Hair growth supplements are expanding rapidly at the moment, particularly those which are being labelled as natural. Such products are designed to appeal to those who want the benefits of a hair loss treatment without the risk of negative side effects. Among the most talked-about options is Nutrafol, a supplement promoted as a solution for thinning hair in both men and women.
But, whether Nutrafol actually delivers results is up for debate. In this article, we’ll take a look at what Nutrafol actually is, the current evidence behind it, and see how it measures up against already proven treatments for hair loss.
What is Nutrafol?
Nutrafol is an oral supplement claimed to help with hair regrowth. Instead of targeting the scalp directly, it takes an inside-out approach by focusing on the common causes of thinning hair, i.e., things like hormonal changes, chronic stress, and gaps in nutrition.
Nutrafol belongs to a category of products that are classified as nutraceuticals. The idea behind such supplements is that hair loss comes from imbalances within the body, rather than being purely an issue with the scalp. As such, each capsule contains a blend of plant-based ingredients, vitamins, and minerals.
What are the Ingredients of Nutrafol?
Nutrafol is made up of 21 ingredients, though the exact mix varies slightly depending on the product line since each version applies to different concerns. The key active components are:
- curcumin
- ashwagandha
- saw palmetto
- tocotrienol complex (vitamin E)
- piperine
- marine collagen peptides
- resveratrol
- kelp minerals
- horsetail extract
The specific formulation also depends on whether the product is for men or women. For instance, Nutrafol Men contains a higher dose of saw palmetto to address DHT-related hair loss, and Nutrafol Women emphasizes ingredients that target nutritional needs and hormonal balance.
Does Nutrafol Really Work?
It’s uncertain if Nutrafol works because the scientific evidence behind it is so limited. Specifically, most of the available data comes from a handful of small clinical studies, all of which were funded by the company itself. This obviously raises questions about bias, especially since one of Nutrafol’s co-founders was the lead investigator and co-author on the primary trials.
Another limitation is that many of the studies rely on participants’ self-reported improvements as opposed to using standardized, objective measures of hair growth. In some cases, the study groups didn’t even include people who’d been diagnosed with hair loss, making the results even harder to interpret.
Is Nutrafol Safe?
Because Nutrafol is sold as a dietary supplement, it falls under food regulations rather than drug regulations by the FDA. Importantly, this means that the company producing it doesn’t have to prove either safety or effectiveness before selling it, something that raises a fair share of concerns.
And despite Nutrafol being marketed as natural, this doesn’t automatically imply that it’s free from risk. In fact, recent research flagged up safety issues with the product. An independent case study actually linked five months of daily Nutrafol use to liver damage, likely tied to certain compounds in the formula.
Other side effects can come from particular ingredients too. Saw palmetto, for instance, has been associated with digestive problems and headaches according to the NCCIH. Moreover, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive should avoid Nutrafol since saw palmetto can also interfere with fetal development.
With all this in mind, we highly recommend you consult with a healthcare professional if you’re considering taking Nutrafol, to ensure it’s safe for you.
How Much Does Nutrafol Cost?
Nutrafol is positioned as a premium supplement, and the price reflects that. As of now, the company lists its core products at:
- $79 for a one-month supply
- $224 for a three-month supply
- $422 for a six-month supply
The brand itself says that results, if any, will take between three to six months to appear. This means you’d need to spend at least $224 to $422 just to complete the trial period. And even after that investment, there’s no guarantee of noticeable hair regrowth.
Nutrafol Compared to Other Hair Loss Treatments
While Nutrafol has garnered a lot of attention, it is ultimately an expensive supplement with limited evidence to support its effectiveness, and some safety concerns to boot. In comparison, there are well-established treatments that have been studied and cleared by the FDA. For reference, minoxidil (Rogaine®) has decades of clinical research behind it, and a month’s supply will only cost you around $50.
Another proven option is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a non-invasive approach that uses light energy to stimulate hair follicles, increase blood flow, and thereby promote hair regrowth. The leading brand in this context is Theradome, who offer at-home laser therapy helmets made for convenience and effectiveness.
The Theradome PRO LH80 stands out for its power and coverage, delivering deeper follicle stimulation than every other competing device. Not to mention, unlike ongoing supplement costs, the device requires a simple one-time investment and is cordless and lightweight, making it perfect for easy at-home use. With no known side effects and a 98% customer satisfaction rate, Theradome provides a clinically backed, cost-effective alternative to Nutrafol.
