Do hair supplements really work for hair loss? And with plenty of hair supplements on the market today, which one suits you?

The Essential Ones

A scientific review¹ suggests that vitamin D and iron (also take vitamin C to improve iron absorption) do improve the 2 most common types of hair loss — androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness or progressive/age-related hair loss) and telogen effluvium (trauma or stress-related hair loss), especially in those who are screened to be deficient.

Vitamin D supplementation is also useful for alopecia areata, hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles.

The Good to Have

Similarly, premature greying in childhood or early adulthood can be improved with vitamin D, iron, folate, vitamin B12 and selenium.

It is important to note that supplementation alone does not replace effective hair treatments, such as medications, autologous micrograft technology for hair loss and hair transplants.

The Nice to Have

Currently, more studies are needed to determine if zinc and biotin are helpful in improving age-related hair loss.

And in the market, there are plenty of supplements that promise hair growth with other ingredients like peptides, collagen, proteoglycans and saw palmetto berries, just to name a few. Again, more studies are needed to confirm their efficacy.

Choosing the Right Supplement for Your Hair

Do your research and keep these few pointers in mind when out shopping.

• Your specific needs. Are you truly nutrient-deficient? Get checked.
• Side effects when taking the supplement. Most supplements should not cause any side effects. Some people may experience abdominal discomforts like bloating, constipation or loose stools. Take hair supplements after food to minimise these effects. Certain supplements are also not meant for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or with certain medical conditions – so always consult your doctor before commencing on any supplements.
• The dosing. Be on a supplement regime that suits your lifestyle. How many tablets or capsules can you tolerate? Is it once or twice a day? Choose brands with dosing that you can adhere to.
• Get checked again. After a period of supplementation (3 to 6 months), get checked again. Have the nutrient deficiencies been adequately corrected? This repeat check can also determine any maintenance dose that is required and help you plan your next step.
   

At IYAC, our doctors provide a medical diagnosis with our AI-powered trichoscopy analysis and have curated a broad range of scientifically-backed hair treatments and products to improve your scalp health and hair quality. 

If you are experiencing any hair woes, ask us for help and experience the IYAC difference. 

A digital trichoscopic examination and a medical review provide an accurate diagnosis, which is the first step to addressing hair loss.

References:

1. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019 Mar;9(1):51-70. doi: 10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6. Epub 2018 Dec 13. PMID: 30547302; PMCID: PMC6380979.
2. Gupta AK, Quinlan EM, Venkataraman M, Bamimore MA. Microneedling for Hair Loss. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jan;21(1):108-117. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14525. Epub 2021 Oct 29. PMID: 34714971.