Hair shedding and thinning has to be one of the most stressful things that can happen. It seems to appear out of nowhere and it’s difficult to tell why it’s happening — and worse — when it will stop. Every time you take a shower or brush your hair you may hold your breath waiting to see how much hair is left pooling around the shower drain or on your brush. It’s an anxiety-causing dilemma, for sure. But you can feel better taking back a little control over the situation by visiting a dermatologist or trichologist who can help you figure out the cause of your hair shedding — and by taking a supplement that contains ingredients known to help promote hair growth. If you’re lost and wondering where to begin, these are the best hair supplements that actually help with thinning hair for women over 40, according to experts in the know.
Best vitamins for hair loss
You may be be overwhelmed by the vast hair supplement market and all of your options. If you want to start off slowly — with ingredients that experts say can make a difference in your hair but can also be found in food or taken as individual supplements — Dr. Anju Methil, MBBS, DVD, MD, dermatology and cosmetology, and a medical consultant at ClinicSpots, suggests these five winners:
Biotin: “Biotin is a B vitamin that is known to help with hair growth and strengthening,” Dr. Methil says. “It helps to improve the keratin infrastructure of the hair and nails, making them stronger and less likely to break.”
Collagen: Collagen is a protein that helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. It promotes hair growth, improves hair thickness and strength, and helps to reduce hair breakage, according to Dr. Methil.
Iron: Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for healthy hair growth, Dr. Methil stresses — Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, and taking an iron supplement can help to promote hair growth and thickness.
Vitamin D: “Vitamin D is essential for healthy hair growth and can help to reduce hair loss,” Dr. Methil says. “It works by stimulating hair follicles, which promotes hair growth and can help to thicken hair.”
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for overall health, Dr. Methil says, and they can also help to promote healthy hair growth. They work by reducing inflammation, which can contribute to hair loss.
Best hair growth supplements
If mixing and matching various vitamins and minerals isn’t your cup of tea and you want a one-and-done supplemental aid for hair shedding, the challenge is choosing just one among the sea of supplements out there. Here’s what hair experts have to say about their favorite picks.
Viviscal
“My favorite hair supplement recommendation that works for thinning hair is Viviscal,” says Dr. Reva Batra MD Dermatologist, medical reviewer at HairEverday.com. “It contains biotin, vitamin C, iron, and zinc, among other ingredients. This biotin supplement works like a charm for thinning hair.”
The biotin and iron in this supplement make the most difference because the most common reason behind hair loss is a deficiency of biotin and iron, Dr. Batra claims. “Viviscal will work great if the reason behind your hair loss is a deficiency,” Dr. Batra adds. “Of course, watching your diet is also equally important. If you continue eating junk, the supplement will not do much for you. But if you’re facing severe hair loss because of an underlying disease or condition then it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment options. Because you’ll need to treat the underlying cause before you can worry about your hair loss — because it might just be comorbidity.”
KeraHealth Hair Women & FoliGROWTH hair supplement
Trichologist Celestine Gitau, who is a writer for Hair and Scalp Health, says she is also a fan of Viviscal, but two additional supplements she recommends include KeraHealth Hair Women and FoliGROWTH hair supplement.
According to Gitau, the most effective ingredients present in these supplements include: Saw palmetto, a natural DHT blocker that helps stop DHT-related hair thinning; Curcumin, which inhibits the production of DHT to stop thinning; vitamin D, one of the leading causes of hair thinning through telogen effluvium, and marine collagen, which increases hair density.
These supplements are especially helpful for people with genetic hair thinning, those suffering from telogen effluvium caused by nutritional deficiencies, and women in menopause who are experiencing hair shedding.
What are the limitations of hair supplements?
Sadly, there is no one cure-all for hair thinning — it may take a combination of strategies to help.
“While hair supplements can be a helpful addition to your hair care routine, they cannot work alone in providing all the benefits,” Says Dr. Methil. “They should not be relied upon for the sole treatment for hair thinning. A comprehensive approach that includes addressing any underlying health issues, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet and hair care regimen will likely provide the most effective results.”
Also, It can take several weeks or months of consistent use before you start to see any noticeable improvement in hair growth or thickness, Dr. Methil reminds us. “Overuse of these supplements can lead to side effects,” she says. “For example, biotin supplements can interfere with certain blood tests, and high doses of vitamin A can be toxic.”
Other tips for hair shedding
First and foremost, visit a board-certified dermatologist or trichologist if you are experiencing hair shedding so that you can come up with a personalized plan for your hair loss concerns. In the meantime, Dr. Methil mentions several important steps you can take at home to get on top of it:
Eat Well: “Eating a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients, such as protein, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E, can help to promote healthy hair growth,” Dr. Methil says.
Squash stress: “Stress can contribute to hair thinning and hair loss,” Dr. Methil says. “Finding ways to reduce stress, such as practicing mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help to promote hair health.”
Be Gentle: “Avoid harsh treatments like chemical treatments, such as hair dyes, perms, and relaxers can damage hair and contribute to hair damage,” Dr. Methil says.
Look Into Topical Treatments: “There are several hair growth treatments available, such as minoxidil and finasteride, that can help to slow down or even reverse hair loss. These treatments should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.”
It’s easy to worry when your hair begins to thin and shed. But there are supplements, lifestyle changes, and hair care professionals who can help make a difference.
