Best Supplements For Hair Growth

Hair growth supplements can be helpful when they support the fundamentals of hair health: adequate protein intake, sufficient micronutrients, hormonal balance, and scalp health. In the UK, the most reliable hair growth supplements are typically those that address common nutritional gaps such as biotin, iron, zinc, collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids, rather than products that promise rapid or dramatic regrowth. This guide focuses on evidence-aligned supplements commonly used by women and men to support hair strength, thickness, and reduced shedding, especially when combined with a balanced diet, stress management, and gentle hair care.

What are hair growth supplements?

Hair growth supplements are nutritional products designed to support the normal hair growth cycle by supplying vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, or other bioactive compounds involved in follicle health.

Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in the body. When nutrient availability is suboptimal or systemic stress is high, hair is often one of the first tissues to be affected. This is why shedding or thinning frequently follows illness, psychological stress, restrictive dieting, or hormonal change.

Most hair growth supplements fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Micronutrient support, such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, or B vitamins, which are commonly provided through comprehensive Hair, Skin & Nails vitamins, targeted nutrients like iron supplements, zinc supplements, and vitamin D supplements. These nutrients play important roles in normal hair follicle metabolism, cell turnover, and growth signalling.

• Structural support, including collagen and protein-related nutrients that help maintain hair fibre strength and resilience. These nutrients are typically sourced from collagen supplements and broader protein supplements,which provide the amino acids required for keratin production.

• Scalp and skin support, often involving omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain scalp skin integrity and inflammatory balance. These nutrients are commonly found in omega-3 supplements, particularly when dryness, irritation, or flaking affects hair quality.

• Stress and hormonal support, aimed at reducing triggers of excessive shedding, especially in cases of stress-related hair loss. Some people explore this through stress relief and calming supplements or broader hormone imbalance support, particularly when hair changes occur alongside sleep disruption or hormonal symptoms.

It is important to note that supplements do not override genetics or medical hair loss conditions, but they can support normal growth where nutritional or lifestyle factors are contributing.

People addressing hair concerns often also explore related areas such as thinning hair support, dry scalp care, scalp conditions, and hair fibre quality, which strongly influence the overall appearance, density, and manageability of hair.

What Hair Growth Supplements Can Do?

Supplements do not “force” hair to grow. Instead, they support the biological processes involved in hair production by ensuring the body has the nutrients it needs to maintain the hair growth cycle. Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, zinc, protein, or B vitamins are known contributors to increased shedding or poor hair quality.

Hair supplements work best when used consistently for several months and alongside good overall nutrition. For a broader view of available options, explore vitamins, hair, skin, & nails vitamins, and collagen supplements.

Why Hair Growth Supplements Are Commonly Used

People often turn to supplements for hair growth when experiencing thinning, increased shedding, slow regrowth, or changes related to stress, hormonal shifts, dieting, or postpartum recovery. Products from established women’s health supplement ranges and men’s health supplements are typically formulated with these factors in mind.

Benefits of supplements for hair growth

Supporting the normal hair growth cycle

Hair grows in cycles, and nutritional adequacy is essential for follicles to remain in the growth (anagen) phase. When nutrients are insufficient, more follicles may shift into the resting (telogen) phase, leading to increased shedding.

Reducing excessive hair shedding

Diffuse hair shedding is commonly associated with iron deficiency, stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Correcting deficiencies or supporting stress regulation may help reduce ongoing hair fall over time.

Improving hair thickness and quality

Hair thickness is influenced not only by follicle activity but also by hair shaft strength and breakage rates. Nutrients involved in protein synthesis and skin integrity can improve the appearance and resilience of hair fibres.

Supporting scalp health

Scalp inflammation, dryness, or poor circulation can negatively affect follicle performance. Supplements that support skin health and inflammatory balance may indirectly benefit hair growth.

Our Top Picks (UK)

• Best All-In-One Hair Formula: Vitabiotics Perfectil Original
• Best Collagen Supplement: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
• Best Biotin Supplement: Solgar Biotin 300 µg
• Best Omega-3 for Scalp Health: Bare Biology Life & Soul Omega-3
• Best Iron-Containing Formula (When Needed): Floradix Liquid Iron

Detailed Reviews

Vitabiotics Perfectil Original — Best All-In-One Hair Formula

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides — Best Collagen Supplement

Solgar Biotin 300 µg — Best Biotin Supplement

Bare Biology Life & Soul Omega-3 — Best for Scalp Health

Floradix Liquid Iron — Best Iron-Containing Formula (When Needed)

How we ranked the best supplements for hair growth

Supplements were evaluated based on:

• Biological relevance to hair follicle function

• Evidence plausibility rather than marketing claims

• Clear labelling and sensible dosages

• Tolerability for long-term use

• Suitability for common real-world hair loss triggers

• Overall value and safety

Products relying on extreme doses or vague “beauty blends” were deprioritised.

Side effects and considerations

Iron supplementation should not be taken without a clear indication, as unnecessary iron can cause digestive side effects. High-dose zinc may cause nausea or mineral imbalance if used long-term. Large doses of biotin can interfere with certain blood tests.

If hair loss is sudden, patchy, painful, or associated with fatigue, weight change, or hormonal symptoms, medical assessment is recommended.

External References & Supporting Evidence (UK)

Hair growth and hair loss are influenced by a combination of genetics, nutritional status, hormonal balance, stress, and overall health. The supplements discussed in this guide are based on nutrients and compounds that are recognised by UK and EU-aligned health authorities as contributing to normal hair health when deficiencies or increased needs are present. The external sources below provide context, evidence, and official guidance so readers can make informed decisions.

NHS – Hair Loss Overview
The NHS explains that hair loss can be linked to nutritional deficiencies (such as iron), stress, illness, hormonal changes, and rapid weight loss. It also highlights that supplements may help only when a deficiency exists and that results take time due to the hair growth cycle.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/

NHS – Vitamins and Minerals Guidance
The NHS provides guidance on vitamins and minerals required for normal bodily function, including those linked to hair health, such as iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins. This reinforces the role of adequate micronutrient intake rather than high-dose supplementation.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/

EFSA / UK-Aligned Nutrition Claims (Biotin, Zinc, Selenium)
Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (still referenced within UK supplement standards), biotin, zinc, and selenium are authorised to be described as contributing to the maintenance of normal hair. This forms the regulatory basis for many hair supplement formulations sold in the UK.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32012R0432

NHS – Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of hair shedding, particularly in women. NHS guidance explains symptoms, diagnosis, and when supplementation may be appropriate under medical advice.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/

British Association of Dermatologists – Hair Loss Information
The British Association of Dermatologists provides evidence-based patient information on different types of hair loss, including telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, and the role of diet and health in hair shedding.
https://www.bad.org.uk/patient-information/conditions/hair-loss/

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Biotin, Zinc, Iron (Scientific Background)
Although US-based, these fact sheets are widely referenced in UK clinical nutrition and provide detailed explanations of how biotin, zinc, and iron function in the body, including their relationship to hair and skin health.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/

General Clinical Consensus
Across UK clinical guidance, supplements are positioned as supportive tools rather than treatments. Hair supplements are most appropriate when hair loss is linked to nutritional gaps, dietary restriction, stress, or recovery from illness, and they should be used consistently for several months before assessing results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best supplement for hair growth in the UK?
The best option depends on the cause of hair issues. A hair-specific multivitamin is often a good starting point when no single deficiency is known, while targeted supplements such as biotin, iron, or omega-3s may help when a specific gap exists.

Do hair supplements actually work?
Hair supplements can support normal hair growth when hair issues are linked to nutritional gaps, stress, illness, or dietary restriction. They do not treat genetic or hormonal hair loss.

How long do hair supplements take to show results?
Most people need to use hair supplements consistently for 8–12 weeks before noticing changes. Hair grows in cycles, so visible improvements take time.

Is biotin enough on its own for hair growth?
Biotin alone only helps if biotin intake is low. If hair loss is caused by iron deficiency, stress, or overall poor nutrition, a broader nutrient approach is usually more effective.

Can iron supplements help with hair loss?
Iron supplements may help if hair shedding is linked to low iron or low ferritin levels. They should only be used when deficiency is suspected or confirmed, as excess iron is not recommended.

Do omega-3 supplements help hair growth?
Omega-3s support scalp and skin health, which can indirectly support a healthy hair environment. They do not directly stimulate new hair growth.

Are collagen supplements good for hair?
Collagen supplements can support hair strength and quality by providing structural amino acids, but they do not directly cause new hair growth.

Can I take multiple hair supplements together?
Taking multiple overlapping supplements is usually unnecessary and may increase the risk of excess intake. It is better to identify likely deficiencies and choose products accordingly.

Are hair supplements safe for daily use?
Most hair supplements are safe when taken within recommended doses. Always check labels, especially if combining products or taking medications.

Do hair supplements help with stress-related hair loss?
Yes, they may help support recovery when hair shedding follows stress, illness, or dieting, particularly when they address nutritional strain.

Can hair supplements stop genetic hair loss?
No. Genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is not reversed by supplements. Nutritional support may improve hair quality but will not stop genetic thinning.

When should I speak to a healthcare professional?
You should seek professional advice if hair loss is sudden, severe, patchy, associated with illness, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking regular medication.