Hair growth

Overview

SupplementDEX lists 3 supplements studied for hair growth across 6 trials. The strongest indexed signals include Biotin, Multivitamin, Vitamin B9. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for full ratings across all supplements.

Effect graph

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Relevant supplements

Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.


Multivitamin	★★★★★	Low
Biotin	★★★★★	Low
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	★★★★★	Low

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Studies

Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.

3 supplements for rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

BiotinView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Evidence Review

In a study with women experiencing thinning hair, those who took a daily gummy supplement containing biotin, zinc, and other ingredients for 6 months had thicker hair compared to those taking a placebo.
The supplement also helped users feel that their hair was stronger, shed less, broke less, and looked shinier.
There were no negative side effects reported.
This suggests that a combination of vitamins and minerals in a daily supplement may help improve hair growth and hair quality in women with thinning hair.
It is not known if biotin alone or improved nutritional status is responsible for these improvements in hair growth.
It is unclear if taking biotin supplements helps people with alopecia areata, an autoimmune hair loss condition.
Small studies suggest that biotin injections combined with another vitamin may reduce hair loss and improve hair density temporarily, and taking biotin with zinc and a steroid cream helped some children regrow hair.
However, these studies were small and did not have placebo groups, so it is unknown if biotin alone is beneficial.
More research is needed to show if biotin helps with alopecia areata or hair loss.

Browse 4 studies

RCTA Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study Evaluating a Dietary Supplement for Hair Growth2024n=65

In 65 women with thinning hair, 6 months of B-vitamin/zinc/botanical gummies increased hair density by 10.1% and improved self-reported shedding and appearance versus placebo, with no adverse events.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Population: Women
Participants: 65
Ages: 18–60

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RCTEfficacy of 5% topical minoxidil versus 5 mg oral biotin versus topical minoxidil and oral biotin on hair growth in men: randomized, crossover, clinical trial2024

A randomized crossover trial comparing 5% topical minoxidil, 5 mg oral biotin, and combination therapy for hair growth in men was identified, but available abstract text was insufficient to report specific outcomes.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 5 mg/day
Population: Men
Avg age: ~29.7

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RCTEfficacy of intramuscular injections of biotin and dexpanthenol in the treatment of diffuse hair loss: A randomized, double-blind controlled study comparing two brands2022n=41

In 50 patients with diffuse hair loss, 6 weekly intramuscular biotin plus dexpanthenol injections (Pars or Bayer brands) significantly reduced hair fall and increased hair density; Bayer also improved terminal/vellus hair ratio.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 6 weeks
Dose: 5 mg/day
Population: Women
Participants: 41

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Controlled trialZinc aspartate, biotin, and clobetasol propionate in the treatment of alopecia areata in childhood1999

A controlled trial of zinc aspartate, biotin, and topical clobetasol for childhood alopecia areata was identified, but available abstract text was insufficient to report specific outcomes.

Effect: Benefit
Population: Children/adolescents

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MultivitaminView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Evidence Review

There is not enough evidence to determine if multivitamin supplementation has any benefit for hair growth.

Browse 1 study1 meta-analysis

MetaImpact of nutraceutical supplements on hair growth in non-scarring alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis2025

A systematic review found limited high-quality evidence that nutraceutical multivitamin supplements promote hair growth in non-scarring alopecia.

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Vitamin B9 (Folate)View supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Evidence Review

Folic acid has mainly been studied as part of combination hair supplements, so it is not clear whether folic acid alone helps hair grow.
More direct research is needed.

Browse 1 study

RCTA Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study Evaluating a Dietary Supplement for Hair Growth2024n=65

In 65 women with thinning hair, 6 months of B-vitamin/zinc/botanical gummies increased hair density by 10.1% and improved self-reported shedding and appearance versus placebo, with no adverse events.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Population: Women
Participants: 65
Ages: 18–60

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Evidence visualised

Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.

Purchase-guidance distribution

How many supplements fall in each purchase band

Effect-size distribution

How large the reported benefits tend to be

Study distribution across 3 supplements for hair growth (6 studies total).
Supplement	DEX	Studies	Meta-analyses	Share
Biotin	★★★★★48%	4	0	67%
Multivitamin	★★★★★48%	1	1	17%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	★★★★★44%	1	0	17%

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Overview

Effect graph

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Studies

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