Nutrafol Review, 2025: Does This Stuff Actually Work?
ShoppingWe chatted with experts to find out if the nutraceutical brand is worth the hype.By Adam HurlyFebruary 21, 2025Image: GettySave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.Somehow, a decade into its existence, Nutrafol seems to remain peerless in the hair wellness game. Sure, there are plenty of great hair supplements out there—and ones that work, even if you have to puzzle-piece things together with multiple pills. But what Nutrafol has built is a muscled-up nutraceutical (a portmanteau of “nutrient” and “pharmaceutical”) backed by millions of dollars in peer-reviewed studies (double-blind, placebo-controlled, at that), as well as scholarly publications in an effort to stay head of class in the minds of dermatologists and academics alike. And with grooming journalists—hence why I speak so highly of them, too.Nutrafol's Offerings, at a Glance:The OG Supplement: Hair Growth Nutraceutical, $79The Supplement Stack: DHT Inhibitor Supplement, $98The Topical: Hair Serum, $49The Shower Aid: 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner, $44Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWhat Causes Hair Loss?How to Actually Keep Your HairBut, there is that one caveat: Nutrafol is expensive, particularly those monthly hair supplements. You are meant to take four pills a day, so each 120-pill vessel lasts a month, but runs around 80 bucks (though you can get it down to $60 per month if you buy in six-month bulk). For that price, you damn well need to trust in the science, which is why I always point to the research and transparency that goes into its products.Let’s dive into what you’re paying for with Nutrafol—and I’ll leave the value judgment up to each of you, since that’s going to differ from one guy to the next. I’ll also spotlight all the key products that men can get from Nutrafol, since it's built out a small but mighty roster of hair health offerings, which can be overwhelming when you're looking at a receding hairline and way too many options. You’ll get an honest assessment of everything from me here, too, and though I like all of the brand's products, I think some are more imperative than others.Nutrafol Hair Growth NutraceuticalNutrafol MenHair Growth Nutraceutical (1 month)$79 Nutrafol$88 AmazonThis is the now-ubiquitous hair growth nutraceutical, the gold standard in this game. Nutrafol’s supplement (and really, all of its products) look at the various causes for thinning hair, and each pill is packed with targeted ingredients to address those causes. Key ingredients include saw palmetto, curcumin, and turmeric extracts (to interfere with dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which can cause hair loss) as well as ashwagandha and resveratrol (via knotweed extract) to neutralize stress’s impact—plus a dozen other nutrients that comprise its patented complex and signature blend. Add to that the key vitamins and minerals like protein, biotin, zinc, selenium, and iodine. (Note, it does contain fish extracts, so if you’re vegan, this one doesn’t fly.)Like I said before, there isn’t much contest in the industry compared to this one, particularly if you want reliable studies to point to. When I’m not using Nutrafol, I will often self-supplement my daily multivitamin with some of these exact same ingredients (namely saw palmetto and ashwagandha, as well as pumpkin seed oil, which also inhibits DHT). That said, once I start adding up the cost of those individual pills every single day, it starts to make Nutrafol look a lot more worth it, given the sheer range of ingredients in each day’s dose.Nutrafol DHT Inhibitor SupplementNutrafol MenHair Growth Nutraceutical + DHT Inhibitor (1 month)$98 NutrafolThis adaptogen booster multiplies the power of that nutraceutical but with targeted ingredients for hormones and stress. Nettle root, magnolia tree, and African cherry tree extract all target inflammation, while reishi mushroom can help minimize DHT.Nutrafol Hair SerumNutrafol MenHair Serum$49 Nutrafol$49 AmazonNormally, I don’t endorse hair serums as a key solution for hair wellness, unless they focus on inflammation for the scalp. To me, that’s the only effort worth pursuing in this category (aside from topical minoxidil or finasteride). But that’s the exact approach behind this add-on serum in Nutrafol’s roster. It uses micro ashwagandha exosomes that can seep into your scalp and reduce inflammation around the follicles. Bingo. It’s also got a balancing, stimulating, and hydrating roster of extracts, like any good scalp serum ought to.Still, I think most guys are set if they are orally supplementing themselves with anti-inflammatories like ashwagandha (found in the brand’s core men’s supplement). So, while I would slot this serum into “top of its class,” it would act as more of a cherry-on-top than a first line of defense against hair loss. And, while its $49 standalone price tag isn’t outrageous for a stand
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Somehow, a decade into its existence, Nutrafol seems to remain peerless in the hair wellness game. Sure, there are plenty of great hair supplements out there—and ones that work, even if you have to puzzle-piece things together with multiple pills. But what Nutrafol has built is a muscled-up nutraceutical (a portmanteau of “nutrient” and “pharmaceutical”) backed by millions of dollars in peer-reviewed studies (double-blind, placebo-controlled, at that), as well as scholarly publications in an effort to stay head of class in the minds of dermatologists and academics alike. And with grooming journalists—hence why I speak so highly of them, too.
Nutrafol's Offerings, at a Glance:
- The OG Supplement: Hair Growth Nutraceutical, $79
- The Supplement Stack: DHT Inhibitor Supplement, $98
- The Topical: Hair Serum, $49
- The Shower Aid: 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner, $44
But, there is that one caveat: Nutrafol is expensive, particularly those monthly hair supplements. You are meant to take four pills a day, so each 120-pill vessel lasts a month, but runs around 80 bucks (though you can get it down to $60 per month if you buy in six-month bulk). For that price, you damn well need to trust in the science, which is why I always point to the research and transparency that goes into its products.
Let’s dive into what you’re paying for with Nutrafol—and I’ll leave the value judgment up to each of you, since that’s going to differ from one guy to the next. I’ll also spotlight all the key products that men can get from Nutrafol, since it's built out a small but mighty roster of hair health offerings, which can be overwhelming when you're looking at a receding hairline and way too many options. You’ll get an honest assessment of everything from me here, too, and though I like all of the brand's products, I think some are more imperative than others.
Nutrafol Hair Growth Nutraceutical
This is the now-ubiquitous hair growth nutraceutical, the gold standard in this game. Nutrafol’s supplement (and really, all of its products) look at the various causes for thinning hair, and each pill is packed with targeted ingredients to address those causes. Key ingredients include saw palmetto, curcumin, and turmeric extracts (to interfere with dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which can cause hair loss) as well as ashwagandha and resveratrol (via knotweed extract) to neutralize stress’s impact—plus a dozen other nutrients that comprise its patented complex and signature blend. Add to that the key vitamins and minerals like protein, biotin, zinc, selenium, and iodine. (Note, it does contain fish extracts, so if you’re vegan, this one doesn’t fly.)
Like I said before, there isn’t much contest in the industry compared to this one, particularly if you want reliable studies to point to. When I’m not using Nutrafol, I will often self-supplement my daily multivitamin with some of these exact same ingredients (namely saw palmetto and ashwagandha, as well as pumpkin seed oil, which also inhibits DHT). That said, once I start adding up the cost of those individual pills every single day, it starts to make Nutrafol look a lot more worth it, given the sheer range of ingredients in each day’s dose.
Nutrafol DHT Inhibitor Supplement
This adaptogen booster multiplies the power of that nutraceutical but with targeted ingredients for hormones and stress. Nettle root, magnolia tree, and African cherry tree extract all target inflammation, while reishi mushroom can help minimize DHT.
Nutrafol Hair Serum
Normally, I don’t endorse hair serums as a key solution for hair wellness, unless they focus on inflammation for the scalp. To me, that’s the only effort worth pursuing in this category (aside from topical minoxidil or finasteride). But that’s the exact approach behind this add-on serum in Nutrafol’s roster. It uses micro ashwagandha exosomes that can seep into your scalp and reduce inflammation around the follicles. Bingo. It’s also got a balancing, stimulating, and hydrating roster of extracts, like any good scalp serum ought to.
Still, I think most guys are set if they are orally supplementing themselves with anti-inflammatories like ashwagandha (found in the brand’s core men’s supplement). So, while I would slot this serum into “top of its class,” it would act as more of a cherry-on-top than a first line of defense against hair loss. And, while its $49 standalone price tag isn’t outrageous for a standalone product, it's a steep add-on when purchased alongside the core supplement. But, hey, if you can swing it, I say go for it.
Nutrafol 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
Nutrafol’s latest product ushers the brand into new (hair care) territory. And it’s a terrific option for guys with short hair. Anything longer than a couple inches would benefit from a dedicated conditioner, but as a recent buzz-cut recipient, I’ve found this one quite satisfactory as a nourishing, non-drying shampoo.
As for a remedy for hair loss, I am grateful that Nutrafol isn’t making hollow promises here—which many other brands tend to do. You’ll always hear me say: No shampoo itself will fight hair loss—except maybe one with dandruff-busting ketoconazole. “Shampoos are tough," Dr. Saami Khalifian, double board certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics, says. "Their brief contact time limits efficacy, though some with ketoconazole can reduce inflammation if you have dandruff. For serious loss, serums and prescriptions pack the punch; shampoos are supporting players.” That’s why you'll see the messaging about this product focusing in on “scalp support” and “microbiome friendly”—all the things that are within a shampoo’s potential, as opposed having any actual impact on DHT mitigation or hair growth-cycle regulation.
If you don’t require a dedicated conditioner (as in, you’ve got short enough hair that a conditioner feels somewhat inconsequential), then consider this a fantastic hydrating shampoo that doesn’t cause your scalp any grief. I do acknowledge that $44 can be steep for a shampoo, so again, I think everything plays a supporting role to those core men’s supplements. Those are the bread and butter here, and everything else is a nice-to-have.
What Causes Hair Loss?
“Hair loss is driven by several key factors. Genetics play the biggest role, with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss) being the most common cause,” Khalifian says. “Hormones, particularly DHT, can shrink hair follicles over time, leading to gradual thinning. Chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where more hairs enter the shedding phase. Nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron, vitamin D, or protein, can also slow hair growth.”
How to Actually Keep Your Hair
We have a whole article on the best methods for preventing hair loss, and according to board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould, “a [hair-loss product] should have active ingredients like minoxidil, finasteride, growth factors or exosomes. All of these will help regulate and improve the hair follicle life cycle.” Minoxidil and finasteride can make necessary biological impact to help you retain your hair—minoxidil by regulating and extending hair growth cycles as well as improving circulation and nutrient delivery to the follicles; finasteride by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). There are oral and topical versions of both of these drugs, and only one (topical minoxidil) is available over the counter.
Anything outside of those two medicines, including hair supplements, scalp serums, laser caps, plasma injections… those are all supplementary efforts. It is finasteride and minoxidil that move the needle above all. (You can easily get prescriptions from brands like Hims and Ro, through their telemedicine platforms with at-home delivery, and with doctors on demand who can help educate you ahead of use, monitor progress, and assess any side effects.) That said, if you insist on a drug-free approach to hair loss, your journey starts with a nutraceutical—and thus Nutrafol’s would be a wise investment.
However, if you are relying on Nutrafol as your sole effort against hair loss then, well, you aren’t really playing the game with a full deck of cards. And that’s no knock on Nutrafol; I put them at the forefront of the hair supplement conversation, always. And I even think of these supplements as a close bronze medalist behind those other two medicines—it’s just that nothing can compete with the results of those prescription-grade treatments, so I’m not about to suggest otherwise.
