Best Anti-Hair Loss Supplement: A Pharmacist’s Opinion (2025)

We naturally lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. However, hair loss can be more significant and become noticeable, which is referred to as alopecia.

There are two types of alopecia:

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

Women are less affected. Nonetheless, this type of alopecia accounts for 80% of long-term hair loss problems in women.

Unlike acute alopecia, AGA causes a progressive reduction of hair density over time. It can be linked to various causes such as heredity or hormones.

Male androgens (in both men and women) can promote the acceleration of the hair life cycle in case of excessive production. 

Other factors can influence androgenetic alopecia: some hormonal treatments, an unbalanced diet, pollution, or chronic stress can induce early hair loss.

Best Anti-Hair Loss Supplement: Our Opinion

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

# Best supplement against hair loss: Hair Formula – Novoma

# Best alternative: Bio Hair Complex – Nutri&Co

# Best budget option: Biotin – Nutrimea

Our Selection Criteria

• Composition: this refers to the composition in vitamins, plants, and minerals.
• Bioavailability of ingredients: 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 customer reviews on the brand comes from the laboratory’s website, review platforms, or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Our review of the brand: following the tests of dietary supplement brands we conduct monthly and the analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

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

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# Best Supplement Against Hair Loss

We selected Novoma’s hair formula because this supplement contains no less than 7 active ingredients effective for hair beauty and health. Additionally, it also has a positive effect on nail health.

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

Novoma is a quality French brand offering well-formulated supplements at controlled prices (read our test here). All analysis certificates are available on the laboratory’s website, which is far from always being 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’s one of the few on the market that combines biotin with a patented millet oil, and whose effectiveness is backed by clinical studies (Keranat®).

The biotin comes from basil leaves grown using biodynamic farming, which ensures soil and plant health.

The millet used is “vectored” (i.e., combined) 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 agriculture and made in France.

We like the Nutri&Co brand because it’s reliable and transparent (our full review here). We also notice 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 promo code DARWINGIFT to receive a free surprise product (minimum purchase of €70).

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# Best Entry Level

The Nutrimea brand offers an interesting and less expensive alternative.

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

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

It is guaranteed free from GMOs and allergens.

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

Use promo code DARWIN10 to get a 10% discount (no minimum order).

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What reflexes to adopt against hair loss?

A balanced diet

Alongside specific treatments, simple daily actions can reduce or prevent the progression of the phenomenon.

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

Consume zinc-rich foods, which contribute to the beauty and health of phanera (nails and hair). You’ll find them in seafood, almonds, and whole grains. 

Finally, adequate consumption of essential fatty acids is necessary for the good health of the scalp: canola, walnut, or soybean oil.

Good lifestyle and suitable local care

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

Take care of your hair : use a gentle shampoo. And without irritating ingredients, I’m mainly thinking of sodium laureth sulfate.

Avoid harsh dyes, too harsh structuring products like hairspray and gel. Limit the use of heating devices, hairdryers, straighteners.

And invest in a soft hairbrush with natural bristles, to avoid excessive traction during brushing.

In addition to a balanced diet and lifestyle, supplementation courses contribute to the supply of essential nutrients for hair health and can thus reduce hair loss or limit its progression.

Which actives and plants to prioritize?

Vitamins

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

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

B vitamins

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

Vitamin B5 is involved in the renewal of nails, hair, and scalp hair. Vitamin B8 is essential for the synthesis of amino acids and helps combat hair loss and brittle nails. 

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

A vitamin B5 treatment via intramuscular injection has improved the appearance of hair in women suffering from hair loss.

Vitamin D

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

It is thus involved in the development of hair follicles, which are the cavities where hair grows, and it regulates the proliferation of keratinocytes. 

In a review of studies, a vitamin D deficiency 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 the construction of the proteins that make up the tissues of our body. Methionine and cysteine (or L-cysteine) are two amino acids capable of forming sulfur chains, meaning molecules that contain sulfur.

These sulfur-rich molecules contribute to the strength of hair tissues, as they are primarily composed 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 resulted in an increase in hair number and an improvement in hair appearance in women experiencing telogen effluvium (a disruption in the hair cycle with abundant hair shedding). 

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

Field Horsetail

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

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

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

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

Other plants are traditionally used for health and against hair loss due to their richness in minerals. This is notably the case with nettle, a panacea in terms of vitamins and minerals (especially 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 a significant source of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. This vitamin promotes the growth of keratinocytes, the cells that compose 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 yet validated the interest of Saccharomyces cerevisia in hair loss, but its nutritional qualities are no longer in question.

Spirulina

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

Also a source of iron, spirulina is particularly appreciated by vegans for preventing anemia, as shown in this study. 

A deficiency in certain nutrients influences the natural growth and health of hair. This food is therefore perfect for filling vitamin deficiencies related to overwork, an unbalanced diet, or an illness. 

In what form?

Capsules 

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

The main advantage is the possibility of mixing different plants and minerals to achieve a synergistic complex. 

In liquid form: drops, infusions

The drop form is often found with vitamin D. This vitamin is fat-soluble, thus the oily form is preferable compared to the tablet form, as indicated in this study.

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

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

Herbal teas also help with hydration and offer a cozy moment that is particularly appreciated. However, this requires multiple daily doses to achieve the desired therapeutic properties.

In flakes or powder 

The powder form is found for brewer’s yeast or spirulina. Powder easily adds to a preparation, a salad, or yogurt. 

Spirulina powder is also ideal for local use, directly on hair in a mix with water or natural treatments. You can find spirulina hair care recipes here. 

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

Criteria to consider

1. Diversity of ingredients 

A multi-vitamin dietary supplement is often less concentrated than a single 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, or protein deficiency: quality spirulina will be a good supplement. 
• In case of seasonal changes, or a diet low in prebiotics and probiotics: active brewer’s yeast may be of interest. 
• If you have little sun exposure, or your immunity is low: consider vitamin D, etc.

However, it is often beneficial to opt for a synergy of ingredients, especially if you do not know the cause of your hair loss. 

You will thus 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 or a multivitamin, check if the concentrations of each active ingredient are sufficient:

For vitamin B8 or biotin, ensure 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 treatment supplement. In capsules, the concentration should be at least 1 to 2 grams, started gradually to avoid digestive issues.

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

Vitamin D intake is adjusted according to needs: true deficiency or preventive intake. Supplements generally contain 800 to 1000 IU per day. 

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

3. Production method 

The production method influences the concentration of active ingredients and hence the effectiveness of the ingredients.

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

The same applies to spirulina: drying affects the final quality of the product. Cold drying, at less than 42 degrees, preserves the properties of spirulina. 

Also check under what conditions the spirulina was cultivated. Being a true sponge, it absorbs surrounding heavy metals. 

For plants, an organic formula ensures no use of chemical solvents, and results in a less processed powder or bulk product. 

4. Excipients 

Numerous additives, preservatives, artificial flavors can sneak into supplements, particularly in products containing multiple actives against hair loss. 

Indeed, combining multiple ingredients in a single capsule and making them absorbable by the body is no easy task!

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

What are the precautions for use?

Field horsetail is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in cases of cardiac or renal disorder, and when taking diuretics or laxatives. Overconsumption can lead to potassium loss.

Brewer’s yeast is not recommended without medical advice in cases of intestinal diseases, diabetes, and when combined with certain medications: when taken with certain antidepressants, brewer’s yeast can cause high blood pressure.

Finally, spirulina should be taken progressively to avoid the occurrence of diarrhea at the start of treatment. 

Spirulina should be taken after consulting an experienced healthcare professional for pregnant and breastfeeding women, if you have kidney disorders or are on anticoagulant treatments. It is contraindicated for phenylketonuria.

To sum up

To ensure you choose the best supplement against hair loss, check:

1. The diversity of ingredients: choose a single active ingredient if you know the cause of your hair loss (iron deficiency, seasonal change, immunity drop).
2. The concentration of actives: it must be sufficient to be effective; for example, for biotin, it requires 50 micrograms per day.
3. The production method: for plants, an organic formula; for spirulina, cold drying; for brewer’s yeast, active or revivable.
4. Excipients: avoid additives, preservatives, artificial flavors.

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