Four oral botanical-based hair growth nutraceuticals (HGNs; Nutrafol Women Original, Advanced/vegan, Women's Balance for menopause, and Postpartum formulas) were evaluated over 6 months in 180 women aged 18–70 with self-reported and dermatologist-confirmed hair thinning, with assessments at days 0, 90, and 180 using Canfield HairMetrix® phototrichogram for linear hair growth rate (LHGR), hair counts, and anagen/telogen phases.
All four HGN groups achieved statistically significant increases in LHGR by day 90, sustained through day 180 (p < 0.0001 for all groups), with relative gains of 18.6–36.7% above baseline (absolute gains ~0.04–0.06 mm/24 h). Terminal hair counts rose 6.0–7.9% and anagen hair counts rose 9.7–19.8% across groups at day 180; total scalp coverage increased 5.3–8.5%. 89–98% of participants subjectively agreed their hair was growing faster or longer.
- Open-label, no placebo arm; placebo effect and natural temporal fluctuations in hair growth cannot be excluded. - The postpartum formula was tested in non-postpartum women to allow stable baseline measurement, limiting direct generalizability to the intended population. - Two of four authors are employees of the sponsor (Nutraceutical Wellness, Inc.), and the study was fully industry-funded, raising conflict-of-interest concern.
These botanical-based oral supplements showed measurable increases in LHGR and hair counts in women with thinning hair, but the lack of a placebo control limits causal inference. Clinicians can consider them as adjuncts to established therapies, while awaiting placebo-controlled replication.
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