Hair loss affects 50% of men and 25% of women by age 50, and while genetics play a role, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and scalp inflammation are major — and addressable — contributors. Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) responds to DHT-blocking supplements, while diffuse shedding often points to iron, biotin, or amino acid deficiencies.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
DHT overproduction (androgenetic alopecia)
Iron deficiency (common in women)
Biotin or zinc deficiency
Thyroid dysfunction
Extreme calorie restriction
Chronic stress (telogen effluvium)
Scalp inflammation
Key Ingredients to Look For
Saw Palmetto (DHT blocker) (320mg) — mixed evidence. Some small trials show improved hair counts by blocking the DHT hormone linked to pattern baldness, but the evidence base is much smaller than for prescription DHT blockers.
Biotin (10mg) — limited evidence. Biotin deficiency (which is uncommon) does cause hair loss, and correcting it helps -- but in people who are not deficient, extra biotin has little supporting evidence for hair growth.
Collagen peptides (amino acids for hair, 10-20g daily) — limited evidence. Provides amino acids used in keratin production, but direct trial evidence linking collagen supplementation specifically to hair regrowth is still limited.
Iron (if deficient, per physician guidance) — strong evidence. Iron deficiency is a well-documented cause of hair shedding, particularly in women, and correcting a confirmed deficiency reliably helps regrowth.
Zinc (15-30mg) — moderate evidence. Deficiency is linked to hair loss, and several trials show supplementation helps in people who are deficient; less effect in people with normal zinc levels.
Pumpkin seed oil (400mg) — limited evidence. A small trial in men with pattern hair loss showed improved hair count, but the evidence base is much smaller than for established DHT-blocking treatments.
Marine collagen (per label) — limited evidence. Similar rationale and limited evidence base to standard collagen peptides -- supports the building blocks of hair structure without strong direct regrowth trial data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can supplements really regrow hair, or only slow further loss?
For DHT-related pattern hair loss, most supplement evidence is far weaker than for prescription options; supplements may help most when an actual nutrient deficiency (iron, zinc, biotin) is the underlying cause.
Should I get bloodwork before trying hair-loss supplements?
Yes -- checking iron, zinc, thyroid function, and biotin levels can identify a correctable deficiency, which responds far more reliably to supplementation than pattern baldness with no deficiency.
How long does it take to see results from hair-loss supplements?
Hair grows slowly, so most trials measure results at 3-6 months minimum -- expecting visible change sooner is generally unrealistic given normal hair growth cycles.