Nutrafol Review

Hair loss affects people differently, and there are several reasons why your hair may thin over time. Genetics plays a role in pattern baldness for both men and women, while other causes include medical treatments, stress, aging, over-styling, and certain health conditions. Some people may even experience temporary shedding after childbirth.

Typically, people lose between 50 and 100 hairs daily. While these hairs are often replaced by new growth, this isn’t always guaranteed. Hair loss can happen gradually over the years or occur suddenly, and it can be either permanent or temporary. However, there are ways to regrow hair or at least slow down hair loss.

About Nutrafol

Nutrafol offers over-the-counter (OTC) supplements aimed at addressing mild to moderate hair thinning caused by factors like age, stress, or genetics. Unlike some other hair loss solutions, Nutrafol focuses on natural supplements and hair boosters rather than prescribing medications like finasteride or minoxidil.

Nutrafol may be a good option for those interested in exploring natural hair growth products or for those who want to target the underlying causes of their hair loss directly.

What is Nutrafol?

Nutrafol is produced by Nutraceutical Wellness Inc., a New York City-based company that prides itself on offering 100% drug-free products. Nutrafol is the fastest-growing supplement for promoting healthy hair and hair growth. While there are many hair loss products available, Nutrafol has been clinically tested and shown to support hair regrowth. However, it’s important to note that these studies were funded by Nutraceutical Wellness.

Product	Key ingredients	Target Users
Nutrafol Women	collagen, ashwagandha	18–44 year-old women looking to improve hair growth
Nutrafol Men	saw palmetto, ashwagandha	Men who want to regain hair thickness and promote a healthier scalp.
Nutrafol Postpartum	collagen, DHA omega-3	Women who recently gave birth and are dealing with stress-induced hair thinning.
Nutrafol Women’s Balance	vitamins A, C, and D; biotin; iodine; zinc	Women experiencing hair thinning or loss as a result of hormonal changes during peri- or postmenopause.

How does Nutrafol work?

Research indicates that hair loss can be caused by various factors, including diet, hormones, and stress. To identify potential causes affecting your hair, Nutrafol suggests starting with their Hair Wellness Quiz.

Nutrafol seeks to promote hair growth by lowering stress levels and reducing androgens—hormones that play a role in growth and reproduction for both men and women. The supplements contain ingredients like Sensoril ashwagandha, which helps reduce cortisol levels, a hormone involved in the body’s stress response. By lowering cortisol, ashwagandha can build resistance to stress.

High cortisol levels can cause hair follicles to prematurely transition from the growth phase to the rest phase, halting hair growth. This means chronic stress could contribute to disruptions in hair growth. Moreover, Nutrafol claims that the supplements can aid in neutralizing inflammatory molecules and free radicals, which can also have harmful effects on hair growth.

Stress-related hair loss

Nutrafol contains Sensoril ashwagandha, a medicinal herb known for its potential to reduce elevated cortisol levels, helping to build resistance to stress. A 2012 study involving 64 participants demonstrated that ashwagandha effectively lowered stress and anxiety levels.

Key ingredients like vitamin E have been shown to help correct oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This imbalance can contribute to health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

While a 2019 review notes that the evidence is mixed, there is some indication that vitamins like these may support hair growth in individuals who are deficient.

Hormonal Hair Loss

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen hormone commonly associated with hormonal hair loss. While DHT is more prevalent in men, women also produce it. DHT leads to the gradual shrinking of hair follicles, a process known as miniaturization, which can eventually cause the follicles to close, preventing hair from growing back.

Factors such as nutrition, metabolism, and stress can affect hair thinning, but hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause, and stress are also significant contributors to DHT imbalances in women. Saw palmetto is extracted from the ripe berries of an American dwarf palm. This is an ingredient that may help tackle DHT sensitivity. A 2009 review found that saw palmetto was shown to inhibit DHT receptors.

Metabolism-Related Hair Loss

Your cellular metabolism supplies the energy needed for hair follicles to grow. Factors like inflammation, a high glycemic diet (foods that rapidly raise blood sugar), hormonal imbalances, or thyroid issues can impair metabolism, leaving your body with less energy for optimal hair growth.

Nutrafol contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound from turmeric, and uses this ingredient to target the metabolism. Some studies suggest that curcumin may help alleviate metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Since chronic inflammation can worsen hair loss, much like it exacerbates metabolic syndrome, curcumin may help reduce inflammation and support healthier hair growth.

Side Effects of Nutrafol

Nutrafol is a supplement which means its not part of FDA regulations. Consult with your healthcare provider before you add any supplement to your regimen. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional before using Nutrafol.

Additionally, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have preexisting health conditions, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor before taking the supplement.

Hair Growth Products

Nutrafol offers four types of supplements tailored to different needs:

• Women: Available in both vegan and non-vegan options.
• Men: Formulated specifically for men.
• Postpartum: Designed for women experiencing postpartum hair shedding.
• Women’s Balance: Created for women in peri- and postmenopause.

Each supplement is designed to address unique hair health needs based on life stage and hormonal changes.

Nutrafol Women Capsules

The Nutrafol Women supplement is formulated to promote hair growth, thickness, and strength, and is recommended for women ages 18 to 44. While it doesn’t include all the ingredients found in the Women’s Balance formula, it does contain collagen, a natural protein that supports skin, bones, and teeth structure.

Additional ingredients include:

• Maca: A root known for its adaptogenic properties, which may support hormone balance.
• Astaxanthin: A potent antioxidant helpful for fighting oxidative stress.
• Extra saw palmetto: Known to support hair health by balancing certain hormones that can affect hair growth.

Nutrafol Men Capsules

Nutrafol’s Men’s formula includes saw palmetto, an ingredient known for promoting hair thickness and supporting scalp health by addressing issues like stress, poor nutrition, and metabolic changes. With consistent use, Nutrafol suggests that men may see results in 3 to 6 months, though individual results can vary.

Nutrafol Postpartum Capsules

After childbirth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply, and in some women, cortisol levels rise, which can affect hair health. Research from 2013 indicates that hair loss often begins 2–4 months postpartum. During pregnancy, typical hair shedding slows, so when it resumes after birth, the loss may seem more pronounced.

Nutrafol’s Postpartum supplement includes the amino acid theanine, which may help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as shatavari, an herb from the asparagus family that supports the body in managing both physical and emotional stress. These ingredients work together to regulate stress hormones and promote relaxation, helping to maintain a healthy hair growth cycle. The formula also contains collagen and other antioxidants.

Typically, the hair cycle resets about 15 months after childbirth. Nutrafol states that this supplement can complement postnatal vitamins but should not be taken during pregnancy. While the ingredients are considered safe for breastfeeding, it’s recommended to consult with a doctor beforehand.

Nutrafol Women’s Balance Capsules

Women’s Balance is formulated to help restore hair thickness by addressing hair loss caused by hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause or menopause. The supplement contains 21 ingredients in a blended formula, which includes a variety of additives. It is not regulated by the FDA. While the full list of ingredients is available on the website, key components include vitamins A, C, and D, biotin, iodine, zinc, and more.

Women’s Balance can be used alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Unlike the regular Women’s Nutrafol formula, it places a greater emphasis on maca, astaxanthin, and extra saw palmetto to support the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels.

This formula is primarily recommended for women aged 45 and older, but if you’re experiencing hair thinning or a widening part, you can also consider taking Women’s Balance.

How much does Nutrafol cost?

Nutrafol offers three payment options:

• Per bottle: Each bottle is priced at $88, though occasional sales may offer discounts.
• Monthly delivery: This option costs $79 per month, providing a 1-month supply along with free doctor consultations.
• 3-month delivery: A 3-month supply costs $225, with supplements delivered every three months. This option also includes free doctor consultations.

Company Reputation

Nutrafol’s website features several before-and-after photos from customers who have seen positive results, typically showing slight thickening at the crown or part line. On Amazon, Nutrafol has thousands of reviews across all formulas, with over half receiving 4- or 5-star ratings. However, many reviews mention that the product did not regrow hair as expected.

As of August 2024, Nutraceutical Wellness holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but has a low customer rating of 1.11 out of 5 stars. Complaints on the BBB website include issues with undelivered shipments, overcharging, and unhelpful customer service.

When to Talk with a Doctor?

Hair loss is a common issue that can result from various factors, including menopause or more serious conditions such as cancer or thyroid problems. If you start experiencing hair loss, it’s important to consult with a doctor. They can help assess your symptoms and medical history to determine whether it may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

The Verdict

Hair loss is a common concern for both men and women, and it can impact self-confidence and mental well-being. Nutrafol offers supplements designed to enhance hair thickness and growth, with the company claiming that clinical studies support these benefits. Some users report positive results with improved hair growth, while others feel the product didn’t work as expected.

If you’re dealing with hair loss or considering a new supplement, it’s wise to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional as a first step to understand the underlying causes and find the best treatment for your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen if you stop using Nutrafol?

The brief answer: It’s uncertain. According to Nutrafol’s website, you should take it consistently for 3 months, at which point you should begin to notice results. If you don’t see any improvements by then, consult with a naturopathic doctor before adjusting your routine.

How soon can you expect results from using Nutrafol?

According to the company website, you should begin to see results within 3 months if you’ve been consistently taking the supplements every day.

Is Nutrafol more effective than biotin?

Biotin (vitamin B7) is commonly included in shampoos, conditioners, and supplements to support healthy hair growth and promote thicker, more voluminous hair. However, research suggests that biotin may not benefit individuals who are not deficient in this vitamin.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of hair loss treatments varies based on factors like the underlying cause of hair loss, age, and the overall health of the hair. To determine the best treatment for you, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor to identify the root cause and the most appropriate solution.