It seems these days there isn’t a brand on Earth that doesn’t weigh in when the issue of hair shedding and hair growth is concerned. Some make big claims about supplements they swear will help you grow back all of the hair you’ve lost — plus hair you never even had to begin with. It something sounds too good to be true, it often is (unfortunately). But don’t let that stop you from discovering hair growth treatments that really do work — and those really can be found, we promise.
But, first, you may want to weed out the ineffective from the effective ingredients. Save your money — if a product is promising you that any of these three hair growth supplements will work wonders, think twice before believing them.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that is sometimes included in hair growth supplements, explains Caleb Backe, a hair expert for Maple Holistics. “While some anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest that MSM may have benefits for hair growth, the scientific evidence is limited and more research is needed to establish its effectiveness,” Backe goes on to say. “The current evidence is not strong enough to conclusively support the use of MSM as a reliable hair growth ingredient.”
That doesn’t mean that a supplement that contains MSM along with other ingredients for hair growth should be ruled out — just that it shouldn’t be counted on a singular solution.
Bamboo Extract
“Bamboo extract is often marketed for its high silica content, which is believed to benefit hair health and growth,” Backe says. “However, the scientific evidence supporting the direct effectiveness of bamboo extract for hair growth is limited, and more research is needed to establish its efficacy.”
Horsetail Extract
Horsetail extract is rich in minerals, particularly silica, Backe says, which is believed to strengthen hair and promote growth. But, just as with MSM and bamboo extract, the research simply isn’t abundant. “While silica is important for hair health, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of horsetail extract as a standalone ingredient for significant hair growth,” Backe says.
What works instead?
If you want hair growth ingredients that have been proven to help, it’s important to choose those that are backed by evidence.
Iron and Zinc
Put simply, iron and zinc are essential minerals for hair health. “Deficiencies in these minerals can contribute to hair loss,” Backe says. “In cases where hair loss is associated with iron or zinc deficiencies, supplementing with these minerals can help restore hair growth. It is important to note that supplementation should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional after proper diagnosis of any deficiencies.”
In other words: adding a ton more iron or zinc to your diet when you don’t have a deficiency isn’t going to create new hair, and it can be harmful to your health.
Minoxidil
“Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical medication for hair loss,” Backe says. “It is available over-the-counter and has been shown to promote hair growth in both men and women. Minoxidil is believed to stimulate hair follicles, increase blood flow to the scalp, and extend the hair growth cycle.”
Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved oral medication for male pattern baldness, Backe explains. “It works by reducing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals. Finasteride has been shown to effectively slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth in men.”
Hair loss and shedding can be stressful. But knowing which ingredients can work and which are just a waste of time and money is one way to help take some of that stress off your plate and help you find a solution that works.
