The hair growth supplements are “nutraceuticals,” clinically tested pharmaceutical alternatives that are regulated by the FDA as dietary supplements rather than drugs. They promote healthier hair by addressing the root causes of hair loss and breakage, some of which can be lifestyle-related.
Nutrafol bills itself as 100% drug-free, instead relying on potent natural ingredients like saw palmetto—which helps block the DHT androgen hormone (or dihydrotestosterone) that shrinks hair follicles—and adaptogens like ashwagandha, meant to help you better handle stress that can lead to thinning hair. That's important, as stress hormones can impact the hair growth cycle.
Dr. Scott K. Thompson, a facial plastic surgeon in Layton, Utah, says that “Nutrafol’s blend of botanical ingredients is what really makes this hair loss product stand out among competitors. Nutrafol is not only promoting healthy hair, skin and nails, with both biotin and keratin, but it’s also addressing additional factors that can cause hair loss.”Â
The three core Nutrafol blends all contain the same 22 key ingredients (including biotin, amino acid-rich marine collagen, tocotrienol complex, and curcumin), but the amounts vary, to meet the unique needs of men’s and women’s bodies.
- Nutrafol Men has a larger amount of saw palmetto because men can be affected more by DHT.Â
- Nutrafol for Women has higher amounts of adaptogens to help combat daily stress.Â
- Nutrafol Women’s Balance is formulated for women experiencing menopause, addressing hormonal changes and the effects of aging with added saw palmetto as well as maca and astaxanthin. Â
The blends’ ingredients support hormones, address stress, neutralize free radicals, and make up for nutritional deficiencies, creating better conditions for healthy hair growth.Â
Dr. Thompson notes that “Nutrafol is shown to work best for individuals with mild to moderate hair thinning caused by either stress, age, or genetics.”Â
You can take a "Hair Wellness" quiz on the Nutrafol website that will suggest a personalized GrowthPlan, including the core blend that’s right for you and additional “targeted boosters” that meet your specific lifestyle and health needs. Targeted boosters include vitamin B drops, for increased energy; tocotrienols, which reduce inflammation via the antioxidant vitamin E; a probiotic, for healthy gut flora; and a liver support supplement, with ingredients to help lower oxidative stress and neutralize toxins.