Want hair that's healthy, full and strong? We’ve long known that a wellness-centered lifestyle supports healthy hair from the inside out, but new studies show that some nutritional supplements can be effective in supporting hair growth. Here’s a rundown on five of the top supplements backed by science that can help promote stronger, healthier tresses.

Collagen

A protein that’s found in our hair, as well as our skin, nails and connective tissue, collagen is incredibly versatile and offers a multitude of whole-body benefits beyond hair health.

Most types of collagen peptides are bovine-derived – sourced from cows – while marine collagen is sourced from fish. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have shown that these marine protein supplements – often in combination with multiple vitamins, minerals and herbs – are effective in promoting hair growth and volume while decreasing hair loss.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D receptors are found in hair follicle cells, and low levels of this essential vitamin are associated with an array of conditions that can lead to hair loss. Since an estimated 40% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, it can be worth getting your vitamin D levels checked if you’re experiencing hair loss and supplementing with vitamin D3 if your levels are low.

Vitamin E

Supplementing with 100 milligrams of the antioxidant vitamin E has been shown to increase total hair count. Stay patient, though, as it can take months to notice a difference.

Ashwagandha

An adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha supports our body's ability to handle stress, helping us to maintain a sense of balance, particularly during challenging times. We know that chronic stress can lead to hair loss, so supplementing with ashwagandha for its anti-stress properties may be effective as a complementary treatment for hair loss.

Nutrafol

Several hair health supplement brands have been studied and shown to be effective in promoting hair growth and minimizing hair loss, including Viviscal and Nourkin. Nutrafol, however, is my preferred brand as it contains more of the ingredients – including marine collagen, ashwagandha, horsetail and vitamins E and D – that have peer-reviewed data to support their use for hair growth.

For more information on hair supplements that work, check out Molly’s podcast.