Best anti-hair loss supplement: a pharmacist’s opinion (2025)

We naturally lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. But hair loss can be more substantial and become visible. This is called alopecia.

There are two types of alopecia:

• Acute hair loss characterizes a diffuse and often sudden hair loss. This loss can occur after a nutrient deficiency, notably iron, a hormonal change (pregnancy, menopause). It can follow an illness or the use of medication. Or it may have a psychological origin such as an emotional shock, bereavement, or divorce.
  
• Chronic alopecia called androgenetic (AGA) is the most common hair loss. It affects 20% of men from the age of 20, 30% at 30, 40% at 40, and so on.

Women are less affected. Nevertheless, this alopecia accounts for 80% of persistent hair loss problems in women.

Unlike acute alopecia, AAG causes a progressive thinning of the hair over time. It can be related to several causes such as heredity or hormones.

The male androgen hormones (in men as well as in women) can promote an accelerated hair life cycle when produced in excess. 

Other factors can influence androgenetic alopecia: certain hormonal treatments, an unbalanced diet, pollution or chronic stress can cause premature hair loss.

Best hair loss supplement: our opinion

We analyzed 15 products sold online according to 6 criteria and selected these three dietary supplements that prevent hair loss.

# Best supplement for hair loss : Hair Formula – Novoma

# Best alternative : The Organic Hair Complex – Nutri&Co

# Best entry-level : Biotin – Nutrimea

Our selection criteria

• Composition: this is the composition in vitamins, herbs, and minerals.
• Ingredient bioavailability: are they well absorbed by the body?
• Organic farming: is the supplement certified organic?
• Price / day: this is the price for 1 day of treatment, with the daily dose recommended by the brand.
• Customer reviews: this average of the brand’s customer reviews comes from the manufacturer’s website, customer review platforms, or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Our opinion on the brand: based on the tests of supplement brands that we conduct each month and the analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

All selected dietary supplements are packaged in France, vegan and made from naturally derived ingredients.

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# Best supplement for hair loss

We selected Novoma’s hair formula because this supplement contains no fewer than 7 active ingredients effective for the beauty and health of hair. In addition, it also benefits nail health.

This hair loss supplement contains, in particular, the patented keratin Cynatine® HNS. It is 100% pure and natural and is recognized for its high bioavailability.

Novoma is a quality French brand offering well-dosed supplements at controlled prices (read our review here). All certificates of analysis are available on the laboratory’s website, which is far from always the case.

Use the promo code DARWIN-5 to get €5 off your order (no minimum purchase).

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# Best alternative

We chose the Nutri&Co hair supplement because it is one of the few on the market to combine biotin with a patented millet oil, and its effectiveness is supported by clinical studies (Keranat®).

The biotin comes from basil leaves grown biodynamically, a farming method that ensures the health of the soil and the plants.

The millet used is “vectorized” (that is, associated) with wheat ceramides to ensure maximum bioavailability (X6).

It also contains other natural ingredients such as shea butter and rosemary. This supplement is certified organic and made in France.

We like the Nutri&Co brand because it is reliable and transparent (our full review here). We also note that customer reviews are very good. This brand is based in Aix-en-Provence and places particular importance on the quality of the active ingredients in its products.

Use the promo code DARWINGIFT to receive a free surprise product (minimum purchase of €70).

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# Best entry-level

Nutrimea offers an interesting and less expensive alternative.

This hair supplement contains biotin, zinc in a bioavailable citrate form, selenium (selenomethionine: a highly assimilable organic form), and pumpkin seed powder (rich in vitamins and minerals).

Finally, it contains essential fatty acids, necessary for healthy hair.

It is guaranteed GMO-free and free of allergens.

Nutrimea is a quality French brand offering supplements concentrated in active ingredients at controlled prices. (our review here). Its product range is particularly extensive.

Use the promo code DARWIN10 to get 10% off (no minimum order).

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What steps should you take against hair loss?

A balanced diet

Alongside specific treatments, simple everyday actions can reduce or prevent the acceleration of the process.

A balanced diet provides the essential nutrients for proper hair growth: eat enough protein, which provides the amino acids necessary for the synthesis of keratin, the main protein of hair. 

Eat zinc-rich foods, which contribute to the beauty and health of nails and hair. You can find them in seafood, almonds, and whole grains. 

Finally, sufficient consumption of essential fatty acids is necessary for a healthy scalp: canola (rapeseed) oil, walnuts, or soybean oil.

A healthy lifestyle and appropriate topical treatments

Reduce or eliminate, if possible, tobacco, which blocks nutrient absorption. 

Take care of your hair: use a gentle shampoo. And avoid irritating ingredients, especially sodium laureth sulfate.

Avoid harsh hair dyes and overly aggressive styling products such as hairspray and gel. Limit the use of heated styling tools, hair dryers, and flat irons.

And invest in a soft natural-bristle hairbrush to avoid excessive pulling while brushing.

In addition to a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, courses of dietary supplements help provide essential nutrients for hair health and can therefore reduce hair loss or slow its progression.

Which active ingredients and plants should be prioritized?

Vitamins

Although there is a lack of evidence for the usefulness of vitamin supplementation to promote hair growth, vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss or make hair thin and brittle.

Therefore, make sure to eat a varied diet to ensure adequate intake, particularly of B, D, and E vitamins. 

B vitamins

In particular vitamin B5, called pantothenic acid, and vitamin B8, or Biotin. These two vitamins are also found in medications indicated for the treatment of diffuse alopecia.

Vitamin B5 plays a role in the renewal of nails, body hair, and scalp hair. Vitamin B8 is essential for the synthesis of amino acids and helps fight hair loss and brittle nails. 

This research indicates a beneficial effect of vitamin B8 on acquired or hereditary hair loss and on uncombable hair syndrome. However, there are few studies on its preventive use in healthy individuals. 

A vitamin B5 treatment by intramuscular injection was able to improve the appearance of hair in women suffering from hair loss.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a hormone that plays many roles in the body, due to its anti-inflammatory and immune properties.

It is thus involved in the development of hair follicles, that is the cavity in which the hair develops, and it regulates the proliferation of keratinocytes. 

In a review of studies, a deficiency in vitamin D is frequently found in cases of androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata  or trichotillomania (a compulsive disorder characterized by repeated hair pulling).  

Amino acids: methionine and cysteine

Amino acids participate in building the proteins that make up the tissues of our body. Methionine and cysteine (or L-cysteine) are two amino acids capable of forming sulfur-containing chains, that is, molecules containing sulfur.

These sulfur-rich molecules contribute to the strength of hair tissues, as they are composed mainly of a sulfur-containing protein called keratin.

A trial including cysteine, combined with other molecules, evaluated the effectiveness of these supplements against hair loss: after 6 months of treatment, the supplement led to an increase in hair count and an improvement in hair appearance in women with telogen effluvium (a disruption of the hair cycle with heavy hair shedding). 

Methionine is a fundamental building block of hair structure, and its presence is essential for the production of L-cysteine. It is therefore often found associated with cysteine in supplements.

Field horsetail

Field horsetail contains many minerals and vitamins, and it is naturally rich in silica. 

Silicon is a mineral that contributes to collagen formation, the structural protein of hair and nails.

A trial of a supplement containing field horsetail resulted in a significant increase in hair count and in participants’ quality of life after 6 months of treatment. 

Additional studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of these plants.

Other plants are traditionally used for health and against hair loss, thanks to their richness in minerals. This is particularly the case of nettle, a panacea in terms of vitamins and minerals (notably a source of iron).

Brewer’s yeast

Brewer’s yeast refers to a small fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, notably B-group vitamins and proteins.

Brewer’s yeast is an important source of thiamine, also called vitamin B1. This vitamin promotes the growth of keratinocytes, the cells that make up our hair. 

The other B vitamins contained in brewer’s yeast are B2, B3, B6, B8. They contribute to the maintenance of hair health and growth.

No study has validated the benefit of Saccharomyces cerevisia for hair loss to date, but its nutritional qualities are well established.

Spirulina

This cyanobacterium contains up to 70% protein, vitamins, trace elements and antioxidant pigments: vitamin A, B-group vitamins and vitamin E, as well as iodine, selenium, zinc, chromium, copper, etc. 

Also a source of iron, spirulina is particularly appreciated by vegans to help prevent anemia, as shown by this study. 

Deficiency in certain nutrients affects natural hair growth and overall hair health. This food is therefore perfect for addressing vitamin deficiencies related to overwork, an unbalanced diet, or an illness. 

In what form?

In capsules 

The most common form, capsules allow good preservation of active ingredients and adequate concentrations. 

The major advantage is the ability to mix different plants and minerals to obtain a synergistic complex. 

In liquid form: drops, infusions

The drop form is notably used for vitamin D. This vitamin is fat-soluble, and the oil form is therefore preferable compared to the tablet form, as indicated by this study.

The oil form offers good bioavailability. However, it is sensitive to oxidation. Vitamin D can therefore degrade quickly.

As for herbal infusions, such as field horsetail or nettle, they allow the use of a bulk form free of dubious additives and unnecessary ones found in some dietary supplement formulas.

Herbal teas also help you stay hydrated and offer a particularly comforting, cozy moment. However, this requires several daily servings to obtain the desired therapeutic properties.

In flakes or powder 

The powder form is common for brewer’s yeast or spirulina. The powder is easily added to a preparation, a salad, or a yogurt. 

Spirulina powder is also ideal for topical use, directly on the hair mixed with water or natural treatments. You can find spirulina care recipes here. 

Flakes are also a more natural and less processed form. Brewer’s yeast and spirulina flakes disperse in a soup, a drink, or a salad.

Criteria to consider

1. Diversity of ingredients 

A multivitamin supplement will often be less concentrated than an active ingredient taken alone. 

You can favor a single active ingredient if you know the cause of your hair loss: 

• To prevent iron deficiency, fatigue, a lack of protein: a quality spirulina will be a good supplement. 
• In case of a seasonal change, or a diet low in pre- and probiotic foods: active brewer’s yeast may be beneficial. 
• If you have little sun exposure, or if your immunity is low: consider vitamin D, etc.

However, it is often useful to opt for a synergy of ingredients, especially if you don’t know the cause of hair loss. 

This way you’ll benefit from the multiple benefits of vitamins and plants for hair health and growth.

2. Concentration of active ingredients 

Whether you choose a single active ingredient or a multivitamin, check if the concentrations of each active ingredient are sufficient:

For vitamin B8 (biotin), verify that the daily intake is 50 micrograms per day, and 5 mg per day for vitamin B5 (or pantothenic acid) for adults.

Brewer’s yeast in flake form is suitable for preventive use or as a supplement to treatment. In capsules, the concentration should be at least 1 to 2 grams, starting gradually to avoid digestive issues.

For spirulina, it is important to check the phycocyanin content, a pigment responsible for the microalga’s properties. A minimum concentration of 15% phycocyanin ensures the preservation of nutritional qualities.

Vitamin D intake will depend on the case: true deficiency or preventive supplementation. Supplements generally contain 800 to 1000 IU per day. 

1 to 2 grams of field horsetail are needed in capsule form, and up to 4 grams of dried leaves for infusions, to be taken in 3 doses per day.

3. The production method 

The production method affects the concentration of active compounds and therefore the effectiveness of the ingredients.

Choose a brewer’s yeast described as “active” or “revivable”, which has been handled at low temperature. This production method preserves the probiotic effects of the yeast. Maintaining a balanced intestinal flora contributes to better absorption of vitamins and minerals.

The same goes for spirulina: drying affects the final quality of the product. Cold drying, below 42 degrees, preserves spirulina’s properties. 

Also check the conditions under which the spirulina was cultivated. A true sponge, it absorbs heavy metals from its surroundings. 

For plants, an organic formula ensures the absence of chemical solvent use and allows obtaining a powder or bulk product that is less processed. 

4. Excipients 

Many additives, preservatives, artificial flavors can slip into dietary supplements, especially for products containing multiple active ingredients against hair loss. 

Indeed, making several ingredients coexist in the same capsule, and making them absorbable by the body, is no small feat!

Beware of prices that are too enticing, check for questionable chemical additives, and opt for products that meet French standards, which have stricter manufacturing regulations.

What are the precautions for use?

Field horsetail is contraindicated in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding, in case of heart or kidney disorders, and in case of use of diuretics or laxatives. Overconsumption can lead to a loss of potassium.

Brewer’s yeast is not recommended without medical advice for intestinal disorders or diabetes, and when used with other medications: when taken with certain antidepressants, brewer’s yeast can cause high blood pressure.

Finally, spirulina should be taken gradually, to avoid the onset of diarrhea at the start of treatment. 

Spirulina should be taken only after consulting a qualified healthcare professional for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and if you suffer from kidney disorders or are on anticoagulant treatments. It is contraindicated in cases of phenylketonuria.

To summarize

To make sure you choose the best dietary supplement for hair loss, check:

1. Ingredient diversity: favor a single, appropriate active ingredient if you know the cause of your hair loss (iron deficiency, seasonal change, weakened immunity).
2. Active ingredient concentration: it must be sufficient to be effective; e.g., for biotin you need 50 micrograms per day.
3. Production method: for plants, an organic formula; for spirulina, cold-dried; for brewer’s yeast, active or revivable.
4. Excipients: avoid additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

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