MSM — or methylsulfonylmethane — is a sulphur-containing compound that’s quickly becoming a popular hair growth remedy. While it occurs in the human body naturally, MSM is also available as a supplement that’s commonly used to treat arthritis. Now, however, as MSM manufacturers invest in research, MSM is gaining ground as a hair loss treatment.
So can MSM powder really help with hair growth? And if so, how much should you take? Here, we analyse the research into MSM for hair so you can find out:
You might have seen social media videos doing the rounds that claim MSM has transformed their hair for the better. But when it comes to actual growth, these results are probably exaggerated at best, as MSM is more likely to strengthen your existing hair than to regrow it.
That said, some research does show positive results when using MSM for hair growth [1-4]. One study that enrolled 41 male and female patients affected by telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss) found [1]:
In another study, 3 g and 1 g doses of MSM appeared to increase hair volume in women after eight weeks of use, with the 3 g dose showing the most significant growth gains [2]. Participants in this study hadn’t been diagnosed with any type of hair loss, and were all said to be in good general health. So this study doesn’t necessarily indicate that MSM can improve symptoms of hair loss.
Animal studies have also demonstrated a positive impact of MSM on hair growth. One found that giving kittens a dietary MSM supplement could improve their hair quality, while another study on mice found MSM had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could dramatically reduce hair loss [3-4].
The catch is that the only human studies into MSM for hair growth so far have been funded and/or sponsored by MSM manufacturers [1-2]. In addition, only 41 and 63 participants completed the respective studies. To understand the real impact of MSM for hair growth, more impartial and extensive research is needed.
It’s unclear exactly how MSM boosts hair growth, though researchers have suggested it may help to strengthen the bonds between keratin molecules in the hair fibre [1]. Strengthening these bonds may help minimise hair breakage and reduce the appearance of thinning.
MSM also has antioxidant properties that fight oxidative stress, which may contribute to hair loss and ageing [5].
Note that there’s no evidence (yet) that MSM supplementation can help with male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss. It’s unlikely that any of these mechanisms will help with genetic hair loss. So if you’re experiencing a receding hairline or crown bald spot, you’re best off using another more established male hair loss treatment or female hair loss solution.
MSM isn’t widely available in food sources, so you’ll need to take a supplement to see any changes in your hair. Since MSM isn’t licensed as a hair loss treatment, there’s no consensus or official guidelines on how to take it. Speaking to a professional trichologist is the best way to get up-to-date information and guidance on how to take supplements for hair growth.
Studies have tested the impact of 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg MSM supplements, with authors stating it’s normally well-tolerated in doses up to 4 g [1-2]. They found that the 3 g supplement delivered faster, stronger hair benefits than the 1 g supplement.
Check the MSM content of your supplement before taking it. MSM is mostly taken to alleviate symptoms of arthritis, so the packaging guidelines may not be appropriate for you. If in doubt, take a lower dose; you can always increase this later if needed.
MSM is found in certain foods, including onions, milk, grains, eggs, and chicken [1]. But it’s unlikely you’ll see much hair growth benefit from the MSM content of these foods, as it’s only present in very small quantities.
There are few documented side effects of MSM, with studies reporting that the supplement is normally well-tolerated in doses up to 4 g. It is a GRAS-approved substance (generally recognised as safe) [6].
Some animal studies have reported mild skin and eye irritation when applying MSM topically [6].
While some anecdotal evidence suggests there might be a link between long-term MSM intake and increased alcohol sensitivity, there isn’t yet any evidence to confirm this [6].
If you have short-term stress-related hair loss, you may see hair improvements as little as 45 days after taking your first MSM supplement, assuming you take one every day at an effective dose [1]. Many study participants reported new hair growth and improved hair strength within seven weeks.
Those with genetic hair loss are less likely to see improved hair growth even after several months of taking MSM.
There are few risks associated with MSM supplementation, so if you’re experiencing stress-related hair loss there’s probably no harm in trying MSM to improve your symptoms.
That said, MSM is far from a baldness cure. If you’re worried about going bald because your dad is bald, MSM probably won’t do much to stave off hereditary hair loss, or autoimmune-related hair problems like alopecia areata.
Instead, consider trying one of the many proven and/or licensed hair loss treatments:
Unsure which treatment is right for you? Book a consultation at the Wimpole Clinic. We’ll discuss all the options with you and help you create a personalised hair loss treatment plan.
Learn more about MSM for hair in these frequently asked questions.
Biotin is an essential nutrient for hair growth, but there’s no evidence that biotin supplements help with hair loss (unless you have a clinical biotin deficiency). Taking a supplement that contains biotin and MSM is unlikely to help with hair loss in most people.
You can take MSM whenever is convenient for you, though it’s best to take it at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food.
Supplements are more convenient, though powder may be cheaper. In terms of results, there probably isn’t much difference between the two.
MSM is a powder, so you’ll need to dissolve this in water to apply it topically. There are no guidelines on the powder-to-water ratio you should use (a 10% MSM solution was successfully used on mice, but it’s unclear if this concentration would be safe and/or effective in humans) [4]. No human research has been done to confirm the effectiveness of topical MSM application.
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