If you’re dealing with thinning hair, it can be challenging to find the right supplement that will genuinely help improve hair growth. Remember, your first step should always be consulting with a dermatologist. In the meantime, to ease your search, we reached out to experts who understand the common struggle.
They highlighted a mistake many of us inadvertently make: choosing the wrong supplement. They also shared which supplements to skip and which ones to prioritize for healthier, longer, and stronger locks. These insights aim to support you in your journey toward better hair health.
Read on to find out which supplements can make a difference in your journey to healthier hair. We checked in with Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology, Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, dermatologist and writer at My Eczema Team, and Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles.
Which Supplements Aren't Worth It For Anyone Struggling With Thinning Hair, And Why?
1. Collagen
If you're looking for a supplement to help reverse and treat thinning hair, Abdullah recommends skipping collagen. She notes that collagen supplements "come from the leftover gelatin" in the meat industry.
"You'll see marine collagen in supplements too, but does it help thinning hair? Collagen can help your hair come in stronger, and it will help the hair follicles hold on to existing hair for longer," Abdullah says. She stresses that "it won't help you grow new hair, however."
2. Elastin
The next supplement Abdullah suggests avoiding if you have thinning hair (and want to save money) is elastin. "This is an ingredient that will give your hair more elasticity so that it doesn't break as easily," she explains. However, she says that it still "doesn't grow hair, and it doesn't help with thinning hair."
3. Coconut Oil
When it comes to coconut oil as a supplement for thinning hair, Abdullah says that it "sounds nice on the label," but ultimately isn't as effective when taken in pill form.
"Coconut oil definitely makes the hair stronger when used externally," she acknowledges. "In a supplement, however, it's probably just making the other ingredients digest better," she adds, deeming it not worth the cost.
Which Hair Supplements Are Actually Worth Trying?
1. Biotin
Abdullah deems biotin to be a no-fail supplement choice if your goal is to grow back longer, healthier and fuller tresses. "Biotin is worth it. It increases circulation to the scalp to aid hair growth and stop hair thinning," she says.
"Biotin stimulates hair growth by increasing energy synthesis within the blood and delivering more blood flow to the scalp," she explains. "So whether you're taking it as a supplement or using it topically, it's bringing nutrients to the hair follicle where they are needed most," she adds.
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil
"Pumpkin seed oil is also worth it as a supplement ingredient, or even all by itself," Abdullah says. She explains that it has "been scientifically proven to grow more hair and aid those who have thinning hair."
Ultimately, she emphasizes that while biotin and pumpkin seed oil may be more beneficial to try than collagen, elastin, and coconut oil supplements, it is essential to visit a dermatologist or another hair specialist to decide which solution is best for your personal hair thinning situation.
Dieting Advice For Healthier Hair Growth
Ultimately, both Kung and Abdullah stress that visiting a dermatologist and/ or other hair expert to assess your scalp and hair loss is best when looking for a supplement. One supplement will not treat everyone's individual hair loss or thinning hair problem, they say, and taking many at once will not either. When prioritizing your hair health, Factor says to look at your diet, first and foremost.
"How fast your hair grows depends on factors like age, health, genetics and diet. Although you can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over," she explains. "In fact, consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss. On the other hand, eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help promote hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition," she continues.
With that said, Factor recommends foods like "legumes, like lentils, that are packed with nine essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and biotin." She also advises eating more eggs, as they "also contain B12, vitamins A and E, iron, and biotin."
"What you eat can have a huge effect on the health of your hair," Factor stresses while also listing nuts, seeds, liver, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and bananas as more biotin-rich foods. "A lack of the right nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss," she concludes. Good to know!
