A Pill For Longer, Thicker Hair? These Are Worth Your Money, Say Docs (2024)

Dr. Gohara's a fan of Nutrafol because it's chock-full of antioxidants, including resveratrol, collagen (the primary building block of hair), curcumin, vitamin E, and kelp. "This combo of antioxidants and vitamins helps to reduce the hormone DHT, which is responsible for hair follicle shrinkage and thinning," she says. Plus, it wards off environmental damage that can put your locks through the wringer.

Many dermatologists love Nutrafol because of the clinical studies that support its effectiveness. One study from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that 79.5 percent of premenopausal women aged 20 to 45 with thinning hair saw major improvements after taking it daily for six months. This brand is also loved by Women's Health senior deputy digital editor Maridel Reyes, who's a big fan of Nutrafol’s Postpartum OBGYN-Formulated supplement made for hair growth and full-body recovery support.

The main downside is that users have to take four pills to get the full dosage. This might not be ideal if you're not a fan of pills to begin with, especially since they need to be taken on a daily basis. But if you don't mind setting some time aside, the results you may achieve will be well worth it.

Biotin is well-known for being able to support hair health and growth, which is why you can't go wrong with these softgels from Nature's Bounty. Dr. Jaliman explains that enzymes allow you to metabolize carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids, and biotin is the co-factor that many enzymes need for the chemical reaction to happen in the first place. Research shows that those who have a biotin deficiency also seem to be more likely to experience the most benefits.

It also has 5,000 mcg which is equal to the 5 mg of biotin per day that is typically recommended by healthcare professionals. "The other nice thing about this product is that you only have to take one per day," says Dr. Jaliman. However, if you have difficulties swallowing pills, she suggests opting for a liquid or gummy instead.

In the past, celebrities have raved about this brand, but it's not just another A-lister-promoted supplement. These are packed with vitamin B12, which keeps the scalp and follicles nourished in order to retain growth. The blend of vitamin B improves hair elasticity, reduces dryness and breakage, and stimulates hair growth, says Erin Palinsky-Wade, RD, a registered dietitian and author.

She highlights that it also contains vitamins A, C, and D which are key for supporting scalp health as well. Vitamin A improves the production of sebum, which leads to a moisturized scalp, while vitamin C boosts collagen, leading to more protein. "Vitamin D can also help with scalp conditions like psoriasis by supporting the immune system and potentially preventing rapid skin cell turnover," adds Palinsky-Wade.

Viviscal's blend of ingredients (vitamin C, flax seed extract, and zinc, to name a few) help hair remain in its growth phase, called anagen. Like Nutrafol, it's backed by peer reviews from dermatologists and clinical studies, says Dr. González. At the same time, Palinski-Wade calls out that these studies were done a very small group, which might not have the same result on a larger population, despite the positive results from the sample group.

"The fact that this brand has taken the time to do clinical research gives it a leg up on many competitors," says Palinski-Wade. "The ingredients in this supplement can benefit hair growth, especially in those are deficient in iron, biotin, or zinc." Unfortunately, those who have a seafood allergy won't be able to take this, as it contains fish and shellfish.

With biotin, vitamin C, and folic acid, these gummies (that you've probably seen all over Instagram) might just be what your hair is missing. They have a sweet berry taste, making it easy (and delicious) to chew down. It also acts as a multivitamin. "These gummies provide 6,000mcg of biotin per serving, which is a B-vitamin that plays a role in keratin production and may help strengthen hair," says Palinksy-Wade. "The vitamin D in these gummies may also help to improve the appearance of hair."

Additionally, this supplement contains a mix of elderberry, inositol, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit hair. However, there isn't a ton of data that supports how helpful these can be in people who don't have some kind of nutrient deficiency, says Palinksy-Wade. That said, it's best to talk through this option with your doctor or dietician before adding them to your diet.

Many women in their 50s experience hormonal changes from menopause, which Dr. Mitchell says can be characterized by a "decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, thus increasing androgen levels known as androgen excess, which can lead to a variety of health concerns, including hair loss." Since estrogen maintains the growth cycle and promotes the follicle health of your hair, many women experience shedding.

However, Ritual's ingredients, which include vitamin E, boron, vitamin D3, magnesium, omega-3, iron, vitamin K2, vitamin B12, and folate mitigate those effects. They can also address some deficiencies and inflammation. And since it's formulated specifically for women over the age of 50, Dr. Mitchell says the vitamin also supports healthy aging all around in postmenopausal women.

Meet the experts

Mona Gohara, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine. Debra Jaliman, MD is a dermatologist based in New York City. Erin Palinsky-Wade, RD is a registered dietitian and author of Walking The Weight Off For Dummies. Hope Mitchell, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Perrysburg, OH. Nianda Reid, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Doylestown, PA. Oma Agbai, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Sacramento, CA and health sciences clinical professor at The University of California, Davis department of dermatology. Noelani González, MD is a dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York City. Vandana Sheth, RDN is a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes.