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)
I’ve used vivi for almost three months….only one pill in a.m. (fearing the sleep loss stories.)almost immediately I had the joy of seeing hair growth.my hair has not grown at all in over ten years, now it is filling in around temples and forehead …youthful looking. even the texture of entire hair is fuller and this is one of the best things I have done, after years of hopelessness about my thin, balding head. cannot yet remark on side effects ,I am still caught up in the magic of hair growth .
I’m so please to hear that it worked for you, I used it twice per day as recommended for ten months and absolutely nothing happened. I’ve been using Keranique since June and I’m seeing results. Good for you. I think these products work for some folks and not others.
What is your opinion on Black Currant Seed Oil preventing hair loss? I saw this on Dr. Oz a while back.
Carol, Ive never seen any studies on Black Currant Seed Oil and hair growth. I just did a fast check on Medline and also didn’t see any studies there. It maybe that nobody yet has taken a good look at it to see if it helps or not.
I have been suffering from overall hair loss and each individual strand is getting thinner as well. I have been to numerous doctors (dermatologists) and I have had every test in the book done…. I am very healthy. Doctor’s are clueless as to why I am suffering from hairloss. They even did a scalp test where they took two hole punches of skin and hair out of my head…… That test revealed that, YES I am losing my hair and that the hair shaft is indeed getting thinner. Still this test did not reveal any answers as to WHY. It’s been 5 years now and I have lost about 35% of my hair, it is extremely thin around the front of my face… Especially the temples.
I have been on rogaine (men’s foam), biotin, hair and nails vitamin, and I have been on 100mg of Spiro (supposed to help with hairloss)….. Nothing has changed. I did try viviscal twice but not consistent….. I think I am ready to try it non-stop and see what happens.
~Lisa 40 yrs old
Lisa, Im sure you have had your TSH levels tested but did you consult an endocrinologist about this? I ask because TSH levels are tricky. Some say your normal if you are in the “normal range” while others set the normal range lower. Id recommend seeing an endocrinologist if you have not done so already.
I used this product for more than a year faithfully after seeing it advertised on the Dr. Oz show. It did absolutely nothing for my thinning hair. I think some products work for some people better than for others. It depends on a number of factors. What kind of diet you’re on. Leafy green vegetables and a lot of water seem to be helpful, but sometimes nothing works except prayer.
Janey, I was just watching on TV where they was said that Prince Harry in the UK, was eating more asparagus in the hopes that it grows hair. For what its worth, I’ve never heard asparagus grows hair. It could also be Harry just likes asparagus.
Janey,
I wish your idea of praying would grow hair, but I’m afraid the man upstairs is too busy answering to NFL players and NBA teams. Sorry~but I think there HAS to be a medical answer out there… if we can grow an ear on a rats back, hair loss should be easy. We just have to hang in there. Maybe if we rub our bald heads together, we can come up with something.
I agree with absolutely Ali although I believe they created a cure for baldness decades ago but due to corrupted conglomerates having to much financial gain from selling minoxidil products, its not in their best interests to find a cure…
Lisa your story could be mine, can’t figure out my hair loss.
I love Nioxin. My in-laws introduced it to me. I used to have very thin straight hair, and now my hair is thick especially in the back. I only use the shampoo and conditioner and just follow the directions. My mother-in-law, my husband, grandmother-in-law, me, and others all take it, and have awesome results. It worked for me!! They have different levels as well. The smell is not the best, but you can always use a good smelling leave-in conditioner afterwards!! I highly recommend Nioxin products!!
Thanks for the heads up. never heard of it but did a quick check found Nioxin on Amazon for anyone who wants to check it out.
After using Nioxin for a long long time it will dry out your hair. It will also NOT regrow your hair but give you a healthier look. Please don’t anyone come away with the impression that any shampoo can regrow your hair that does not contain minoxidil. Read the label, it says GIVES THE APPEARANCE of thicker hair, not that it WILL regrow and give you thicker hair. You need to give any shampoo regime a “break” after any length of time.
I have had two hair micro surgeries and since I am female and have female pattern baldness in my family I am at a point where I’m thinning all over and the surgeries are no longer an option, neither is the afore mentioned minoxidil, its stinks and the version for women is useless, ask any dermatologist that cares. The brunt of my hair loss is in the front and it is so hard to get past it some days. I also use Toppik Hair Building Fibers to hide these bald spots.
I am considering now a top cap real hair wig that I can snap onto my existing hair and just deal with it instead of putting unproven pills into my system and hoping for the best. If they ever find an affordable solution with a drug (such as the one they use for thinning eyelashes called Latisse) then I may try again. But I want to use something clinically proven, double blind studied and marketed as effective by the FDA before I lose time and money on pills.
I can relate to some of the things you are saying. I’m a senior woman although I’m told I don’t look it and I’ve had difficulty with hair thinning. I used to bleach my hair for years and I’m lucky to have any hair at all. I’ve tried several products including Viviscal which I used for nine months straight. I followed the directions to the letter and my hair thinness didn’t change at all.
Presently I’m using Keranique but only the Minoxidil portion. I shampoo and condition with Carol’s Daughter Monoi. The jury is still out on this product but I must say my hair doesn’t fall out any longer. I have tried Nioxin (in fact I think I still have some in my cabinet). I eat a healthy diet and exercise six days per week. I think it’s just a matter of aging. Try Caboki also for filling in spots.
The problem with Minoxidil is if you stop using it you get double the hair falling out. Biotin seemed to work for me also evening primrose. But always be careful with overloading of vitamins which can do worse. I don’t think I would buy Viviscal, expensive and does not seem to be completely safe or work in many cases. Vitamin B12 or Iron deficiency can be a reason for hair loss sometimes. And never mess with excess Vitamin A or Beta Carotene as it can be dangerous. Zinc can help too in hair loss but also be careful with Zinc overload.
You are so right about Vitamin A. I always consult my doctor when trying new products especially something that I have to put in my system. My doctor told me that too much Vitamin A isn’t good for hair growth. Biotin is a good product. I have been using Keranique since June 2013 and it seems to be working.
I first saw this product on Dr. Oz and the only thing they advertised was the hair regrowth treatment. I then saw it on TV whereby the entire system was advertised. I purchased the kit (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) and have been using it. I’m giving it six more months before I try Carol’s Daughter Monoi treatment.
Janey, I hope it helps. Do keep me in the loop.
I will let you know the results after my six months are over. Happy Holidays.
For those of you who are having problem growing hair (length) the Hair, Skin and Nails Formula from GNC is very good. I too could not get my hair to grow in length and my hair looked very limp and dry. I started taking the GNC product about 4 years ago and now my hair grows very nicely and it is full of bounce and life. However I am now menopausal and loosing lots of hair on the top of my head. I will give Viviscal a try. I have lots of hair in the back of my head but thinning hair on the top and frankly I am getting very worried.
I experienced the same after menopause. After consulting with a dermatologist and endocrinologist, who assured me that trying Rogaine was a big no no because in females in tends to grown facial hair too, and Viviscal was a fad not a proved medication, I turned to a alternative medical doctor who recommended Vemma (vemma.com).
Been taking it everyday for over one year now. My hair is back to normal and long like in my twenties. My nails are growing like crazy and crazy strong!!! My overall health has improved. I lost some weight which I needed and I have energy galore.
I also drink Vemma Renew which is formulated specifically for hair, skin and nails. Healthy. Safe. Efficient. I recommend to everyone who wants to live a healthy life and wants to do so with long, beautiful hair and hard as rocks nails.
For those who have not heard of Vemma, here is my review of it
http://supplementclarity.com/vemma-review-mangostene-aloe-green-tea/
Connie, thanks for the heads up on Vemma Renew for hair. Ill try to take a look at it.
Thanks for the excellent review of this product, we need more people like you who bring a critical analysis of the very wild world of supplements. Reading through the overwhelmingly negative responses is very disappointing. I am suspicious that the lack of large scientific and well done studies will never come because they may prove once and for all that this product is not helpful.
Interestingly, the positive comments seem to be people who suffer from telogen effluvium (significant but temporary hair loss) that results from thyroid issues, stress, illness, etc. It is not a scarring hair loss so the hairs that fall out regrow months later on their own. If you are taking Viviscal I can understand falsely attributing the regrowth to the pill.
Others seem to have Alopecia Areata, also a non-scarring hair loss. Alopecia Areata sometimes resolves on it’s own, sometimes doesn’t. Same potential for false positive feedback on Viviscal.
Keep up the good work!
R, thanks, I currently have over 150 science-based reviews on this site, with many more planned for the future.
Hi, khan,
I have read those reviews but those are not very clear. But I am also going to start viviscal man because hairs from the front are losing very fast. Let see. Thanks
How has your hair been doing since it’s been a year
I have a thyroid disorder, I’m in my early forties and have a high stress job. My hair had been thinning for quite sometime with hair loss after combing when wet, probably due to all three of the above reasons. I decided to try Viviscal and was told it will make my hair a little oily.
After three months of taking two tablets daily, I noticed a huge difference. My hair was stronger, thicker, and there was actual hair growth! No longer was clumps of hair coming out after shampooing. I am very pleased with this product and have been taking it for about a year now. I did not know that you can decrease the dosage to one tablet daily.. That will save me money, so I will do that.
I have not experienced any side effects such as headache or sleeplessness like the aforementioned comments. Maybe it is working due to my hypothyroid.. I don’t know, but whatever the reason, I’m very pleased..
Monica, glad Viviscal is helping you. Question, were you still losing your hair even with thyroid meds? That usually stops hair loss. Or did you start taking viviscal at the same time you started thyroid meds? Just curious.
thyroid meds DO NOT stop hair loss when you have thyroid issues. that’s a myth.
Guest, if the hair loss is due to an under-active thyroid then thyroid meds (synthroid) should reduce hair loss significantly. I’ve seen it do this myself.
Thyroid hormone replacement does little to alleviate the predominant symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, weight gain, dry skin and hair loss. This is especially true as you age. Try reading some message boards with posts from actual sufferers and this will become apparent.
G, I dont need to read the message boards, I have hypo and it helped me with fatigue, weight gain and hair loss.
I think you are one of the lucky ones Joe. I have an underactive thyroid and have taken synthroid for years- it does not help in weight gain, fatigue and especially hair loss. I am testament to that. My hair was very thick and long and in the last few years has gotten extremely thin and lots of hair loss. The meds did not stop the hair loss or help with growing the hair.
Tina, I appreciate that but I’m not sure how lucky I am. I’ve been taking synthroid for a few years now. I have a lot less hair now than I did 10 years ago. Believe me, I wish it did work for me 🙁
I have grave disease and have been taking synthroid for years . I have tsh levels checked every 3 to 4 months . My hair is a hot thinning mess even when I am at my best levels, horrible shedding that’s continues even after seeing derm. Checking reviews to see if viviscal works will purchase and update
I too believe menopausal loss is my issue. Have tried it all! Now taking 2 pills a day for a week now. Already feel a difference. I am 56 and also think that medication could be an issue. Tramadol was prescribed for pain management. Could be coincidence.
Hello,
I am 28 yrs.old I recently started to loose a lot of hair I know that having thyroid problems plays a major role in the hair loss,but It is sad and depressing for anyone to go through this. I tried many things nothing seemed to work recently I saw a Dr.Oz show about Viviscal and decided to try it out I have been taking it for two weeks.
I hope to see results soon because I can’t even go out in public with out feeling that everyone is staring at my bald patches it is so embarrassing I can crawl in a hole and die,but enough about my depressing story.
so far I have seen a side effect I have not been able to sleep since I have been taking Viviscal is that normal?? The only good things is that my eyelashes have grown a little I will keep you guys updated on my progress.Good luck to everyone.SD 🙂
SD, I believe others have also said they had trouble sleeping after taking Viviscal. If you read the comments you will see what others have said. I tried it myself and never had a sleeping problem.
Have you ever seen a dermatologist about your hair loss? I would recommend you do that if you have not already done so.
Yes!I was reading the comments last night hopefully that not being able to sleep will be the only side effect,and no I have not gone to a dermatologist I definitely do need to go.Thank you.
i started experiencing hair loss as well. stress related. after going to the dermatologist he recommended viviscal and tricomin follicle therapy. it worked wonders after 1 month i did not see as much hair lost . after dying my hair i started shedding again. so now i’m back to viviscal and tricomin. i won’t be dying my hair any more. i also have thyroid issues and use armour, which is completely organic. I have not experience any sleep deprivation and was not aware that this a a side effect.
I will buy the extra strength. I’ll let you know
I found two forms of Viviscal online. Viviscal Extra Strength and Viviscal Professional. The ES was cheaper than the Pro but the ingredients were about the same. The Pro had 25 more milligrams of Marine Complex and less vitamin C than the ES.
I would appreciate and comments you have.
Frank, I would go with the cheaper of the two because I’m just not convinced the product works and they have not shown me any evidence that more of the marine complex works better or faster than lesser amounts.
In my opinion, until I see proof that they are different with regards to effectiveness on growing hair, I think the the Extra Strength and Professional versions are just ways to make more money.
I started using Viviscal 3 months ago and I just noticed a major change in my hair growth. It took 3 months but my hair is suddenly filling in and getting thicker. Biotin is proven to work in hair growth and that’s basically what Viviscal is but it takes awhile. It’s not an overnight miracle vitamin but it def helps.
Al, I think biotin helps hair grow faster – but not grow new hair.
I’m going to try viviscal and see if it will work for me. I have loss 30lbs in 3 months and my hair started to fall,I have try every thing and nothing is working so far.
I watched the Rachael Ray show today and a Dr. Doris Day recommended Viviscal for hair loss. She used it on a lady for 6 months along with other treatments. She did have good results but I’m not sure what gave the results. One interesting thing was the doctor gave the lady cortisone shots in her head. She said it would help her pattern of thinning hair. It doesn’t work for all kinds of hair loss. She also used a laser cap that looked like a baseball hat. The lady did this in her home to stimulate her scalp. It was a very interesting segment. It aired today Sept. 11, 2013. You can watch it online.
My son started losing his hair some at the age of ten. I have taken him to doctors and all I would hear is don’t worry. He is now 16 with a good amount of hair loss, I feel so help less.
The dermatologist I took him to wanted to take a plug out of his head to send away. I wish there were doctors like this Dr. Day & Dr. Oz in all our towns. It is so frustrating when doctors don’t seem to have a clue!!!
Sherrie, thanks for the heads up. Funny you should mention the laser cap. I just saw it mentioned on another show too. Yes Dr. Day is good. I’ve been on her XM radio show. She’s a very nice lady.
Hi sherrie. Reading your post and thought id try to help. The viviscal , laser cap etc is for i believe hereditary baldness. Im a male 42 with thinning up front and been using viviscal for one year. I have not seen any new growth but also haven’t noticed more hair loss which is good.
I seen a segment on dateline that test 4 different products. It is on youtube. Laser comb seemed to be the best. I searched online for opinions on it and found lots of positive results. They were using laser comb plus rogaine foam and say it works. Im sorry to hear about your sons problem. I think laser comb may not work. I have a cousin with the same problem and doctors say its from stress. Who knows. But its a medical problem not hereditary.
I have been now using laser comb and rogaine foam for two weeks and already my hair looks healthier so im hoping in 6 months it will fill back in. Ill keep posting my results. Goodluck.
I am a menopausal female whose once very thick hair is very thin and getting thinner. I have taken viviscal religiously for over 12 months. No change. I have seen 2 dermatologists, an internist and an endocrinologist. Every thing checks out, it is just aging. It bites but there it is. According to all docs I have seen, my hair will still go in the hair cycles and I will probably see some new hair but never like it was. All said if taking the supplement made me feel better go ahead. It doesn’t make me feel $50 a month better. I think I’ll do yoga instead and see if I can find inner peace and acceptance.
I’m also a menopausal female (67 years young) and I took Viviscal from 8/2012 through June 2013. I saw no difference in my hair thinning. I also saw a dermatologist (one of the best) and there is nothing medically incorrect with my scalp. It’s just aging Janet. One of the things we have to endure as we mature. I’ve discovered Toppik. A product that fills in spots; also Caboki. I purchased Signature Club “A” thinning hair fill and color.
All of these products work temporarily. I’m going to try Keranique as my last resort. I saw this product on Dr. Oz’s show. This is not the worse thing that could happen to us. Hang in there kiddo.
Hi Everybody, I started taking Viviscal man (2 pills per day) from last week after reading here and there. Reports on headache and interference with the sleep pattern is true. I am 26 years old and perfectly healthy, so to speak. I have experienced mild headache and bad sleeping patterns.
I have to say that I am sound sleeper, since I started taking Viviscal man I weak up in the middle of the sleep and the frequency of urine is increased. Curious that I am, had a deeper look at the ingredients, it turns out Horsetail extracts have a interesting effect of washing out Potassium (risk of too low Potassium levels) and also decreases how well your body gets rid of Lithium from your system.
This leads to increased levels of Lithium in your body which causes imbalance in Serotonin levels leading to headache, (also results in dizziness, muscle weakness, etc.,).
In my case, I observed mild headache, increase in the frequency of urine, sleeping problem. To check if this is really true, I stopped taking pills of two days and noticed that headache almost gone. It can’t be placebo effect. If you want more info on Horsetail extracts and Lithium interaction go to the link below, they have it in detail.
‘All natural doesn’t always mean good’.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-843-HORSETAIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=843&activeIngredientName=HORSETAIL
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1065-LITHIUM.aspx?activeIngredientId=1065&activeIngredientName=LITHIUM
This is great news. Thanks so much for sharing that valuable information. I used Viviscal from 8/2012 through June 2013 and I didn’t see any hair growth or bald spots covered. I didn’t experience any headaches that I can remember, but thanks for sharing and I feel these products work well for some and not at all for others.
Janey, thank you for sharing!
In total agreement, I’ve used it for 3 month with no result and at $49.00 per for 60 tablet can’t afford it
You are welcome. I received some good information and I wanted to pass it on. I think hair growth probably has a lot to do with our diets unless it’s hereditary or there is a disease that effects our hair. Although I’m not above trying supplements.
You are welcome. Sometimes you need to hear information from someone who actually used the product and wasn’t paid for using the product.
Is there any ingrediant in viviscal that should stop hair loss and regrow hair?
Jess, Other than what I listed, I’m not aware of any hair growth research on any of the ingredients in Viviscal. Lack of evidence does not mean something does not work but from the comments It does seem to me that the results will vary unfortunately.
As Joe and Janey and many others mentioned before, it works for some people and it doesn’t for some. Claims from the Viviscal suggest that Marine Complex, is a fish extract from some Scandinavian sea shores. The origin of this was in 1980’s, when a Professor from Finland was investigating the people of this area he found that their hair and skin looks so good for their age and based on the interviews, experiments and experience he isolated a protein gene from the fish which is responsible for their great looking skin and hair.
Marine Complex combined with other ingredients mentioned on the box, possibly works for some. Best way to decide if it really works for you is to try it for maximum of 4 to 6 months, and by this time if you realize that your hair and nails are not responding to this pills then just stop using it. You are less likely to see any results going further, (I guess this mantra applies for other hair loss medications as well).
It can happen in some people that it decreases the hair loss, if your hair look exactly the same like it did after 6 months of using this pills. In my point of view its a win, if you can prolong and maintain what you have. So just keep track of your hair cycles and scalp. With the ingredients in Viviscal, its very less likely to regrow hair in man but more to maintain it.
Note: And don’t use too many oral (mouth) medications they can be very dangerous in long-run. So always watch what you put in your system. And good luck to us all.
Excellent point. I couldn’t have said it better and no one else has said it better regarding Viviscal. I wish they made a pill that any and everyone could take regardless of what other medication you took and this pill would “DEFINTELY” grow or regrow hair. Wouldn’t that be grand?
Oh well, it seems the jury is still out on whether or not Viviscal really works! I am female of color who has been losing hair since 2005. My hair sheds when I comb it, wash it, or try to style it. I have seen a number of doctor – GP’s, OB-GYN’s, dermatologists, endocrinologists,etc.
I have been tested for underactive thyroid, low hormone levels, anemia,etc. I am currentl using minoxidil (combimed 2% and 5%), omega 3, biotin, and many other products that claim to reduce hair loss and regrow hair.
As of today, I have lost 30-50% of my normal hair thickness and volume. My hair is shoulder length; but, so thin, I have trouble keeping it in place, even when I put it in a ponytail!
today, I ran across a Viviscal ad and decided to check out the reviews. After reading a good bit of what is included at this site, as well as several others, I still am not sure if I should try this product or not.
Is anyone aware of any clinical studies being done ?
Pat, not that I am aware of. you could set up a “google alert” for viviscal and that way you’d get an email anytime viviscal is mentioned on the web. that might tell you when/if they ever do any research. If I ever become aware of any I will be sure to update my review.
I am also a woman of color who has locs but they are very thin and I see spaces in my scalp. My hair grows but it’s thin. I used Viviscal from August 2012 through June 2013 and I did not see any difference in my growth. I went to a dermatologist in NJ and she stated there was nothing wrong with my scalp.
Presently, I’m trying Hair Essentials. I just began in July. I’ll keep you posted on the results. The reviews are all positive. I haven’t heard or read any clinical studies on Viviscal.
I lost all my hair (too much coloring, perms, etc., I guess) over a year ago. I began taking viviscal and my hair started to grow out–and it is curly whereas I had always had straight hair. I have not colored or permed my hair for 18 mo. and have taken viviscal every day.
I, too, find I cannot sleep at night and have developed dry, itchy skin. Was just about to order more of the pills but after reading comments I am going to stop using them.
Hope I don’t suffer effects after quitting cold. My natural gray/white hair is beautiful now. No thanks to viviscal I believe.
I used Viviscal from August 2012 through June 2013 and I did not see any hair growth at all. I took the pills twice per day with water and with food and I still didn’t see a difference in my hair growth. I think these products work well for some individuals and not so well for others.
I’ve been using the Extra-Strength tablets for a few months and have hair that is definitely growing in especially on either side of my bangs. I recommended it to my sisters and they said they read that it caused weight gain? I’ve not found that to be the case at all but would be interested to know what others have found.
I’ve not noticed any effect on sleep whatsoever.
And yes Amazon. I get it on auto-ship and that saves money.