If you're suffering from stress, poor nutrition, or other life changes, you may notice that the first sign of your body's deficiencies is evidenced in your hair. Your once thick, full locks may have dwindled down to thin and sparse, or worse, began to fall out.

If you're already going through a difficult time, having your "crowning glory" appear less than stellar can make things feel even worse. The good news is, while a pill doesn't exist to combat life's stresses, you can at least work your way to healthy, happy hair through a once-daily hair vitamin.

But if you feel lost in a sea of rainbow-colored pills, gummies and tablets, you're not alone. While all hair vitamins are designed with the same end-game, to strengthen and help regrow hair, their ingredients vary as widely as the results experienced, which may make it tricky to pick the best hair vitamins without first doing a little research.

To make selecting your hair supplement easy, we've found the 10 best hair vitamins and rated them based on their benefits and effectiveness, and warn you about any potential side effects. 

If you’d like a supplement which not only thickens, but has been clinically proven to help regrow thinning, balding hair, you’ll want to check out Nutrafol Women’s, which is one of the best hair vitamins currently on the market.

Nutrafol is a physician formulated supplement, designed with natural ingredients proven to help regrow hair. The results of testing indicate that 80% of women experienced increased hair growth and thickness. In addition to helping thicken hair, Nutrafol’s ingredients are also effective at improving skin, nails, sleep and mood.

Nutrafol contains Sensoril® Ashwagandha Root to help combat stress and fatigue, and marine-based collagen for healthy skin.

Nutrafol also contains a tocopherol complex of high-level, clinically advanced Vitamin E for hair regrowth and known for its antioxidant properties.

However, the product is not without its potential for allergic reactions. While this side effect is rare, the company advises that it is possible and the product should be discontinued immediately if you experience an allergic reaction.

Despite this drawback, Nutrafol is not only clinically proven but also a recipient of an Allure magazine best of beauty award for its effectiveness at thickening and re-growing thinning hair.

Key Features
  • Clinically proven formula recommended by 1500+ dermatologists
  • Improves and thickens hair which is thinning and balding
  • Improves skin, nails, mood and sleep
  • Advanced natural ingredients/100% drug free formula
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Marine Collagen, Sensoril® Ashwagandha Root, Vitamin E
  • Package Size: 120 capsules
  • Effectiveness Time: 4 months
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2/day
  • Brand: Nutrafol
Pros
  • Thickens and regrows thinning hair
  • Also helps improve skin, nails, mood and sleep
  • Clinically proven effective on 80% of women
Cons
  • Possible allergic reaction
  • Not vegetarian friendly-contains fish-based collagen

If you follow a vegetarian or GMO-free diet, shouldn’t your supplement also be free from ingredients you’d like to avoid? HairAnew thinks so, which is why their capsules are free from collagen and other animal byproducts. HairAnew is also GMO and sugar-free, and contains no soy or other known allergens.

So now that we know what HairAnew doesn’t contain, let’s talk about what it does. HairAnew contains 11 nutrients which have been proven effective in providing stronger, healthier hair, including biotin, and Vitamins C and E.

And while some nutritional supplements have recently come under fire for containing less percentage of active ingredients than what is claimed on the label, HairAnew isn’t one of them. The company provides the results of an independent lab test analysis which shows all ingredient levels met or exceeded the dosage stated on the nutrition label.

The downside to HairAnew is it contains horsetail extract which may cause nausea and insomnia in some individuals. If you find that these side effects don’t disappear after a few days, you may have a sensitivity to horsetail extract and should seek an alternative product without this ingredient.

However, those without sensitivities to this product will reap the positive benefits of HairAnew’s 11 active vitamins and minerals and see healthier, stronger hair with continued daily use.

Key Features
  • GMO, Sugar, and Soy-Free
  • No animal byproducts or testing
  • Contains 11 active vitamins and minerals to strengthen and nourish hair
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Biotin, Vitamins C and E
  • Package Size: 60 capsules
  • Effectiveness Time: 4 weeks
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 capsules/daily
Pros
  • Vegetarian friendly
  • Proven ingredient levels in lab testing
  • Nourishes and strengthens hair
Cons
  • Contains horsetail extract
  • May cause nausea or insomnia

If you’re looking for an all-over beautifying vitamin from a trusted name in supplements, look no further than Nature’s Bounty Hair Skin & Nails Gummies.

These gummies are both delicious and easy to swallow, and provide a boost of Vitamin C, E and Biotin to your diet. The gummies are designed to provide you with healthy hair, strong nails, and supple, nourished skin.

Nature’s Bounty Hair Skin & Nails Gummies include Vitamin C which helps support your body’s natural collagen production, for skin that is supple, smooth and glowing.

Nature’s Bounty also includes 2500 mcg of Biotin, to help provide your hair with the strength it needs from the inside out.

However, while Nature’s Bounty gummies are free from soy, lactose, gluten and artificial flavors, be advised that they are not vegetarian friendly. The gelatin in the gummies is sourced from porcine, so if your diet does not allow for pork, you’ll want to skip these vitamins.

But, if you’d like a vitamin that pulls triple duty for hair, skin and nails in a great tasting, easy to swallow formula, Nature’s Bounty gummies offer a delicious and effective beautifying solution.

Key Features
  • Contains Vitamin C to stimulate collagen production
  • Contains Vitamin E for antioxidant
  • Contains Biotin to strengthen hair
  • Great tasting, strawberry flavored gummies
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Biotin, Vitamins C & E
  • Package Size: 140 gummies
  • Effectiveness Time: 2 weeks
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 gummies/day
Pros
  • Easy to take
  • Effective for hair, skin and nails
  • Delicious strawberry flavor
Cons
  • Not suitable for vegetarians
  • Gelatin made from pork-derived ingredients

If you’d like a vitamin that not only provides healthy hair, but also nourished skin and nails, OLLY Undeniable Beauty Gummies offers an all-over beautifying formula.

OLLY Undeniable Beauty Gummies are great tasting and gluten-free, and they offer a delicious grapefruit flavor which makes taking your vitamins both easy and enjoyable.

OLLY contains a blend of keratin, for strong, nourished hair, Biotin which helps metabolize fats and proteins, and Vitamin C to aid in collagen production. The result is a vitamin which promotes a healthy, glowing appearance from just two gummies a day.

While most of the ingredients on the list are pretty standard fare, it’s OLLY’s addition of keratin which elevates this hair vitamin above the competition. Keratin is known for its effectiveness at nourishing and strengthening hair, as evidenced by its appearance in countless beauty treatments.

However, the downside to these gummies is they do expire fairly quickly and, as with other vitamins, will lose their effectiveness the longer they sit.

OLLY may also cause skin sensitivity or allergies so if you notice a negative reaction, it’s advised to discontinue use of the product.

Key Features
  • Great tasting grapefruit-flavored gummies
  • All-over beauty vitamin, designed to provide healthier hair, skin and nails
  • Contains Biotin, vitamin C, and keratin for whole-body health
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Biotin, vitamin C, and keratin
  • Package Size: 60 count/30-day supply
  • Effectiveness Time: 1-2 weeks
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 vitamins/day
Pros
  • Contains Keratin, a known hair strengthener
  • Provides healthier hair, skin and nails
  • Easy to take/tastes great
  • No artificial colors
Cons
  • May cause skin allergies or rash
  • Expires quickly/loses effectiveness

Perhaps the best known of all hair vitamins, SugarBear Hair is a favorite among celebrities and social media influencers alike. Touted as a delicious alternative to large, bulky pills, SugarBear promises to give you gorgeous, healthy hair from just two vitamins a day.

And although it doesn’t sound logical, SugarBear Hair actually makes taking vitamins fun. Every jar of SugarBear comes chock full of adorable neon blue bear shaped gummies that taste every bit as good as they look. But unfortunately, they taste a little too great, as you’d be hard pressed to differentiate between SugarBears and candy. So, while it may be tempting to grab a handful of gummies and veg out, try to resist the urge!

But beyond its cute exterior, the two little bears you swallow each day are packed with Biotin, Vitamin D and B-12, which provide stronger, healthier hair. While everyone is different, you can expect to notice visible results within 2 weeks of continued daily use.

However, SugarBear is not without its side effects, which include acne and breakouts. Therefore, if you decide to give SugarBear a try, you may want to purchase only a 30-day supply, to judge how your skin reacts.

SugarBear Hair is perfect for those who hate swallowing pills, and with their great taste and bright blue color, you’ll never again forget to take your vitamins!

Key Features
  • Chewable gummy vitamins for those who dislike swallowing pills
  • Vegetarian formula contains no gelatin, dairy or gluten
  • Nourishing, cruelty-free formula
  • Active ingredients include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B-12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Iodine, Zinc, Choline, Inositol
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin C
  • Package Size: 60 pieces
  • Effectiveness Time: 1-2 weeks
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 vitamins/day
Pros
  • Tastes great
  • Strengthens and lengthens hair
  • Bright color makes them easy to remember to take daily
Cons
  • May cause breakouts
  • May cause hormonal imbalance

If you’re seeking a cutting-edge formula that's also one of the best hair vitamins right now, you may want to try Physician’s Choice Hair Growth Vitamins, which include an advanced form of keratin called Cynatine HNS for ultra-strength, as well as full-spectrum Vitamin E to help nourish hair at the cellular level.

Physician’s Choice has also added BioPerine, a highly potent black pepper extract that allows for advanced absorption of vitamins and minerals. The addition of this ingredient is important because critics of Biotin, the primary ingredient in all hair vitamins, attest that the supplement is not well-absorbed by the body. However, with the addition of black pepper extract Physician’s Choice has created a formula which allows for better absorption of Biotin as well as all other minerals found in the supplement.

Physician’s Choice also provides results of clinical testing, which indicate 97 percent of users experienced increased hair growth, 75 percent saw increased strength, and 44 percent noticed a reduction in hair loss.

However, it’s important to note, some users reported side effects of nausea and upset stomach. Usually these symptoms subside after a few days of taking the supplement, but if they don’t clear up or worsen, you’ll want to discontinue use of the product.

Key Features
  • Provides clinically proven results- 91.7% of users reported increased hair growth, 75% experienced healthier hair, and 44% noticed reduced hair loss
  • Contains a blend of EVNolMax (Vitamin E), antioxidants, and Biotin to nourish hair
  • Additionally, contains Keratin, Folate, Bamboo, and Icelandic Kelp to stimulate growth and strength
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Biotin, Keratin, Vitamins B, C, D and E
  • Package Size: 60 capsules
  • Effectiveness Time: 2 weeks
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 capsules/daily
Pros
  • Includes full-spectrum Vitamin E
  • Nourishes hair at the cellular level
  • Clinically proven results
  • Black pepper extract for better absorption
Cons
  • May cause nausea

If you find that your hair is thinning, you may also notice dull, dry skin and achy joints. While there are several health-related causes of this, MAV Nutrition provides an advanced collagen supplement which can counteract these unpleasant symptoms.

Using the power of hydrolyzed collagen Types I & III, MAV’s supplement works to improve the appearance of hair, skin, and nails, and reduce joint and body aches.

By taking just two gummies a day, you’ll notice nourished hair, improved skin tone and elasticity, stronger hair, and increased joint mobility.

In addition to its primary collagen ingredients, MAV also includes Biotin, Vitamins C and E, and Zinc in their formula to provide your body with overall health and wellness.

However, this formula is not for everyone. Since it includes both collagen and biotin, the potential for unwanted side effects are doubled.

These side effects include nausea and stomach upset, as well as skin rash and irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use of the product immediately.

For those who don’t find they’re sensitive to the product’s ingredients, expect to experience increased hair growth, smoother skin, stronger nails, and increased mobility in as little as two weeks.

Key Features
  • Harness the power of hydrolyzed collagen for stronger, thicker hair
  • Collagen also improves skin tone and texture
  • Non-GMO, assorted fruit flavored gummies
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Collagen, Vitamin C, Zinc, Biotin
  • Package Size: 60 gummies
  • Effectiveness Time: 2 weeks
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 gummies/day
Pros
  • Collagen provides thicker, healthier hair
  • Improved skin tone and texture
  • Great tasting
  • Fast results
Cons
  • May cause allergic skin reaction
  • May cause cramps and nausea

While some hair supplements may work as a band-aid effect by simply masking the problem, Viviscal seeks to combat the cause of thinning hair at the root. Viviscal’s clinically proven formula contains AminoMar C Marine Complex, a blend of sea minerals specifically developed to nourish thinning hair.

Viviscal also contains Biotin which works to promote hair growth on existing hair.

Results from Viviscal are slow, since you are first tackling the root cause of the problem. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect results from the product until 3-4 months of daily use.

Viviscal’s journey to thicker, fuller hair occurs in four stages.

During stage one, Viviscal goes to work nourishing hair follicles from within.

Stage two involves the strengthening of existing hair, and promotion of new hair growth.

During stage three, Viviscal begins to promote hair that has thinned or stopped growing.

Once you’ve reached stage four, expect to have hair that is noticeably stronger, thicker, and healthier.

While Viviscal is effective at promoting healthier hair from within, be advised it’s not an overnight solution. Therefore, those who are seeking quicker results may want to skip this product. However, if you’re looking to combat the causes of thinning hair, and retrain your roots to grow thicker and healthier, Viviscal offers an effective, potent and clinically proven solution.

Key Features
  • Specifically designed to combat the root cause of thinning hair
  • Contains AminoMar C Marine Complex to nourish thinning hair
  • Biotin promotes growth for existing hair
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: AminoMar C Marine Complex
  • Package Size: 60 tablets
  • Effectiveness Time: 3-4 months
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 tablets/day
Pros
  • Marine complex nourishes thin hair
  • Biotin lengthens existing hair
  • Clinically proven
Cons
  • Results may take months

Hairfinity believes that healthy hair starts from the inside out. Not only does Hairfinity nourish and strengthen hair, it also contains Vitamin A and Niacin for increased scalp circulation and to aid in the production of your body’s natural sebum production.

Hairfinity also contains Pantothenic Acid which prevents hair loss and shedding, and Biotin which promotes healthy growth from the hair’s cortex.

Hairfinity features Capilsana Complex which provides your hair with natural building blocks including amino acids from Hydrolyzed Collagen for strength, MSM for vitality, and silica for shine.

Hairfinity is effective on all hair types and textures and is designed to promote long, healthy and strong hair growth.

However, while most who use Hairfinity will experience increased hair growth and strength, there are some who have dealt with a disappointing side effect- thinning, falling out hair. Though this side effect is rare, it can happen for some individuals who have a negative reaction to one of Hairfinity’s ingredients. If you notice your hair thinning instead of thickening, discontinue use of the product.

Those who don’t have this negative reaction can expect healthier, stronger hair and a nourished, stimulated scalp from daily use of Hairfinity.

Key Features
  • Hairfinity contains a unique blend of essential vitamins and minerals to promote healthy growth
  • Contains Niacin to stimulate sebum production for a healthier scalp
  • Capilsana Complex provides naturally occurring building blocks to encourage stronger, thicker hair
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Capilsana Complex, Biotin, Vitamin A
  • Package Size: 60 capsules
  • Effectiveness Time: 3-4 weeks
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 capsules daily
Pros
  • Promotes thicker, fuller and stronger hair
  • Healthier scalp
  • Vegan-friendly
Cons
  • Adverse reactions include hair thinning and breakage

A diet which is lacking in key nutrients can take a toll on your hair, leading to thinning, breakage, and split ends. Hairfluence is designed to supplement some of the most common nutritional deficiencies which lead to weak hair, brittle nails, and dull skin.

Hairfluence’s key ingredients include biotin, Vitamin B and collagen which work in harmony to stimulate hair follicles, strengthen new growth, and provide elasticity to your skin, which means that while this is one of the best hair vitamins, it also may help your body out in other ways.

Hairfluence also contains protein building blocks such as bamboo extract and hydrolyzed keratin, which provide additional strength building for your hair, skin, and nails.

Hairfluence suggests that with daily use, you can expect to see improvements to your skin and nails within 2-3 weeks, and stronger hair after 4.

However, as with other hair vitamins and supplements, there is the potential for side effects such as breakouts and cystic acne. Discontinue use if you experience a negative side effect or skin reaction.

For those that don’t experience a negative side reaction, expect to see longer, stronger hair and nourished skin and nails from your first bottle of Hairfluence.

Key Features
  • Scientifically formulated blend of amino acids, vitamins and minerals
  • Designed to strengthen hair and nourish skin and nails
  • Results for skin and nails within 2 weeks/Results for hair within 4 weeks
Specifications
  • Vitamin Type: Vitamin B, Biotin, Collagen
  • Package Size: 60 capsules
  • Effectiveness Time: 4 weeks
  • Recommended Consumption Frequency: 2 capsules daily
Pros
  • All-over nourishing benefits
  • Protein building blocks provide strength
  • Visible results in a month or less
Cons
  • May cause breakouts or cystic acne

Biotin was once nicknamed "Vitamin H," with the H standing for "Haar und Haut." For those of us who don't speak German, this translates to "Hair and Skin," which is probably the best explanation for Biotin's potential benefits.

What is Biotin?

Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin, also known as B7, and is a necessary part of your body's metabolic functions, specifically to convert food into energy.

The recommended daily intake of Biotin is 30 mcg per day in non-breastfeeding adults and can be obtained through the consumption of dairy, grains and organ meats.

Biotin's Benefits

Biotin is associated with healthier, fuller and thicker hair. If you have a Biotin deficiency, your hair may become thin, weak or begin to fall out.

Another sign of a Biotin deficiency is brittle nails prone to peeling and breakage, and dull, dry and itchy skin.

Therefore, if you've noticed any of these symptoms it's important to begin supplementing with Biotin to combat these symptoms and help strengthen your hair, skin, and nails.

Hair Vitamins and Supplements

Biotin is the basis for all hair vitamins and supplements. While many hair vitamins contain additional ingredients such as keratin, Vitamins C and E, and collagen, it is primarily the biotin which will strengthen and build up your existing hair, and contribute to your body's overall health.

That doesn't mean additional ingredients don't have their uses and benefits. For instance, keratin is an effective hair strengthener that is found in countless topical beauty products and applications. And collagen is a renowned source of suppleness and elasticity to aging, dry skin.

Before you purchase a hair vitamin, it's important that you review the list of ingredients and base your decision on your specific hair needs and concerns.

Side Effects

While pure Biotin doesn't have any known side-effects since the excess mineral content is excreted through urine, that doesn't mean you won't experience side effects from consuming hair vitamins.

The reason for this is, most formulas contain other ingredients in addition to the Biotin, which is designed to work in harmony with this primary mineral. Therefore, depending on what goes into the supplement, the combination of Biotin and its other ingredients could cause unpleasant side effects.

The most common side effects reported are cystic acne, skin breakouts, and hormonal imbalances. While these side effects are rare, some individuals seem more prone to them than others, so you should always keep a close eye on monitoring your health.

Additionally, some hair vitamins contain ingredients such as collagen and horsetail extract, which may cause cramping, nausea or vomiting. While these side effects usually disappear on their own after a few days, if you notice they continue or worsen you should always discontinue use of the product.

How Long Do Hair Vitamins Take to Work?

The effectiveness timeframe for hair vitamins varies widely, from as few as 2 weeks to up to four months. All these time frames rely on daily consumption, so in order to experience the best results, you'll need to remember to take your supplement each day to notice a visible difference in your hair growth.

Resources— Medical News Today, Web MD

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