Concerns›Eyes, skin & hair

Hair loss

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Bottom line

For hair loss, start with Iron, Brewer's yeast, Saw palmetto. The first one to look at is Iron — 12–20 mg a day (if you've been diagnosed with anemia, follow your prescription); On an empty stomach, away from coffee and tea (taking it every other day is also an option).

Supplements ranked for this concern

AWell researchedBSome evidenceCLimited evidence
#SupplementEvidenceWhenHow muchCaution
1 Iron
Much of women's hair loss is linked to low iron, and studies suggest hair may improve when it's replaced.
 B On an empty stomach, away from coffee and tea (taking it every other day is also an option) 12–20 mg a day (if you've been diagnosed with anemia, follow your prescription) It can cause constipation or heartburn. It's best to confirm you're low with a blood test first. Compare products
2 Brewer's yeast
A natural all-in-one source of amino acids, vitamins and minerals that can help supply the building blocks of hair.
 C After meals. Mix the powder into water or milk. 2–4 g for maintenance, 10–20 g for a stronger approach Don't take it if you have gout, and don't expect dramatic results. Details
3 Saw palmetto
Blocks the enzyme that makes DHT. Together with pumpkin seed extract, it has clinical data as a support for male pattern hair loss.
 B Take it consistently, and have your liver enzymes checked regularly Up to the dose on the product label For male pattern hair loss, prescription treatment comes first. If you take hair loss medicine, talk to your doctor. Details
4 Multivitamin
Covers the basic building blocks of hair, like zinc, B vitamins, iron and vitamin A, in one step. A good first step for women's hair loss.
 C After meals. If it's 2+ tablets, split them up. Up to the recommended amount on the label Combined with separate biotin, iron or zinc supplements, it's easy to take too much. Compare products
5 Biotin
Needed to make keratin for hair and nails, so it's used for dry hair that falls out easily.
 C After meals, consistently for at least 6 months Under 1,000 mcg (at most, under 2,500 mcg) On its own the effect is small, and high doses can throw off thyroid and heart blood test results. Compare products
6 MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
Supplies the sulfur needed to make keratin and collagen. It may help with female pattern thinning and brittle nails.
 C After breakfast or lunch 1–3 g a day. Start low and work up. If your liver enzymes are high, talk to your doctor first. Details
7 Protein supplement
When you eat less, protein, the raw material of hair, runs short first. It's the basis for hair loss caused by poor nutrition.
 C Total amount matters more than timing. Split it into 2 servings a day. 20–30 g a day from supplements If you have kidney or liver disease, talk to your doctor first. Compare products
8 Inositol
Supports insulin and hormone balance, so it's worth trying for hormone-related hair loss in women, such as with PCOS.
 C Consistency matters more than timing. Give it at least 3 months. 2,000–4,000 mg a day Side effects are rare, but cut back if it upsets your stomach. Details

Medications to watch out for

If you take any medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Thyroid medicine (levothyroxine/Synthroid) and thyroid or heart blood testsBiotin · Multivitamin (high-biotin)Test results can be thrown off, leading to a wrong diagnosis or dose change. Stop 1–3 days before a blood test.
Hair loss drugs (finasteride/Propecia, etc.) and testosteroneSaw palmettoThey act on the same hormone pathway. Talk to your doctor.
Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, etc.)IronThey block each other's absorption. Space them 2–4 hours apart.
Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)Saw palmetto · MSM · MultivitaminMay affect bleeding or how well the drug works. Talk to your doctor first.
MAO inhibitors (some depression and Parkinson's drugs)Brewer's yeastTaking them together calls for caution. Talk to your doctor first.
Being treated for kidney diseaseProtein supplement · MSMMay strain the kidneys. Avoid high doses.

Before supplements: daily habits

  1. 01If you suddenly shed a lot, get tested first to find the cause, such as low iron, low vitamin D or a thyroid problem.
  2. 02For male pattern hair loss, prescription treatment comes first. Supplements are only a support.
  3. 03Too much vitamin A or selenium can actually make your hair fall out.
  4. 04Hair grows slowly, so give it at least 3–6 months.
  5. 05Even when dieting, don't skip meals, and get enough protein.

Product comparison

ProductFormPer servingCountCost per day
Gentle Iron 28 mg CapsulesBest value
Nature's Bounty
 Bisglycinate + vitamin C, folate, B1228 mg90 Low Amazon →
Iron 18 mg (Ferrochel) Veg Capsules
NOW Foods
 Bisglycinate chelate (Ferrochel)18 mg120 Low Amazon →
High Absorption Iron with Ferrochel 27 mg
Doctor's Best
 Bisglycinate chelate (Ferrochel)27 mg120 Low Amazon →
Gentle Iron 25 mg Vegetable Capsules
Solgar
 Bisglycinate chelate25 mg180 Low Amazon →
Iron 18 mg Capsules
Amazon Elements
 Bisglycinate chelate18 mg195 Low Amazon →

Compare all Iron products →

Cost per day is relative — compared with other products of the same supplement. Check Amazon for the current price. Some links are affiliate links.

Related concerns

Skin & hairAnemia & low ironPCOSMen's health