Hair loss is a widespread concern that affects millions, stemming from various factors such as aging, stress, genetics, and medical conditions. This can be a distressing experience, leading many to seek effective solutions. Nutrafol has emerged as a popular supplement promising thicker, healthier hair. This article examines the science behind Nutrafol, its ingredients, clinical trial results, and what dermatologists and experts have to say about its efficacy.
What is Nutrafol?
Nutrafol is a nutraceutical supplement that combines nutrition and pharmaceutical science. It aims to promote hair growth by addressing different causes of hair thinning. Nutrafol offers a range of hair growth supplements targeting various needs, including solutions for men, women, and those experiencing postpartum hair loss.
How Does Nutrafol Work?
Nutrafol targets multiple root causes of hair thinning, not just one. It positions itself as a science-backed product and has published peer-reviewed research, including studies presented at dermatology conferences. These studies, while small, have shown promising results.
Nutrafol's approach to hair growth is not a quick fix; results may take time to manifest. It acknowledges that hair is just one part of the body’s intricate ecosystem.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Nutrafol formulations contain a patented Synergen Complex, a blend of standardized clinically-tested phytoactive ingredients. These nutraceutical formulations contain a patented Synergen Complex®, a blend of standardized clinically-tested phytoactive ingredients, including curcumin, Sensoril® ashwagandha, saw palmetto, tocotrienol/tocopherol complex and hydrolyzed marine collagen, as well as vitamins, minerals, and other botanical and non-botanical ingredients that make up the entire supplement. The difference between formulas is in the dosages of ingredients, adjusted for the needs of men versus women, including the men’s formula containing a higher clinically effective dosage of saw palmetto to address increased amounts of androgen hormones to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Read also: Benefits of couples massage detailed
Here's a closer look at some key ingredients:
- Saw Palmetto: This plant extract inhibits the production of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a hormone associated with male pattern baldness.
- Marine Collagen: Sourced from fish, marine collagen provides essential amino acids for building strong hair.
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogen effective in reducing stress levels, which can lead to telogen effluvium (increased hair shedding).
- Vitamins and Minerals: Includes vitamins like Biotin (Vitamin B7), crucial for metabolism and converting nutrients into energy necessary for hair growth. Biotin, a B vitamin essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails, supports the growth and maintenance of keratin, an important structural protein in hair.
Who is Nutrafol For?
Nutrafol is designed for individuals experiencing thinning hair or baldness and targets various factors that contribute to hair loss, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Men: Men dealing with male pattern baldness, medically known as androgenetic alopecia, are a primary audience for Nutrafol. While genetic, this condition can be influenced by stress and nutrition.
- Women: Women who notice hair thinning related to hormonal changes, particularly around menopause or following childbirth, may find Nutrafol suitable.
Understanding your life stage is just the beginning. Everything from what you eat to the products you apply to your body can affect your hair. Our Hair Wellness Boosters and Scalp Care can provide extra support where you need it most.
Clinical Studies and Results
Clinical trials have been conducted to test both the efficacy and safety of Nutrafol’s products. Nutrafol leverages industry-leading hair measurement tools-from hair counts to pull tests-to assess growth, quality, shedding, and texture. Then, our findings are vetted by the scientific community and published in peer-reviewed journals.
In clinical trials sponsored by Nutrafol, roughly 80% of users reported improved hair growth and thickness after six months.
Read also: How digestive health affects weight loss
One prospective, single-blind study enrolled healthy men aged 20 to 55 years (n=47) and premenopausal women aged 20 to 45 years (n=51) with self-perceived, mild-to-moderate hair thinning. Subjects were evaluated in the clinic at baseline and Weeks 12 and 24 with two self-assessments at Weeks 4 and 8. Investigator ratings for baseline hair growth, coverage, density, and volume were significant at Weeks 12 and 24 for all subjects (for each, p<0.001). These significant improvements were seen in 83.7 percent of men and 79.5 percent of women at Week 24. Results were similar across ethnic subgroups with significant benefit at Weeks 12 and 24 (for each, p<0.05).
Another study demonstrated significant improvements in hair growth and quality in a plant-based population with a vegan nutraceutical. Daily intake of the nutraceutical resulted in a significant increase in the number of terminal hairs at day 90 (P<0.01) and day 180 (P<0.01). There was also an increase in total hair counts (P<0.01), the terminal-to-vellus ratio (P<0.01), and a decrease in shedding (P<0.01).
*89% of women saw overall improvement in their hair after 6 months.*100% of women saw their baby hairs growing out after 6 months.*93% of women felt their hair looked healthier after 6 months.*98% of women saw improvement in their hairline after 4 months.
Dermatologist Recommendations
Many dermatologists recommend Nutrafol, especially for early-to-moderate hair loss related to stress, hormones, or nutritional imbalances. They appreciate that Nutrafol takes a science- and results-driven approach. Dermatologists like Nutrafol because it targets multiple root causes, not just one. Many dermatologists recommend pairing Nutrafol with a broader hair care plan.
Potential Drawbacks
As with any supplement, Nutrafol is not perfect for everyone.
Read also: Weight Loss Meds & BCBS
- Time Commitment: You must take four capsules daily.
- Not a Quick Fix: It usually takes three to six months to see visible improvement.
- Cost: Nutrafol is a relatively expensive product compared to other hair growth supplements on the market.
- Individual Sensitivities: Nutrafol’s natural, plant-based ingredients may only suit some. Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, and Nutrafol may interact with certain medications.
Safety Considerations
The safety of any supplement is a critical consideration. Outcomes indicate that most users tolerate the product well, with minimal side effects reported. It is noted that individual responses to supplements can be influenced by a variety of health-related factors.
There were no unanticipated adverse events (AEs) and no serious treatment-emergent AEs in the study.
How to Get Started with Nutrafol
Not sure which Nutrafol supplement is right for you? The site has a handy quiz to determine whether your hair thinning is caused by aging, hormones, diet, or something else to guide you toward the right hair growth solution.
Nutrafol for Different Life Stages
Nutrafol offers tailored solutions for various life stages:
- Nutrafol Core for Women: For those looking to target hair thinning.
- Women’s Vegan: For those following a plant-based diet.
- Women’s Balance: For women 45-plus.
- Postpartum: For women in their first year following childbirth.
- Nutrafol Men: Designed for men experiencing hair thinning.
Our formulas are uniquely tailored to support you where you are and with what you and your hair need most.
The Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on Hair Loss
Some individuals taking GLP-1 drugs have reported hair loss as a possible side effect, which experts say could be attributed to weight loss from the medication. Significant weight loss is one of the hallmarks of GLP-1 drugs, but some people have claimed that their hair is vanishing along with the excess pounds.
This form of hair loss is considered temporary, and treatments are available to help facilitate hair regrowth.
Telogen Effluvium and Hair Loss
GLP-1-related hair loss is generally temporary, though it may take time for hair to grow back. Several treatment options are available - from diet and lifestyle changes to supplements, prescription medications, and more.
Telogen effluvium is a common type of sudden hair loss that typically results from stress or shock. Common triggers may include:
- childbirth
- menopause
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Other causes include nutrition deficiencies, endocrine disorders, and dramatic weight loss.
Addressing Hair Loss from GLP-1 Drugs
Since most people who take GLP-1s eat less, this may affect diet quality and potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies. When hair loss occurs, doctors check for possible vitamin and iron deficiencies, which can be associated with hair loss.
Protein deficiency during weight loss can also exacerbate hair loss, so it is advised that all patients consume adequate protein while taking a GLP-1 drug.
In some cases, slowing the rate of weight loss may be an effective strategy to mitigate hair loss while also maintaining the benefits of the GLP-1 medication.
Supplements for Hair Regrowth
Nutrafol, a clinically studied hair loss supplement, has been shown to improve hair regrowth. Other popular supplements include Viviscal and Wellbel. Remember that nutritional supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so do your due diligence before purchasing such products.
Topical Serums and Shampoos
Holman recommended platelet-derived exosome serums. Even if serums and other leave-in products don’t directly impact hair loss, they may still support scalp and hair health, which can support hair regrowth.
There’s a shampoo ingredient called ketoconazole that may be something to consider, especially if you have some underlying predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, in the context of the telogen effluvium.
Medical Treatments for Hair Loss
Minoxidil has been approved for use by the FDA since the mid-1980s to help facilitate hair regrowth. It’s available as both an oral pill and a topical liquid or foam.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses a person’s own blood to isolate plasma, concentrate it, and then inject it into the body. It’s believed to promote healing and hair regrowth.
Red light therapy may also benefit hair regrowth and can be performed at home using a specialized hat or helmet.
Timeframe for Hair Regrowth
Regrowing hair takes time, especially if you are continuing to lose weight with GLP-1 medication. Typically, if the weight stabilizes, the hair should too. But, because hair takes a long time to grow, sometimes you might not see those changes for six to twelve months.
Standards and Quality Control
We don’t leave quality to chance. We don’t make compromises-because we care as much about what goes into your body as you do.
- Rigorous clinical trials to ensure visible results.
- Expert safety assessments for every formula.
- High-quality ingredients, tracked and scrutinized.
- Every lot is tested for quality and safety.
- Clinically tested scalp care that won't harm your hair.
- Custom packaging designed for safety-and experience.