Supplements
Best supplements for hair growth in the UK (2026)
Iron, vitamin D, biotin and zinc, compared with NHS guidance and the branded capsules sold for hair.
Written in the UK, for women and men.
See a GP if hair loss is sudden, patchy, or comes with illness, a rash, or other symptoms. The NHS asks for that conversation before a private clinic.
On this page
On this page
This page lines up iron, vitamin D, biotin and zinc with the NHS pages on those nutrients, and with the branded capsules sold for hair. Doses and warnings are the ones those sources publish.
How we compared these supplements
We compared NHS guidance on iron, vitamin D, biotin and zinc with the branded capsules sold for hair.
- NHS symptom lists Hair loss as the NHS describes it for iron deficiency anaemia.
- A diagnosed shortage Iron tablets when a clinician has found a low count to treat.
- Food first The foods the NHS names for iron, zinc and biotin.
- Dose warnings Vitamin D at 10 micrograms in autumn and winter, and biotin’s effect on blood tests.
- Branded products Nutrafol, Viviscal and Hairburst, read next to the NHS hair-loss page.
Quick verdict
If a blood test shows iron deficiency, the NHS treatment is iron tablets from a GP. Vitamin D at 10 micrograms in autumn and winter is the NHS advice for bones. Most people get biotin from food. Nutrafol, Viviscal and Hairburst are branded supplements sold for hair.
What is worth testing?
| Nutrient | Why it comes up | The UK source |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | Hair loss is a less common symptom of iron deficiency anaemia. | See a GP. Treatment is tablets for about six months if the count is low. |
| Vitamin D | Often bundled into hair products. | NHS: 10 micrograms in autumn and winter, for bones. |
| Biotin | Printed on almost every gummy. | Deficiency is rare. Diet covers most people. High doses upset lab tests. |
| Zinc | Sold for hair and skin. | NHS: get it from food. Do not take more than 25 mg in supplements unless a doctor says so. |
Iron deficiency is the page to read if you are tired as well as shedding. Biotin is the page to read before you believe the jar. Zinc and collagen sit with vitamin D.
What about Nutrafol, Viviscal and Hairburst?
Nutrafol, Viviscal and Hairburst are branded supplements marketed for hair. The NHS hair-loss page names iron deficiency, minoxidil and finasteride. If the label contains a high biotin dose, the NIH warning about laboratory tests applies. Tell a clinician before a blood draw.
Marine collagen is sold as a food supplement. The NHS hair-loss page names the treatments above.
Food is where the NHS starts, and that list is on foods for hair growth. Pattern hair loss still has its own treatments: finasteride and minoxidil.
Common questions
What hair supplement should I buy in the UK?
Start with a blood test. If a full blood count shows iron deficiency anaemia, the NHS treatment is iron tablets from your GP.
Are Nutrafol, Viviscal and Hairburst recommended?
Nutrafol, Viviscal and Hairburst are brand supplements. The NHS hair-loss page names iron, minoxidil and finasteride. Check the biotin dose, because high-dose biotin can interfere with blood tests.
Is collagen a hair treatment?
Collagen is sold as a food supplement. The NHS hair-loss page names iron deficiency, minoxidil and finasteride.
Sources
Keep reading
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