Do Hair Growth Supplements Really Work? What UK Stylists Want You to Know

Stories of “miracle” hair growth capsules are everywhere – like the recent report of a 51-year-old woman who says her hair started growing again after taking Dr Vegan Hair Saviour supplements. For anyone facing thinning hair, breakage or a suddenly sparse ponytail, it is understandably tempting to click ‘add to basket’ and hope for the best. But what do we actually know about hair supplements, how they fit into a healthy hair routine, and when they might (or might not) help?

This guide unpacks the reality behind hair growth capsules – using the recent Dr Vegan Hair Saviour story as a jumping-off point – and explains how UK hair professionals tend to approach thinning hair, diet, and scalp health. By the end, you will be equipped to ask better questions, read labels more critically, and build a routine that supports your hair from root to tip.

Why Hair Thinning Happens – and Why Supplements Get So Much Hype

Before pinning your hopes on a capsule, it helps to understand why hair can thin in the first place. In salons across the UK, stylists consistently see a few common triggers:

• Hormonal shifts: Perimenopause, menopause, postpartum changes and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all influence hair density.
• Stress: Major life events, illness, or chronic stress can push more hairs into the shedding phase at once, leading to diffuse thinning a few months later.
• Nutritional gaps: Very low-calorie diets, restrictive eating, or deficiencies in certain nutrients can be reflected in hair quality.
• Health conditions & medications: Thyroid issues, some autoimmune conditions, and various medications may have hair loss listed amongst potential side effects.
• Mechanical & chemical damage: Excess bleach, tight extensions, heat styling without protection, and harsh brushing can all cause breakage that mimics thinning.

Because nutrition is one of the more ‘modifiable’ factors, it has become a key marketing hook. Many hair supplement brands highlight customer reviews where people say their hair feels fuller, is shedding less, or “has started growing again”. The recent praise for Dr Vegan’s Hair Saviour capsules sits firmly within this wider trend.

It is important to emphasise that a single personal story – no matter how positive – is not the same as rigorous clinical evidence. Hair growth is slow, multifactorial and influenced by changes in stress, styling habits, and hormones as much as by any vitamin blend. UK dermatologists often remind patients that correlation (taking a supplement and then noticing change) does not necessarily equal causation.

What’s Typically Inside Hair Growth Capsules?

Most hair-targeted supplements sold in the UK, including vegan formulas, tend to revolve around a familiar set of nutrients. While every product is different, you will frequently see combinations such as:

• Biotin (vitamin B7): Widely used for hair and nails. Deficiency is rare, but mild shortages can affect keratin structures. Excess biotin is usually excreted, but it can interfere with certain blood tests, so always tell your GP if you are taking high doses.
• B vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folate): Important for energy metabolism and cell turnover. They support overall health, which can indirectly benefit hair.
• Vitamin D: Low levels are common in the UK, especially in autumn and winter. Dermatology clinics sometimes test vitamin D in patients with hair shedding, although research into direct causation is still developing.
• Vitamin C & E: Antioxidants that support collagen formation and help protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Zinc & selenium: Trace minerals involved in protein synthesis and immune function. Deficiency can contribute to hair shedding, but more is not always better – high doses can be harmful.
• Iron (in some formulas): Low iron stores, particularly in people who menstruate heavily or follow restrictive diets, are frequently investigated in cases of diffuse hair loss. Supplementation should ideally be guided by blood tests.
• Plant extracts & amino acids: Some capsules add ingredients like bamboo extract (silica), millet, or specific amino acids that are building blocks for keratin.

Many UK stylists take a pragmatic view: if a client has a poor diet, low energy, or known deficiencies, a well-formulated supplement – taken within recommended limits – may be one part of a broader strategy to support hair health. But they also stress that no capsule can completely override hormones, genetics, or ongoing mechanical damage.

In real terms, your next practical step is to compare any supplement’s ingredient list and dosages against your existing multivitamin or diet, to avoid unnecessary duplication – and to speak with a GP or pharmacist if you have any health conditions or take regular medication.

How to Decide if Hair Supplements Are Worth Trying for You

If you are wondering whether hair growth capsules – whether from Dr Vegan or any other brand – are worth a place in your routine, it helps to approach it methodically, much as a trichologist or dermatologist might.

• 1. Start with a health check, not a checkout: Many doctors recommend basic blood tests (such as iron studies, vitamin D, B12, thyroid function) when hair loss is persistent or severe. This is especially relevant if you are experiencing sudden shedding, patchy loss, or changes in your energy levels and mood.
• 2. Assess your current diet: Think honestly about your daily intake of protein, whole grains, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats. Hair is made of protein; very low protein diets, meal-skipping, or crash dieting often show up in hair texture and density months later.
• 3. Audit your hair routine: A UK stylist might look at how often you colour, whether you use heat protectant, how tight your styles are, and whether you sleep with hair pulled up too firmly. Reducing breakage can make a dramatic difference to how full your hair looks.
• 4. Set realistic expectations: Even if a supplement is going to help, new growth takes time. Hair generally grows around 1cm a month; so many professionals suggest evaluating change only after 3–6 months, alongside photos and notes.
• 5. Watch for side effects and interactions: While many hair supplements are marketed as gentle or ‘clean’, concentrated vitamins and minerals can still interact with medications or cause issues in large doses. Pharmacists can be a valuable, often underused, resource here.

From a practical perspective, one sensible approach is to tackle your hair health on three fronts at once for a set trial period – improving your diet, refining your styling routine to minimise damage, and, if you choose, testing a reputable supplement within recommended guidelines. Keep a simple hair diary with dates, photos in consistent lighting, and notes on shedding and texture to track whether anything truly changes.

Building a Holistic Routine for Stronger, Fuller-Looking Hair

Regardless of whether you ever swallow a single capsule, there is a huge amount you can do day-to-day to support your hair’s appearance and resilience. UK salons and hair professionals often focus on four pillars: scalp care, gentle handling, targeted treatments, and lifestyle habits.

• Scalp care first: Many stylists recommend thinking of your scalp as an extension of your facial skin. That means regular cleansing with a shampoo suited to your hair type, avoiding overly harsh clarifying products too often, and gently massaging the scalp to encourage microcirculation while you wash.
• Mindful styling: Heat tools are useful but can be ruthless. Use a modern heat protectant, keep tools at the lowest effective temperature, and give hair ‘rest days’ where you air-dry. Switch very tight ponytails and braids for looser styles to avoid traction on fragile areas like the temples.
• Conditioning intelligently: Focus conditioner and masks on mid-lengths and ends rather than the root if you are prone to oiliness. Look for products that match your current state – strengthening for breakage, moisturising for dryness, or colour-safe options if you dye your hair.
• Protein and hydration in your diet: Try to include a good source of protein at each meal – such as eggs, lentils, tofu, fish, chicken, or beans – alongside plenty of colourful fruit and veg. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and olive oil also support overall wellbeing.
• Sleep and stress management: While it is not a quick fix, many people notice their hair looks better when they are sleeping well and managing stress – whether through walking, yoga, time outside, or simply more structured rest.

If you want something to put into practice immediately, choose one small tweak you can implement this week – for example, always using a heat protectant, swapping to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction, or adding one extra portion of protein to your daily meals.

Key Takeaways

• Personal success stories about hair supplements, like the recent praise for Dr Vegan Hair Saviour capsules, can be encouraging but are not the same as clinical proof.
• Thinning hair often has multiple causes, including hormones, stress, nutritional gaps, health conditions, and physical damage from styling and colouring.
• Most hair growth capsules contain familiar vitamins and minerals; they may help if you have deficiencies, but they cannot override genetics or ongoing damage.
• Professionals usually recommend a holistic approach: medical checks where appropriate, a balanced diet, gentle haircare, and realistic expectations over months, not weeks.
• A simple, practical starting point is to review your current routine, take photos for comparison, and introduce one or two sustainable changes you can maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hair growth supplements really work?
They can support hair health if they correct a genuine nutritional deficiency, but they are not guaranteed to regrow hair. Results vary widely, and most dermatologists stress that evidence is mixed. For persistent or distressing hair loss, a medical assessment is strongly advised.

How long should I take a hair supplement before judging results?
Because hair grows slowly, many experts suggest assessing any change after at least three months, and ideally closer to six. Use photos in consistent lighting and notes on shedding and texture to judge whether you see a meaningful difference.

Can I take hair capsules alongside my usual multivitamin?
It depends on the doses. Doubling up on certain nutrients – particularly fat-soluble vitamins or minerals like zinc and iron – is not advisable. Check labels carefully and speak to a pharmacist or GP if you are unsure.

Are vegan hair supplements as effective as non-vegan ones?
Vegan vs non-vegan is less important than overall formulation and whether nutrients are present in absorbable forms at sensible levels. A well-designed vegan supplement can be effective; what matters most is how it fits your diet and health needs.

Should I see a doctor before trying a hair supplement?
If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, accompanied by scalp pain or itching, or linked with other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes, speaking to a GP or dermatologist before self-supplementing is strongly recommended.

What else can I do to improve the appearance of thinning hair?
Gentle, strategic styling can make a big difference: minimising heat damage, avoiding tight hairstyles, using volumising techniques, and caring for the scalp. Many UK salons also offer tailored cut and colour approaches to create the look of fuller hair.