Nutrafol Review: Do These Hair Loss Supplements Really Work?

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

Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Nutrafol.

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 widely used description is “a food or part of a food that provides medical or health benefits.”

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 2018 randomized controlled trial, Nutrafol women’s capsules successfully improved hair growth activity by addressing stress, micro-inflammation, and oxidative damage.

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.

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.

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.

Men’s supplements

Below are all of Nutrafol’s products for males.

Nutrafol states that its products should not cause side effects and should not affect a person’s libido.

However, according to 2019 research, people who consume kelp, one of Nutrafol’s active ingredients, may develop hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Edible seaweeds like kelp may also contain harmful metals, such as lead, aluminum, or cadmium.

Learn about heavy metal tests.

Saw palmetto is also present in these supplements. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that this ingredient may cause headaches or digestive symptoms. Doctors may not recommend it for those who are pregnant or nursing.

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 2020 review of hair, nail, and skin supplements raised concerns about this, as manufacturers do not have to demonstrate a product’s efficacy or safety prior to releasing it into the market.

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:

• biotin
• vitamin E
• saw palmetto
• selenium
• vitamin A

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:

• growth of facial hair in females
• contact dermatitis
• congenital abnormalities
• sexual dysfunction

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.

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.