Vitamins And Hair: Sham Or Science?

February 2026 in “ Clinics in Dermatology ”

Advaitaa Ravipati, Antonella Tosti

vitamins alopecia areata telogen effluvium vitamin A micronutrients

From the encyclopedia

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary This review found that while vitamin supplementation may improve hair health in individuals with deficiencies, there is limited evidence to support its benefits for those with healthy baseline hair.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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52 / 52 results

research Combined Microneedling With Topical Vitamin D3 or Bimatoprost Versus Microneedling Alone in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Comparative Randomized Trial

February 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that microneedling combined with either topical vitamin D3 or bimatoprost was more effective for hair regrowth in localized alopecia areata than microneedling alone, though differences between the two additives disappeared after three months.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Quality of Life Index: A Validated Disease-Specific Questionnaire Involving Women

9 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

This study presents a validated questionnaire, the FFA-QLI, which effectively assesses and differentiates the quality of life impact among patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, showing greater sensitivity in identifying severe cases than the DLQI.

research Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss

11 citations , November 2022 in “JAMA dermatology”

This review suggests that certain nutritional supplements may have a potential role in improving hair loss, though evidence quality varies, and such treatments should be discussed collaboratively between physicians and patients.

research Vitamins and Their Derivatives Synergistically Promote Hair Shaft Elongation via PlGF/VEGFR-1 Signalling Activation

1 citations , September 2022 in “Journal of dermatological science”

This study found that a combination of vitamins in hair care products promoted hair shaft elongation in a mouse model by activating the PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling pathway.

Efficacy of Intramuscular Injections of Biotin and Dexpanthenol in the Treatment of Diffuse Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study Comparing Two Brands

research Efficacy of Intramuscular Injections of Biotin and Dexpanthenol in the Treatment of Diffuse Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study Comparing Two Brands

1 citations , July 2022 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This study found that a 6-week treatment with both brands of biotin and dexpanthenol significantly improved hair fall count and hair density in people with diffuse pattern hair loss, with no significant difference between the two brands.

research Complementary Strategies to Promote Hair Regrowth in Post-COVID-19 Telogen Effluvium

3 citations , April 2022 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

This review discusses evidence-based complementary strategies for enhancing hair regrowth after post-COVID-19 telogen effluvium and reports no new clinical results.

Targeted Nutritional Supplementation for Telogen Effluvium: Multicenter Study on Efficacy of a Hydrolyzed Collagen, Vitamin, and Mineral-Based Induction and Maintenance Treatment

research Targeted Nutritional Supplementation for Telogen Effluvium: Multicenter Study on Efficacy of a Hydrolyzed Collagen, Vitamin, and Mineral-Based Induction and Maintenance Treatment

3 citations , March 2022 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that nutritional supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals significantly improved hair anagen/telogen ratios and hair density in telogen effluvium patients.

research Effects of a Combination of Arginine Silicate Inositol Complex and a Novel Form of Biotin on Hair and Nail Growth in a Rodent Model

1 citations , February 2022 in “Biological Trace Element Research”

In this animal study, applying a combination of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate complex and magnesium biotinate promoted hair growth but not nail growth.

Treatment with Oral Vitamin D Alone, Topical Minoxidil, or Combination of Both in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Comparative Clinical and Dermoscopic Study

research Treatment with Oral Vitamin D Alone, Topical Minoxidil, or Combination of Both in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Comparative Clinical and Dermoscopic Study

1 citations , January 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that combining oral vitamin D with topical minoxidil improved female pattern hair loss more effectively than either treatment alone.

research Pyridoxine Regulates Hair Follicle Development via the PI3K/Akt, Wnt, and Notch Signalling Pathways in Rex Rabbits

10 citations , October 2021 in “Animal nutrition”

This study found that dietary pyridoxine increased hair follicle density in Rex rabbits by activating PI3K/Akt, Wnt, and Notch signaling pathways, which may promote hair growth and delay telogen onset.

research Niacinamide Down-Regulates the Expression of DKK-1 and Protects Cells from Oxidative Stress in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

1 citations , October 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

In this study on cultured human dermal papilla cells, researchers found that niacinamide may enhance hair growth by reducing oxidative stress-induced cell senescence and delaying catagen entry, suggesting potential applications against hair loss.

research Dexpanthenol Promotes Cell Growth by Preventing Cell Senescence and Apoptosis in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Cells

13 citations , September 2021 in “Current Issues in Molecular Biology”

This study suggests that D-panthenol may promote hair growth by enhancing cell viability, suppressing apoptosis markers, and elongating the anagen phase in human hair follicle cells.

research Role of Vitamin D in Hair Loss: A Short Review

14 citations , September 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This review discusses vitamin D's role in hair follicle biology and its association with hair loss but reports no conclusive evidence for its effectiveness as a treatment, indicating the need for further studies.

research Efficacy of Oral Vitamin D3 Therapy in Patients Suffering from Diffuse Hair Loss (Telogen Effluvium)

6 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology”

This study found that oral vitamin D3 therapy significantly improved hair regrowth in women with telogen effluvium in southern Punjab, Pakistan, especially among younger women not using sunscreen but consuming milk or milk protein.

research Systemic Dexpanthenol as a Novel Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss

5 citations , September 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study reported that weekly intramuscular dexpanthenol may improve quality of life and satisfaction with hair appearance in women with female pattern hair loss, with no side effects observed.

research Hair Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Effect of Biotin Supplements

13 citations , August 2020 in “Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques”

This study found that temporary hair loss is common after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and biotin supplementation showed low effectiveness in preventing this hair loss.

Pantothenic Acid Promotes Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles of American Minks via Inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch Signaling Pathway

research Pantothenic Acid Promotes Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles of American Minks via Inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch Signaling Pathway

11 citations , April 2020 in “Life sciences”

In this study, pantothenic acid at 20 μg/ml was observed to promote dermal papilla cell proliferation and migration, likely through up-regulation of ID3 and inhibition of Notch signaling.

research Dexpanthenol May Be a Novel Treatment for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Analysis of Nine Cases

7 citations , April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

In this study, nine male cases of androgenetic alopecia showed marked improvement after receiving systemic dexpanthenol treatment.

research Improvement of Cell Proliferation and Antioxidant Activity of Silymarin in Hair Follicles Dermal Papillae Isolated from the Human Scalp: Comparison with Vitamin C Effects

8 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Silymarin improves hair follicle health better than vitamin C by boosting cell growth and reducing oxidative stress.

research Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D Levels Should Be Evaluated in Patients With Diffuse Hair Loss Prior to Treatment

6 citations , January 2020 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

This article recommends assessing serum ferritin and vitamin D levels in patients with diffuse hair loss before starting treatment, but it reports no new clinical results.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

This review discusses the potential role of vitamins and minerals in managing non-scarring alopecia but reports no clinical results; the authors advocate for further controlled trials to explore these relationships.

research Comparative Evaluation Between Two Nutritional Supplements in the Improvement of Telogen Effluvium

9 citations , September 2018 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

This study found that, in female patients with idiopathic telogen effluvium, a supplement containing zinc, biotin, and other nutrients significantly improved hair loss and quality over 180 days, whereas another supplement with different ingredients had less consistent effects.

research Hair Biology

33 citations , August 2018 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

This review discusses various biologics for hair aging but reports no agent capable of reversing the natural aging process of hair.

research Melatonin Vitamin C-Based Nanovesicles for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: Design, Characterization and Clinical Appraisal

40 citations , July 2018 in “European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences”

This study found that melatonin-loaded vitamin C-based nanovesicles improved hair thickness, density, and reduced hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia more effectively than melatonin solution.

research An Investigation of Vitamin D Status in Alopecia Areata

37 citations , June 2018 in “Clinical and Experimental Medicine”

This study found that patients with alopecia areata had significant systemic inflammation and vitamin D deficiency, with both conditions more pronounced as disease severity increased.

research Increased Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

48 citations , April 2018 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that individuals with alopecia areata had significantly lower serum vitamin D levels and a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to people without the condition.

research Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets Type II with Alopecia: A Rare Case Report

11 citations , January 2018 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)”

This case report observed that while a 4-year-old boy with vitamin D-dependent rickets type II showed biochemical and bone improvement after vitamin D and calcium treatment, his alopecia did not improve.

Proprietary Herbal Extract Downregulates the Gene Expression of IL-1α in HaCaT Cells: Possible Implications Against Nonscarring Alopecia

research Proprietary Herbal Extract Downregulates the Gene Expression of IL-1α in HaCaT Cells: Possible Implications Against Nonscarring Alopecia

7 citations , January 2018 in “Medicinski arhiv”

In this study, a herbal extract mixture significantly reduced IL-1α gene expression in HaCaT cells, suggesting it may aid in the treatment of nonscarring alopecia.

research Correlation of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Expression in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Clinical Paradigm

29 citations , December 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that vitamin D deficiency in patients with alopecia areata was associated with greater disease severity and longer duration, but not with disease pattern or vitamin D receptor expression.

research The Role of Vitamin D in Non-Scarring Alopecia

32 citations , December 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review suggests that decreased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may play a role in different types of non-scarring alopecia, but further studies are needed to explore vitamin D supplementation as a therapeutic option.

research Diet and Hair Loss: Effects of Nutrient Deficiency and Supplement Use

79 citations , January 2017 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

This article addresses the need to screen for nutrient deficiencies in patients with hair loss but reports no new findings, noting that supplementation without deficiency may not be beneficial and could pose risks.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review discusses the use of biotin for hair and nail growth, noting clinical improvement in cases with existing pathologies, but concludes there is insufficient evidence supporting its benefits for healthy individuals.

research Estimated Serum Vitamin D Status, Vitamin D Intake, and Risk of Incident Alopecia Areata Among US Women

23 citations , September 2016 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

This study found no significant association between vitamin D intake or estimated vitamin D status and the risk of developing alopecia areata among women.

research Serum Vitamin D3 Level in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss

23 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that women with female pattern hair loss had significantly lower serum Vitamin D3 levels compared to healthy controls.

research Topical Adenosine Increases Thick Hair Ratio in Japanese Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

11 citations , April 2015 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

This study found that topical adenosine significantly increased the ratio of thick hairs and contributed to global improvement in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia compared to niacinamide, with no observed adverse events.

research Dietary Vitamin A Regulates Wingless-Related MMTV Integration Site Signaling to Alter the Hair Cycle

18 citations , October 2014 in “Experimental Biology and Medicine”

This study found that feeding mice high levels of dietary vitamin A increased WNT signaling, which activated hair follicle stem cells and may have accelerated alopecia areata progression.

research The Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Proliferating and Preconditioning Effect of Vitamin C on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

42 citations , February 2014 in “Stem Cells and Development”

This study found that vitamin C increased the survival, proliferation, and hair-regenerative potential of adipose-derived stem cells through the MAPK pathway and enhanced hair growth in mice.

research Evaluation of Biophysical Skin Parameters and Assessment of Hair Growth in Patients with Acne Treated with Isotretinoin

37 citations , January 2013 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

This article discusses isotretinoin for severe acne vulgaris, noting its effectiveness but also highlighting significant side effects on skin, mucous membranes, and hair; it reports no new clinical results.

research Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss

73 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

This study observed that patients with various types of hair loss had significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to healthy controls, suggesting zinc disturbance may play a role in the condition.

research Endogenous Retinoids in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

54 citations , September 2012 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study suggests that vitamin A influences the immune response and hair cycle, affecting the progression of alopecia areata in mouse models.

research Serum Holotranscobalamin, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and Homocysteine Levels in Alopecia Areata Patients

13 citations , May 2012 in “Cutaneous and ocular toxicology”

In this study, researchers found no significant differences in vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine metabolism between patients with alopecia areata and controls, suggesting no association with vitamin B12 deficiency.

research Two New Unrelated Cases of Hereditary 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-Resistant Rickets with Alopecia Resulting from the Same Novel Nonsense Mutation in the Vitamin D Receptor Gene

36 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study identified a novel nonsense mutation in the VDR gene in two patients with hereditary vitamin D resistant rickets and alopecia, leading to resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

research The Role of Psychological Factors and Serum Zinc, Folate, and Vitamin B12 Levels in the Aetiology of Trichodynia: A Case-Control Study

33 citations , April 2009 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This study observed that psychological factors and serum levels of zinc, folate, and vitamin B12 may contribute to the development of trichodynia.

research L-Ascorbic Acid 2-Phosphate Promotes Elongation of Hair Shafts via the Secretion of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 from Dermal Papilla Cells Through Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase

34 citations , March 2009 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

In this study, l-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate was found to stimulate hair follicle growth in vitro by promoting IGF-1 expression via the PI3K pathway.

research Serum Vitamin B12, Folate, Ferritin, and Iron Levels in Turkish Patients with Alopecia Areata

21 citations , January 2009 in “Indian journal of dermatology, venereology, and leprology”

Vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, and iron levels are not linked to alopecia areata.

The Therapeutic Effect and Changed Serum Zinc Level After Zinc Supplementation in Alopecia Areata Patients with Low Serum Zinc Level

research The Therapeutic Effect and Changed Serum Zinc Level After Zinc Supplementation in Alopecia Areata Patients with Low Serum Zinc Level

65 citations , January 2009 in “Annals of Dermatology”

In this study, oral zinc supplementation for twelve weeks increased serum zinc levels in alopecia areata patients with low zinc, showing positive hair regrowth in 66.7% of participants, though this was not statistically significant.

research Diffuse Hair Loss in an Adult Female: Approach to Diagnosis and Management

70 citations , January 2009 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This article reviews the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of different types of diffuse alopecia in women and provides no original research findings.

research Hair Follicle Expression of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Receptors During the Murine Hair Cycle

95 citations , July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study observed that vitamin D receptor expression in certain hair follicle cells varies throughout the murine hair cycle, suggesting a potential role for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in hair follicle biology.

research The Hair Growth Promoting Effect of Ascorbic Acid 2-Phosphate, a Long-Acting Vitamin C Derivative

33 citations , January 2006 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

This article reviews the molecular interactions involved in hair follicle cycling and highlights the role of dermal papilla cells, but it presents no new research findings.

research Vitamin A Toxicity: When One a Day Doesn't Keep the Doctor Away

32 citations , January 2006 in “Liver transplantation”

This case report describes a 60-year-old male with vitamin A toxicity leading to severe liver disease and symptoms that resolved following liver transplantation, suggesting transplantation as a treatment option for noncirrhotic portal hypertension when symptoms do not improve after stopping vitamin A.

research A Pilot Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Topically Applied Niacin Derivatives for Treatment of Female Pattern Alopecia

27 citations , December 2005 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that topical application of niacin derivatives significantly increased hair fullness in women with female pattern hair loss compared to a placebo after six months.

research Antioxidants and Lipid Peroxidation Status in the Blood of Patients with Alopecia

55 citations , January 2000 in “Cell biochemistry and function”

This study observed that patients with alopecia had increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidants, including lower beta-carotene, GSH levels, and GSH-Px activity, compared to healthy controls.