Do hair vitamins work?
It depends on why your hair is thinning or breaking. If you are low in something your hair needs, such as iron or vitamin D, putting that right can help your hair along with the rest of you. If you are not low in anything, many people find a hair vitamin makes little difference, and it can be an expensive way to find out. A trichologist can help you work out what is going on first.
When a hair vitamin might help
Hair is made from protein and grows in cycles, and it needs a steady supply of nutrients to do that well. Hair can shed more if you are low in iron, vitamin D or other nutrients, or if you have been eating very little, crash dieting or following a very restricted diet. In those cases, correcting the shortfall is what helps, not a general product with a long label. A supplement is most useful when it is matched to something you actually need.
When they are less likely to help
Hair loss has many causes, and most are not about vitamins at all:
- Hormones. Pregnancy, the menopause and thyroid changes can all affect hair.
- Inherited thinning. Pattern hair loss runs in families, and a vitamin does not change that.
- A shock to the body. Illness, surgery, stress or a big life event can make hair shed a few months later, and it often settles by itself.
- Scalp problems or styling. Tight hairstyles, heat and some scalp conditions can affect the hair you see.
Taking more of a vitamin than you need does not give you thicker hair, and some can be harmful in large amounts.
Try something tonight
Want somewhere to start tonight? A simple guide to eating well for your hair helps you look at your diet before you spend money on supplements.
Relaxation recordings are not medical treatment. Please only listen somewhere safe where you can relax, never while driving.
Or see someone: find trichologists near you
Search the Practitioner directory by town or postcode for trichologists near you.
Or by what you would like help with: hair loss and thinning · Also: nutritionists
What a trichologist does
A trichologist is a specialist in hair and scalp health. They are not doctors, and trichologist is not a protected title in the UK, so ask about their training and whether they belong to a professional body. At a first appointment they usually:
- Ask about your history. Your diet, medicines, health, family, hair care and when you first noticed changes.
- Look closely. They examine your scalp and hair, sometimes with a magnifying camera.
- Talk through the likely causes. They explain what they see and what could help, which may include diet, scalp care or being checked by your GP.
A good trichologist will tell you if another route is better first, and will not sell you a supplement you do not need.
Roughly what does it cost?
A first trichology consultation in the UK commonly costs from £60, and often more in big cities. Ask what is included, how long it lasts and whether follow-up visits are needed. Hair vitamins themselves vary a lot in price, so it is worth knowing you need one before you buy.
Where it fits alongside NHS care
Your GP can arrange blood tests to look at things like iron, thyroid function and vitamin D, which is the most reliable way to find out whether you are low in anything. Many people use a trichologist alongside that, for a closer look at the hair and scalp and for practical advice on routine and diet. Please don't stop or change any medicine because of something you read about hair.
When to see your GP first
Please see your GP if your hair is falling out suddenly or in patches, if you are losing a lot more than usual, if your scalp is sore, itchy, red or scaly, or if you also feel very tired, have heavy periods, have gained or lost weight without trying, or are on new medication. These can point to something that is worth checking, and a blood test is a sensible first step before buying supplements.
Choosing a supplement sensibly
- Food first. A varied diet with enough protein, iron-rich foods and fruit and vegetables is the base.
- Check before you buy. Ask your GP or pharmacist if a supplement suits you, especially if you are pregnant or take medicines.
- Be wary of big promises. Hair grows slowly, so any change takes months, not weeks.
- Avoid doubling up. Many products overlap with a multivitamin you already take.
More questions
How long do hair vitamins take to work?
Hair grows slowly, so if a supplement helps at all, it usually takes a few months before you notice a difference. If you see nothing after that, it may be that your hair loss has another cause.
Is biotin good for hair?
Biotin is often sold for hair, but most people get enough from food. It is mainly useful if you are actually low, so it is worth checking with your GP or pharmacist first. It can also affect some blood test results, so mention it if you have tests.
Can I take too much of a vitamin?
Yes. Some vitamins and minerals can cause problems in large amounts, so more is not better. Stick to the label and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
Should I see a trichologist or my GP first?
If the hair loss is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms, start with your GP. If it is gradual and you want advice on your hair and scalp, a trichologist is a sensible choice.
Can a better diet help my hair?
Many people find that eating regularly, with enough protein and iron, supports healthy hair. It will not change inherited thinning, but it helps your hair have what it needs.