Nutrafol Review: Do These Hair Loss Supplements Really Work?

• Best for postpartum shedding: Nutrafol Postpartum Capsules | Skip to review
• Best for menopausal shedding: Nutrafol Women’s Balance Capsules | Skip to review
• Best for all ages: Nutrafol Women Capsules | Skip to review
• Best for vegans: Nutrafol Women’s Vegan | Skip to review
• Best for light thinning: Nutrafol Men Capsules | Skip to review
• Best bundle: Nutrafol Hair Line Defender | Skip to review

Everyone loses hair regularly. The average person sheds 50–100 hairs daily. Usually, people will not notice a difference in hair thickness and coverage because new hair replaces the shed hair.

However, some people may experience balding and thinness, especially older adults. Around 53% of males and 37% of females experience some form of noticeably thinning by the age of 65.

Some forms of hair loss are permanent, although people may be able to prevent further thinning with medication. Other forms of hair loss, especially those due to nutritional deficiency, may be reversible with the help of supplements, such as Nutrafol.

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

Nutrafol offers supplements for males and females.

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.

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 a multifaceted approach is necessary to address these issues.

A 2022 study found that Nutrafol capsules successfully improved hair growth and reduced shedding in males and females. Over 6 months, males saw an 83.7% improvement, and females experienced a 79.5% improvement in hair density, volume, growth, and coverage.

Hormonal hair loss

DHT is a hormone that, in high levels, can cause hair loss. This hormone is most common in males, although it is also present in females. DHT binds to receptors in the hair follicles, which causes shrinkage and hair loss or thinning.

High DHT levels are common in people with androgenic alopecia, or male pattern hair loss. Saw palmetto, an ingredient in Nutrafol, may have properties that can help reduce DHT levels in the body.

However, a 2020 review points out that many saw palmetto products also contain vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients, which makes it difficult to determine the effectiveness of saw palmetto alone.

Stress-related hair loss

Hair loss may occur as a result of intense stress. This hair loss may resolve once the person is out of the stressful situation.

One of Nutrafol’s ingredients is ashwagandha, which research suggests may help manage stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha can reduce serum cortisol levels — the hormone responsible for stress — alongside serum C-reactive proteins and blood pressure.

Metabolism-related hair loss

Conditions that affect the metabolism, such as thyroid conditions, hormone imbalances, and inflammation, can affect hair growth.

Nutrafol contains curcumin, a polyphenol with many properties that may benefit health. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help protect against chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Reducing metabolic stress may help increase hair growth.

Nutrafol’s products are for males and females with thinning hair due to age or stress. The company also sells postpartum supplements and supplements for those who are nursing.

Nutrafol states that individuals can take its supplements to reduce the risk of hair becoming thin.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredits Nutraceutical Wellness, Inc., and awards the company a B grade. The BBB gives the company 1.15 stars out of a possible 5, based on 34 customer reviews.

On Trustpilot, Nutrafol scores 1.6 stars out of a possible 5, based on 69 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.

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 such as 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 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 the following payment options:

• 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 1-month supply of treatment and 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. 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 in males

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 can 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
• patches of hair loss
• scalp itching
• losing hair in clumps

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service explains that doctors can determine the cause of hair loss and suggest the right treatment plan for the individual’s needs.

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.