The global gummy supplement market value exceeded $9 billion in 2023 and it is still growing [1]. Such remedies are marketed for a variety of conditions, from improved immune activity to stronger bones or better skin, nail and hair health. But do hair gummies really work for hair growth?
These nutrient-rich supplements contain vitamins, minerals and proteins purported to reduce hair loss and improve strand density. However, there is little evidence that supplements have a significant effect on hair growth in people with no relevant nutritional deficiencies. Keep reading to find out:
Hair gummies are dietary supplements made from a soft substance such as gelatin (or a vegan replacement). They contain nutrients such as minerals and vitamins for hair growth. They also contain other substances to make them more appealing, such as sugar, natural or artificial flavours, and food colouring. Preservatives are often added to prolong their shelf life.
The companies that produce and sell hair gummies often claim that eating them regularly can curb hair loss or help you get healthy hair. However, while they may hold some minor benefits for your strands, there is little evidence that these remedies can provide much more than a tasty, nourishing treat [2].
The main ingredient highlighted by most commercially available hair gummies is biotin (vitamin B7). Then, depending on the brand and formulation, they can contain combinations of a multitude of vitamins and minerals such as:
Some hair gummy formulations also contain plant extracts, such as rosemary or saw palmetto. Others state their gummies contain “herbal extracts” or a proprietary hair treatment, but can be evasive regarding their exact ingredients.
At this time, no independent studies have been conducted to test the effectiveness of hair gummies for curbing alopecia or stimulating hair growth. And it’s difficult to assess the general performance of such a wide array of supplements, each with its own formulation.
However, potential effects can be deduced from their main ingredients. For example, the supplement industry has been touting the benefits of biotin for hair loss for a long time and some users claim they have helped [3]. But research shows that this vitamin can only promote hair growth in patients with a clinical biotin deficiency. However, this is exceptionally rare, as this nutrient is plentiful in many foods [2].
This may still be encouraging news, but only for the 38% of women [4] (and many men) with hair loss who also experience biotin inadequacy.
The same can be said about other vitamins and minerals found in hair gummies. While most of them play a role in maintaining hair health, there is no evidence that they can improve hair density in healthy people who are not experiencing any clinical deficiencies of the respective nutrients. Besides, while certain mineral and vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss, supplementation does not always lead to hair regrowth [5].
It is true that some hair gummies also contain extracts of some plants that contain natural DHT blockers (e.g. saw palmetto for hair or rosemary oil for hair growth), which might help treat androgenetic alopecia. But no studies have been performed to assess their effectiveness on hair loss when ingested in the quantities present in these supplements.
While they may not be able to treat your alopecia, hair gummies might still have some hair health benefits. For example, they contain antioxidants that can help fight oxidative stress. This can damage your hair strands, leading to unnecessary hair breakage. And in some people, it can also cause premature hair ageing and greying [6].
The vitamins and minerals in hair gummies can also help nourish your scalp and hair follicles, providing the resources they need to function properly and produce healthy strands. And if you are on a restrictive diet which places you at risk of a mineral or vitamin deficiency, they can help you get your daily recommended dose of nutrients.
While the idea of a gummy treat filled with vitamins and nutrients can seem harmless, there are certain risks and side effects you need to consider before taking them.
One of the most significant problems pointed out by researchers when it comes to hair gummies is dosing inconsistencies [7]. There is little oversight over the amount of ingredients each gummy contains. And while exceeding the recommended dosage is not problematic for all nutrients, it may be for some. For example, vitamin A can cause hair loss and other toxicity symptoms if taken in excess.
Many of these supplements contain variable amounts of sugar, which can be a problem for people with diabetes or those on a sugar-free diet. Normally, one gummy should not contain excessive amounts of sweetener, but it can be especially risky if the recommended dosage of gummies is exceeded, as it can cause a blood sugar spike.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that the biotin content in dietary supplements such as hair gummies can interfere with certain types of laboratory tests, leading to unreliable results.
For example, it can yield falsely low results when testing for the presence of troponin in your blood — a protein that is released when your heart is damaged [8]. So if you are getting blood tests for heart problems, be sure to inform your doctor that you are taking supplements that contain biotin.
Some people are allergic to ingredients often found in hair gummies, such as gelatin, flavours or dyes. While mild cases can result in itchy skin hives, swelling around the mouth and digestive problems, severe reactions can lead to anaphylaxis. So be sure to read the ingredient list carefully before taking any oral supplement in gummy form.
The advantages of hair gummies over other supplements revolve around the fact that they are generally more palatable, with pleasant flavours and a satisfying, chewy texture. They resemble popular gummy sweets in appearance and taste, which makes them more appealing than simple vitamin capsules or oils.
However, there is no proven medical benefit to ingesting vitamins and nutrients in gummy form compared to other supplement forms.
Most hair gummies can be safely taken by women, as long as they don’t have a health condition that prevents them from ingesting any of their ingredients (such as diabetes or food allergies). Like any user, women shouldn’t exceed the recommended daily value for the nutrients present in them.
However, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid supplements that contain ingredients such as saw palmetto, as it can be harmful to the child and cause hormonal imbalances in the mother (although more research is needed to assess this effect). And since some supplements can contain undisclosed ingredients, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
At this time, there is insufficient scientific evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of either type of hair gummies. However, a closer look at the ingredient list of various such supplements marketed as “for men” or “for women” reveals that they contain mostly the same vitamins and minerals. And considering that there are no notable differences between male and female hair structures, it is safe to assume that they would have the same effect on both sexes.
However, there are certain differences between the daily recommended dose of different nutrients in men and in women. So some hair gummy formulations may adjust the dose to accommodate this difference.
If you have decided to try hair gummies, it is good to know what to look for, so you can get the safest and most helpful options. Here are some things to consider when choosing your supplements:
If you are looking for a scientifically proven treatment to curb your hair thinning and restore hair growth, the best thing you can do is to see a trichologist. They will diagnose the reason your hair is falling out and recommend effective, personalised treatment, such as:
If you’d prefer to treat and repair your damaged hair at home, here are some of the best scientifically proven ways to grow thicker hair naturally.
If you have noticed the first signs of hair thinning and balding or you’re worried about hair loss, don’t waste precious time on unproven supplements such as hair gummies. Some forms of alopecia are progressive, so booking a consultation today with one of our experienced hair specialists can give you the best chance to achieve hair regrowth.
They will use state-of-the-art diagnostic trichology tests to determine the reason your hair is falling out. Then, they will work with you to identify the hair loss treatment that best suits your needs, preferences and lifestyle. And they can also provide valuable insight regarding the best ways to care for your specific hair type and what to look for when choosing hair products and supplements.
If you would like to find out more about hair gummies, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions:
At this time, it is unclear whether and to what extent hair gummies will actually work to make your hair grow. If you eat a healthy diet for hair and have no nutritional deficiencies, you may never see any significant results.
However, if you do have a deficiency that can be corrected by one of the ingredients in the supplement, you may experience some hair regrowth within 3-6 months of treatment. But keep in mind that vitamin supplementation does not always guarantee hair regrowth.
It’s best to follow the instructions written on the package, as different brands offer hair gummies with different ingredients and concentrations. The usual dose is one or two gummies a day, but that depends on each formulation.
If you are unsure of the best dosage for your needs or have concerns related to pre-existing health problems, it’s a good idea to discuss them with a trichologist or your GP.
There are a multitude of hair gummy formulations on the market. Some are vegan, but others are not. Most vegan options mention that in the product description, but if it is not specified, be sure to read the label carefully or contact the seller for additional information.
Most hair gummies are not medicated. They only contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts. However, if you are interested in a hair medication form that you can take in a similar fashion, some brands offer tablets that contain Minoxidil (but keep in mind that oral Minoxidil can have more systemic side effects than the topical variety).
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