“Finasteride Is Giving Me Side Effects — Should I Stop Taking It?”

Reader question:
I've been taking finasteride for hair loss and I've started noticing some side effects, particularly a lower sex drive and problems with erections. I know finasteride is supposed to be one of the most effective treatments for male hair loss, so I'm reluctant to give it up. Should I keep taking it and hope the side effects go away, or should I stop? Are there any alternatives?

Hair Loss Review Centre answers:

Finasteride can be an effective treatment for male pattern hair loss, but side effects are a recognised possibility and shouldn't simply be ignored.

Sexual side effects associated with finasteride can include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems. Not everybody experiences them, and some men use finasteride without any significant problems at all.

However, if you've developed symptoms since starting finasteride, it's sensible to discuss them with your GP, dermatologist or the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

Should you stop taking finasteride?

If the side effects are persistent or troubling, don't feel that you have to tolerate them simply for the sake of your hair.

Speak to your prescriber about what you're experiencing. They can advise you on whether stopping finasteride is appropriate and consider whether something else could be contributing to your symptoms.

This is particularly important if you're experiencing changes in mood, depression or other symptoms that concern you.

What happens to my hair if I stop finasteride?

This is the frustrating part.

Finasteride works only while you continue using it. If you stop treatment, its protective effect against male pattern hair loss will gradually be lost, and your underlying hair loss is likely to resume over time.

That doesn't mean, however, that your only choices are finasteride or doing nothing.

What are the alternatives to finasteride?

Depending on your circumstances, other approaches can include minoxidil, low-level laser therapy, appropriate scalp care and non-medical nutritional support.

For men who specifically want to move away from medication, HR23+® is one non-medical option worth considering.

HR23+ is a nutritional hair supplement rather than a drug. Its formula provides a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanical extracts and other nutrients designed to support normal, healthy hair growth.

Importantly, HR23+ shouldn't be presented as a direct replacement for finasteride. The two products work very differently, and finasteride has a pharmaceutical mechanism of action that a nutritional supplement does not replicate.

However, for someone who has decided with appropriate medical guidance that finasteride is no longer right for them, HR23+ can form part of a non-medical approach to supporting their hair.

The bottom line

If you're getting persistent side effects from finasteride, don't simply suffer through them because you're frightened of losing your hair.

Speak to the healthcare professional who prescribed it and discuss whether you should stop or change treatment.

If you ultimately decide that finasteride isn't for you, there are other approaches available — including minoxidil and non-medical options such as HR23+®.

Keeping your hair is important. Your wider wellbeing is more important.

This article provides general information and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Finasteride is a medicine and any concerns about side effects or changes to treatment should be discussed with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

“I’ve Been Using Minoxidil for 3 Months and My Hair Looks Worse — Should I Stop?”

Reader question:
I've been using 5% minoxidil for just over three months and, if anything, my hair looks thinner than when I started. I'm also noticing more hairs coming out when I wash it. Does this mean minoxidil isn't working for me? Should I stop using it?

Hair Loss Review Centre answers:

Three months can feel like a long time when you're checking your hair every day, but it's still relatively early in a minoxidil treatment.

One of the frustrating things about minoxidil is that some users experience increased shedding during the early stages of treatment. This can make the hair appear thinner and understandably lead people to assume the treatment is making their hair loss worse.

This initial shedding can occur as hairs already approaching the end of their growth cycle are shed and new growth cycles begin. It doesn't happen to everybody, but when it does, it can be alarming.

So, should you stop?

Not necessarily.

For pattern hair loss, minoxidil generally needs several months of consistent use before its effectiveness can be properly assessed. Three months is often too soon to decide whether you're going to respond well.

It's also worth remembering that hair grows slowly. Even if follicles are responding positively, it takes time before new hairs become long and thick enough to make a noticeable cosmetic difference.

Taking photographs every four weeks under the same lighting, angle and hairstyle is usually much more useful than checking your hair in the mirror every day.

What if the shedding continues?

Persistent or particularly heavy shedding shouldn't automatically be blamed on minoxidil.

Hair shedding can have many causes, including stress, illness, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, thyroid problems and telogen effluvium. It's also possible to have more than one type of hair loss occurring at the same time.

If your shedding is severe, continues to worsen, appears in patches, or you're experiencing scalp irritation, redness, pain or other symptoms, speak to your GP, dermatologist or another suitably qualified healthcare professional.

Conclusion

At three months, worsening appearance doesn't necessarily mean minoxidil has failed. Early shedding can occur, and meaningful results often take longer to become visible.

Unless you're experiencing troublesome side effects or have been advised to stop by a healthcare professional, three months is generally too early to judge the final outcome.

Hair loss treatments are rarely quick fixes. With minoxidil in particular, consistency and patience are a major part of the process.

This article is for general information only and should not replace individual medical advice. Always follow the instructions supplied with your minoxidil product and seek professional advice if you're concerned about excessive shedding or side effects.

David Beckham Hair Loss: Is the Football Icon Showing Signs of Thinning Hair?

David Beckham has spent more than three decades in the public eye, and during that time almost every conceivable hairstyle has made an appearance. Curtains, buzz cuts, mohawks, slicked-back styles, bleached hair — Beckham has rarely been afraid to change his look.

But recent photographs of the former England captain have attracted attention for a different reason: David Beckham appears to be experiencing noticeable hair thinning.

The 51-year-old was recently photographed shirtless while relaxing aboard a luxury yacht with Victoria Beckham. The summer break came shortly after the couple attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1–0.

With Beckham's hair wet and pushed away from the scalp, the photographs offer an unusually clear look at his current hair density.

And there appears to be significant thinning across the top of his scalp.

Is David Beckham Going Bald?

From photographs alone, nobody can diagnose the cause or extent of somebody else's hair loss. However, Beckham's latest appearance does seem consistent with diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp, with considerably more scalp visible than when his hair is styled and dry.

That shouldn't be particularly surprising.

Male pattern hair loss becomes increasingly common with age, and Beckham is now in his early 50s. What makes his case interesting is just how dramatically the appearance of his hair has varied over the years.

In some photographs, Beckham appears to have a remarkably dense head of hair. In others — particularly when his hair is wet, very short or photographed under strong lighting — the thinning looks far more obvious.

This has inevitably led to one question:

Has David Beckham had treatment for hair loss?

The important answer is that we don't know.

Beckham has not publicly confirmed having a hair transplant or using established hair-loss medications, so claims about exactly what he has or hasn't done should be treated as speculation.

Nevertheless, there are several possibilities that could explain why his hair has looked so different from one appearance to another.

1. Could David Beckham Use Hair Fibres?

This is perhaps the simplest explanation for some of the dramatic differences we've seen.

Hair-building fibres are tiny fibres that cling to existing hairs, creating the visual impression of considerably greater density. They can be remarkably convincing when professionally applied.

There have been occasions in recent years when Beckham's hair has appeared exceptionally thick and noticeably darker than it does in candid photographs.

Hair fibres would provide a plausible explanation.

In fact, discussion around Beckham's changing hair density has existed for years, with hair-loss communities frequently suggesting fibres or cosmetic concealers as one possible explanation. Recent discussion resurfaced after the yacht photographs appeared.

There is, however, no confirmation that Beckham uses them.

Wet hair also naturally clumps together, making the spaces between individual hairs much easier to see. Consequently, somebody with moderate thinning can look as though they have considerably less hair after swimming than they do once their hair has been dried, styled and volumised.

That may account for at least some of the difference.

2. Has David Beckham Had a Hair Transplant?

This is the big one.

Rumours of a David Beckham hair transplant have circulated for years, but Beckham himself has never publicly confirmed undergoing the procedure.

Looking back through photographs, his hairline appeared to show recession as he moved through his 40s. In more recent years, however, his frontal hairline has sometimes appeared stronger, particularly around the temples.

That has prompted considerable speculation that he may have undergone hair restoration surgery. Hair-transplant clinics and hair-loss commentators have debated the subject extensively, but without confirmation from Beckham, it remains exactly that: speculation.

The latest photographs are interesting because they illustrate an important point about hair transplantation.

A hair transplant doesn't necessarily stop hair loss.

Transplanted follicles may remain while the person's original, non-transplanted hair continues to thin. This is one reason maintaining existing hair is such an important consideration for men undergoing restoration surgery.

If Beckham has undergone a transplant, continued thinning behind transplanted areas could potentially produce this sort of appearance.

But again, we cannot know whether that applies to Beckham himself.

3. What About Finasteride or Dutasteride?

This becomes even more speculative.

Men undergoing hair transplantation are often advised to discuss treatments designed to preserve their existing hair with their doctor. Finasteride is one of the established medical treatments for male pattern hair loss, while dutasteride is also used for androgenetic alopecia in some settings, although its regulatory approval for hair loss varies by country.

These drugs work by reducing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone strongly involved in male pattern hair loss.

If Beckham has undergone hair restoration surgery, it is therefore conceivable that medication could have formed part of a wider hair-maintenance programme.

But there is no reliable public evidence that David Beckham takes finasteride, dutasteride or any other hair-loss medication, so it would be wrong to state that he does.

So Why Does David Beckham's Hair Suddenly Look So Thin?

The yacht photographs shouldn't necessarily be interpreted as Beckham suddenly losing a huge amount of hair.

They're almost the perfect conditions for exposing thinning:

wet hair + bright sunlight + hair pushed against the scalp + no styling products or cosmetic concealers.

For somebody experiencing diffuse thinning, that combination can make hair loss look dramatically more pronounced.

It may also explain why Beckham can appear to have thick, styled hair at a public event and significantly thinner hair while swimming several days later.

And this isn't unique to celebrities.

It's something many men first notice themselves.

You style your hair in the morning and everything looks reasonably good. Then you catch your reflection after getting out of the shower or swimming pool and suddenly think:

Where has all my hair gone?

What Can Men Do About Thinning Hair?

The good news is that hair restoration doesn't automatically mean flying abroad for expensive surgery.

For men noticing the early signs of thinning, there are several approaches worth considering.

A shorter hairstyle can immediately make diffuse thinning less noticeable, while hair fibres and other cosmetic concealers can temporarily improve the appearance of density.

Clinically established treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride are also available, although medication isn't suitable or desirable for everyone. Anyone considering pharmaceutical hair-loss treatment should discuss the potential benefits and risks with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Hair transplantation remains another option for suitable candidates, particularly where the hairline has significantly receded.

But there's also a large group of men who aren't ready for surgery and would prefer a non-medicated approach to supporting their hair.

Don't Want Medication? Consider Nutritional Hair Support

Hair supplements don't replace medical treatment for male pattern baldness, and they shouldn't be presented as miracle cures.

What they can do is provide nutritional support for normal, healthy hair — particularly as part of a broader long-term hair-care routine.

This is where a comprehensive formulation such as HR23+® Hair Restoration Supplement may be worth considering.

Rather than relying on a single fashionable ingredient, HR23+ combines vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical ingredients in a non-prescription daily supplement formulated specifically to support healthy hair.

For men experiencing early-stage thinning, it can therefore form part of a wider approach focused on supporting existing hair, maintaining healthy growth and improving the overall condition of the hair.

It's particularly relevant for men who aren't comfortable taking prescription hair-loss medication or aren't yet considering expensive surgical intervention.

The key is realistic expectations.

Hair loss is complicated. Genetics, age, hormones, nutrition and general health can all influence what happens to your hair. No supplement can guarantee that genetic hair loss will stop, and advanced baldness cannot simply be reversed with vitamins.

But acting while you still have plenty of hair is generally more sensible than waiting until most of it has disappeared.

David Beckham's Hair Is Actually a Useful Reminder

Whether David Beckham has used hair fibres, undergone a transplant, taken medication, used other treatments — or some combination of these — remains his private business.

What the latest photographs demonstrate rather well is something much more universal.

Hair loss happens to men from every walk of life.

Money, fame and access to the world's best stylists don't change the underlying biology of ageing hair.

And even a man as famous for his hairstyles as David Beckham can appear to experience thinning.

If you've noticed your own hair becoming finer, your scalp becoming increasingly visible when your hair is wet, or your hairline gradually moving backwards, don't panic — but don't ignore it either.

Understanding what's happening early gives you far more options.

And if prescription medication or surgery isn't where you want to start, a sensible hair-care routine, good nutrition and a specialist non-medicated hair supplement such as HR23+ can provide a practical starting point.

Disclaimer: This article does not claim or imply that David Beckham has undergone any particular hair-loss treatment or procedure. Any observations are based solely on the visible appearance of his hair and our experience covering male hair loss. Images used in this article have been digitally sharpened/enhanced for clarity but have not intentionally altered the appearance or extent of the visible hair thinning.

Hair Loss Awareness Month: 5 Ways to Use It to Your Advantage

As part of our Hair Loss Awareness Month coverage, we look at five effective ways to use this occasion to your advantage, for men and women.

Hair Loss Awareness Month takes place throughout August, and while raising awareness is important, it can also be a useful prompt to take a closer look at your own hair.

Perhaps you've noticed more hair in the shower recently. Maybe your parting is becoming wider, your hairline has started creeping backwards, or your hair simply doesn't feel as thick as it did a few years ago. Or perhaps hair loss isn't currently a major concern, but you'd like to keep your hair in the best possible condition as you get older.

Whatever your situation, August is a good time to assess where you are, learn a little more about hair loss and make a few sensible changes.

Here are five ways to make Hair Loss Awareness Month genuinely useful.

1. Understand Your Hair Loss

The best place to start is with the hair you have now.

Hair loss is an umbrella term covering numerous conditions, and understanding the difference between them is important. What works for one type of hair loss may have very little effect on another.

Androgenetic alopecia, better known as male or female pattern hair loss, is one of the most common forms. In men, this often appears as recession around the temples or thinning at the crown. Women are more likely to notice reduced density across the top of the scalp or a gradually widening parting.

There are plenty of other possibilities.

Periods of increased shedding can occur following illness, significant stress, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies or major hormonal changes. Pregnancy and menopause can affect the hair cycle, while certain medications and medical conditions can also contribute to thinning.

Then there is the normal ageing process. Hair naturally changes over time, with individual strands often becoming finer and overall density gradually decreasing.

Use Hair Loss Awareness Month as an opportunity to take stock.

Look at photographs from a year or two ago. Check your hairline, temples, crown and parting under good lighting. Take a few photographs now so you have something objective to compare against in the future.

If your hair loss is sudden, severe, patchy, accompanied by scalp symptoms, or you simply can't explain why it's happening, speak to your GP, dermatologist or another suitably qualified professional rather than trying to diagnose it yourself.

Understanding the problem gives you a much better chance of choosing an appropriate solution.

2. Explore Hair Supplements and Nutritional Support

Not everybody experiencing thinning hair wants to immediately use medication.

Prescription and topical hair-loss treatments have an important place and can be effective for appropriate candidates, but they are not necessarily the first option everybody wants to explore. Some people prefer to begin with lifestyle changes and nutritional support, particularly when thinning is relatively mild or in its earlier stages.

This is where hair supplements can fit into a wider hair-care plan.

A good hair supplement isn't a magic pill, and we'd be wary of any brand claiming otherwise. Hair loss has too many potential causes for a supplement to solve every case.

What supplements can do is provide nutrients associated with the maintenance of normal, healthy hair, particularly where diet isn't consistently providing everything required.

We generally favour comprehensive formulas over products built around one fashionable ingredient.

HR23+ Hair Restoration Supplement is one example. The formula combines 23 ingredients and has been developed specifically for men and women experiencing thinning or weaker-looking hair. It is designed for long-term daily use and can be incorporated into a wider hair-care routine without requiring a prescription.

Other established specialist hair supplements are available too, including products from brands such as Viviscal and Nutrafol.

Whichever supplement you consider, look beyond the front of the bottle. Check the complete ingredient list, serving sizes, manufacturer information and how long the product is intended to be taken.

And give it time.

Hair grows slowly. Constantly switching between products every few weeks makes it almost impossible to determine whether anything is actually helping.

3. Look Out for Hair Loss Awareness Month Offers

This is one of the more practical benefits of Hair Loss Awareness Month.

Throughout August, hair-care companies, supplement brands, clinics and other businesses within the industry often run special promotions linked to the campaign.

If there is something you've already been considering, it can therefore be a good time to buy.

Look for discounts on things such as:

• Hair supplements

• Specialist shampoos and conditioners

• Hair serums and scalp treatments

• Hair-loss consultations

• Minoxidil products

• Microneedling devices

• Laser hair-growth devices

• Hair transplant consultations and procedures

The important distinction is between taking advantage of a discount on something useful and buying something simply because it has been discounted.

Don't allow a 20% or 30% saving to persuade you into buying a questionable hair-growth product you wouldn't otherwise consider.

Research the product first. Look at the active ingredients, evidence, independent reviews and long-term cost.

For products you already use regularly, however, an August promotion can be a sensible opportunity to stock up. This is particularly true for treatments and supplements that need to be used consistently for several months.

4. Do the Simple Things at Home — for Free

Not everything you do for your hair needs to come in a bottle.

Some of the most sensible changes cost absolutely nothing.

Start with how you treat your existing hair.

If you regularly pull your hair into very tight styles, ease the tension. Repeated pulling can put unnecessary stress on the hair and, over time, may contribute to traction-related hair loss.

Reduce excessive heat where possible. Hair straighteners, curling irons and very hot hair dryers don't usually cause genetic hair loss, but repeated damage can leave strands dry, brittle and more susceptible to breakage.

Be gentle with wet hair, too. Hair is more vulnerable to mechanical damage when wet, so aggressive towel drying and brushing can cause unnecessary breakage.

Then look beyond hair care itself.

Sleep matters. Stress matters. Exercise matters.

You don't need a perfect lifestyle to have good hair, but your hair is part of your body. The habits that support your general health tend to create a better foundation for healthy hair as well.

Another useful free habit is taking a photograph of your hair once a month.

Use the same room, lighting, hairstyle, angle and camera position each time. Hair changes slowly enough that looking in the mirror every morning can be misleading. Comparing consistent photographs after three or six months gives you a far better indication of whether your hair is actually changing.

5. Eat With Your Hair in Mind

You don't need an exotic "hair-growth diet".

A varied, balanced diet containing sufficient calories, protein, vitamins and minerals is a much better starting point.

Hair itself is largely made from a protein called keratin, so adequate protein intake is particularly important. Eggs, fish, poultry, lean meat, dairy products, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and seeds can all contribute.

Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, provides protein alongside omega-3 fatty acids and other useful nutrients.

Eggs provide high-quality protein and several micronutrients, making them an easy addition to many diets.

Leafy green vegetables, including spinach and kale, provide folate and a range of vitamins and minerals.

Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein and micronutrients. Pumpkin seeds are particularly interesting from a hair-health perspective and are easy to add to breakfast, salads or yoghurt.

Beans and lentils are useful sources of plant-based protein, iron and other nutrients, while colourful fruit and vegetables help provide the wider range of micronutrients your body needs.

Iron deserves particular attention because iron deficiency can be associated with hair shedding, especially in women. However, that doesn't mean everybody experiencing hair loss should immediately start taking high-dose iron supplements. Too much iron can be harmful, so suspected deficiency is something to discuss with a healthcare professional and, where appropriate, confirm with testing.

Extreme dieting is another potential problem.

Rapid weight loss, very low-calorie diets and inadequate protein intake can place stress on the body and may contribute to increased shedding several months later.

If you're trying to lose weight, aim for something sustainable rather than crash dieting.

Make Hair Loss Awareness Month Count

Hair Loss Awareness Month shouldn't simply be four weeks of talking about hair loss.

Use it as a reason to do something useful.

Work out whether your hair has actually changed. Learn about the type of hair loss you may be experiencing. Review your diet. Improve the way you treat your hair. Explore reputable supplements such as HR23+ if nutritional hair support appeals to you, and investigate established treatment options if your hair loss requires something more targeted.

And if the products or treatments you already want are discounted during August, there's nothing wrong with taking advantage of that too.

You don't need to completely overhaul your routine overnight.

Pick one or two sensible changes, stick with them, and monitor your hair over the coming months.

By the time the next Hair Loss Awareness Month comes around, you'll have something far more useful than another collection of hair-loss products in the bathroom cabinet.

You'll have a year's worth of evidence showing you what has — and hasn't — worked for your hair.

This article is intended for general information only and should not be considered medical advice. Sudden, severe, patchy or unexplained hair loss should be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

12 Everyday Habits That Could Be Making Your Hair Thinner

Finding more hair than usual in your brush or noticing the shower plug filling up can be worrying. For many people, thinning hair seems to appear gradually rather than overnight, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly what's causing it.

While genetics remain the most common reason for hair loss, everyday lifestyle habits can also play an important role in the health of your hair. In some cases, small changes to your routine may help reduce excessive shedding and support healthier hair growth over time.

Here are twelve surprisingly common habits that could be contributing to thinning hair.

1. Not Knowing the Difference Between Normal Shedding and Hair Loss

Before assuming something is wrong, it's worth remembering that losing hair every day is completely normal.

Most people shed between 50 and 100 hairs daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle. New hairs are constantly replacing those that fall out.

The concern begins when shedding becomes noticeably heavier, your parting starts widening, your ponytail feels thinner, or bald patches begin to develop. If these changes persist for several months, it's worth investigating further.

2. Living With Constant Stress

Stress doesn't just affect your mood.

Significant emotional or physical stress can trigger a temporary condition called telogen effluvium, where a larger number of hair follicles enter the resting phase before shedding several months later.

Illness, surgery, bereavement, divorce, job pressures or prolonged anxiety can all contribute. The encouraging news is that stress-related hair loss is often reversible once the underlying cause improves.

3. Crash Dieting

Hair is not essential for survival, so when calorie intake drops dramatically, the body prioritises more important organs.

Rapid weight loss, extreme dieting and restrictive eating plans can reduce the nutrients available to growing hair follicles, sometimes leading to noticeable shedding a few months later.

Slow, sustainable weight loss is generally kinder to both your body and your hair.

4. Missing Key Nutrients

Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in the body, meaning they require a steady supply of nutrients to function normally.

Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, folate and certain B vitamins have all been associated with some forms of hair thinning. While supplements aren't necessary for everyone, identifying and correcting genuine deficiencies can make a significant difference.

If you suspect a nutritional deficiency, speak to your GP before starting high-dose supplementation.

5. Not Eating Enough Protein

Hair is made primarily from keratin, a structural protein.

People following restrictive diets or simply not consuming enough protein may notice slower hair growth or increased shedding over time.

Including good-quality protein sources throughout the day can help provide the building blocks needed for healthy hair production.

6. Smoking

Smoking affects far more than your lungs.

Research suggests it may reduce blood flow to hair follicles, increase oxidative stress and contribute to premature ageing throughout the body, including the scalp.

Quitting smoking benefits virtually every aspect of health, and your hair may benefit too.

7. Poor Sleep

Sleep is when much of the body's repair work takes place.

Regularly getting too little sleep may increase stress hormones, disrupt normal biological processes and indirectly affect hair health over time.

Improving sleep quality is one of the simplest lifestyle changes people can make for their overall wellbeing.

8. Wearing Tight Hairstyles Every Day

Constant tension from tight ponytails, braids, buns or hair extensions can eventually damage hair follicles.

Known as traction alopecia, this form of hair loss develops gradually and may become permanent if the pulling continues for many years.

Giving your hair occasional breaks from tight styles can help reduce unnecessary stress on the scalp.

9. Overusing Heat Styling

Hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons aren't usually responsible for hair loss from the follicle itself, but they can weaken the hair shaft.

Repeated heat damage makes hair more brittle, leading to increased breakage that creates the appearance of thinner hair.

Using lower temperatures and heat protection products may help minimise damage.

10. Hormonal Changes

Hormones influence hair growth throughout life.

Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all alter the hair growth cycle in women.

Men, meanwhile, often experience androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, which is strongly influenced by genetics and hormones.

11. Genetics

Sometimes the answer is simply written into your DNA.

Male and female pattern hair loss affects millions of people worldwide and tends to develop gradually over many years. If close family members experienced thinning hair, your own risk is likely to be higher.

Although genetics can't currently be changed, early intervention often produces better long-term outcomes than waiting until significant hair loss has occurred.

12. Ignoring the Problem for Too Long

Many people hope thinning hair will simply stop by itself.

Sometimes it does. Often it doesn't.

The earlier the underlying cause is identified, the more treatment options are usually available. Whether the cause is nutritional, hormonal, medical or genetic, acting sooner rather than later generally offers the best chance of maintaining existing hair.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While gradual thinning is common, certain symptoms deserve medical assessment.

Speak to your GP or a dermatologist if you experience:

• Sudden or severe hair loss.
• Bald patches developing rapidly.
• Hair loss accompanied by pain, redness or scaling.
• Significant shedding following illness that continues for several months.
• Hair thinning alongside fatigue, unexplained weight changes or other symptoms that could suggest an underlying medical condition.

Simple blood tests can sometimes identify treatable causes such as iron deficiency or thyroid disorders.

Supporting Healthy Hair From the Inside

If your thinning hair is linked to nutritional shortfalls or lifestyle factors, improving your diet and supporting your body with targeted nutrition may help create a healthier environment for hair growth.

Unlike basic multivitamins that aim to support general health, specialist hair supplements are formulated specifically with hair follicles in mind.

One example is HR23+, a comprehensive hair growth supplement that combines 23 carefully selected vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical extracts in a single daily formula. Rather than relying on one or two ingredients, it is designed to support healthy hair growth from multiple nutritional pathways while fitting alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Of course, no supplement can overcome every cause of hair loss. Genetics, medical conditions and hormonal changes may require additional treatment or professional advice. But for many men and women looking to support healthier hair naturally, combining good nutrition, sensible lifestyle habits and a well-formulated hair supplement can be a practical place to start.

Ultimately, healthier hair rarely comes down to one miracle product or one bad habit. It's usually the result of many small factors working together. The good news is that improving those everyday habits doesn't just benefit your hair—it benefits your overall health too.

I’ve been dealing with thinning hair for a few years now, and I’ve always wanted to avoid medical treatments such as minoxidil and dutasteride. Instead, I’ve preferred to take a more natural approach to managing my hair loss.

Hair supplements have become one of the most popular natural options available, so over the years I’ve tried several of the market leaders. Often referred to as the "Big Four", these include Nutrafol, HR23+, Viviscal, and TRX2.

After spending time with each of them, here’s what I experienced and how I’d rank them in order of effectiveness.

The Big Four Hair Supplements, Ranked by One Very Particular Head of Hair

Hair supplements are sold with big promises, but not all of them take the same route to thicker-looking hair. Based on my own ranking, the order is clear: HR23+ first, Viviscal second, Nutrafol third, TRX2 fourth.

HR23+ sets the pace

HR23+ is the most aggressive of the four in how it’s built: it combines 23 active ingredients across botanicals, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, with ingredients like saw palmetto, nettle, pumpkin seed, grape seed, green tea, ginkgo, horsetail, biotin, zinc and folic acid.

It’s aimed at early-stage thinning and pattern hair loss, which is exactly the kind of profile where a dense, targeted supplement can feel the most effective. HR23+ is designed to do more than “support hair”; it tries to actively push back on the mechanisms behind shedding.

Viviscal follows close behind

Viviscal is the classic, dependable runner-up: more streamlined than HR23+, but still strongly focused on hair thickness, reduced shedding and overall hair quality.

Its formula centres on the AminoMar marine complex plus nutrients such as biotin, vitamin C, iron and zinc, which gives it a more traditional nourishment profile than HR23+. In my ranking, that probably lands it just below HR23+ because it helps, but it feels less forceful or less tailored to pattern thinning.

Nutrafol brings the science

Nutrafol is the most “root-cause” oriented of the four, with ingredients such as saw palmetto, ashwagandha, curcumin, marine collagen, tocotrienols, keratin and amino acids, plus high-dose biotin, zinc, selenium and vitamins.

It has strong branding around stress, hormones and inflammation, and the company says results are typically seen in 3–6 months. My third-place ranking suggests it may be scientifically impressive, but not quite as personally effective as HR23+ or Viviscal for my hair.

TRX2 comes in last

TRX2 takes a narrower path, built around a smaller set of ingredients such as potassium chloride, L-carnitine, BCAAs, nicotinic acid and biotin. Its idea is interesting, but it’s usually framed as a slower-burn supplement with more modest or gradual results than the others.

That makes my fourth-place ranking feel pretty natural because I was looking for something with a more noticeable payoff.

Why my ranking works

My order points to a simple pattern: I seem to respond best to formulas that are broad, follicle-focused and slightly more “hair-loss specific” rather than general wellness blends.

HR23+ wins because it feels the most complete and the most directly aimed at thinning, while Viviscal stays strong as the cleaner, classic alternative. Nutrafol and TRX2 still have their place, but for my hair, they look more like supporting acts than headline performers.

Closing note

HR23+ takes the crown, Viviscal remains the reliable challenger, Nutrafol brings the science, and TRX2 trails behind as the niche option.

Spend more than five minutes researching hair loss online and sooner or later you'll come across the 'F' word: finasteride.

For some people, it's the gold standard of hair loss treatment. For others, it's something they'd rather avoid altogether. Whatever your opinion, there's no denying that finasteride has become one of the most talked-about treatments of the past decade.

Yet despite the rise of prescription medications, telehealth subscriptions and increasingly accessible hair transplant procedures, millions of people are still searching for hair growth supplements every year. The reason is simple. Not everyone wants to take medication long-term, commit to a monthly subscription, or jump straight to surgery. Many people are simply looking for a more natural way to support healthy hair growth.

So, in a market flooded with capsules, gummies, powders and increasingly bold marketing claims, what actually makes a good hair supplement in 2026?

The Problem With Most Hair Supplements

Let's be honest: the supplement industry isn't exactly known for restraint.

A quick search online reveals hundreds of products promising thicker, fuller and stronger hair. Some claim to help reduce shedding. Others hint at dramatic regrowth. Most come wrapped in attractive packaging and supported by slick marketing campaigns.

The problem is that impressive marketing doesn't always mean an impressive formula.

Many hair supplements consist of little more than biotin, a handful of vitamins and a premium price tag. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but healthy hair growth is rarely influenced by a single nutrient. Hair follicles are among the most active structures in the body and require a wide range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and nutrients to function normally.

That's why one of the first things worth examining is the formulation itself.

More Than Just Biotin

Biotin has become almost synonymous with hair supplements. Mention hair growth and somebody will inevitably recommend it.

The reality, however, is that biotin is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. A well-rounded hair supplement should contain a broad range of nutrients associated with normal hair growth and healthy hair function. These often include zinc, selenium, vitamin D, amino acids, B vitamins and selected botanical extracts.

The goal shouldn't be to cram a label full of fashionable ingredients. It should be to provide meaningful nutritional support that addresses multiple aspects of hair health.

A supplement containing one or two popular ingredients may look appealing on the front of the bottle, but the products that stand the test of time tend to take a more comprehensive approach.

Transparency Matters

One of the biggest red flags in the supplement industry is secrecy.

Some companies proudly advertise proprietary blends while revealing very little about what those blends actually contain. As a consumer, that should raise questions.

If a product claims to contain dozens of active ingredients but doesn't clearly disclose the quantities, it becomes difficult to evaluate what you're actually paying for.

A reputable supplement company should be transparent about its ingredients. After all, if you're taking something every day, you deserve to know exactly what is inside it.

Beware Of The Miracle Cure

Anyone who has genuinely experienced hair loss understands one simple truth: hair growth takes time.

Unfortunately, many companies continue to market their products as if meaningful results can appear almost overnight. In reality, even when a treatment is helping, visible improvements often take several months.

That's why it's important to be cautious of exaggerated claims.

The companies that earn trust over the long term are usually those that set realistic expectations. They understand that healthy hair growth is a gradual process and that no supplement, medication or treatment can rewrite biology.

The Importance Of Longevity

Hair supplements come and go.

Every year brings a new wave of products claiming to contain the latest breakthrough ingredient or revolutionary formula. Many disappear just as quickly as they arrive.

That's one reason longevity matters.

A supplement that has remained on the market for years has already passed one of the toughest tests possible: customer retention. Consumers are ruthless. If a product consistently disappoints people, word eventually spreads and sales dry up.

Long-established products survive because enough customers continue to buy them.

That's not marketing. That's simply how business works.

Is Newer Always Better?

Not necessarily.

Many of the nutrients most commonly associated with healthy hair growth have remained largely unchanged for years. What's changed is the way they're packaged and promoted.

Today's supplements often focus on gummies, collagen trends, influencer endorsements, subscription models and social media campaigns. There's nothing inherently wrong with any of these things, but they don't automatically make a product more effective.

Sometimes the best products aren't the newest products. They're simply the ones that have quietly built a reputation over time while newer competitors come and go.

What About Finasteride?

Let's return to the 'F' word.

Finasteride remains one of the most widely used hair loss treatments available today and has helped many people maintain their hair. However, it isn't the right choice for everyone.

Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of taking long-term medication. Others simply prefer a non-pharmaceutical approach. Many women cannot use finasteride at all.

This is one of the reasons why nutritional supplements continue to play an important role within the wider hair loss market. They're not attempting to replace prescription treatments. They're offering a different route for people who wish to support their hair through nutrition rather than medication.

What We Look For In A Hair Supplement

After more than a decade reviewing hair loss products, several factors consistently stand out.

The best supplements tend to have:

• Transparent ingredient lists
• Comprehensive formulations
• Realistic claims
• Long-term customer feedback
• A strong reputation
• Consistent availability

Products that tick all of these boxes are surprisingly rare in a market increasingly driven by short-term trends.

Where Does HR23+ Fit In?

HR23+ was first launched in 2015 and was developed around a straightforward principle: healthy hair growth requires more than a single ingredient.

Rather than relying solely on biotin or one fashionable extract, the formula combines 23 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical extracts associated with healthy hair growth. It is suitable for both men and women and takes a nutritional approach rather than a pharmaceutical one.

While the hair loss industry has changed significantly over the past decade, the philosophy behind HR23+ has remained remarkably consistent. Support healthy hair through nutrition. Be transparent about the ingredients. Avoid exaggerated promises. Allow time for results.

In many ways, those principles are just as relevant today as they were ten years ago.

The Bottom Line

The hair loss market in 2026 is bigger than ever. Prescription treatments are increasingly popular, hair transplants are more accessible and new supplements seem to appear almost every month.

Yet despite all this innovation, the qualities that make a good hair supplement remain surprisingly simple.

Look for transparency. Look for a comprehensive formulation. Look for realistic claims. Look for a proven track record.

Most importantly, look beyond the marketing.Because when it comes to supporting healthy hair growth, flashy packaging and social media trends rarely tell the whole story.