The best hair growth supplements for women, tested by 150 panellists

How we test hair growth supplements

Our panel of 150 testers put a wide range of market-leading hair growth supplements to the test for a minimum of three months. We then asked them for detailed feedback on the following areas.

Regrowth: We asked them to note any regrowth on bald patches or in thinning areas. We also asked them to tell us if they're noticed an increase in overall length, over and above what they would usually expect in that period.

Thickness: As well as length, we asked panellists to note any differences to the thickness of their hair. This is because hair supplements can increase the overall amount, and diameter, of hair follicles.

Hair health and condition: We asked panellists if their hair felt softer and looked shinier as well, as hair supplements can help to strengthen and enhance the health of existing hair, which reduces breakage and in turn, thinning.

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?

We've been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years. From the best retinol serums to the best vitamin C serums, we know what to look for in an efficacious skincare.

Our beauty tester, Juliet Heaton, is an expert in the field. With masters degrees in both chemistry and cosmetic science, she has an in-depth knowledge of product formulation lists. She puts in protocols in place in the lab and works with our panel members to score products fairly and accurately.

Our senior beauty writer Florence Reeves-White, and lifestyle writer Madeleine Evans, then use the lab data and tester feedback to create honest yet engaging product reviews. They have collectively written hundreds of reviews on the latest beauty cosmetics and supplements, so know what's important to highlight in their write-ups.

Do hair supplements work?

Our hair suffers if we aren't following a healthy, balanced diet, as it's the last part of your body to receive nutrients. If you aren’t getting enough hair-strengthening protein, zinc, iron and B vitamins in your diet, which are mostly found in fish, dairy and nuts, then hair supplements can help. Ultimately, as with many supplements, if the deficiency isn't the reason for the hair thinning, then they won't be a quick fix or cure.

If you are deficient, however, they work by nourishing your hair follicles from within, which supports longer, thicker, fuller hair growth. Some can also benefit your skin and nails. But don’t expect a miracle overnight – you'll need to take hair supplements for at least three months to notice any improvement.

The glaring red flag with supplements is that they aren't independently regulated, so brands can claim miraculous results on their marketing materials. Most of our panellists did see marked improvements in their hair health after taking the above supplements, but some barely noticed a difference.

This is likely because most supplements only ‘work’ if your body is lacking the vitamins they provide. If you’re already getting a healthy supply of nutrients from your diet, you’re unlikely to see a change, as there’s a limit to how much of any one vitamin your system will absorb.

If you want to know if you’re deficient in a nutrient that could be affecting your hair growth, it's best to pay a visit to your GP before stocking up on supplements.

Thinning hair? Try the best hair loss shampoos and the best hair growth serums, too.

In terms of which format works best, Medical studies have found that our bodies absorb liquids the fastest, in just one to four minutes.

Tablets, meanwhile, can take up to half an hour to break down and be liquidised in our stomachs. Because the body doesn't need to break down a liquid, a higher percentage of its nutrients are absorbed — 98% compared to 53% from tablets, according to Medicare. Some people also find tablets difficult to swallow. The upside of tablets, however, is that they are easier to take with you when travelling, are easy to take, and often have a longer shelf life.

Gummies may be the most fun and tasty way to take a supplement, but they tend to have a higher sugar content than liquids and tablets. The more sugar, colouring and gelling agent there is in a gummy, the less space there is for nutrients! That said, our winning supplement comes in gummy form, so don't rule them out. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

How to choose a hair growth supplement

While you should get all the nutrients you need for healthy hair growth from a balanced diet, if you’re lacking in certain nutrients, a supplement can help.

“Taking supplements regularly is a great way to keep your hair in the growth phase,” says Hannah Gaboardi, Consultant Trichologist and Viviscal Brand Ambassador.

She advises looking for “supplements that contain iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins A and E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth, strength, and texture.

“Protein is a building block for hair, and its deficiency can lead to hair thinning and loss,” she adds.“Iron supports oxygen delivery to hair follicles, while zinc aids in hair tissue repair. Biotin is crucial for keratin production, a protein that forms the structure of hair.”

Are expensive supplements for hair growth more effective?

“With hair supplements, the most expensive one doesn’t mean the best. There are so many on the market, however a clinically backed supplement is a trusted source to ensure you’re taking the correct and right doses,” says Hannah.

What vitamin am I lacking if my hair is thinning?

“Hair thinning is not always caused by a vitamin deficiency. If you’re suffering from hair thinning or shedding, it's important to see a professional to determine the cause of your hair loss,” says Hannah.

“However, many people suffering from hair thinning and hair breakage can have vitamin and iron deficiencies. It’s recommended for all patients to have a blood test to determine any underlying issues,” she adds.

If you’re deficient, she adds that it’s important to take iron and vitamin C supplements “to keep your iron levels within range, so your hair remains in the Anagen (growth) phase.”

“Iron facilitates the transportation of oxygen to the hair follicles, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen for robust growth,” she adds. “Additionally, sufficient ferritin (stored iron) levels support the hair growth cycle, preventing disruptions that can lead to hair thinning and shedding. By maintaining adequate ferritin levels, hair retains its strength and resilience, promoting healthier hair and fuller hair growth.”

If you want a great all-rounder, the UKHair Vitamins are our overall winner. They scored nearly full marks in the lab for increasing hair follicles and hair shaft density, and the strawberry flavoured gummy format makes them enjoyable to take, too.

If you're after flavourless capsules that still stimulate hair growth, go for Centred Original Hair Vitamins. And if you prefer to drink your supplements, Gold Collagen Hairlift should be your hair health tipple of choice.