Do Hair Gummies Work?

Losing hair and feeling frustrated? We get it. You’ve probably scoured the internet for solutions and stumbled upon products like hair vitamins that make big promises. But do hair gummies work? Can they really boost new hair growth?

The short answer: It depends on what’s causing your hair to thin in the first place and what’s actually in the gummy.

Hair loss can stem from all kinds of things, from genetics to hormone shifts or nutritional gaps. If your diet is low in essential nutrients, that could impact hair follicle health, which is where targeted supplements can potentially help.

For some, that might mean trying over-the-counter (OTC) options. For others, prescription-strength hair gummies — like a minoxidil and biotin gummy you can access through Hers — could be worth considering.

Below, we’ll break down how hair gummies work, what ingredients to look for, and when these supplements might be a worthwhile addition to your routine.

Ever wandered down the vitamins and supplements aisle and noticed hair gummies for women? Curious about what’s inside them?

Over-the-counter hair gummies typically contain several vitamins and minerals that support hair health. Let’s take a closer look at some key ingredients.

B Vitamins

B vitamins, a group of eight essential nutrients, support many bodily functions, including the hair growth cycle. A deficiency in any of these vitamins can affect overall health and potentially contribute to hair loss.

A 2018 review highlighted a link between hair loss and deficiencies in four B vitamins:

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)

• Biotin (vitamin B7)

• Folate (vitamin B9)

• Vitamin B12

Vitamin B deficiencies are rare in the U.S., but if you think your levels might be low, you can get a blood test to see where you stand.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a key role in skin and hair health. It helps regulate the immune system and supports the growth of keratinocytes, the primary cells in skin and hair follicles.

Some research suggests that vitamin D receptors may influence the hair growth cycle, potentially by promoting the anagen (growth) phase.

The exact role of vitamin D in supporting healthy hair growth remains unclear. That said, if you’re lacking in vitamin D, it might be a contributing factor in hair loss.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E

These powerful antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body, a factor that may contribute to premature hair loss.

Additionally, vitamin C enhances iron absorption in the digestive tract, potentially helping with iron deficiency-related hair loss.

Iron and Zinc

Iron and zinc are essential minerals that support various body functions, including those related to hair health. A deficiency of either may contribute to hair thinning or loss.

While the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, experts agree that adequate levels of iron and zinc are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth. Thinning hair or hair loss may sometimes indicate deficiencies in these nutrients, but low levels of these minerals are usually one of many contributing factors.

So, are gummy vitamins for hair growth really the answer to female pattern hair loss or other forms of hair loss affecting women?

Right now, scientific evidence doesn’t back the idea that hair vitamins boost hair growth — unless you have a nutritional deficiency.

If you’re experiencing hair loss because your diet is lacking key nutrients (or you have a condition that causes absorption issues), hair growth supplements might help restore your hair to its former glory.

Let’s look at some of the evidence for a few popular hair gummy ingredients.

Biotin

Biotin is a popular ingredient in hair health supplements, but its effectiveness remains uncertain.

A review of studies found that biotin supplementation may boost hair and nail health in people with specific underlying conditions, such as a biotin deficiency or brittle nail syndrome.

Still, a biotin deficiency is quite rare, and most people get sufficient amounts through their regular diet.

That said, combining biotin with proven treatments like minoxidil can offer added support for hair health. Through Hers, eligible customers can access a once-daily, green apple-flavored gummy that delivers dermatologist-formulated doses of minoxidil and biotin.*

If you’re curious whether this treatment might be a good fit, you can start with a quick online assessment to connect with a healthcare provider and explore your options, including the Minoxidil + Biotin Gummy.

*The FDA doesn’t verify the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if you’re eligible for a prescription.

Vitamin D

A number of studies show an association between low vitamin D levels and certain types of hair loss, particularly alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss) and — to a lesser extent — telogen effluvium (diffuse hair loss caused by a physical or emotional stressor).

However, more research is needed on the effectiveness of hair loss supplements for these conditions.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States. Around 22 percent of people have a moderate deficiency, and 2.6 percent experience a severe lack of the vitamin.

Iron

Iron deficiency is a common nutritional issue and a known contributor to hair loss, particularly in severe cases that cause anemia (when the body lacks enough red blood cells). Certain groups, including premenopausal women, vegetarians, and those with malabsorption disorders, have a higher risk for iron deficiency.

Believe it or not, up to 15 percent of women in the U.S. live with iron deficiency.

While iron supplements can help address hair loss linked to significant iron deficiency, evidence of their effect on mild deficiencies is inconclusive.

Vitamin C

Since vitamin C is known to enhance iron absorption, vitamin C supplements are often recommended as part of iron deficiency treatment.

But a 2020 clinical trial showed that iron supplements alone work just as well as iron supplements plus vitamin C in treating iron deficiency anemia. This suggests that while vitamin C remains important for overall health, it may not be necessary for iron absorption.

Zinc

Preliminary research suggests that zinc supplements might benefit people with telogen effluvium and alopecia areata who have a confirmed zinc deficiency. 

But the evidence so far is based on small studies that have significant limitations, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.

Not all hair loss is the same. Women experience different types, each with unique underlying causes. Getting to the root cause of hair loss is crucial for choosing the most effective treatment.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in women. Like male pattern baldness, hair follicles will gradually shrink, leading to progressively thinner and shorter hair.

Over time, the affected follicles may stop producing hair altogether. Genetics, hormones, and possibly some environmental factors play a role in this type of hair loss.

Researchers estimate that about a quarter of women develop some degree of female pattern hair loss by age 49.

Other Hair Loss Causes

Additional causes of hair loss in women include:

• Traction alopecia. This form of hair loss, also known as ponytail alopecia, happens when tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns, and braids repeatedly put strain on hair follicles.

• Telogen effluvium. This is a temporary condition characterized by excess hair shedding, often triggered by a physical or psychological stressor, such as childbirth, hormonal change, surgery, severe illness, or certain medications.

• Alopecia areata. With this autoimmune condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to one or more patches of hair loss.

Okay, we’ve covered over-the-counter gummies. But what about other hair loss solutions? Let’s go over a few research-backed remedies now.

Topical Minoxidil

One evidence-based option is topical minoxidil, sometimes sold under the brand name Rogaine^®. This medication is believed to work by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. It may also increase blood flow to hair follicles, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to support new hair growth.

Topical minoxidil is available for women over the counter as a 2% liquid solution or 5% foam. You can get both of these through Hers.

Oral Minoxidil

Oral minoxidil can be prescribed off-label to treat hair loss. Off-label use means a medication is prescribed by a healthcare professional for something other than what it’s FDA-approved to treat.

And if you’re still dedicated to the gummy form but want to explore prescription-strength treatments, you may be interested in the Minoxidil + Biotin Gummies available through Hers. They come in a tasty green apple flavor and combine minoxidil with biotin to support hair health.

Finasteride

Finasteride is sometimes compounded into a topical formulation. Hers offers a combination treatment in the form of finasteride and minoxidil spray. It’s designed to treat female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women.

An important consideration: While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved oral finasteride for male pattern hair loss, it’s been shown to cause congenital abnormalities (birth defects) if taken during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s generally prescribed off-label only to postmenopausal women.

Alternative Hair Loss Treatments for Women

You also have a few non-medication options for addressing hair loss, including:

• Low-level light therapy (LLLT), using a red light device

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

• Hair transplant surgery

Other medications for hair loss in women include spironolactone. Ask your healthcare provider if they think any of these treatments may work for you.

While there’s no surefire way to prevent or stop hair loss without treatment, lifestyle changes can help support healthy hair growth. Here’s what to try:

• Eat a balanced diet. Aim to eat a balanced, healthy diet to avoid nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to hair loss.

• Have a healthy haircare routine. Use the right hair products for your hair type. Not sure where to start? Consider meeting with a board-certified dermatologist to get some recommendations.

• Handle hair with care. Avoid hairstyles or treatments that can damage hair. Wearing your hair in tight hairstyles, exposing it to excess heat, and using dyes and chemical relaxers are all healthy hair no-nos.

If you’re looking for hair growth gummies that work or other solutions for hair loss, it’s always good to talk through your options with a healthcare professional.

Do hair gummies work, though? Let’s recap what we know about hair gummies:

• Evidence on the effectiveness of hair supplements in people without nutritional deficiencies is limited. If you have a deficiency, some multivitamin supplements containing essential vitamins might help support healthy hair growth.

• Product labels are a goldmine of useful info. Read the product label on your supplements carefully. This can give you a handle on the ingredient list and the amount of each vitamin or mineral in a serving.

• More effective treatments are available. Over-the-counter medications (like topical minoxidil) and prescription hair loss treatments for women have more evidence to support their effectiveness than vitamins and supplements.

Interested in trying hair gummies to help your hair grow? Check out the over-the-counter biotin gummy through Hers, which is formulated especially for hair health. It contains hair-friendly ingredients like biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin D.

Hers also offers a full range of hair care products for women. If you’re curious about prescription options, you can take a quick online assessment to connect with a licensed healthcare provider.