Do Hair Growth Supplements Really Work?

CLEVELAND - August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month.

Reports show roughly 85% of men and 40% of women will experience some kind of hair loss by age 50. 

And while it may be tempting to try different hair growth supplements to help with that, not all of them work -- like biotin.

“For a person who eats a well-balanced diet and is not restrictive in any way, it's really hard for that individual to be biotin deficient. When we look at the scientific literature, patients who had taken biotin versus patients who did not, there was no statistically significant difference in hair regrowth,” said G. Cheyana Ranasinghe, MD, dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Ranasinghe said many of the supplements out there claiming to help with hair growth are not FDA approved or scientifically backed, which is why it’s important to use caution when buying them. 

She explains that they could interact poorly with other medications and even interfere with test results.

She adds that any supplements or shampoos claiming to help with ‘dramatic regrowth’ that do not contain the ingredient minoxidil will likely be ineffective. 

So, what products work? 

“I do gravitate towards topical minoxidil because that has been used to treat male and female patterned hair loss for decades. It's the only FDA approved over the counter medication that both males and females can use that's been clinically proven to regrow hair, keep the hair that's on our head thicker, fuller, longer, denser. Everything that patients are trying to accomplish, this can do if used consistently and given enough time. But there's more we can do on the prescription level when we meet in office,” she said.

Dr. Ranasinghe notes that there are many causes for hair loss and that it’s not always due to just genetics or aging. 

Stress and hormones can also play a role.

She said it’s best to get a diagnosis from a dermatologist before experimenting with different products.