Today’s consumers are becoming increasingly health conscious. Searching for safer, drug-free alternatives to cosmetic treatments, the public’s awareness about the need for natural solutions has evolved exponentially. No longer do people feel safe with traditional hair growth drugs like Finasteride or Minoxidil— unnatural additives that can be potentially toxic or carry unfavorable side effects. In an effort to deliver healthier solutions, the hair loss industry is now moving toward drug free hair vitamins to reduce thinning.
Brands like Nutrafol, Kerotin & Viviscal represent the vast majority of the hair supplement industry. Ultimately, the big question, however, is whether these brands have an equal commitment to producing hair growth solutions that are natural and safe.
Kerotin What is it?
As the leading vegan hair supplement, Kerotin at $31.30/month with 3-month supply order minimum, contains the key dietary essentials to grow healthy hair. As the company website explains, the formula features Magnesium, Biotin and amino acids to improve hair density and volume, while Saw Palmetto helps regulate hormones to activate better hair growth.
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The company, Kerotin Hair Care is primarily grounded in cosmetic technology more so than medical research. According to the company website, “the Kerotin supplements are developed by ‘DS Healthcare Group Inc.’ a technology company aggressively focused on innovation. All our products have active pharmaceutical ingredients that ensure the best quality and provide high added value in the care of hair problems.”
Therefore, as a technology company, the research, development and production behind Kerotin pills is technology-based. Although the ingredients used in the product are pharmaceutical-type, this product is not based out of a pharmaceutical research facility.
Viviscal What is it?
Unlike Kerotin, Viviscal at $39.99/month with a 3-month order minimum, is a Canadian brand of hair growth supplements that are grounded in pharmaceutical research. It’s known for its exclusive ingredient, Amino Mar CTM– a marine complex, derived from fish protein molecules, combined with a blend of Horsetail (Stem) Extract and naturally occurring Silica.
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This formula is not recommended for those allergic to fish and shellfish due to the marine-based ingredients. Another ingredient that may pose health concerns is Millet Extract, a seed that has been known to cause inflammation and autoimmune problems for people who are grain-sensitive, according to a 2008 study by Dr. Rombold, S., Ollert, Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein.
Nutrafol What is it?
Different from Viviscal, Nutrafol ($79/month) is a drug free hair supplement, produced from a privately-owned pharmaceutical facility, Nutraceutical Wellness Inc. These dietary pills contain 22 natural ingredients to grow hair, including Turmeric, Marine collagen, Multivitamins and Minerals to stimulate hair growth.
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Nutrafol was founded by former male model, Giorgos Tsetis. The company stands as one of the fastest-growing natural solutions for thinning hair. In 2015, Nutrafol joined forces with world-renowned dermatology and hair loss experts, validating these products as being pharmaceutical-grade.
The only slight drawback, however, is that Nutrafol contains fish allergens, which can not be tolerated by those who have reactions to seafood. Otherwise, there’s the matter of price; $79 for each monthly supply of hair growth supplements– a slant toward a high-end product.
Top Natural Alternative to Nutrafol, Kerotin and Viviscal
Non-allergic, gluten free, natural and vegan– Tricovit Hair Care is committed to the purest solutions for balding and alopecia. Developed by a dermatologist-lead research facility based in Italy, Tricovit Hair Tablets, at $35/month, are pharmaceutical-grade supplements used for hair growth.