How effective are hair growth tablets for men?

Multi-vitamin hair tablets have been around for a good 15 years now. We've seen plenty of them come and go over the years, but which of these products is the best?

Male pattern baldness affects over 60% of men by the age of 40, which is quite a frightening statistic - especially for men who love their hair.  The problem is, the closest thing we have to a cure is Finasteride - which is a potent medically approved hair loss treatment in tablet form.

Finasteride is known to cause some serious negative side-effects and after-effects, such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, skin rash, mental health issues, and lack of sleep.  These are things that the majority of men want to avoid.

Naturally formulated tablets offer men a safer solution to tackling hair loss, without the risk of the nasty side-effects and harsh reactions. And although some multi-vitamin tablets work better than others, it is hard to define exactly how effective these products actually are.

What are male multi-vitamin hair tablets? 

Multi-vitamin tablets come in all kinds of variations, but we are focusing specifically on some of the ones that target men only.  You will find that the majority of expensive (and popular) multi-vitamin supplements are generally considered to be for men and women, and so it is not clear why some supplements are for men only.

Here, we look at five of the most well-known male tablets for hair loss.  They all fall into the mid-price-range mark (£25-£35 per bottle), and they all promise the same thing: To combat baldness in men.  The question we ask is, are these products effective, or are they just a scam?

Foligain®

Ingredients: Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, Nettle Leaf Extract, Folate, Biotin, Iodine, Zinc, Copper, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Ginseng, Taurine.


Foligain® contains a rich base of key hair beneficiary ingredients that can help with the prevention of thinning, and promote hair growth. This formula contains a good blend of DHT blockers, mixed with hair growth agents, like Vitamin B7.  We would regard this as one of the better hair health supplements for men.


Foligain® contains many of the same/similar additives as some of the leading multi-vitamin hair supplements on the market. The addition of Saw Palmetto and Nettle Leaf Extract makes this a potent, yet safe, supplement to take.  Its effectiveness is unclear, but you should expect some improvements in the hair from taking this, albeit minimal.  If you're looking for a better version of this product, then it could be worth looking at Viviscal.

Rating: 3/5
★★★★★

FollicleFuel

Ingredients: Marine Collagen, MSM, Silica, Vitamin C, Hydraulic Acid, Vitamin E, Zinc, Copper, Biotin, Iodine.

Much like Foligain®, it is difficult to establish why FollicleFuel is for men only, because all the ingredients in this supplement can also be taken by women. But it has to be said, the ingredients in this supplement are very good - the problem is, there doesn't seem to be enough of them. If you took the ingredients from this and merged them together with Foligain®, then you'd have something a lot closer to a potentially effective hair supplement.



In all honesty, you should not expect much from FollicleFuel as a treatment for male baldness.  This is one of the least impressive multi-vitamin hair supplements on the market, mainly because of its rather limited formula. That's not to say that Follicle Fuel cannot be effective in some way, but it does not rank as a top supplement for male baldness.

Rating: 2/5
★★★★★

HairXcel

Ingredients: Ginkgo Biloba, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin C, Zinc, Copper, Niacin, Vitamin A.

HairXcel offers a good balance between Foligain and FollicleFuel.  The product combines some of the best ingredients from both supplements into its own potent formula. However, this ingredient list does seem rather light in some areas, and it is unclear how effective HairXcel actually is.



This is the only supplement on this list that does not specifically market itself to men.  HairXcel is technically a unisex product.  You can expect to some results from taking these tablets, but don't expect miracles.  It is unlikely you will experience any real visible signs of improvement in the growth of your hair, although you may notice slightly less hair fall.  If you want a more potent version of this product that offers superior results, then consider trying HR23+.

Rating: 2/5
★★★★★

Melan Plus

Ingredients: PABA, Saw Palmetto, Biotin, Vitamin B2, Zinc, Vitamin B12, Niacin, Vitamin E.

Again, Melan Plus is not too dissimilar to the other supplements mentioned on this list. We're looking at the same kind of formula, with very similar ingredients. Melan Plus does not contain many ingredients, but based on its additives alone, it is a good formula for hair health.  



It is unlikely that you will see any major improvements in your hair from taking Melan Plus, however, you may notice less hair fall due to the Saw Palmetto, along with stronger hair growth from the Vitamin B7.  All in all though, there are better multi-vitamin supplements on the market that contain more ingredients for improved performance. 

Rating: 2/5
★★★★★

Procerin

Ingredients: Saw Palmetto Berries, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Magnesium, Zinc Sulfate, Eleuthero Root, Vitamin B-6, Pumpkin Seed Meal, and Muira Puma Root.

Procerin is a hair growth tablet designed for men who suffer from baldness.  This popular supplement was once the best selling male hair supplement in the USA, but its popularity has fallen in recent years. However, it is still regarded as one of the best male hair supplements within its price range on the market.
Many users of Procerin noticed visible improvements in their hair after the first three months of using it. However, the results were not as good after the initial stage of usage.  It is unclear why this common trend keeps occurring. This could be a good supplement for short term results, but it is unlikely to be effective over a long period of time.

Rating: 2.5/5
★★★★★

Guest post by Sam Phillips

I started noticing my hair getting thinner at around the age of 24.  The strands around the crown of my scalp were thinning, and my frontal hairline looked like it was beginning to recede. Both my father and my older brother have suffered from baldness, so this was something  that was clearly passed down to me through the genetical pool.

I am now 34, and after conducting some research into male pattern baldness, I decided to try and treat the problem, rather than just accept my fate.  I discovered that hair loss can be treated, as long as it is tackled early enough, and through the right blend of treatments.

I tried a few different treatments for my problem, but nothing really worked as well as I'd have hoped for.  I wanted to avoid using Finasteride, or any other of these medically prescribed drugs, because some of the negative side-effects from those treatments look quite frightening.

So, I first went for a male hair supplement by the name of Procerin. I wouldn't say this supplement was particularly revolutionary, but I think it briefly helped slow down the hair loss. However, it only seemed to work for the first three months of using it, so I dropped the product after about a year of minimal results.

I was tempted to try Minoxidil, but again, much like Finasteride, I decided to give it a miss, because I don't want to mess around with my body.  I just want to use safe and natural ingredients where possible, and I am sure many men are of the same thinking as me on this topic.

Anyway, after chopping and changing numerous treatments over the years, I did manage to settle on a hair care routine that has helped minimise the amount of hair I lose, and support healthier, thicker, and stronger hair growth.  This is what works for me, and I hope it can also work for you...

The Hair Loss Treatment Plan  for Male Pattern Baldness

I have settled on five key products/treatments that have helped me get the best out of my hair. Each product serves its own purpose, but they all work really well together, for me, anyway.  So, in no particular order, here are my five...

HR23+ Hair Health Supplement

I have tried a few multi-vitamin supplements over the years, and there seems to be a massive buzz surrounding them these days. The one I settled on is HR23+, and the reason being is that it works the best for my hair - it's that simple.  I have been using HR23+ for about three years, and I started seeing results after about two months of using it continuously.

HR23+ is a multi-vitamin hair growth supplement designed for men and women with early stages of hair loss. It is packed with 23 key ingredients for optimal hair health. The popularity of this product continues to grow, and it is now one of the fastest growing products of its kind on the market.

Biotin Complex Supplement

I have been taking Biotin complex for quite a number of years now. It was actually the first vitamin tablet I took, after reading so much about the benefits it has on the hair. Any half decent multi-vitamin hair supplement will contain Biotin in it, and although HR23+ does contain a generous amount, I still like to take the extra boost every so often.

For those of you who don't know, Biotin is a form of Vitamin B7, and is known to help promote healthy stronger, thicker hair growth. It also has its health benefits for other parts of the body, like the skin and nails. Give it a try and see what you think...

Hair Protein Cream

I am always reading about how important protein is for the hair, so, I decided to try a hair protein cream. I mean, why not, right? I currently use the Himalaya Protein Hair Cream, which I apply to my locks about 2-3 times a week.
This cream hasn't performed any sort of miracle on my hair, and nor did I expect it to, but it does help protect the hair from harmful UV rays, and it minimises the breakage and damage to the hair, which is very handy, especially for someone with my type of hair that is naturally thin and prone to damage.

Saw Palmetto Liquid

Saw Palmetto is something I have used for quite some time now.  This North American plant was originally a treatment for the male prostate, but studies showed that it could help prevent hair loss too.

I used to take Saw Palmetto in tablet form, but I have recently switched to the topical liquid form, because I actually consume more than enough of the daily dosage through HR23+.  So, I now apply a few drops of Saw Palmetto liquid to my scalp about 2-3 times a week, and I find this helps. 

Alpecin C1 Shampoo

As you'll probably already know, there are no clinical studies to suggest that shampoos can treat any type of baldness. However, shampoos can benefit your hair in many ways. I am a big fan of Alpecin C1 shampoo, and although I am unsure of its exact effects on my hair, I've kind of gotten into the habit of using it. I just like the way it smells and lathers, and the way it tingles as it penetrates the scalp.  This is a shampoo that markets itself on the claim that it re-energises hair follicles with its potent caffeine solution, but more clinical studies would be needed to validate this claim.




I should note that I only use this shampoo. I do not use any type of conditioner on my hair. Conditioners leave my hair very thin looking, which I always try to avoid, so I have completely scrapped them from my hair care routine.  You should probably do the same if you have thinning hair.

Spring is the worst possible season for our hair! 

If you're wondering why you seem to be losing so much hair during April and May, then fear not, this is a completely normal process that millions of people go through every year.

Losing your hair, or just thinning out somewhat, is usually down to seasonal hair loss.  Hair shedding is at its fiercest during this time of the year, because we go into a temporary phase where the hair sheds as preparation for the hotter months ahead.

This process is not too dissimilar to the way some animals shed their fur during certain seasons, only to regrow it during the colder months.  For humans, the most common time of shedding is during the months of spring.

The problem is, seasonal shedding isn't the only reason so many of us suffer from thinning hair at this time of the year. Spring has this nasty habit of being a terrible time of year for our locks, for so many different reasons, and here we look at the some of the main culprits.

Bank Holiday Season 

The UK has three bank holiday weekends in spring - that's more than in any other season. For many Brits, the bank holiday season is a time to go out, have fun, and look forward to the summer months ahead. Bank holiday weekends usually consist of lots of drinking, partying, and bad eating.  It's almost like a festive time in spring.



The problem is, these are huge factors when it comes to the health of our hair.  Diet and healthy living is essential for our locks to thrive, and so a sudden lack of minerals and nutrients, coupled with vast amounts of alcohol, can play absolute havoc with our hair, especially if you are already prone to seasonal shedding.

Exposure To The Sun

As the cold winter gets left behind, the climate gets warmer, and we see a lot more of the sun! The problem is, the spring chill can be very misleading.  One of the main causes of hair damage is the UV rays, but we do not notice them as much in the spring, because it is not as hot as it is in the summer.


Because of this, many of us do not protect our strands sufficiently enough, which can lead to damage and breakage, just when you are least expecting it.  Not many people realise just how damaging the sun can be to our hair, especially when it's chilly.

Vitamin Deficiency

A lack of key vitamins and minerals can leave you feeling tired and low on energy, which isn't ideal for your mind, body or hair!  Getting those key vitamins and minerals into your diet should be an essential part of your daily hair care routine, especially during spring season. 


A deficiency in key hair health vitamins can often cause hair loss as it can affect the health of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your tissues.  B12 and B7 are hugely important vitamins for the hair, obtained through key proteins.

Dieting and Weight Loss

Losing weight dramatically can also play havoc with your strands. Spring and autumn are the two most common seasons that people diet.  In the case of spring, it's because many of us want that perfect beach body for the summer season ahead.


A steep drop on the scales can impact your locks quite badly. 6-12 weeks after dramatic weight loss, hair commonly tends to fall out in excess. This means that any nutritional deficiency often first shows up in our hair. Crash dieting exposes the weakness in the hair, particularly during the shedding season.

What can you do to stop thinning hair? 

If you're noticing changes in your hair during spring season, then be sure to strike up the right balance of living healthy and enjoying yourself.  We've only got one life, so there is little point spending most of it worrying about your hair - however, it would be wise to find a way of managing your hair, without compromising on your enjoyment of life.

If you're going to slim down then do it in a healthy way, by getting plenty of exercise and eating the right foods. For all the best foods that promote hair growth, please see: 10 Foods That Prevent Hair Loss.

Get your vitamins into your diet, whether it may be through B7, B12 supplements, or even better - try multi-vitamin hair supplements.  They really can make the world of difference to your hair, especially during a time when it needs it most.

Guest post by Melanie Hutchins

I have suffered from chronic hair loss since the age of 23.  Giving birth in my late 20s, and again in my early 30s did not help the cause - in fact, it worsened it considerably.

I am now 36, and I would honestly say it took me the best part of a decade to settle on a treatment routine that actually works.  I have tried more hair loss treatments than most people have had hot dinners, and for years, nothing helped.  To say I felt demoralised would be an understatement.

I tried pretty much everything from medically approved drugs, to laser combs and other odd devices that I purchased from places as far out as China.  You could say my hair was something of an obsession, and I guess in many ways, it still is.

The strange thing is, I always had very thick hair as a child, and even throughout my teens.  My hair was always the envy of my classmates, and I guess I felt kind of proud to have such great looking locks. The problem is, once I started noticing my hair going thin, it made it much harder and more confusing to deal with.

I went to see a specialist, and he confirmed this was a case of female pattern baldness. If I'm honest, I really wasn't aware that women could suffer from baldness, especially at such a young age.  I was only in my early 20s, and my hair was thinning dramatically.


The specialist recommended Minoxidil - medically approved treatment for baldness.  I went for the 2% Regaine (above) women's solution, and used it for around two years.  I started shedding quite badly after the first few weeks of using it, but I was assured that this was a normal process, and that it would stop once my body had 'become familiar' the treatment.  This proved to be the case, and after a few weeks my hair stopped shedding.

Anyway, to cut a very long story short, I was left quite disappointed with the Minoxidil solution, and after the two years was up, I decided to look for and try other treatments that were available on the market.  After countless treatments and hair care products, I have now settled on a hair care routine that has helped minimise the amount of hair I lose, and support healthier, thicker, and stronger hair growth.

The Hair Loss Treatment Plan

Ok, so let's get straight to it.  I have settled on five key products/treatments that have helped me get the best out of my hair.  Each product serves its own purpose, whether it's preventing hair loss or promoting healthy hair growth.   In no order of preference or effectiveness, here are my five...

HR23+ Hair Health Supplement

I did try a variety of hair vitamins and supplements over the years, and although some worked better than others, I was never fully happy with any of them - that's until I came across HR23+.  HR23+ is a multi-vitamin hair health supplement, just like the well known Viviscal supplement (which I also tried), and it is designed specifically for hair loss.

I can't praise this supplement highly enough.  I started seeing results after just a few weeks of using it, and it has done absolute wonders for my hair.  I can honestly say, hand on heart, that HR23+ has been the main reason my hair has improved tenfold!  I have been using this product for about three years, and I continue to be amazed by the results.

HR23+ Scalp Therapy Serum

Having been left disappointed with so many topical serums and foams, I actually stopped using them completely for a good while.  But, having been so impressed with HR23+ supplement, I decided to give the serum a try.

I would honestly say it has helped reduce the amount of hair fall, particularly around the top of my scalp, around the centre parting area, but it's hard to judge its exact effectiveness, because I have always taken it with the supplement.  Either way, I am happy with it and will continue to use.

Rahua Leave-In Treatment

I always felt my hair needed some sort of protection, especially during the shedding season.  So, I looked into hair protein creams and leave-in masks, and I finally settled on the Rahua Leave-In Treatment.  This isn't a magic cure for baldness, but it has certainly helped protect my hair from breakage and damage.
Hair breakage and damage is common in all women. The problem is, if you already have thin hair like me, then suffering from hair damage is the last thing you want.  In its most fragile state, I use this treatment, and to be fair, it has helped protect my hair from breakage and damage.  I use it as a 'side-kick' to the more potent treatments, and so it serves its purpose.

MyVitamins Coconut & Collagen

I have always taken supplements for my skin, and the Coconut & Collagen by MyVitamins is definitely one of my favourites.  For some reason, the addition of collagen seems to work well for my hair, particularly in conjunction with the other supplement I take.


I came to realise that the health of the skin on the scalp actually plays a key role in the health of the hair.  So, the better and more nourished your skin is, the better position your hair will be to grow.  It's an interesting theory, and one that seems to make a lot of sense in my case. 

Buy it here.

OGX Biotin & Collagen Shampoo

Picking the right shampoo for my hair was a long process. In fact, it took me a good few years until I settled on OGX Biotin & Collagen shampoo.  There are no clinical studies that suggest shampoos can treat any type of baldness, of which I have always been aware of.  However, shampoos can benefit your hair in many ways.

This shampoo has been a revelation for me.  The moment I started using it, I just knew I had found my perfect match.  It lathers beautifully, and helps thicken the appearance of my locks.  My hair feels and looks stronger.  I use this about three to four times a week, and what's more, it is only about £6 to purchase.

I should note that I only use this shampoo.  I do not use any type of conditioner on my hair. Conditioners leave my hair very thin looking, which I always try to avoid, so I have completely scrapped them from my hair care routine.