Update 4/7/24. Does Viviscal help thinning hair grow thicker and stronger or is it a scam? Viviscal is one of the best-known hair growth supplements. And for good reason. There are several clinical studies on this dietary supplement. In this review, you will learn about the research on ViviScal to help you decide if it really works or not. In addition, I'll address the side effects some people are reporting. Does it really work? Let's see.
Viviscal Ingredients
According to the Supplement Facts label, 1 tablet of Viviscal Extra Strength has the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount per serving | Percent Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Carbohydrates | <1 g | <1% DV |
| Vitamin C | 59 mg | 98% DV |
| Niacinamide (Niacin) | 12 mg | 60% DV |
| Biotin | 120 micrograms | 40% DV |
| Iron | 10 mg | 56% DV |
| Zinc | 11 mg | 73% DV |
| AminoMar Marine Complex | 450 mg | N/A |
| Horsetail Extract | 36.7 mg | N/A |
| Millet Seed Extract | 7.5 mg | N/A |
No prescription is needed to buy Viviscal.
AminoMar Marine Complex
The AminoMar complex is said to be the main key ingredient. The AminoMar Marine Complex is composed of:
- Shark Powder (shark cartilage)
- Mollusk Powder (from Oysters)
What parts of sharks and mollusks are used in Viviscal, I can't say. But, these ingredients do come from “sustainable marine sources.”
I called the company that makes the supplement and was informed shark cartilage is part of the AminoMar complex. The name “AminoMar” complex is the name the company gives to the shark and mollusk powder combination.
Horsetail Extract
The scientific name for this is Equisetum arvense. While they don't tell us what extract of horsetail Viviscal contains, we are told it comes from the stem. What I can say is that when I searched the National Library of Medicine for “Horsetail and hair growth” and “Equisetum arvense and hair” no studies showed up.
Horsetail does appear to have some anti-inflammatory properties and I wonder if this might help “support” hair growth. I am speculating about this.
Millet Seed Extract
The scientific name for this is Sorghum bicolor. It's also called “broom corn,” a reference I believe comes from when this stuff was used to make brooms. The role it plays in human hair growth, I can't say.
Vitamin C
I located one study on vitamin C and hair growth. Technically this study was on a vitamin C-like compound called L ascorbic acid 2 phosphate. Basically, the compound caused the elongation of hair shafts in mice and also in isolated hair follicles in a test tube.
This is intriguing but as far as can be determined by this reporter, no study has shown that L ascorbic acid 2 phosphate caused hair growth in a human. What about vitamin C itself? Does vitamin C grow hair? Well, it does help us make collagen. Collagen is a protein in our hair. But, I could not find any direct proof for vitamin C supplements promoting hair growth.
Viviscal Before & After Proof
See the research and before and after pictures
Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer
Niacinamide
This is the type of niacin found in the product. My guess is niacinamide is used because it does not cause facial flushing and redness.
Some may have heard of an anti-aging supplement called nicotinamide riboside (NR). While NR is not in Viviscal, it does contain one of its building blocks – niacinamide.
See the nicotinamide riboside review for more on that supplement.
Biotin
Biotin, a B vitamin (sometimes called vitamin H) is found in many shampoos and other hair products. While a lack of biotin may lead to hair loss in some people, I'm not convinced that most of us are lacking in it because many foods provide it. Bacteria inside of us can make it too. Either way, while a lack of biotin might lead to hair loss, I'm not aware of any evidence that biotin supplements grow hair.
Iron and Zinc
Viviscal provides a good amount of both of these minerals and both of these minerals have been linked to hair loss. For more on this see this review of iron and hair loss and zinc and hair loss.
There is a Viviscal for Men but it does not have iron. I think this is wise because too much iron may not be healthy for men.
Other Ingredients
Viviscal also contains these “other ingredients” according to the product website:
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Maltodextrin
- Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose
- Silicon dioxide
- Magnesium stearate
- Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
- Glycerol
- Artificial orange flavoring
- Modified starch
Ingredients are listed in order as they occur as they appear on the label. These ingredients don't play any role in the hair growth benefits of Viviscal.
ViviScal Research
Let’s review the Viviscal research next.
Pilot Study #1 (not published)
Study title. “A 10-week pilot consumer perception test to evaluate the overall acceptability of a viviscal oral supplement when used by females with self-perceived thinning hair.”
This study involved 40 women and lasted 40 weeks. Results indicate that Viviscal reduces hair loss by 46%.
Problems with this study. This investigation does not seem to be a published peer-reviewed study Also, it's said they started with 40 women, but only 16 completed the study. Why did so many drop out? This high dropout rate reduces the significance of the study.
Clinical Study #2
Researchers in Finland published what appears to be the very first published Viviscal clinical study. The investigation lasted 6 months and involved 40 young men. Half the people got ViviScal and half received a placebo (fish extract).
After 6 months, those taking Viviscal had a 38% increase in non-vellus hair (in other words hair that’s not “peach fuzz”). Those getting the placebo saw a 2% increase in non-vellus hair. That's pretty good.
Clinical Study #3
Study title. Treatment of Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis with Oral Viviscal® for 12 months.
This study appears to have been conducted in 1994.
Study problem. This does not seem to be a published, peer-reviewed study.
Clinical Study #4
Revista Brasileira de Medicina. 1997. Vol 53; No. 3; p 1-5. Pareira, Jose Marcos.
This study does not appear to be in English and can’t be located.
From what I could gather, researchers looked at 200 men with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). After 6 months of ViviScal treatment, 75.3% had decreased hair loss. 14.6% of men showed partial hair re-growth.
2012 Study
Researchers in the US conducted a small study of 10 women aged 21-75 years of age who had thinning hair. The women took either Viviscal (10 women in this group) or a placebo (5 women in this group) twice a day for 6 months.
After 6 months, those taking Viviscal showed significantly more hair growth compared to the placebo group, which showed more hair loss. Those taking Viviscal also reported more hair shine and skin improvements.
2015 Study
This investigation lasted 3 months and involved 60 women (21-65 years of age) who were either given Viviscal Extra Strength (2x per day) or a placebo. After 3 months of use, women who took Viviscal:
- Had more hair in the areas of their scalps measured
- Had less hair shedding
Women also reported they felt better also. It's possible they felt better because their new hair growth helped their confidence and outlook on life.
2016 Study
This investigation involved men with thinning hair. For 6 months, 60 men with thinning hair were given either a placebo or ViviScal. After 6 months, men taking the supplement were shown to have significant improvements in
- total hairs counted
- density of hairs
- more terminal hairs (terminal hairs are the thick hair on the head)
When researchers performed the “hair pull test' fewer hairs were removed. This appears to show ViviScal strengthened hair too.
See the video review of ViviScal for before and after pictures.
Summary of Research
Here is a quick summary of the research. Refer to the studies above to see their specifics.
| Study | Study Results |
|---|---|
| Pilot Study (unpublished) | Viviscal works |
| 1992 study | Viviscal works |
| 1997 study | Viviscal works |
| 2012 study | Viviscal works |
| 2015 study | Viviscal works |
| 2016 study | Viviscal works |
Viviscal vs. Viviscal Extra Strength
There are different types of Viviscal. When I called Viviscal, I was told that this mostly has to do with the number of Amino Mar complexes they have. Here are the differences between them:
- Viviscal Extra Strength: 450 mg
- Viviscal For Men: 450 mg
- Viviscal Professional: 475 mg
When I called the company, I was told the professional version (Viviscal Pro) was not to be sold to the public. it's only available through doctors or salons.
Viviscal For Men
I get a lot of questions about which hair growth supplements are best for men. Here are the ingredients in Viviscal Extra Strength vs. Viviscal For Men side by side:
| Viviscal Extra Strength | Viviscal For Men |
|---|---|
| Total carbs <1g (<1%DVP | Total carbs <1 g (<1%DV) |
| Vitamin C 59 mg (98%DV) | Vitamin C 30 mg (50% DV) |
| Niacin 12 mg (60% DV) | Zinc 8 mg (53% DV) |
| Biotin 120 mcg (40% DV) | N/A |
| Iron 10 mg (56% DV) | N/A |
| Zinc 11 mg (73% DV) | 8 mg (53% DV) |
| Amino Mar Complex 450 mg | Amino Mar Complex 452.9 mg |
| Horsetail 36.7 mg | Horsetail 24.5 mg |
| Millet seed 7.5 mg | N/A |
| Flaxseed extract 50 mg |
In the table above % DV = percent daily value. “N/A” = does not contain that nutrient.
As can be seen, both the men's and women's versions are very similar. They both have the same key ingredients. In fact, the Male version has a tad more of the Amino Mar Marine complex and Horsetail extract compared to Viviscal Extra Strength. Also, note that Millet Seed Extract has been replaced with Flaxseed Extract in the Men's version. I liked that the Men's version did not contain iron. Too much iron might not be good for men.
Bottom line: I believe men could take the women's version and have the same results as if they took the men's version. Since the men's version may be more expensive, this is something to consider.
Viviscal vs. The Competition
Let's now take a look at how the supplement stacks up to other popular hair growth supplements.
Viviscal vs. Nutrafol
Nutrafol is another very popular hair supplement. Like Viviscal, there is a version for men and women. Nutrafol is said to work by reducing inflammation and inhibiting a hormone called DHT. Nutrafol has more ingredients than Viviscal. Nutrafol does have 1 clinical study showing it might work. So which is better? It would be nice to see a head-to-head comparison of Nutrafol vs.
Viviscal. I won't hold my breath for that to happen anytime soon.
Watch this video: Nutrafol vs. Viviscal
Viviscal vs. Provillus
The Provillus website (Provillus.com) states that it is “Clinically Proven and FDA Approved.” And they are correct. It is. This is because Provillus is minoxidil (Rogaine), the hair growth drug we've all heard of. Provillus is not a supplement. Provillus is a 5% solution of minoxidil that's applied topically to the scalp. It's no different than any other kind of minoxidil you've seen.
In theory, Viviscal might work better with minoxidil. They both have studies showing they can help women and men. Fortunately, Rogaine (minoxidil) is available without a prescription and it's not too expensive.
Viviscal vs. Keranique
Keranique is touted as a hair growth system. There is Keranique shampoo, conditioner, Keranique Regrowth Treatment, and hair spray. The Keranique Regrowth Treatment contains “the only FDA-approved and clinically proven non-prescription ingredient to regrow hair and revitalize hair follicles.” It does – the ingredient is minoxidil (Rogaine). Keranique may be a fine product that can help support hair growth, but it's the minoxidil in it that regrows hair.
While there are no head-to-head studies comparing Viviscal to Keranique, in theory, they may work better together when combined with the minoxidil in Keranique's Regrowth Treatment serum.
Viviscal vs. Halo Beauty
Halo Beauty is a skin, nails, and hair supplement by YouTube star Tati Westbrook. Halo Beauty is a combination of various vitamins, herbs, and other compounds. While there is a little crossover between these two supplements (Halo Beauty has vitamin C and horsetail, too), it doesn't have the Amino Mar complex. So, how they stack up to each other is unknown.
Viviscal vs. Joyome
Joyome is an anti-wrinkle cream developed by the makers of Plexus Slim. As far as it can be determined, Joyome has no effects on hair growth or hair loss. As such, I don't think these products are comparable to each other. Here's my video review of Plexus Joyome:
Viviscal Side Effects
I believe Viviscal is safe for healthy people. Few side effects and adverse reactions have been reported. Here is a brief list of things to consider when taking this supplement. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than is recommended for the first week to see how you respond.
- Speak to your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- Show the supplement to your pharmacist if you take any prescription medications like blood thinners.
- Avoid this supplement if you are vegan.
- Speak to your doctor first if you are allergic to fish. Viviscal contains shark cartilage and mollusk powder.
- Viviscal has iron and vitamin C. Speak to your doctor if you have hemochromatosis (iron overload disease).
- There's no good proof that Viviscal causes liver damage. However, if you have liver disease, speak to your doctor first.
In “scientific study #1” summarized above, there is mention of a study participant getting headaches which caused the person to drop out of the study. In the Pdf file of this study – which you can view on the Viviscal website – they make reference to “Appendix V” which lists the reasons why people dropped out of the study. Unfortunately, Appendix V is not part of the Pdf file.
Viviscal And Sleep Problems
If you read the comments below, you'll notice several people reporting that Viviscal may cause insomnia. I saw no mention of insomnia in any of the Viviscal clinical studies so it's not known how common this is.
Horsetail does contain small amounts of nicotine. It's very little, but could this cause sleep problems? I can't say. For more on this topic, read the comments section below.
Does Viviscal Contain Mercury?
I called the company that makes this supplement – Church & Dwight Co. I was told that Viviscal does not contain mercury. The controversy over this involves shark cartilage powder. Previous research has noted that shark cartilage supplements may contain toxic mercury. But this doesn't mean Viviscal has mercury. When I called the Viviscal company, I was told their latest testing showed levels of mercury were 0.02 mg per kg, which is lower than the amount permitted by both US and EU standards.
I was also told the version of Viviscal sold on Amazon does not contain any mercury at all. It's at a zero level. This is because of the rules Amazon must follow when shipping internationally. Church and Dwight formulates a different version for Amazon that does not contain any shark cartilage, a source of mercury. Because the Amazon version does not contain shark cartilage, this means it also does not contain any mercury.
Does Viviscal Contain BMAA?
β-Methylamino-L-alanine, also known as BMAA, is a brain toxin that is produced by some types of bacteria (called cyanobacteria) and other microorganisms. BMAA has been implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Because BMAA has been found in shellfish, this is of concern to some who use Viviviscal. Thankfully, this is not a problem. I called the Church & Dwight company and asked about the amount of BMAA in Viviscal. I was told Viviscal does not contain any BMAA.
Viviscal And Gaining Weight
Some people have also reported Viviscal has caused them to gain weight. None of the studies reported this side effect. I am not sure how common weight gain side effect is or if it might be a fluke? See the comments for more on this.
Who Makes Viviscal?
Viviscal is sold by Lifes2good (Lifes2Good.com), a company that markets many health and beauty products. While the global corporate office is located in Ireland, in the US, they can be found at 355 N Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606. They also have an office in London.
Lifes2Good is part of a larger company called Church & Dwight Co., Inc, located in New Jersey. This organization has several familiar brands including OxyClean, Kaboom, Orajel, and even Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Church and Dwight is a publicly-traded company (stock symbol CHD).
I was told they are phasing out the Lifs2good name and just using Church & Dwight in the future.
The Lifes2good company has been in business since 1997 according to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB gave this company a rating of A+ when this review was updated. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Church and Dwight has an D rating with the BBB. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Contact Viviscal
According to the company website, customer support can be reached at 877-333-4581. The Better Business Bureau also provides this number: 312-454-6167. The address for Viviscal is 355 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606-1207. The product website states the supplement is made in Ireland.
Church and Dwight, which now owns Viviscal, is located at 500 Charles Ewing Blvd Princeton South Corporate Center Trenton, NJ 08628-3448. The phone number is 609-683-5900.
Finola Hughes And ViviScal
Previously, actress Finola Hughes has appeared in Viviscal ads. She is listed on the website as a spokesperson. I assume this means she’s a paid spokesperson.
Viviscal And Molly Sims
Actress, model, and author Molly Sims is also a spokesperson. She is listed as a 20-year user of Viviscal. Her story of how she started losing her hair in her 20s is on the product website. I assume she is a paid spokesperson.
Buy Viviscal
This supplement is VERY popular and can be purchased at a wide range of stores like Walgreens, Costco, BJs, Sam's Club, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Ulta, and Target as well as on Amazon. Here is Viviscal on Amazon
Viviscal Cost
Viviscal extra strength costs $99 per bottle according to the supplement's website. There is also a scalp lotion which is $19.99 but it doesn't have the same ingredients as the pill– and there is no good proof that the scalp lotion helps re-grow hair. The same thing is true for Viviscal shampoo and other products.
My advice: stick with Viviscal tablets. Don't worry about the shampoo or scalp lotion.
Interestingly, the shampoo does not contain caffeine, which is part of Thicker Fuller Hair I reviewed previously.
Viviscal Elite
The Elite supplement contains an auto-ship program where they send you a 90-day supply every 3 months (90 days) so you don't run out. Shipping is free with the Elite program and some free gifts are included also. It looks like the Elite program is for combo products. There seems to be no proof the Elite program offers clinically proven advanges over the regular viviscal formula.
Viviscal Pro & Con
| Pro | Con |
| Supplement has research | May take 3-6 months to see changes |
| All studies show it works | |
| Company supports studies | |
| The company is well known | |
| Reports show no side effects | |
| Seems to work in women and men |
Other Hair Products
Several people have told me that they have gotten good results using a product called Toppik. This is not a hair growth supplement but rather a fine powder that binds to existing hair, making it look thicker and fuller. I have met people with thinning hair who have used this product, and they give it high marks.
The Church and Dwight Co. now owns Toppik (smart move if you ask me).
Does ViviScal Work?
Viviscal has various clinical studies to prove it grows thinning hair and/or slows hair loss. For the most part, the studies appear to be well done. In the testimonials below, several people have stated it does work. Based on the research and testimonials, this may be something worth trying.
Here's Viviscal on Amazon
Other Hair Growth Supplement Reviews
- Viviscal vs. Nutrafol Review
- PHYTO Re30 Review
- Castor Oil: Does It Grow Hair?
- Gray Hair Supplements Review
- Pseudocatalase Review
- Halo Beauty Review
- Amla Fruit and Hair Growth Review
- Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
- Hair Essentials Review
- Rosemary oil for Balding and Regrowing Hair (video)
If i understand this correct once i stop using it ill start loosing that hair that grow from viviscal?
Eva, that’s what I would think would happen.
I have been using Viviscal for about 4 months and have noticed a huge improvement, but have noticed a huge difference in my sleep patterns. I have no problem falling asleep but wake up after about 2 hours. Then I’m up for about 3 more hours or until I take something to help me fall asleep again. I also have a thyroid problem. I will try taking one pill only and see if this helps.
For men there are 2 clinically proven methods to stop hair loss and or increase hair growth Propecia (finasteride 1MG) and Rogaine (minoxidal). Of the 2 Propecia works the best as it is a 5-alpha reductose inhibitor. No one knows how Rogaine works but it does.
The only clinically proven method of stopping hair loss or re-growing hair for women is Rogaine – 2%. I worked for a hair restoration surgeon for over 10 years and saw great and horrible results with both. I am glad to see positive results with any product, however, they are no long term side effect results for any of them. Propecia has over 10 years of clinical proof in the US and over 20 years worldwide. Rogaine has an even longer clinical history.
The only proven method is hair restoration, and with Board Certified surgeons all over the world you can get great results. They transplant naturally groups of hairs from 1 to 5 hairs. I do not want to get into a heated debate of restoration, I have had it done and no one knows unless I tell them, even the person that cuts my hair.
The doctor I worked for was killed in an accident and it made me leave the field 5 years ago so I have no vested interest in surgery or any drug company. I just want to make sure that everyone here stays informed and safe.
Once you start using viviscal does it mean you have to keep using it forever for maintaince or is it only 6 months?
Thanks
Eva, as I understand it yes if it worked for you, you would have to take viviscal forever
I started vivi exactly a month ago. 37 year old male w thinning hair. No weight gain (lost some actually but that’s bc of diet and exercise). No headaches. No insomnia. After a month it seems as though my hair looks a just little more full. 3 people this week have commented on my hair looking good. haven’t heard that in a long time. I will come back to this site in 2 months and let you know. Im not sure but it looks like small hairs have started to regrow but at this stage who knows. will keep you posted.
Hi, I’m a 23 year old female and have been taking viviscal since October. I started to lose hair at the age of 17 after being ill for around three months. It has never stopped falling out since to the extent where my mum would Hoover my bed and carpet every day to remove the hair that had fallen out during the night.
My hair was too thin to have a ponytail and I was too embarrassed to ever wear it down. Since I started the viviscal there is no longer any hair in my bed and I only lose around five hairs when I shower compared to the clumps that I used to lose.
My roots are thicker and hair is shinier and healthier, my hairdresser has also noticed the difference and since I had my hair dyed around four weeks ago it has grown around half an inch, I can see from the roots showing. I’ve had no weight gain at all and no insomnia or any other negative side effects.
I have never ever written a review on anything however I felt I should comment on this thread for those that are considering purchasing viviscal but are unsure. I have just ordered my second three month supply and so will update again if I continue with success!
Louise, thanks for writing and really glad you are doing well with it 🙂
Well I’m on day 4, no different yet. I have lower back pain. Not sure if its the viviscal. Going to Doctor today.
Will keep your updated. Need my nioxin back!!
I have now been taking Viviscal for 6 months with no decrease in hair loss & no increase in hair growth.
This has been a real waste of money.
Hi, everyone,
I’m a 45 years old female, have been suffering from hair loss problem for many years due to thyroid disorder, I have been using rogain for many years, recently I have experienced increased hair loss, so I increased rogain from once per day to 3 times per day, hopefully this will work. I think I will add viviscal soon.
I’m so glad to see many ladies here to share stories. Thank you very much.
3,5 half years I had exactly the same problem with my hair as I have now. I’ve tried many different things back then. Viviscal was my last, non invasive, chance to improve my hair condition. It worked. I have started noticing new hair growth probably after first month of a regular intake (2 tablets daily).
I continued for additional 5 months and I can say my hair was healthier and thicker.
Recently my hair started falling out again to the extent that I can notice the difference looking in the mirror. I rushed to the pharmacy yesterday to buy 6 months supply and hoping it will do for me what it did the last time! Good luck to you all!!!
Hello, I am 48 years old and have been experiencing thinning hair for the past 10 years. But most recently in November, my temple and sides have completely fallen out. I still have very fine hair there, but you can still see my scalp.
I ordered Viviscal in December and started taking the vitamins on December 19th. It’s still too early to tell if taking 2 vivi daily for the past few weeks produce any results. I am going to stick with it for the next few months to see if there is any hair gain. I also added Hair Gain vitamins last week and also Rogain.
Hopefully I will start to see less shedding and more growth soon. Will keep everyone posted.
I’m early 20s and have thin hair due to hair extensions. My hair is a little below my shoulders, not terrible, I just would love long locks and have been trying for years now. It seems my hair is shedding as I have had thicker hair before.
Reading some of the good and bad reviews I bought some pills today, and took my first pill hours ago. I am a little nervous about some of the side effects people are saying about rashes and acne, but willing to give it a shot.
What do you guys suggest? One pill a day along with biotin, or 2 pills a day? I am a college student, so working with small budget as well.
I’m on my second day taking Vivi. Reading everybody’s excellent reviews has urged me into buying this product. I’m 26 years old and have had thinning hair for a few years now, it has lowered my self esteem dramatically.
I wear hair extensions daily for the past 3 years so maybe that has influenced even thinner hair? I hope that this product will make a difference for me! I will keep you posted after 1 month supply.
Also I try to take a multi-vit and an iron tablet daily, that may counter-act and up the process! Good luck to all of you struggling with hair deficiency!
I have been on viviscal for several months. At first my hair shedding was reduced , but now I am back to the place before I started taking viviscal. I am afraid to stop taking it as I don’t want to lose any more hair.
I have a thyroid problem so I am sure that adds to things, but I wanted to say the viviscal has not caused any effects on my thyroid. No weight, gain or palpitations. No skin rashes or anything of the sort.
I am going to give this a good test so I will be back to update.
I am a 42 year old woman, and have noticed hair loss all the way back to high school years. I tried Rogaine for women, and even the men’s extra strength at the advice from my dermatologist , and neither of these worked for me. My blood work shows no health issues. I am perfectly healthy in every sense of the word.
I am going on my 5th month of taking Viviscal extra strength tablets twice a day. I have to tell you that I am impressed. I always had hair loss in the front of my hair and along the sides of my temporal lobe area. I think my front will never really improve, however the sides are filling in. Also, my hair looks healthier and has more moisture than ever! I even recommended this to two other women I know, one of which just started it.
I do not see any difference in my sleep pattern, no heart palpatations, actually no difference at all except that I feel prettier.
p.s.- for all you women who suffer with this issue, I have been using brown eyeshadow for YEARS to “fill in” the areas that are bad. When I tell people about my hair, or they see me when my head is wet, they can’t believe what a difference the shadow makes. (I just don’t ever go swimming where my hair will get wet). Hope one day I can go swimming with my kids and not feel so conscious about myself.
I started taking Viviscal on the recommendation of my dermatologist. A respected dermatologist concluded after a study that the product does work. My hair is thinning more every year. The texture is poor as I do not have enough moisture in my body.
So I am trying this to see if texture improves. I will post in a few months if the results are good. If it doesn’t work, well, it’s only hair. Not the end of the world.
I hope it helps you Karen. I didn’t see a difference after 4 months but maybe it works differently in women?
I am a professional cosmetologist and considered an expert in the field of hair regrowth.
It’s so important to find the professional stylist that can help you. A great deal of hair loss can be due to the lack of knowledge of keeping the Scalp clean. I mean really clean. Shampoo twice a day, clean pillow case every night, take your supplement, use topical hyper stimulants, etc…
They will truly help!!!! Consistent results in my clients are reported daily. Pick up the book the Hair Bible. Check out the salon info from The Salon in PIneville La. Give me a call I would love to help you. Advice only I’m not selling a specific product just a true professional caring enough to share.
Good luck to all
I’m thinking of purchasing this system, even with all the comments good and bad. I realize that everyone is different but I wonder if I’ll have any if the side effects mentioned.
Lara, if it makes you feel better, I tied Viviscal for 4 months and did not have any side effects (felt funny for a few minutes after the very first pill but after that nothing). It did not work in me however.
Very helpful info thank you. After reading this I am not going to try Viviscal due to the hefty price tag and the possible side effects of insomnia, weight gain or heart palps.
I experienced dramatic hair loss 6 mos ago which I assume was due to a traumatic event in my life along with a big dietary shift (I went to a whole foods, organic diet – caveman – no dairy, no bread). My hair and eyelashes started falling out! I started taking Biotin and using a topical hair treatment with Biotin, which I microneedled into my scalp. No change other than my eyelashes started coming back. 3 months ago I started Shen Min hair regrowth suppl. and switched to shampoo with Salycylic Acid and my hair loss slowed, but did not entirely stop and no regrowth.
A month ago I stopped using the Biotin on the scalp and starting using a 1% topical cortisone which I can buy at Walmart for like $1.50 a tube. My hair loss stopped entirely with the cortisone, but too soon to see if regrowth will occur.
With the supplements I have experienced side effects- cystic pimples from Biotin (I had to cut the amt in half), and with Shen Min difficulty controlling weight. There are ingredients in these hair loss supplements that mess with your hormone balance and can amplify your natural estrogen..which helps with hair loss, but encourages weight gain.
I just became aware of the Vit D deficiency issue and am going to start taking Vit D as well, since I lost a lot of that when I stopped ingesting all milk products and have noticed my nails have gotten thinner…so I’m sure that affected my hair too. The cortisone has made the most difference so far and its cheap albeit messy to use. I work for a dermatologist and low dose cortisone is safe for long term use.
Hair loss is mostly caused by endocrine issues (thyroid, hormone) and is also considered an auto immune problem where inflammatory conditions affect the body it makes sense that you have to treat it more than one way.
I took Viviscal about 15years ago when I was in high school. My hair was very healthy during that time, but it wasn’t “unhealthy” before Viviscal (I just wanted longer hair). I had an incident where my lips got VERY swollen for weeks, to the point where I couldn’t open my month. The doctors couldn’t give me a reason why.
I stopped taking Viviscal after that (I had given it a month or so). I can’t say for sure the swelling was do to Viviscal but it was the only thing I could think of at the time that was different in my life. I’ve been wanting to try it again, but I’m a little nervous. I’m not allergic to seafood.