Best supplements for hair growth for thicker, healthy hair

If your hair is thinning, these hair growth supplements may be the answer.

Best supplements for hair growth for thicker, healthy hair

by Caitlin Casey |
Updated on

Finding the best supplements for hair growth can be a game changer if you are looking for a different approach to hair care. It can be gut-wrenching when hair begins to get thinner and grey hairs start to show. It doesn't have to be so dramatic, though, when there are ways to keep your hair looking great for longer, especially when there are a variety of hair growth products available to buy.

The best supplements that are targeted to your wellness goals are a great idea but it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it's appropriate for you or any medication you may be on.

Best supplements for hair growth at a glance:

Best supplement for hair, skin and nails: Perfectil Hair – Buy now on Vitabiotics
Best hair growth supplement gummies: UK Lash OMG! Hair Vitamin – Buy now on UK Lash
Best hair supplement subscription: Feel Hair Loss Support – Buy now on Feel

From hair growth shampoos to oils and serums, there are many products to choose from. However, there is one that has fast taken over the hair growth market, and that is hair growth supplements that help to regrow thinning hair. They're quick and easy to take and have excellent results almost every time.

If you're not sure why your hair is thinning, it's worth looking into supplements. You can get supplements in all shapes and forms, including tablets, capsules, gelcaps, powders, and liquids. The trick to this is that all you need to do is add a supplement to your daily routine and you should start to see the strengthening effects not long after. It's much easier to incorporate hair growth supplements into your daily routine than hair growth oils, for instance. Collagen has many benefits, and to nourish your hair from within, the best collagen supplements encourage healthy nail and hair growth as well as helping your skin glow.

Vitamin boost

Wondering if hair supplements really work? We asked four Yours readers to put them to the test.

About the testers: Our fabulous reviewers (pictured below) are the leading ladies of the Find Your Midlife Magic movement, which focuses on the unique challenges women face in the ‘middle years’ and beyond. Aged 54-74, these four fashion-forward women are experts in looking great and have tried every hair trick in the book—ideal testers for hair-boosting supplements.

Find Your Midlife Magic
©Find Your Midlife Magic

Best supplements for hair growth

Tested

Best supplement for hair, skin and nails

Perfectil HairPerfectil
Price: £18.95 for 60 tablets

www.vitabiotics.com

The UK’s No. 1 beauty supplement claims to improve the condition of skin, hair and nails. It contains 28 micronutrients, plus biotin and selenium to support the condition of hair and nails. In addition, copper contributes to healthy hair pigmentation.

Rachel says: "My fine hair had started to thin and, despite trying various thickening shampoos, nothing seemed to help. However, I’ve been taking vitamin-packed Perfectil for the last six weeks and my hair feels healthier and fuller.

"I’ve also struggled with very weak nails, but they’ve been looking stronger lately, allowing me to grow them naturally instead of relying on gel nails. I’m pleased with the results so far and intend to keep taking them."

Pros

  • Hair feels healthier and looks fuller after taking these tablets for six weeks
  • Subscribe and save available to set up a repeat purchase
  • Replaces the need for a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement

Cons

  • Note this supplement is in tablet form, which might not be suitable for everyone

Tested

Best hair growth supplement gummies

UK Lash OMG! Hair VitaminUK Lash
Price: £20 for 60 gummies

www.uklash.com

These strawberry-flavoured UK Lash Hair Vitamins have recently been rebranded as ukhair Hair Vitamins. The gummies contain biotin, vitamins C and E, plus folic acid to boost the strength and elasticity of hair, nails and skin.

Christine says: "I’ve been trying the OMG! Hair Vitamin gummies for three months now, and I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of the chewy, sugary flavour. Personally, I’d prefer a capsule, but for some, a candy-like vitamin is easier to take.

"I’m lucky to have my thick hair back, despite losing most of it to chemotherapy 12 years ago, but sadly my eyelashes never fully recovered. However, I’ve definitely seen a difference in my lash length since taking these vitamins, so maybe I’ll keep chewing!"

Pros

  • Vegan-friendly ingredients, also gluten-free
  • Gummies are a sweet, tasty treat
  • Our tester saw an improvement in the condition of their hair
  • Praised in customer reviews

Cons

  • Note that the gummies contain sugar

Tested

Best hair supplement subscription

Feel Hair Loss SupportFeel
Price: £39.50+ on subscription

wearefeel.com

Feel Hair Loss Support claims visible improvement in hair volume, shine, density and brightness in 90 days. Its Keranat™ formulation helps to restore hair growth, strengthen hair and reduce hair loss. Take one capsule a day. Purchase as a one-off or sign up for a monthly subscription.

Bernadette says: "I have naturally very thick hair, but it does require a lot of maintenance. I wasn’t sure how I would feel using a hair vitamin – it’s something I had never thought of, as hair loss hasn’t been an issue for me. However, after taking Feel Supplements for several weeks, my hair looks much healthier and is really shiny too.

"The main ingredients are plant oils and Vitamin B7 and another positive effect I’ve noticed over the trial period was that my complexion was glowing, which is always a plus!"

Pros

  • Reduces hair loss, restores hair growth and strengthens hair
  • Contains omega 6 oils to nourish a dry scalp
  • Visibly thicker hair in 12 weeks

Cons

  • Rather large capsules which some individuals may find difficult to swallow

Tested

Best supplement for reducing hair loss

Glowwa Hair Food Hair VitaminsGlowwa
Price: £34.99 for 60 capsules

www.glowwa.com

Glowwa Hair Food Hair Vitamins is an award-winning hair supplement that claims to reduce hair loss and improve the condition of hair, skin and nails. It comes in capsule form, with visible results in as little as 12 weeks. In customer reviews and consumer trials, this supplement has received outstanding praise, with 98% saying they would recommend it.

Annie says: "I don’t normally take supplements, apart from vitamin D, and so I was interested to see what the Glowwa capsule would do – especially as I do suffer with dry hair, which sometimes feels a bit flat.

"I was pleased to see that the vitamins are in capsule form and I took two daily as instructed. They contain several B vitamins, including biotin, which is known to help hair, and they are also gluten free, which was an important consideration for me.

"After a couple of weeks, I was pleased to see that my hair felt bouncier and softer. I’m glad I tried them out as I want my hair to look and feel good – which it does!"

Pros

  • Outstanding results in consumer testing and reviews
  • Multi-award-winning hair food supplement

Cons

  • Some individuals may have difficulty swallowing capsules

Tested

Best supplement for edible hair care

Hair Gain GummiesNatalie Knowles/Hair Gain
Price: £29.99 one month's supply

www.hairgainnow.com

These apple and berry flavour Hair Gain Gummies supports healthy hair, skin and nails. The main ingredient is AnaGain™ organic pea shoots which supports the body's collagen production. In addition, the formulation contains biotin, selenum, zinc and key vitamins that give nutritional support for healthy hair skin and nails.

Tested by Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles: "When I asked my hairdresser if she thought hair growth gummies were any good, she poo-pooed them, but I've been taking a couple of these gummies everyday for over a month, and I'm certain my hair and nails are growing faster – hence needing a hair cut! My hair is very fine, and taking these Hair Gain Gummies with good quality shampoo and conditioner has thickened my hair considerably. The only down-side is that my gel nails need filling in, within a week of having them done!"

"Gummies are a treat if you have a bit of a sweet tooth because it's just like chewing a sweetie. These are strongly apple-flavoured. It's a good alternative if you have difficulty swallowing tablets."

Pros

  • Vegan-friendly and 100% natural fruit flavour
  • Price is reduced if you opt for a subscription
  • Customers and our tester saw hair growth and improvement in hair and nails
  • Fully recyclable packaging

Cons

  • Some individuals may not like the taste, it's a very strong apple flavour

Best value hair growth supplement

Evo Biotin Hair Growth SupplementEvo Nutrition

Made right here in the UK, these Evo hair growth supplements are primarily made of biotin—also known as vitamin B—which helps to produce red blood cells and deliver oxygen to cells. Adding coconut oil makes it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients. With a 12,000mcg daily dose of vitamin B7, this is a leading brand of high-strength and good value-for-money supplements.

You get more than a year's supply in this one bottle and only have to take one per day.

Customer reviews say that they have noticed an improvement in the strength of their hair and nails. However, results take a few months to become apparent. The tablets are praised for being small and easy to swallow. A minority of reviews say this supplement did not work for them. But the price point, quantity and majority of positive reviews outweigh the cons.

Pros

  • Contains additional coconut oil to improve the body's ability to absorb the nutrients
  • Biotin reduces hair loss and thinning
  • The micro tablets are 6mm, so they are easy to swallow
  • Gluten-free vegan and made in the UK

Cons

  • It may work better on nails first and it takes time to see a visible improvement to hair

Best wholefood supplements

Together Health Beautiful Hair, Skin & NailTogether Health
Price: £12.79 (was £15.99)

www.superdrug.com

These Together Health beauty supplements tackle hair, skin and nails with beauty-specific vitamins like vitamin A and minerals. They are plant-based, allergen-free and GMO-free, meaning trustworthy ingredients. In terms of vitamins, these capsules are great for those looking for vitamin C, biotin and zinc.

What sets these Together Health supplements apart from others is that they contain ten food-based vitamins and minerals. The formulation is based on the concept that wholefood ingredients are better absorbed and retained by the body and are gentle on the stomach.

Customers praise these supplements for improving the condition of their hair, skin and nails. However, it takes several months for the results to be noticeable.

Pros

  • Natural wholefood ingredients that promote collagen production
  • Gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed by the body

Cons

  • Some reviewers say they leave an unpleasant aftertaste

Best high-end hair growth supplement

Viviscal has been trending online for its successful supplement programme, which has been researched in over seven clinical studies on boosting healthy hair. According to the Viviscal website, over 92 per cent of users noticed thicker-looking hair after six months.

This pack of 60 supplements will last you a month. If you're looking for something for your man, they also have hair supplements for men. Additionally, there is a Viviscal Thickening Shampoo, which fortifies hair with biotin, keratin, and marine collagen, making it look fuller.

The pills are very small and easy to swallow. Some individuals might find they have a slight aftertaste, like Brewer's Yeast. Reviewers who have taken them for a few months comment on significant hair growth.

Pros

  • Available in packs of 30, 60, 90, 180
  • Contains Marine Protein Complex which promotes hair growth
  • Hundreds of customer reviews confirm that the supplement works

Cons

  • A little more expensive than others

Best hair growth supplements containing biotin

A powerful, beauty-boosting combination that ensures you maintain healthy, strong nails, radiant, glowing skin and fuller, thicker hair with all the beneficial vitamins and minerals you need. With ingredients such as biotin, zinc, folic acid and vitamin C all locked into one berry-flavoured gummy, this is the simplest, easiest way to jumpstart your summer beauty glow.

Customers praise these gummies for being easy to chew and swallow. They have a pleasant taste and improve the condition of hair, skin and nails over time. They have strengthened brittle nails, made skin cleaner, and made hair grow faster. However, they are more expensive, so it's worth looking out for offers, such as Holland & Barrett's buy one get one free or half price.

Pros

  • Easy to chew and swallow, plus they taste great
  • Customer reviews confirm that these gummies improve the condition of skin, hair and nails

Cons

  • Higher price-point than others, so snap them up when they are on offer

Best hair vitamins FAQs

What do hair supplements do?

With most supplements, all you do is take a small dose of nutrients and vital substances orally alongside your everyday lifestyle - hence the name, because they're a supplement to your normal diet. Supplements include a variety of nutrients to give your body that extra boost needed, especially as you start to get older.

Nowadays, there are supplements for everything - vegan or vegetarian diets, menopause supplements, extra collagen vitamins, iron supplements and so on. Today, though, we've found the best supplements to get the most out of what is on the top of our heads: hair growth supplements.

What ingredients and vitamins are best for hair growth?

Within each supplement, you will find a list of different ingredients like vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and enzymes, all of which add to your body in different ways. Some of these products are even included in certain shampoos, perfect for those wash and wear haircuts.

We spoke to TogetherHealth dietician Lola Biggs, for her expert opinion on what we should be looking out for in our supplement ingredients for hair growth.

"A supplement with biotin, collagen, peptides, keratin, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing vitamins can all help your hair grow back longer and stronger.

"For example, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against free radical damage that can block the growth and cause your hair to age.

"Good food sources are peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, and peppers. B vitamin (biotin) is another best-known vitamin for promoting healthy hair growth. You can find this in foods such as whole grains, meat, seafood, and dark, leafy greens.

"Zinc also plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair and can keep the oil glands around the follicles functioning properly."

How do supplements work in boosting hair growth?

We spoke to Dr Simoné Laubscher, the formulator of WelleCo’s revolutionary greens supplement The Super Elixir™ and the founder of Rejuv Wellness on her advice for anyone looking to get into hair growth supplements.

"Research shows that at least one in three women will experience hair loss or reduced hair volume at some point in their lifetime. However, we can all take comfort in the fact that this can be remedied with dietary and lifestyle changes – and sometimes with clinical treatments if needed.

"There are lots of potential triggers for a lack of lustrous locks, and these can generally be either genetic or reactive. Some people may be predisposed to thinning hair, while for others it can be caused by external factors including stress, hormonal imbalance, menopause, low thyroid function and insufficient nutrients such as low iron.

"A good diet can help to address such issues, while supplementation has proven effective in research towards preventing hair loss and preserving hair health, so filling any nutritional gaps with a premium quality multivitamin is essential for sustained healthy, strong and full hair."

What are your top tips for hair growth for mature women?

"Embrace mindfulness to reduce stress, for often we stress about things that we have no control over. Make a list of all the stressful things in your life and categorise them into ‘things I can change’ and ‘things I can’t change’ - get busy with the things you can change and take a deep breath; exhale the things you can’t change and trust that the universe is working for your best interests and all is well.

"Embrace healthy eating habits – more plants and fewer four-legged animals, healthy fruits (mainly with a GI of 50 or less), vegetables to provide good prebiotic fibre, more wild fish and good fats such as avocado, olives, nuts & seeds. This in turn benefits the way that you feel – and also the way that you look.

"Support your diet with powerful multivitamins. Over eight years ago when WelleCo’s founder Elle Macpherson came to see me, she was approaching 50 and her hair was falling out and her skin was very dry. Elle was taking many vitamins but, since they were synthetic, they weren’t helping her at all. I formulated The Super Elixir™ for Elle’s wellness goals; a plant-based, super greens formula that is easy to absorb and is full of hair-loving ingredients, including Silica and Horsetail Extract, as well as Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Copper, Zinc, Selenium and essential Amino Acids. And it’s super easy to make, just mix two teaspoons into the water each day and you’re done."

Meet the experts:

This article contains expert advice from Dr Simoné Laubscher, the founder of Rejuv Wellness, and TogetherHealth dietician Lola Biggs. We've made sure to review and evaluate each supplement we have recommended with the help of expert professionals. Always speak with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regime. This will ensure that the supplement is appropriate to you, that you're taking the right dosage for your individual needs, and to ensure it doesn't interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you may be taking.

Caitlin Casey is a Senior Writer for Yours, Heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture, as well as all things trending.

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