Another product backed by clinical research, Viviscal is made with a proprietary compound (AminoMar) that contains marine extracts, biotin, zinc, vitamin C, iron, and niacin, says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. She describes the product as “excellent for individuals looking to achieve thicker, denser hair.”
Indeed, multiple studies in men and women show the product may increase hair density and mitigate hair loss among participants with self-perceived thinning hair, says Dr. Daveluy.
What our reviewer said: Glamour reviewer Jess Bohorquez, who’s been using Viviscal consistently for about 18 months for her curly, thin hair, started noticing significant results about six months in. “The most noticeable difference is how my ponytail feels,” she says. “So much thicker!”
5. Best for 50-Plus: Nutrafol Women’s Balance Hair Growth Supplements
- Pros: Brand is backed by research
- Cons: Have to take 4 pills daily
This Nutrafol formulation is specifically designed for women 45 and older. Compared with the brand’s supplement designed for younger women, this product contains a slightly more potent variation of Nutrafol’s patented Synergen Complex, which contains saw palmetto (a plant compound that may target DHT, a hormone associated with hair loss), turmeric (a spice high in curcumin, which may reduce scalp inflammation and support hair growth), ashwagandha (good for lowering cortisol), and maca root (helps balance female hormones).
What our reviewer said: “I’ve never been so happy to see so many flyaways in my life!” says Kat, a Glamour reviewer with thin, straight hair who’s been taking the product for about eight months. “Even my stylist noticed a difference.”
6. Best Multivitamin: Centrum Multivitamin Tablet for Women
- Pros: Budget-friendly, just need 1 pill a day
- Cons: Not specifically designed or studied for hair growth, can be tough to swallow
Another easy-to-find, over-the-counter multivitamin, Centrum contains the vitamins Dr. Davis deems “essential” for hair health, including iron (100% DV), vitamin B12 (250% DV), and vitamin D3 (125% DV). More than 80% of Amazon customers give this product a 5-star rating, praising its convenience and value.Just know that swallowing can be difficult for some.
What our reviewer said: “It’s giant and hard—the biggest vitamin pill I’ve ever tried,” says Glamour reviewer Khara Hanlon. “I definitely wouldn’t take it on an empty stomach; it would make you pukey. But it has everything you need.”
7. Best Vitamin D3: NatureWise Vitamin D3
- Pros: Budget-friendly, just need 1 pill a day
- Cons: Would likely want to take this alongside a daily multivitamin to bolster supply of other important vitamins
Subpar stores of vitamin D can contribute to hair loss. “Of all the supplements, vitamin D probably has the most evidence behind it,” says Spencer Hawkins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon in Atlanta. Dr. Davis recommends folks concerned with their hair health take a daily multivitamin (many of which contain D3) plus a separate D3 supplement on top of that to really bolster their supply of this essential vitamin. “I always recommend an extra 2,000 IUs of vitamin D3 every day,” she says. (D3 is the natural form of vitamin D that’s produced by the body from sunlight.)
One potential option? These softgel capsules, which are available on Amazon and provide 2,000 IUIs per pill. The brand is manufactured in U.S.-based facilities that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, upping its chances of being safe and effective.
What our reviewer said: The pills are easy enough to swallow, “medium-size and football-shaped,” says Glamour reviewer Jason Taylor, who adds that they don’t have any weird flavor. It’s also more than your hair that could potentially benefit from the extra vitamin D, which boasts several health perks. “My immunity seems relatively strong,” Taylor says. “I have also seen some possible mood improvement.”
8. Best for Men: Viviscal Pro Advanced Hair Health
- Pros: Results backed by research
- Cons: Have to take pills twice daily, fishy taste
“Structurally, hair is 90% keratin, which is protein, and the building blocks are amino acids,” Sharon Wong, MD, a consultant dermatologist in London, explains. If you’re not getting enough protein through your diet, your hair will benefit from a supplement like Viviscal that boosts that amino acid intake.
For patients who are particularly deficient in protein, she suggests Viviscal Pro, which has a larger dosage than the brand’s standard supplements. “Viviscal Pro has a higher quantity of some of those vitamins and minerals,” she says. That includes iron, zinc, and vitamin C.
