Types of Hair Growth Pills 

There are various types of hair growth pills available on the market, each formulated with different combinations of vitamins, minerals, and medications, believed to support hair health and stimulate growth. Here are some common types:

Biotin Supplements

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a popular ingredient in hair growth pills. Biotin is essential for the production of keratin, a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails.

Multivitamin Formulations

Many hair growth pills contain a combination of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and niacin, among others. These multivitamin formulations aim to provide a comprehensive range of nutrients that support overall hair health.

Specialist Supplements

Some hair growth pills focus on specific nutrients that are believed to be particularly beneficial for hair growth, such as omega-3 fatty acids, collagen peptides, or specific herbal extracts like saw palmetto or horsetail extract. Some of the leading specialist hair supplements include Viviscal, TRX2, and HR23+.  

Herbal Supplements

Certain herbal supplements are marketed for their potential to promote hair growth and improve hair health. Examples include saw palmetto, horsetail extract, ginkgo biloba, and pumpkin seed oil. These herbs are thought to have properties that support hair follicle function and circulation. Some specialist supplements like HR23+ contain a key blend of vitamins, and herbal extracts for optimal results. 

Keratin Supplements

Some hair growth pills contain keratin, the protein that makes up the structure of hair. These supplements aim to provide additional support for hair strength and integrity.

Collagen Supplements

Collagen is an essential protein that supports the structure of hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Collagen supplements are believed to support overall hair health and may help improve hair thickness and texture.

Specific Targeted Formulations

Some hair growth pills are formulated for specific purposes, such as addressing hormonal imbalances that can contribute to hair loss or targeting specific types of hair loss, such as male or female pattern baldness.

Finasteride is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can shrink hair follicles and lead to hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.

Minoxidil Oral Pill

Minoxidil is another FDA-approved medication for the treatment of male and female pattern baldness. It is available over-the-counter and comes in both topical solution and foam formulations. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting hair follicle growth. It also now comes as an oral pill. 

Dutasteride

Dutasteride is similar to finasteride but inhibits both type I and type II forms of 5-alpha-reductase. It is sometimes used off-label for the treatment of hair loss, particularly in cases where finasteride has been ineffective.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is an anti-androgen medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label for the treatment of female pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the effects of androgens, such as testosterone and DHT, which can contribute to hair thinning in women.

Oral Contraceptives

Some oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin hormones may help reduce hair loss and promote hair growth in women with androgenetic alopecia. They work by suppressing androgen production and can be particularly beneficial for women with hormonal imbalances contributing to hair loss.