For those dealing with thinning hair, finding the perfect supplement for improving growth can be tricky. To ease the quest, we spoke with experts about which supplements are ineffective and should be avoided to save money, as well as those which could result in longer, healthier, and stronger locks.
Continue reading to discover the specialists’ tips on which supplements to avoid and which can make a positive difference for healthier hair. We caught up with Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles for tips, insight and suggestions.
Which Supplements Aren't Worth It For Anyone Struggling With Thinning Hair, And Why?
1. Collagen
If you're looking for a supplement to help reverse and treat thinning hair, Abdullah recommends skipping collagen. She notes that collagen supplements "come from the leftover gelatin" in the meat industry. "You'll see marine collagen in supplements too, but does it help thinning hair?
Collagen can help your hair come in stronger, and it will help the hair follicles hold on to existing hair for longer," Abdullah says. She stresses that "it won't help you grow new hair, however."
2. Elastin
The next supplement Abdullah suggests avoiding if you have thinning hair (and want to save money) is elastin. "This is an ingredient that will give your hair more elasticity so that it doesn't break as easily," she explains. However, she says that it still "doesn't grow hair, and it doesn't help with thinning hair."
3. Coconut Oil
When it comes to coconut oil as a supplement for thinning hair, Abdullah says that it "sounds nice on the label," but ultimately isn't as effective when taken in pill form.
"Coconut oil definitely makes the hair stronger when used externally," she acknowledges. "In a supplement, however, it's probably just making the other ingredients digest better," she adds, deeming it not worth the cost.
Which Hair Supplements Are Actually Worth Trying?
1. Biotin
Abdullah deems biotin to be a no-fail supplement choice if your goal is to grow back longer, healthier and fuller tresses. "Biotin is worth it. It increases circulation to the scalp to aid hair growth and stop hair thinning," she says.
"Biotin stimulates hair growth by increasing energy synthesis within the blood and delivering more blood flow to the scalp," she explains. "So whether you're taking it as a supplement or using it topically, it's bringing nutrients to the hair follicle where they are needed most," she adds.
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil
"Pumpkin seed oil is also worth it as a supplement ingredient, or even all by itself," Abdullah concludes. She says that it has "been scientifically proven to grow more hair and aid those who have thinning hair."
Ultimately, she emphasizes that while biotin and pumpkin seed oil may be more beneficial to try than collagen, elastin, and coconut oil supplements, it is essential to visit a dermatologist or another hair specialist to decide which solution is best for your personal hair thinning situation.
