If you’re like me, when you walk into your dermatologist’s office and see their silky smooth, perfectly toned skin, shiny hair, and long nails, you want to know exactly what they’re using in their own beauty regimen.
Luckily for us, Allure did the heavy lifting by asking 11 board-certified dermatologists from across the country to share exactly which hair, skin, and nails supplements they personally take. Surprisingly, the article almost reads as an advertorial given that a whopping 5 out of 11 doctors all mentioned the same one supplement. Here’s what the pros are saying about why even they can’t resist taking this hair product, and info on whether or not it’s right for you.
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Hair Growth Supplement Popular Among Dermatologists
Nutrafol, a dietary supplement designed to promote hair growth for women, men, and those with postpartum, was name dropped by 5 out of the 11 dermatologists interviewed about their supplement intake.
The brand uses medical-grade, plant-based ingredients, such as saw palmetto, ashwagandha, and marine collagen, to provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that support hair follicle health and stimulate growth.
Created in 2016 by Giorgos Tsetis, a former model and industrial engineer, Sophia Kogan, M.D., chief medical advisor, and Roland Peralta, an entrepreneur and cancer survivor, Nutrafol was inspired by all three founders’ personal experiences with hair loss.
The supplement, which is four pills taken daily, is physician-formulated and backed by clinical trials that suggest it works by addressing the underlying causes of hair thinning: hormonal imbalances, stress, and nutritional deficiencies.
Since being acquired by Unilever in 2022, the brand has expanded into other areas of concern, such as acne.
Nutrafol markets itself as the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement in the world, and now we know of at least a few who are taking it themselves.
What the Pros Are Saying About Its Benefits
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“I first encountered [Nutrafol] through clinical studies presented at dermatology conferences and recommendations from peers in the field,” New Jersey dermatologist Naana Boakye, MD, MPH, FAAD, told Allure. “While I’ve only started Nutrafol myself recently, my patients frequently report improved hair thickness and reduced shedding after consistent use.”
“I heard about Nutrafol from a colleague who used it after having postpartum hair loss, and have been recommending it for the past five years,” said Pennsylvania derm Nazanin Saedi, MD. “A few months ago, I started taking the vegan formula myself, and I see a noticeable difference in the fullness, strength, and shininess of my hair.”
The one big con, she said, are the size and dosage of the pills, which can be literally hard to swallow.
New York City derm Shereene Idriss, MD, said she’s been using Nutrafol’s vegan version, which is biotin-free, for over a year thanks to her own clients raving about it.
“Biotin is not helpful for hair loss if you are not biotin deficient,” Idriss cautioned. “Taking excess biotin without a deficiency can be harmful, potentially interfering with thyroid test results and leading to medications you do not need.”
New York City derm Elyse Love, MD, who Allure points out has an upcoming paid partnership with Nutrafol, has been taking the supplement for over 5 years and explained the process of what patients can expect.
“The first thing they’ll notice, around three months, is that their hair feels overall stronger when they’re washing it,” she said. “The second phase, around six months, is less shedding and tons of short hairs starting to fill in, and the third stage is an increased density of the hair.”
Finally, an apparent super-fan is Ohio derm Hope Mitchell, MD, FAAD, who Allure says has worked with the brand in the past. She’s been taking Nutrafol Core, Nutrafol Hairbiotic, and Nutrafol Stress Adaptogen for 5 years.
“I first learned about Nutrafol through professional dermatology conferences and clinical studies, which highlighted their multi-targeted approach to addressing hair health. Similarly, my medical training emphasized the importance of omega-3 and vitamin D for overall health, and I became increasingly interested in their beauty benefits through continued education and patient experiences.”
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Should You Be Taking This Supplement?
With a personal vote from 5 out of 11 professionals, Nutrafol seems like a good choice if you have concerns about your hair being thin, flat, shedding, or not growing.
However, like with all supplements, it’s really important to consult with your doctor first before taking any new pill or formula.
Those who are pregnant or nursing, taking blood thinners or anticoagulants, or have hair loss due to an active illness, disease, or cancer treatment, should not take the supplement. It can also interact with any other supplements or common medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and blood thinners.
As far as side effects, some patients have reported acne, which may be related to the hormonal shifts or biotin content.
Plus, there is the high cost of the product to consider. Nutrafol costs $88 per bottle for a one-month supply or $79 per month for a subscription. In all, the yearly cost is $844 with a subscription or $1,056 without.
