Hair Supplements: Do they really work?

When you realise that you are going to lose your hair, it’s natural to look at every option available to you. One of the options you will have undoubtedly come across is the array of hair supplements that claim to be miracle solutions for male pattern baldness, but do they really work?

Let’s be clear, the only two clinically proven approved medications for male hair loss are Finasteride and Minoxidil. Anything else (frankly) will have little to no effect on hair regrowth or retention. However, some of the vitamins and minerals may have an effect on the quality of your hair and can act as supportive treatments to improve overall quality of new and old hair. Here’s a breakdown:

Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a complex-vitamin that promotes stronger hair, skin and nails. Men that experience hair loss have been shown to have deficient levels of biotin, so increasing levels with a supplement can help to encourage a better quality of hair. That is why we include a biotin vitamin as part of our rounded Sons treatment plan.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is an extract of the Serenoa repens tree, which has excited the medical world with its potential to treat a variety of conditions. Luckily, for men whose hair isn’t as thick as it used to be, one of its effects is blocking DHT.

DHT  (dihydrotestosterone) is a male hormone that binds to hair follicles in your scalp, causing them to shrink. The accumulation of DHT forces hairs out and causes new hairs to become thinner with each growth cycle, eventually leading to baldness. Saw palmetto is effective in reducing this process and slowing down hair loss. That’s why we include it as a key ingredient in our Sons shampoo. 

Keratin

Keratin is a naturally-occurring protein that is a key material in the structure of your hair and nails. It has long been used for people that suffer from dry and damaged hair, as it helps to smooth down the cells on your hair strands. Keratin supplements and shampoos can help hair to be thicker, smoother and glossier. 

Folic acid and niacin

Two popular hair supplement ingredients, Folic acid (vitamin B9) and Niacin (vitamin B3) both improve blood and oxygen circulation. This helps to improve the delivery of nutrients to your hair follicles, which can help to maintain strong and healthy hair. This is similar to the role of Minxodil that features in ou Sons treatment plans but much less effective. However, we do include Niacin in our shampoo for that little bit of extra help.

Vitamins A and C, Zinc and Selenium

You’ll often find a combination of these vitamins and minerals in health supplements. Why? Because they’re very good for you. Vitamin A and C help to keep your immune system strong and also aid in the production of sebum which helps to nourish hair. Zinc and Selenium help your body to produce essential oils which fight against brittle and weak hair. 

However, whilst they have benefits for the quality of your hair, they have little to zero effect on hair loss. You should make sure that your diet is rich with vitamins and minerals but more for your general health than to treat your hair loss.

The final word

If you’re currently taking supplements that contain the ingredients outlined above - good for you, it’s important to invest in your health and try to promote good quality hair. However, don’t expect them to act as a miracle solution to your hair loss. There is no clinical evidence that the ingredients above are effective at treating male pattern baldness.

The only proven way to treat hair loss is with the two approved medications: Finasteride and Minoxidil.

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.