August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to separate fact from fiction. From biotin gummies to collagen powders to physician-dispensed supplements, there are countless products promising thicker, healthier hair.

Not all hair supplements are created equal, though. Some have clinical research supporting their use, while others are only beneficial if you have a true nutritional deficiency. If taken unnecessarily or without medical supervision, some can even cause problems.

Before adding another supplement to your routine, here’s what our dermatology providers want you to know.

Start with the cause, not the supplement.

Hair loss is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

There are many reasons someone may experience thinning hair or increased shedding, including:

• Female and male pattern hair loss
• Telogen effluvium (temporary shedding)
• Iron/ferritin deficiency
• Thyroid disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Menopause and hormonal changes
• Autoimmune conditions
• Certain medications or illnesses

Because treatment depends on the underlying cause, a thorough evaluation is the most important first step. What works wonders for one person may do very little for someone else.

Supplements with the strongest evidence

Nutrafol

Nutrafol is one of the most well-studied physician-dispensed hair supplements available today. Rather than relying on a single ingredient, it combines vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and antioxidants designed to address multiple factors that can contribute to hair thinning, including stress, inflammation, oxidative damage, and nutrition.

Several clinical studies have demonstrated improvements in hair growth, thickness, and overall hair quality in appropriately selected patients.

Xtressé

Xtressé is another physician-dispensed supplement recommended by our providers for select patients. It contains ingredients like NAD+, pumpkin seed extract, and saw palmetto that support healthy hair growth, while excluding biotin, which can cause breakouts in certain individuals. Depending on your specific type of hair loss and overall health, it may be a beneficial supplement to incorporate into a personalized treatment plan.

Supplements that may help if you’re deficient

Some vitamins and minerals play an important role in healthy hair growth, but supplementation is most beneficial when a deficiency is identified.

Iron

Iron deficiency is a well-recognized cause of hair shedding, particularly in women. If blood work confirms low iron stores (or ferritin), replacing iron may help improve hair growth over time.

Because excess iron can be harmful, supplementation should be based on laboratory testing and your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, among many other things, plays an important role in normal hair follicle function. If you’re deficient, supplementation may be recommended as part of your treatment plan.

Zinc

Zinc is important for normal hair growth, but low levels are relatively uncommon. Regardless, a deficiency may be explored to get the full picture. Supplementation should only be recommended when a deficiency is confirmed.

Protein

Hair is primarily made of protein. People with inadequate dietary protein intake may experience increased hair shedding, making nutrition an important part of overall hair health.

What about biotin?

Biotin has become one of the most heavily marketed hair supplements, but for most people, there is very little evidence that taking extra biotin improves hair growth.

True biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency is uncommon, and unless you’re deficient, additional supplementation is unlikely to make a meaningful difference.

Another important consideration is that high-dose biotin can interfere with certain laboratory tests, including thyroid testing and some cardiac blood tests. Always let your healthcare provider know if you’re taking biotin before having blood work performed.

Other popular supplements

Collagen

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular for skin, hair, and nails. While collagen may have benefits for skin health, research supporting its effectiveness for treating hair loss remains limited. It should also be noted that not all collagen supplements are created equal. Discuss potential supplementation with your provider if you’re interested in adding collagen to your routine.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Early studies suggest pumpkin seed oil may have potential benefits for certain types of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia. Larger studies are still needed before it can be routinely recommended, but it could be a beneficial ingredient in combination hair supplements.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is included in some combination hair supplements and may help some individuals with hormone-related hair thinning. However, evidence for using it as a standalone supplement remains limited.

Can supplements ever make hair loss worse?

Short answer: yes.

More isn’t always better when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Taking excessive amounts of certain supplements may actually contribute to hair loss or other health concerns.

Examples include:

• Too much vitamin A, which can trigger hair shedding
• Excess selenium, which has been associated with hair loss
• High-dose zinc, which may contribute to copper deficiency over time
• Iron supplementation without a documented deficiency, which can be harmful

This is one reason it’s important to work with your healthcare provider rather than self-treating with multiple supplements.

Supplements are only one piece of treatment

While supplements can be helpful for some patients, they’re rarely the entire solution.

Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may also include topical medications, oral medications, injections, procedures, or addressing an underlying medical condition.

The goal isn’t simply to take more supplements. It’s to identify why you’re losing hair and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you to help decrease hair shedding at the source.

The Bottom Line

Hair supplements can be a valuable part of treatment, but they’re certainly not one-size-fits-all.

Some, like Nutrafol and Xtressé, have evidence supporting their use in select patients. Other popular supplements, unfortunately, have far more marketing than science behind them. Minerals and vitamins, including iron or vitamin D, are most effective when correcting a documented deficiency.

If you’re noticing increased shedding or thinning hair, don’t guess. Schedule an evaluation with one of our dermatology providers to determine the underlying cause and build a treatment plan tailored to you.

August Hair Loss Awareness Month Special

Throughout August, enjoy 20% off Nutrafol (excluding Women’s Balance and Vegan formulas) plus a complimentary gift with purchase while supplies last.

Whether you’re just starting to notice thinning hair or have been searching for answers for years, our team is here to help you find a targeted treatment plan that’s right for you.