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Nutrafol is an oral supplement for hair loss. Multiple variations are available to cater to the different causes of hair loss. The company claims to use naturally sourced botanicals in its products.
Males and females often benefit from differing vitamin and mineral types, quantities, and combinations. With this in mind, some pharmaceutical companies develop specific formulas of supplements, vitamins, shakes, and health bars to benefit either male or female biology. A person should discuss their options with a doctor or healthcare professional who can help them decide, and choose the product they feel works best for them and their needs.
Hair loss is a common condition that affects at least 40% of females and 50% of males. In itself, it is not a serious condition, but it can affect a person’s mental health, leading to depression or anxiety.
As it may sometimes occur due to an underlying health condition, a person may wish to consult a doctor to rule out this possibility or get a diagnosis.
Nutraceutical Wellness Inc. manufactures the oral supplement Nutrafol, which it claims can address thinning hair. It markets versions for:
- males
- females
- the postpartum period
- peri- and postmenopausal people
The company also makes a line of Nutrafol boosters that it has developed to address specific underlying causes of hair loss and thinning. These causes are:
- stress
- hormones
- nutrition
- metabolism
- environment
The active ingredients in Nutrafol include:
- curcumin
- Indian ginseng, or ashwaghanda
- saw palmetto
- tocotrienol and tocopherol complexes
- piperine
- collagen
- resveratrol
- kelp
- horsetail
Nutrafol contains “nutraceuticals.” Although there is no formal definition of a nutraceutical, a
The manufacturer uses a proprietary approach to collect nutraceuticals, which reportedly makes them easier for the body to use and allows the company to provide a standardized dose.
The manufacturer claims that Nutrafol supports hair growth by helping the body work against contributing hair-thinning factors.
As many factors contribute to hair thinning and hair loss, the company says that a multifaceted approach is necessary to combat these issues.
In a
Additionally, the researchers reported no adverse effects. However, it is important to note that the manufacturer of Nutrafol gave financial support to this study, which may introduce bias.
Nutrafol’s products are for males and females with thinning hair due to age or stress. It also sells postpartum supplements and supplements for those who are nursing.
The company states that individuals can take its supplements to reduce the chance of hair becoming thin.
Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Nutrafol.
Pros
- there are products for both males and females
- they use natural ingredients
- there are one-time prices and monthly payments
- there is free shipping within the United States
Cons
- expensive when purchasing one bottle
- there are possible side effects
- it can take a long time to see results
- the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it as a medication
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) does not accredit Nutraceutical Wellness, Inc., and awards the company a B grade. The BBB awards the company 1.27 stars out of a possible 5, based on 15 customer reviews.
On Trustpilot, Nutrafol scores 1.6 stars out of a possible 5, based on 50 reviews.
Positive online reviews state that Nutrafol’s supplements are multitargeting, contain naturally sourced botanicals, and do not contain drugs.
Some less favorable comments include unnoticeable effects for months due to the growth rate of the hair, difficulties with shipping, and the expense of the products. Some customers were still receiving charges after trying to cancel a subscription.
Below are some products that people can find on Nutrafol’s website.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Women’s supplements
Below, we look at the range of products Nutrafol offers for females.
Nutrafol Postpartum
- Price: $88 per bottle, $79 for a monthly delivery
- Type: capsule
- Main ingredients: theanine, shatavari, DHA omega-3, tocotrienol complex
Nutrafol markets its Postpartum supplements for females to take in the first year after they give birth or if they are nursing.
The supplement contains theanine, shatavari, and tocotrienol, and the company claims this can promote thicker and fuller hair. It also offers a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
The company says these ingredients are safe during breastfeeding, but a person may wish to consult a doctor first.
However, some of the daily values in each serving are far above the recommended amounts. For instance, there is 250 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12, which is almost 9,000% of a person’s
The product does not contain gluten, dairy, soy, or hormones. However, it does contain fish, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Nutrafol advises a person can take four capsules per day, with meals.
Nutrafol Women’s Balance
- Price: $88 per bottle, $79 for a monthly delivery
- Type: capsule
- Main ingredients: saw palmetto, maca root, vitamins, and minerals
Nutrafol offers this product for females ages 45 and over who have thinning hair. The supplements are also for peri- and postmenopausal use.
The company claims the product targets the cause of hair thinning, such as aging and hormones, and helps promote thicker hair. It also claims these supplements may also help improve sleep and reduce stress.
It contains saw palmetto, maca root, and a range of vitamins and minerals.
This product is gluten-, soy-, dairy-, and hormone-free. It contains fish.
The company recommends taking four capsules per day and states that individuals may notice results within 3–6 months.
Nutrafol Women
- Price: $88 per bottle, $79 for a monthly delivery
- Type: capsule
- Main ingredients: ashwagandha extract, saw palmetto, vitamins, and minerals
Nutrafol Women claims to help improve thinning hair on the head, thicken lashes and brows, and allow the hair to grow stronger and longer. It is for females ages 18–44 with thinning hair.
It aims to target the causes of thinning hair, such as stress, lifestyle, and nutrition.
It has no gluten, dairy, soy, or hormones. Like other Nutrafol products, it contains fish.
A person can take four capsules once per day, and results may start showing in 3–6 months.
Nutrafol Women’s Vegan
- Price: $88 per bottle, $79 for a monthly delivery
- Type: capsule
- Main ingredients: ashwagandha extract, saw palmetto, vitamins, and minerals
This vegan supplement contains most of the same ingredients as the other supplement for females ages 18–44. It is free from fish and does not contain hydrolyzed marine collagen.
It also uses Nutrafol’s Bio-Blend over its standard blend. It contains pea extract, beet powder, and bamboo leaf extract, among other natural ingredients.
A person can take four capsules once per day, and results may start showing in 3–6 months.
Men’s supplements
Below are all of Nutrafol’s products for males.
Nutrafol Proactive Thinning
- Price: $88 per bottle, $79 for a monthly delivery
- Type: capsule
- Main ingredients: saw palmetto, ashwagandha root, vitamins, and minerals
Nutrafol Proactive Thinning is a supplement for males experiencing excess hair shedding and decreased scalp coverage. It claims to produce visible results, improving hair growth and thickness.
Nutrafol writes that the supplement targets stress, nutritional deficiencies, and aging. It reassures buyers that it will not affect their sexual performance.
Comparing its ingredients to the female hair loss supplement, it contains less vitamin C and prioritizes saw palmetto over the marine collagen blend.
The company recommends taking four capsules per day, and people can see results in 3–6 months.
Nutrafol Hairline Defender
- Price: $110 for a one-time purchase, $98 for a monthly delivery
- Type: capsules
- Main ingredients: reishi mushroom extract, saw palmetto, ashwagandha, and vitamins and minerals
This pack includes the Nutrafol Proactive Thinning supplement and a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibitor supplement.
Increased levels of DHT is a
People should take four Proactive Thinning supplement capsules and two DHT inhibitor capsules per day. They may see results within 3–6 months.
Nutrafol states that its products should not cause side effects and should not affect a person’s libido.
However, according to
Learn about heavy metal tests.
Saw palmetto is also present in these supplements. The
The FDA classifies Nutrafol as a supplement, not a medication. As a result, the FDA regulates it as a food rather than a medication. A
As with all supplements, anyone considering taking Nutrafol should first discuss it with a doctor.
Researchers have noted that some Nutrafol ingredients can cause health issues when people take the supplements in large quantities for extended periods. Pregnant people should also use caution and consult a member of their healthcare team before taking Nutrafol.
The ingredients that a person should monitor include:
In general, Nutrafol offers these payment options for people who are interested in their products:
- One-time price: This covers the cost of one bottle, which is $88 for most products.
- Monthly delivery: Monthly deliveries cost $79 per month for most products. Individuals receive a one-month supply of treatment, and they may also benefit from free consultations.
- 3- or 6-month delivery: People who opt for this plan receive a 3-month supply of their chosen supplements alongside free doctor consultations. Prices start from around $264. Individuals can pause or cancel their subscriptions at any time.
Many different products supposedly treat hair loss, but there is limited scientific evidence to back many of the claims the manufacturers make about these products. This is one of the ways in which Nutrafol differs from its competitors.
The FDA has approved two medications for treating hair loss: minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Clinical studies show that minoxidil prolongs certain phases of hair growth while finasteride slows hair loss and promotes hair regrowth. However, the side effects associated with these drugs include:
People can purchase minoxidil and finasteride from companies such as Hims, Hers, and Roman.
Viviscal is another dietary supplement. Similar to Nutrafol, this product aims to provide the nutrients the body needs to support all stages of hair growth. The company also sells “densifying” shampoo, conditioner, and elixir.
Nutrafol vs. competitor comparison
The following table compares Nutrafol to the above alternatives.
| Products | Price | Prescription required? | Possible side effects | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrafol | supplements | $88 | no | • headaches • digestive symptoms |
| minoxidil (Rogaine) | oral tablets and topical solution | varies by company | no | • facial hair growth in females • contact dermatitis • congenital abnormalities • sexual dysfunction |
| finasteride (Propecia) | oral tablets | varies by company | yes | • facial hair growth in females • contact dermatitis • congenital abnormalities • sexual dysfunction |
| Viviscal | • supplements • shampoo • conditioner • elixir | from $9.99 | no | • headaches • digestive symptoms |
Medical News Today’s hair loss product reviews
Read our reviews on hair loss products:
- Hims hair loss treatment review
- GetRoman review 2023: How it works, competitors, and FAQ
- Hims vs. Roman: Products, services, prices, and reviews
- Hers review: What to know about its hair growth, birth control, and skin care products
- Viviscal review 2022: What to know
- 20 of the best hair growth products for healthy hair
- 7 of the best hair loss treatments for men in 2022
Hair loss can be hereditary or age-related, but there are many other causes, including:
- hormone imbalances and high levels of DHT, sometimes
due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - events that place significant stress on the body, such as childbirth or surgery
- insufficient levels of biotin, protein, zinc, or iron
- inflammation
- thyroid conditions
- damage resulting from hair care products and practices
- alopecia areata
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
- medication
- scalp psoriasis
- environmental stressors
Despite the multiple factors that can cause hair loss, many treatments are available for the condition, ranging from shampoos and scalp treatments to hair transplants and supplements, such as Nutrafol.
To get optimal results from any hair loss treatment, a person should address any underlying causes and seek advice from a doctor.
A person should consult a doctor if they are concerned about their hair health or wish to try a new product.
They should also seek medical advice if they develop any of the following symptoms:
- sudden hair loss
- bald patches
- scalp itching
- losing hair in clumps
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) explains that physicians can determine the cause of hair loss and suggest the right treatment plan for the individual’s needs.
Here, we answer some of the most common questions relating to this company.
Does Nutrafol work?
There is little evidence to support consistent results across all Nutrafol products, and some of the existing evidence does not appear to be wholly impartial.
It is important to note that what works for one person might not work for another, and individuals should discuss any hair loss treatments with a qualified medical professional beforehand.
Is Nutrafol safe?
Users and researchers have generally found Nutrafol to be safe. However, some Nutrafol ingredients may interfere with medical tests, worsen bleeding conditions, or increase the risk of congenital abnormalities. As a result, a person should practice caution, particularly if they are pregnant.
Where can you buy Nutrafol?
Nutrafol products are available for purchase online.
Do dermatologists really recommend Nutrafol?
Some dermatologists recommend Nutrafol as it contains ingredients that studies have shown to be effective. Some research suggests that Nutrafol can help improve thinning hair in females.
However, people should speak with a doctor to make sure Nutrafol is safe for them.
Is biotin better than Nutrafol?
There is limited research suggesting that biotin can help people improve their hair if they are not deficient in the nutrient.
People can speak with a doctor to find the right solution for their hair loss based on the cause.
Hair loss is a widespread condition that can have a significant effect on some people’s quality of life. Many different factors can combine to cause hair loss, including hereditary genes, hormones, and stress.
Nutrafol is a supplement made from nutraceuticals. The manufacturer claims it is specially formulated to provide a person with the nutrition their body needs to support hair growth.
Limited clinical studies show that Nutrafol may moderately help hair loss. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for hair loss. Discussing different forms of treatment with a doctor may help a person find the best approach for them.