There’s nothing more confidence-sapping than realizing your hair lacks the lush volume and oomph it once had. One trending way to reverse it is by using Nutrafol, a daily supplement designed to promote hair growth—and social media is abuzz with the benefits. But like any treatment, there are cons to consider as well. Read on to learn more about the Nutrafol side effects and downsides to help you decide if it’s the right treatment for you.
What have you tried to reverse hair loss?
What is Nutrafol?
The popular brand offers an array of dietary supplements to support hair growth for both men and women at different stages of life. Two of the more commonly used supplements are Nutrafol Women and Nutrafol Women’s Balance. They both contain similar ingredients, such as botanicals, vitamins and minerals. You might be wondering what’s so special about Nutrafol. While other hair growth supplements often target just one cause of hair thinning or loss, Nutrafol gets a leg up for tackling many culprits that make hair thinner.
What are some Nutrafol side effects and downsides?
“Considering Nutrafol’s many components, even though they are natural, side effects are possible,” says Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, a double-board-certified dermatologist and hair loss specialist at Dermatology Circle in New York City. Adds Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, “Individual sensitivities or medical histories can affect how well the ingredients work for someone.”
Here are some of the possible Nutrafol side effects, concerns or downsides you may come across:
Possible Nutrafol side effect: Copper deficiency
Nutrafol contains ingredients like zinc, which can interfere with copper absorption if taken long-term or in high doses, explains Dr. Kopelman. “Copper is essential for healthy connective tissue and immune function, so I recommend monitoring levels if you’re taking supplements with high zinc content.”
Possible Nutrafol side effect: Acne
Some patients have reported an uptick in acne, which may be related to hormonal shifts or the biotin content, says Dr. Kopelman. “Biotin can increase oil production in some individuals, leading to breakouts.”
Possible Nutrafol side effect: Lab test interference
High doses of biotin can skew the results of blood tests, particularly thyroid and cardiac tests, by either masking or falsely elevating results, Dr. Kopelman explains. “It’s crucial to inform your doctor if you’re taking biotin so they can interpret blood work accurately.”
Possible Nutrafol side effect: Hair growth where you don’t want it
Some individuals report unwanted hair growth in areas like the face, which may be due to the general stimulation of hair follicles. “However, many patients take Nutrafol alongside medications like minoxidil, and increased hair growth is more commonly associated with minoxidil use,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya.
Possible Nutrafol side effect: Stomach issues
“I’ve observed some stomach-related side effects like diarrhea, bloating or dyspepsia,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya.
Possible Nutrafol side effect: Liver issues
“There was a case report of liver issues linked to Nutrafol, raising concerns among some dermatologists about the need for caution,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya.
Possible Nutrafol side effect: Shedding
Some users have reported increased shedding in the first few weeks which is said to taper off the longer you are on the supplement.
The downsides of taking Nutrafol
Hard-to-swallow pill size
“Some patients I’ve had couldn’t take Nutrafol consistently due to its large capsule size and amount (four per day),” attests Dr. Kazlouskaya.
The cost
Nutrafol can be expensive, especially for long-term use. The price varies, but a monthly supply typically ranges from $79 to $88 (depending on the formula and subscription options). This might be a significant investment for some, particularly since hair growth supplements often require months of consistent use before seeing noticeable results.
Who should avoid taking Nutrafol?
Pregnant women should definitely avoid it, says Dr. Kazlouskaya. “Additionally, given recent reports of potential liver injury, patients with liver conditions or severe obesity should exercise caution. There has also been a report of heavier bleeding during a procedure in a patient taking Nutrafol, so it’s advisable to stop all supplements before any major surgery.”
What are some of Nutrafol’s benefits?
Thanks to Nutrafol’s unique blend of botanical ingredients such as saw palmetto (which blocks the hair loss hormone, dihydrotestosterone or DHT) and marine collagen (which supports the health of hair follicles) it has been shown to improve hair density and strength for thicker, fuller hair. One clinical study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that women who took Nutrafol for six months experienced significant improvements in hair growth, hair density and overall hair health.
But that’s not all! Keep scrolling for the key benefits Nutrafol offers for women, but as Dr. Kopelman explains, “Supplements like this may improve areas beyond hair health, but they should not replace a more holistic, evidence-based approach to overall wellness.”
Stress reduction
Nutrafol‘s ashwagandha is often touted for its potential to reduce cortisol levels and support stress management, says Dr. Kopelman.
Improved mood
“Some patients report improved mood, fewer mood swings, better sleep and, for women, relief from symptoms before and during their periods or during perimenopause,” adds Dr. Kazlouskaya.
Scalp health
Nutrafol contains a variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as curcumin (from turmeric) and green tea extract, which work to improve scalp health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Younger-looking skin
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and firmness, which can contribute to sagging and fine lines. “The collagen content in Nutrafol can help improve skin elasticity,”says Dr. Kopelman. That’s because Nutrafol’s marine collagen provides the body with the amino acids needed to support the production of new collagen fibers in the skin.