For many, hair is a matter of genuine concern that carries significant weight in their everyday lives. In the United States alone, a staggering 80% of men and nearly half of women grapple with significant hair loss, a phenomenon linked to low self-esteem and depression. Given the profound impact that hair has on individuals’ wellbeing, it is no surprise that people see hair growth supplements as an important part of their hair health routines.
The popularity of hair growth supplements is surging. As The New York Times reports, there is a growing “crop of influencers who have built devoted online platforms around losing their hair—or, more to the point, trying not to.” Some hair influencers have garnered tens or hundreds of thousands of followers, because hair loss is a widely shared experience, and addressing it publicly can build community and understanding.
Hair growth supplements offer one approach to managing hair loss.
What Are Hair Growth Supplements?
Hair growth supplements are dietary products designed to promote and support the growth of hair. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and typically contain a combination of vitamins, minerals, and other active ingredients thought to contribute to healthier hair. Most of the ingredients that make up supplements can be broken down into the following categories:
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various biochemical processes in the body, including those related to hair growth.
Examples: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, biotin
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic compounds that enable the proper functioning of various physiological processes in the body.
Examples: zinc, iron, selenium
Proteins and amino acids
Proteins are large, complex molecules that carry out critical cellular functions. Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body, including hair.
Examples: keratin, collagen
Herbs and botanicals
Herbs and botanicals are plants or plant extracts that are used for medicinal or therapeutic purposes to support healthy bodily functioning.
Examples: saw palmetto, ginseng, aloe vera
Hair Loss: The Need for Supplementation
Hair growth supplements were created in response to everyday consumers’ increasing concern over hair loss. Most people lose 50 to 100 strands of hair per day yet maintain a healthy head of hair because new hair grows to replace the hair that was lost. For some people, however, lost hair is not easily replenished. For these individuals, shedding outpaces growth, leading to thinning hair, or sometimes the balding of the scalp. In other words, hair loss.
The way hair loss manifests in people differs based on the underlying cause. Though there are numerous factors that contribute to hair loss, the most significant causes of hair loss are genetics and stress.
Genetics
A genetic disorder that causes progressive hair loss after the onset of puberty, androgenetic alopecia is one of the most prevalent forms of hair loss, affecting more than 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States. Androgenetic alopecia causes gradual balding in men and thinning in women by shortening the lifespan of hair follicles. Androgenetic alopecia is commonly referred to as male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness.
Stress
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is the result of a dysregulated autoimmune system that causes the body to attack healthy tissue, including hair follicles. Alopecia areata is usually triggered by extreme stress.
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a form of hair loss that occurs gradually over a short period of time. It is caused by a disruption in the telogen, or resting, phase of the hair growth cycle. Telogen effluvium is triggered by stressors like medical interventions, traumatic events, and illnesses. It has also been linked to hormonal imbalances like hypo- and hyperthyroidism as well as postpartum hormonal fluctuations.
Anagen effluvium
Anagen effluvium is a form of rapid hair loss that follows significant medical treatments, such as chemotherapy. Unlike telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium is caused by a disruption during the anagen, or growing, phase of the hair growth cycle. Exposure to toxic chemicals and scalp infections can cause hair to fall out while it is still growing.
How It Works: The Science Behind Hair Growth Supplements
Investigating the mechanisms of hair growth can be a daunting task, especially when scientific jargon is involved. For many people without a scientific background, words like “5-alpha reductase inhibitors” and “dihydrotestosterone conversion” do not inspire confidence but confusion. Such confusion only grows as we delve into the specific mechanisms of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and dihydrotestosterone conversion. In short, the world of hair loss and hair growth can be intimidating.
But learning how hair growth supplements work is definitely possible. Zooming out to look at the main micronutrients found in hair growth supplements can provide a basic understanding of hair growth and the science behind it.
- Biotin is a B-vitamin that plays a key role in the production of keratin. Keratin is a structural protein in hair, skin, and nails.
- Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that promote overall scalp health by increasing blood flow to the area. Vitamin A also helps with the production of sebum, a natural oil that keeps the scalp moisturized, while vitamin C helps with the production of collagen, a protein that strengthens hair structure to prevent breakage.
- Zinc and iron are two minerals that have been linked to hair loss. Zinc promotes hair growth by enhancing immune function. Iron promotes hair growth by facilitating oxygen circulation in the body.
- Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to a healthy scalp environment by reducing inflammation, thereby creating the conditions for hair to grow.
- Herbs and botanicals like persimmon leaf extract, green tea extract, and sophora fruit extract, as found in Bomme, have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the scalp, making it easier for hair to grow.
Ultimately, hair growth supplements work by targeting different aspects of the natural hair growth process, whether by strengthening hair or supporting the scalp.
It should be noted that while many supplements work by targeting specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies, others indirectly influence hair growth by helping people manage stress. As mentioned above, stress is a key driver of hair loss.
What Makes Plant-Based Hair Growth Supplements Stand Out
In response to the growing demand for natural and holistic approaches to hair care, many hair growth supplements have begun to incorporate plant-based ingredients into their formulas. According to BensLab, plant-based ingredients have less side effects than chemically-altered substances and thus pose a smaller risk to the human body. Plant-based ingredients are also frequently used in supplements because they are more easily absorbed by the body than synthetic ingredients, they have milder side effects, and they are environmentally friendly.
Bomme is an example of a plant-based supplement that utilizes the best of what nature has to offer in order to promote hair growth. Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, Bomme supplements rely on the powers of persimmon, green tea, and sephora fruit extract to reduce inflammation around hair follicles and create the conditions for healthy hair. Here is some insight into the ways that persimmon, green tea, and sephora fruit work to soothe and protect the scalp from the stressors associated with hair loss:
- Persimmon
- Persimmon leaf extract, or PLE, is a powerful antioxidant that has long been used in East Asian medicine due to its versatility. It protects cells, keeps nerves healthy, and reduces swelling and inflammation. PLE also provides the skin protective cover from the sun and slows down aging, which helps to keep hair healthy.
- Green tea
- Green tea extract is a natural antioxidant that comes from the flowering plant Camellia sinensis. It contains a chemical compound called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, that is thought to help with hair growth by selectively reducing 5-alpha reductase activity.
- Sophora fruit
- Sophora fruit extract, which comes from the fruit of the Japanese pagoda tree, is well-known for its rich antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic properties. Sephora fruit extract aids in growth of hair by reducing oxidative stress and modulating the immune system.
What Does the Research Say?
Emerging research suggests that supplements can be helpful in promoting hair growth. According to a 2022 review published by the international, peer-reviewed journal JAMA Dermatology, nutritional supplements composed of vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients have shown promising results in improving hair health. The review highlights the efficacy of nutrients like biotin, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids in nourishing hair follicles. The study also emphasizes the potential of supplements containing botanical extracts to encourage hair growth. Supplements formulated with saw palmetto, horsetail extract, and pumpkin seed oil were noted for their potential to inhibit hair loss by interrupting the enzyme activities that convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a sex hormone that shrinks the hair follicle and shortens its lifespan. This mechanism of action is similar to the drug finasteride, also known on the market as Propecia, and it can cause unwanted side effects like the loss of desire and libido.
Though not included in this particular study, Bomme is another plant-based hair growth supplement that is backed by research and clinical studies. Unlike the plant-based supplements included in the JAMA study, Bomme supplements do not block DHT and do not lower libido. Instead, they effectively harness the power of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to soothe the scalp and stimulate hair growth. In a 24-week, placebo-controlled human clinical study published in Skin Research & Technology, male and female participants who were given Bomme hair growth supplements showed significantly increased hair density and thickness at 8, 16, and 24 weeks.
While there are a number of studies that have found similarly encouraging results, it is crucial to recognize that there are limits to certain hair growth supplements. For example, biotin supplementation has only been shown to help those who have a biotin deficiency.
It’s also helpful to consider how prescription hair growth supplements work. The most popular are minoxidil and finasteride.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil—the key ingredient in Rogaine and Hims and Hers—is a drug primarily used to treat hair loss and male pattern baldness. As a topical solution or foam formulation, it can be applied directly to the scalp, but it can also be prescribed as a pill for oral consumption. The exact mechanism of action of minoxidil is not fully understood, but because it has been used to treat high blood pressure, it is believed to widen blood vessels, increase blood flow to hair follicles, and prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. However, the use of minoxidil for hair loss is not FDA approved, and side effects can include itching, inflammation, acne, and even more serious symptoms like chest pain, fainting, swelling, and rapid weight gain.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral medication also commonly prescribed for the treatment of hair loss and male pattern baldness. It inhibits the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that contributes to hair loss and the enlargement of the prostate. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp and prostate, finasteride helps to slow down hair loss. As The New York Times notes, “The drug is better at stopping hair loss than at bringing back what’s already gone.” Additionally, side effects can include chills, cold sweats, confusion, and dizziness. More serious symptoms can include bloating, hives, and rapid weight gain.
Compared to drug-based solutions to hair loss, nutritional supplements offer far fewer risks and side effects.
Are Hair Growth Supplements Safe to Use?
The 2022 review published by JAMA Dermatology found that hair growth supplements are generally safe and that most have minimal adverse side effects. However, the supplements reviewed in the study were primarily those with natural ingredients, which tend to have fewer side effects than chemically-altered substances like minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil and finasteride are medications that have been effective in treating hair loss, but they have several adverse side effects. Minoxidil, which can be applied topically or taken as an oral tablet, has been shown to cause hypertrichosis, or excessive hair growth over the body, acne, inflammation, and insomnia. Finasteride, on the other hand, has been linked to depression and a host of sexual side effects such as reduced libido.
Hair growth supplements are generally considered safe for most people when used as directed and in recommended doses. According to Dr. Rajani Katta, the overconsumption of certain ingredients in hair supplements can have adverse side effects. Taking too much selenium, for instance, can cause hair loss, skin lesions, memory difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues. Excess Vitamin A, too, can have negative side effects and lead to hair thinning. For this reason, moderation is key.
It is also important to note that the safety of supplements can vary depending on individual health conditions. Some hair growth supplements may interact with medications or other supplements you are taking. Others may trigger sensitivities or allergies. It is recommended that you periodically reassess the need for supplementation and keep track of any changes in health.
How to Choose the Right Supplement for You
While hair growth supplements can help individuals experience improvements in hair growth and texture, it is important to note that results can vary, and their effectiveness is not universally guaranteed. Here are the two main factors to consider when looking for a hair growth supplement:
Individual Needs
Hair growth is influenced by age, genetics, diet, and stress level. Therefore, knowing what your body needs is key to finding a supplement that works for you. For instance, if you have severe allergies or sensitivities, you might want to consider plant-based supplements, as they tend to be gentler than medications like minoxidil and finasteride. Whether or not you have special dietary needs, conducting your own research is essential. Look into products that have been rigorously tested by a third party.
Doctor’s Recommendations
As with any dietary supplement, you should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating hair growth supplements into your routine. Communicate with your doctor to ensure that any hair growth supplements you take are safe and suitable for your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nutrients promote hair growth?
Vitamins and minerals like biotin and zinc promote hair growth by supporting the production of critical proteins. Proteins like keratin and collagen promote hair growth by serving as the structural foundation for hair strands. Herbs and botanicals like persimmon leaf, green tea leaf, and sophora fruit encourage growth by reducing inflammation in and around follicles and soothing the scalp.
Do hair supplements actually work?
Existing research indicates that supplements can encourage hair growth.
Are supplements safe to use?
Hair growth supplements are safe to use, but as is the case with most dietary aids, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that the supplement you choose is suited for your needs.
Can supplements reverse hair loss?
While some forms of hair loss can be improved with supplements, there is currently little research to support the hypothesis that supplements can completely reverse hair loss.
How long do hair growth supplements take to work?
The timeline for seeing growth can vary based on numerous factors, including cause of hair loss, type of supplement, individual variation, and response to treatment. The plant-based Bomme supplements were shown to increase hair density and thickness in as little as eight weeks.
What can I do to naturally encourage hair growth without the aid of supplements?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to hair growth. Eating a nutrient-rich diet high in protein, getting adequate sleep (around 8 hours is optimal), and finding productive ways to manage stress are all ways to naturally nourish your scalp and encourage healthy hair development.
The Bottom Line
Hair growth supplements refer to dietary products formulated with specific ingredients intended to encourage and support the growth of hair. These supplements typically contain a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other active compounds that are believed to promote healthier hair. While there is some research that suggests that supplements can encourage hair growth, it is important to note that the effectiveness of supplements can vary among individuals. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating such supplements into one’s routine, ensuring they are safe and appropriate for individual health needs.
