separates from the hair follicle’s bottom but remains in place during its final days of growth.

At any given time, only about 5% of the hairs on your head are in the catagen phase.

  1. Telogen: The resting state

The telogen phase usually lasts 3 months. This phase affects approximately 10% to 15% of your scalp hairs.

Hair does not grow during the telogen phase, but it also does not fall out. In addition, new hairs begin to form in follicles that have just released hairs during the catagen phase during the telogen phase.

Some health professionals consider the telogen phase to be the shedding phase as well, but many scientists divide this stage into two parts: telogen and exogen.

  1. Exogen: Phase of Shedding

The exogen phase of hair growth is essentially an extension or component of the telogen stage. Hair is shed from the scalp during the exogen phase, which is often aided by washing and brushing. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day during the exogen phase.

During the exogen phase, which can last between 2 and 5 months, new hairs grow in the follicles while old hairs fall out.

Conclusion

After 90 and 180 days, hair grew a lot more when a proprietary nutritional supplement was taken every day. 

Self-perceived improvements after 90 days of treatment were greater after 180 days with more treatment, which suggests that ongoing treatment may lead to more improvements. These results may be the first time that it has been shown that a nutritional supplement makes women’s hair grow faster.

A healthy scalp promotes happy hair follicles and thick hair shafts, which increases the survival rate of your hair. Researchers have found that hair loss may be caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals that are important for normal cell growth and function.

Each person will have treatment options that are unique to them. It’s not the same for everyone. When you look at how these supplements worked, you’ll see that they were different. Additionally, a scalp biopsy or a hair sample may be obtained to explore the root reasons of the hair loss in greater detail.

Talk to a dermatologist about your options for treatment and what works best for your type of hair loss. She said that there is still a lot to learn about how supplements can help with hair loss. Talk to a doctor before talking recommended daily amount of any kind of supplements. Based on you conditions your daily intake could vary.

There are many things that can cause hair loss(underlying cause), like genetics, stress, giving birth, and more. A well-balanced diet and a vitamin can help with growth.

The bottom line is that it’s not just about food and supplements; you also need to look at your own situation.

Reference

Anna Shvets www.pexels.com/photo/person-with-bunch-medication-pills-on-hand-3683101/

Definitions

Hair Transplants – Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that removes hair follicles from one part of the body, called the ‘donor site’, to a bald or balding part of the body known as the ‘recipient site’. The technique is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. Wikipedia

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements – Viviscal is a brand of hair health products that sells shampoo, serum, and, most importantly, supplements that help hair grow. Viviscal promises to improve the look and thickness of hair that breaks or falls out a lot by protecting the hair and encouraging new growth (hair growth work). The main things that make Viviscal hair-growth pills work are(key ingredients): Extract of horsetail, silica, biotin vitamin C iron niacin zinc calcium marine collagen. Viviscal’s website says that it meets the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it is not approved by the FDA.

Hair Growth Vitamins – Biotin, folic acid, vitamins D, A, C, and E, and omegas are some of the “hair-friendly” ingredients that are usually in hair growth vitamins, gummies(Gummy Vitamins), and supplements.

Optimal Hair Growth – These vitamins also help to strengthen and nourish hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.

National Institutes of Health – The National Institutes of Health, commonly referred to as NIH, is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research. It was founded in the late 1880s and is now part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Wikipedia

Hair Regrowth – Hair restoration is another term for hair regrowth. This broad term refers to the various methods and techniques available to those suffering from hair loss. Topical medications, scalp micropigmentation, collagen induction therapy, or a combination of these techniques are examples.

Hair Oils – Hair oiling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of massaging oil into the hair and scalp. It has numerous advantages, including hydration, softening, and strengthening.

Vegan Gummies – Many gummis sold nowadays contain animal byproducts. Gelatin, a product of animal bones. Beehive-produced wax known as beeswax. the lac insect, which yields shellac. In addition, carmine, a beetle used to create the color red, is crushed. Vegan diets purport to be vegetarian. Veganism is the practice of not using any animal products, especially in your diet, and an ideology that supports this practice that rejects treating animals as a commodity. A vegan is someone who adheres to the ideology or diet. It is possible to differentiate between different types of vegetarianism.

Hair Gummies(like Berry Extraordinary Vegan Hair) – Biotin Gummies for Hair Skin and Nails Gummies, Hair Gummies, Biotin Gummies for Hair Growth Biotin Vitamins Hair Vitamins Gummies for Women & Men, usually Biotin 5000mcg.


Nails Gummies – Biotin Gummies for Hair Skin and Nails Gummies, Hair Gummies, Biotin Gummies for Hair Growth Biotin Vitamins Hair Vitamins Gummies for Women & Men, usually Biotin 5000mcg.

Nail Health – Prenatal vitamins for hair growth, especially those that contain biotin, a B complex vitamin that’s great for hair and nail health, are typically advised for nail health. What is recommended for hair growth is also recommended for nail growth.

Nails Vitamins – see Nail Gummies

Brittle Nails and Relation to Hair Growth – A sufficient biotin shortage caused patchy baldness and brittle nails, which could be treated by taking a biotin supplement orally.

Nutrafol Women’s Balance – Nutrafol Women’s Balance Menopause Supplement is a clinically proven hair growth supplement that promotes visibly thicker hair and scalp coverage during menopause.

Nutrafol Postpartum – A natural supplement that contains bio-optimized, clinically-tested ingredients to help women navigate postpartum shedding with confidence and grow healthier hair. Nutrafol Postpartum contains Synergen Recovery Complex®, a nourishing blend of carefully selected botanicals such as Shatavari, Omega 3s, and Apple Extract.

United States Pharmacopeia – The United States Pharmacopeia is a pharmacopeia for the United States published annually by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, a nonprofit organization that owns the trademark and also owns the copyright on the pharmacopeia itself. The USP is published in a combined volume with the National Formulary as the USP-NF. Wikipedia

Essential Amino Acids – An essential amino acid(hair proteins), or indispensable amino acid, is an amino acid that cannot be synthesized from scratch by the organism fast enough to supply its demand, and must therefore come from the diet. Wikipedia

Cosmetic And Clinical Research – Because any action the FDA takes on cosmetic safety must be based on reliable information, FDA scientists conduct cosmetic safety research and stay up to date on research by scientists elsewhere.

Coconut Oil – The wick, meat, and milk of the coconut palm fruit are used to make coconut oil, which can be eaten. Coconut oil is a white solid fat. During the summer, when the weather is warmer, it turns into a clear, thin liquid oil that melts at about 25 °C. The unrefined kinds smell strongly of coconut.

Oxidative Stress – Oxidative stress, which is defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses, is talked about in terms of its possible role in causing tissue damage in diabetes mellitus.

Oily Fish – Essential fatty acids, which are found in avocado and oily fish like salmon, can help with dry skin and scalp.

Postpartum Hair Loss(premature loss)- Losing hair after giving birth is a normal part of being pregnant and giving birth, and it won’t hurt your baby. But hair that falls out can get wrapped around your baby’s fingers, toes, or other body parts. This unusual thing is called a “hair tourniquet,” and it can hurt and stop blood flow.

Premature Hair Graying (premature greying) – No one knows for sure what causes hair to turn gray too soon or how it happens. It may happen for a number of reasons, including: People often point to increased oxidative stress as a cause. This can be caused by too much sun, pollution, inflammatory diseases, and emotional factors.

Three Autoimmune Diseases (Alopecia areatal, Psoriasis, and Dermatomyositis) – Autoimmune diseases are problems with how the immune system reacts to things it has learned. Immune cells sometimes attack healthy parts of the body by accident, telling the body to attack them. There are more than 3, click here for more NIH.

Cynatine HNS Keratine – Biotin, resveratrol, and Cynatine all mixed together. HNS Keratine is a substance that helps damaged hair and skin get better. Helps hair strands stay healthy so they don’t break.

United States Food and Drug Administration – The United States Food and Drug Administration is a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Acerola Cherry – Acerola is a tiny tree or shrub (Malpighia emarginata). When ripe, the fruit of this plant has a cherry-like appearance and is crimson. It contains a lot of vitamin C.

Saw Palmetto – Saw palmetto is a palm that grows as a shrub in the southeastern United States. Historically, it was used to treat a variety of conditions, including male and female reproductive organ disorders and coughs caused by various diseases. Saw palmetto is currently being promoted as a dietary supplement for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Saw palmetto is a hormone and should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, avoid using saw palmetto. Saw palmetto may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Love Beauty – On of my favorites. Fragrances sourced ethically. They are committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients responsibly. Each item contains an ethically sourced fragrance oil or absolute.