This vitamin claims to fight hair thinning and loss, but it requires four capsules every day for several months. Nonetheless, hair stylists, specialists, and clients are ecstatic. Here’s everything you need to know.
There are several products available to address hair thinning and loss, ranging from shampoos to scalp treatments. But, among the many, many alternatives available, one oral supplement appears to be a shining star.
It’s Nutrafol, specifically Nutrafol for Women, a supplement that claims to increase hair growth and quality, especially in women with thinning hair. So, precisely how does Nutrafol work? And, of course, the million-dollar question: does it truly work? Here’s the lowdown.
The Fundamentals of Nutrafol for Women
Nutrafol supplements are available in four distinct varieties:
- Nutrafol Women
- Nutrafol Women’s Balance is a supplement designed specifically for women experiencing hair thinning or loss before, during, and after menopause.
- Nutrafol Postpartum, a nursing-friendly formula designed for use in the year following childbirth or breastfeeding;
- Men’s Nutrafol.
Each type costs $88 for a 30-day supply (one bottle), which is available on Amazon and Nutrafol.com, or you can join up for one of the brand’s monthly subscriptions for $79, which is accessible on the Nutrafol website.
All Nutrafol capsules have a combination of chemicals that work to address some of the primary causes that can cause and accelerate hair thinning and loss in women: stress, DHT, micro-inflammation, and poor nutrition.
According to the firm, all three Nutrafol formulas were developed and clinically shown to increase hair growth and thickness while also reducing shedding.
Yes, there is a distinction between hair thinning and hair loss, according to Bridgette Hill, trichologist and creator of Root Cause Scalp Analysis. According to Hill, thinning happens when hair fibers become damaged and break due to overprocessing, heat treatment, or even too much strain from tight ponytails.
A disruption in the hair development cycle, whether caused by hormonal changes, nutrition, or lifestyle, can result in excessive shedding, which, if it happens all over the head, is also called hair thinning, she says.
Hair loss, on the other hand, happens when the hair follicles shrink so much that they eventually disintegrate and hair stops growing totally. This is frequently concentrated in a single location.
Ingredients of Nutrafol for Women
All Nutrafol products feature the brand’s unique Synergen Complex (except Nutrafol Postpartum, which contains a different proprietary blend).
The Synergen Complex is a five-ingredient mix that has been demonstrated to help treat some of the underlying reasons for hair thinning and loss. More precisely, the following components and their respective benefits:
- Ashwagandha:
Hill claims that adaptogenic herbs can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol levels have been proven to abbreviate the hair growth cycle, which can result in premature shedding.
- Curcumin:
As an antioxidant, it lowers inflammation, which can interrupt the hair growth cycle. Curcumin can also be present in turmeric.)
- Palmetto, Saw Palmetto:
Hill says that a herb inhibits an enzyme that transforms testosterone to DHT (or dihydrotestosterone). This is significant since DHT is a hormone that can cause hair follicles to shrink and die (resulting in hair loss), she explains.
- Tocotrienols:
Plant-based chemicals high in the antioxidant vitamin E protect the scalp from environmental harm, promoting hair development.
- Collagen from the sea:
It provides a dosage of amino acids, which are the building blocks of keratin, the major protein found in hair.
Along with that complex, the Nutrafol mix contains a blend of additional vitamins and nutrients, each having unique properties that can help prevent hair loss, according to nutrition and food expert Nicole Avena, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
This contains vitamins A and C, which are essential for all cell development and repair; zinc, which “helps with cell reproduction, tissue growth and repair, and protein synthesis, all of which are required for normal hair growth,” according to Avena.
Vitamin D, which stimulates hair follicles and promotes growth, is also included in Nutrafol variants. Furthermore, a lack of vitamin D has been related to hair loss or slower hair development, according to Avena.
Finally, biotin, a kind of vitamin B that has been shown to help strengthen the keratin protein found in hair, as well as selenium, may assist the body use hormones and proteins to encourage hair development, according to Avena.
Biotin is particularly crucial for thyroid function and the hormones it generates. Furthermore, hair loss might be a sign of thyroid dysfunction.
It’s worth mentioning that the suggested daily dosage for Nutrafol is four tablets per day — a literal mouthful — and that they should be taken after a meal containing healthy fats (since some of the individual vitamins in the compound are fat-soluble) to maximize absorption.
It’s also worth mentioning that Nutrafol isn’t indicated for those who are on blood thinners, pregnant, or breastfeeding. And, as with any other supplement, you should see your doctor first, especially if you are already taking any of the vitamins in Nutrafol.
Nutrafol Effectiveness Research for Women
The Nutrafol company did a study on the Nutrafol for Women supplement variation, and the results were fascinating — however, it’s worth noting that the study had a smaller sample size of only 40 women, and the research was funded by the brand (aka not third party-tested).
Nonetheless, the study discovered that women with self-perceived thinning hair who took Nutrafol for six months experienced a 15.7% increase in vellus hair (superfine hair) growth and a 10.4% increase in terminal hair (thicker hair) growth, as measured by a phototrichogram, a tool used to quantify various stages of hair growth.
A physician also evaluated all study participants (including the second group of women with self-reported hair thinning who received a placebo for six months) and found a significant improvement in hair quality — specifically, brittleness, dryness, texture, shine, scalp coverage, and overall appearance — in the Nutrafol group.
Furthermore, more than 80% of individuals using Nutrafol noticed an increase in total hair growth and thickness.
According to Hill, the six-month timeframe of this research is sufficient time to notice these sorts of effects, notably a reduction in hair loss and an increase in hair density and volume. Another excellent feature?
Once you start seeing the desired outcomes, they should not fade once you stop taking the supplement: Unlike prescription medicine, the action of Nutrafol on cells and tissue has long-lasting, beneficial residual effects that will prevent an extreme reversal — such as abrupt hair loss — from occurring once you stop taking it, according to Hill.
Customer Feedback on Nutrafol for Women
Having said that, customer reviews for Nutrafol on Amazon are varied. Some people enjoy it: “I’m on my second bottle and have seen many of baby hairs and increased volume, and will keep taking it,” and “Nutrafol works, my hair has stopped falling and is growing gently,” are two popular emotions expressed by customers.
Doctors are also supporters of the supplements: “I’ve been using the product for about five years, and my hair has grown three and a half inches and become much thicker. I’m more confident in my hair today than I’ve ever been “Jeanine Downie, M.D., a dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, agrees.
However, some consumers are dissatisfied, with some reviews stating, “I didn’t perceive any improvement,” and “no changes in hair growth.” Nutrafol is also expensive and requires a long-term commitment, which some reviews see as downsides.
What is the last word on Nutrafol for Women?
As with any supplement, you should see your doctor before using it. But, as long as you obtain their OK, you may give it a try and see whether it works for you.
The main drawback is that there is no fast remedy for hair loss and thinning. While you may see some beneficial improvements in your hair after a month, the company suggests giving it a full six months to observe any significant effects in hair growth or thickness.
