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)
Hi, I’m a 56 yr old male with thinning hair, I started taking viviscal men sept 01,2015 , I have been taking it 2 months , I can assure you , I am not affiliated with viviscal in any way. I kept hearing adverts on the radio and thought I would give it a try. results after only 2 months; not a lot of growth on the top but in the temple (widows peaks) I have a lot of vellus growth that wasn’t there and a few ( maybe a half dozen ) terminal hairs, 2 months isn’t a valid study but I can say, it does affect the hair root. will update this again after a couple more months.
Hi again,
This is Abood reporting back. I’ve been using the men supplement for over a month now, and I haven’t noticed anything new at all. My hair is still shedding. I’ll give it a shot for a 2nd month, and if I still don’t notice any difference, I’ll just quit using it. I know that they say you have to use it for 3-6 months, but I think that after two months I should at least notice something. I’ve been taking to pills a day, and yet no side effects. Hopefully, I’ll notice something after the 2nd month.
Abood, thanks for the update. Sorry to hear you’re still shedding. Id think that if its going to work, you should see something after 4 months. Do let me know what happens in a couple of months. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
Angela, you should follow Joe’s advice and call Viviscal regarding weight gain. I’ve been using this product for quite some time and I agree that it does grow your hair. I haven’t experienced the weight gain unless I over eat occasionally. You should check with Viviscal regarding the weight gain. As for your hair, I hope you’re enjoying that aspect.
Hi
I have been taken Viviscal for about 2 months now and what I have notice is weight gain nails still growing not as much hair growth but temples are filling in.
Angela, how much weight have you gained?
About 5lbs, hair doesn’t shed as much but no lenght in hair yet it is filling in around the temples
Angela, have you called Viviscal to ask about the weight gain?
Hey Joe,
I’m 20, and I’m already losing my hair at the temple area with shedding all over the area at the top of my hair. It’s just recently that it started to get a little noticeable, which made me really irritated. I looked at hair transplant surgeries, and they were a bit expensive for me despite the fact that l didn’t like the surgery idea too. So after a long research, I found that the most guarantee-able way is by taking Minoxidil pills, and because it had a lot of side effects, I decided to find something natural.
So after another long research, I’ve found that Viviscal is the best natural treatment to be given a shot. I’ve read a lot of reviews (plus the comments in this article). and most of the good comments seemed to me as an ads. But I decided to give it a shot anyway. I just ordered Viviscal for men and it should be arriving by the 19th of August. My only concern is that if there were any side effects on this, I’m really concerned about this point. So if you have anything to cheer me up about it, please say it to me!
Also I have a question for you, did you try it yourself? If so, what are the results?
Thanks!
Abood, I think the comments are the best place to find out about any side effects from Viviscal. Aside from what people say there, I have not heard of anything. I do have some friends who had hair transplant surgery and they said the pain it wasn’t too bad, just as you say, it’s expensive. I have not tried it but since I’ve lost some hair myself, I might give it a try as an experiment.
This is a scam. I (male) have been involved with hair transplants and finasteride/propecia for the past 30 years. These listed items CAN’T GROW HAIR or RE-GROW hair! Total BS! You (referring to men) need to block the DHT in our bodies which can cause fine hair to become strong again. But once the entire follicle falls out, then it is history forever and can’t comed back. I have regrown the (fine-hair) entire crown on my head totally back with finasteride over the course of 5 years. But some fish-oil combination can’t do it. Let’s just say this is another “fish story.” Sorry to bust anyone’s bubble. I am only the user of finasteride and propecia. So don’t be scammed!
Thank you for taking the time to look into this. I will get the professional version and will see after 3 months if the totally bald spots are beginning to fill in.
Bobbie, sounds good and let me know what happens. I updated my review with the information we discussed just in case anyone else wonders about it too. Thanks for getting me to look into this 🙂
I have been diagnosed with folliculitis decalvans (scarring alopesia) and have lost quite a bit of hair on top of my head. My dermatologist recommended Viviscal Professional ($60 per month) and cautioned that the other Viviscal products over-the-counter are not as strong as the professional version.
Do you know anything about this? I’m desperate because I continue to lose hair and may need a wig soon.
Hi Bobbie, I called Viviscal about this. Their customer service person was very helpful and told me that the difference is in the amount of the Amino Mar complex that each has. The Amino Mar complex is said to be the stuff in Viviscal that helps grow hair. She told me that these were the amounts of Amino Mar in the different types of Viviscal:
Viviscal for women : 450 mg
Viviscal for men: 450mg
Viviscal professional: 475 mg
So the professional version has 25 mg more of the Amino Mar complex than the other forms. For what it’s worth, the customer service also person told me that she uses the extra strength version and doesn’t think there is a big difference between that and the professional version.
I was told that people can only get the professional version from doctors or salons although here is the professional version on Amazon and when I checked I saw it for less than $60.
Hope that helps. Any other questions, just ask 🙂
I am using Viviscal for more than year and love my results.I started loosing my hair due to a menopause, and after trying different supplements, realized that Viviscal works better for me. Lately started having serious problems with my stomach and decided to do some research and found this site; just wanted to share this with you
Saya, do you think Viviscal is related to your stomach problems? What kind of problems are you having?
Hi I left a comment earlier this year and I thought I’d let you know my progress. I have chronic TE and have suffered with this for 15 years I am now in my 30’s. I have now been taking Viviscal twice daily since the 10th November 14 and I am happy with the results so far it’s not a miracle cure but my hair shedding is definitely 50 % less than before.
I still have a very small pathetic pony tail but i definitely feel that my hair is slowly getting thicker (volume and hair shaft). I have also been using Dr Organics Aloe vera shampoo and conditioner which I would thoroughly recommend it leaves my hair feeling lovely.
I have stopped dying my hair too all of these factors seem to be giving me better results than I have ever seen before. Hope this may be useful to someone.
Kelly, thanks for the update on how things are going. I’m glad you have been seeing results with Viviscal.
I have been using Viviscal for quite a while and I’m having fantastic results. I take one tablet in the morning with breakfast and another tablet with my evening meal. I always try never to miss a dosage. I have had no side effects and I do take a prescription medication as well. I’m on a plan whereby the product is delivered every 90 days.
It’s the only thing that I’ve had success with after using a lot of different products. I had to give it a second chance since I had used it prior to this success. Give it a try and be sure to check with your physician or health care provider if you’re taking any prescription medication.
hi guys,i take propecia for my hair loss,is it safe to take Viviscal along with it ?any side effects ?
Tejas, I’m not aware of any interaction. does anyone else know? Why don’t you ask your pharmacist and see what they think. If you get an answer from her/him let me know.
Joe i saw this blog about hair growth on tumblr could you please tell me which you reckon is the best remedy please. http://kzaketchum.tumblr.com/post/122462674216/stimulate-hair-growth
Jerome, while I don’t think any of that stuff will hurt, I don’t think it will grow hair either. Other than Viviscal, I have seen some preliminary evidence that caffeine applied topically to the scalp might help.
Oh thanks for the honesty joe , so viviscal does work than?
How, to massage coffee directly into the scalp?
Jerome, the research on Viviscal is interesting although I’m not sure it will work for everyone. I’d say read the comments here. That can help you get a better idea. I do like that the company is supporting research on Viviscal and that research appears to be better than when I first reviewed it. As for caffeine, while I can’t be sure, I’d think it would have to be placed on the scalp for a period of time – how long, I don’t know.
Here is a review of a caffeine shampoo I looked at. Read the comments on that post also for more info
http://supplementclarity.com/caffeine-hair-loss-thicker-fuller-hai/
Hi Joe, thanks for the article. After I clicked your link to pubmed that you gave when discussing study #2, actually two studies popped up rather than one. The newer one is from March 2015 and initially seemed to be similar to study #1. However it involves 60 subjects and all of them completed the study, so it must be a new study. The author is Glynis Ablon. It was published in “dermatology research and practice”. So at least it was published in a journal, however I have no idea personally how well respected this journal is as I am not in this field of science…
What do you think of this study? Is it trustworthy?
Do you happen to know how well respected this journal is?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, thanks!
Jonathan, thank you SO MUCH for telling me about this new viviscal study. I read the study and it looks like it was done pretty well. While I have not heard of that journal (there are thousands of scientific journals out there), from what I can tell, it looks good to me. I added the 2015 study to the list of clinical trials on Viviscal.
I also updated a good amount of my Viviscal review, added tables of its ingredients (yes there is shark powder in Viviscal) and I may have figured out why some women reported having sleep problems – Horsetail contains small amounts of nicotine. If you go back to my review and hit the refresh button you can see all the changes I made.
Again, much thanks Johathan, you gave me a great opportunity to update my review and make it better 🙂
Hi Joe,
I came across your review after searching for more detailed information about Vividcal’s key ingredients. After using this product for 7 months I decided to discontinue use after seeing no noticeable difference in my hair growth.
I must admit that even before using the hair growth pills I was a little skeptical about what I was really ingesting and now that I’ve read your article I definitely think this company is hiding something.
The AminoMar C is nothing I’ve ever heard of before and I haven’t been able to find any information on what it actually is. My belief is that it’s probably made from shark fins, which is extremely illegal, and they came up with a fancy name to distract people from the real ingredient. Anyways, I’d love it if anyone could do some digging and find out what this AminoMar-thing is really about.
-Savannah
Savannah, sorry you don’t notice any effect. It seems from the comments some do and some don’t. I’m not sure about the reasons why. I’m also not sure what amino Mar C is. I’ve never heard anything about shark fins if that helps any.
I’ve used this 2x daily for about 2-3 months. I’m close to 60 and just have male pattern baldness. I don’t know if I am growing any more hair, but my hair definitely looks better and fuller! Very pleased.
Hair loss runs in my family. I’m 26 years old and I started to lose my hair right after high school. My hairline started to recede and was becoming thin around the temple area. I’ve been using the Shielo Volume Shampoo now for 4-5 months now and I love it!
Once I started using this shampoo with the conditioner as well, I’ve noticed a HUGE difference! My hair stopped falling out. My hair grows faster and its thicker….Don’t expect this to grow hair where you lost it. It’s not going to happen. But to stop and prevent hair from falling out, this is the stuff for you
White plains, Happy that shampoo is helping you. I’ve never heard of it before but did find it on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GSBHDY6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00GSBHDY6&linkCode=as2&tag=sgtextlink-20
How many times a week would you use the Shelo shampoo and conditioner?
Hi Joe,
As promised, I am back to comment on Viviscal Professional, as now it has been an additional month since I’ve been using it. (I’ve gone thru 3 one-month supply boxes now, halfway through the time suggested to “see results”). At first, I only took one a day, and admittedly on and off, but then I got organized and have taken 2 per day as instructions recommend.
I must explain that my hair loss was actually severe breakage (at the sides and back of my head) in rows of hair underneath the top layer. So when I lifted my hair I could see a row of broken off tiny stubs…sad looking and scary.
Also, the hairs themselves became more slender, easily broken if caught in a zipper momentarily or tousled by a child in play.
I will say now:
The broken rows of hair “under” my “top” hair layer are beginning to grow. It looks like fine, slender “baby” hairs all in a row, trying to grow. About an 1/2 inch of growth since I last commented.
Also, the hair “shedding” seems to have lessened a BIT.
It looks better, but not miraculously so.
As I mentioned, I have thyroid issues which I am trying to manage via Naturthroid, which I take daily. Before my hair loss, I had stopped taking it (out of busyness, laziness, stupidity) and perhaps this is what started my issues. Or not.
This is a very hard thing to discern cause and affect. Hair can change in subtle ways. I notice a slight change for the better but am not quite certain. Otherwise, no ill effects from the Viviscal Professional. My skin looks great though, and perhaps it is related to this. Or not.
I am still vegetarian and plan to stay that way, and although Viviscal is made of “Marine” components, I accept that fish oils are traditionally helpful in hair/skin issues and am willing to continue.
I do have one question: I was considering adding Silica to the mix because although my hair is growing, it is still thin and noticeably weak. That is something I do not believe the Viviscal addresses and it is of course, a cause of hair loss; if it’ breaks off ….it’s lost!
I am concerned tho as I’ve read that silica helps strengthen hair but CAN (?) cause liver problems. I am afraid of this and wonder if you know of any research that might shed clarity on this issue?
Many thanks, good hair to all (but mostly, good health to all!)
Robin
Hi Robin, really glad you are seeing some benefits to Viviscal. Even though it may not be as much as you like, Im sure any improvement is a welcomed treat.
I looked up Silica (also called silicon) and I don’t see anything about liver problems. Check with your pharmacist to make sure. Silica is sometimes used to help bones get stronger but I have not seen human studies about it improving hair growth or hair strength. Some do say it helps, but I think it needs good human studies to know for sure. That said, since you are a vegetarian, you might already be getting a lot in your diet already. foods that have silicon include most fruits and vegetables. Get a blood test to see if you are lacking in it.
I hope that helps. One thing you might try – and I know this sounds a little weird – is caffeine on the scalp. Here is a review I wrote where I mentioned some of the research: http://supplementclarity.com/caffeine-hair-loss-thicker-fuller-hai/
How much it helps, I don’t know. It can’t hurt.
For those with thyroid problems, please, please, please do not eat any soy products and avoid anything that lists soybean oil or soy protein or anything soy, it makes your thyroid problems worse. When I became a vegetarian, I was eating a lot of soy and a year later my hair started to fall out real bad, went to a dermatologist who said if the shampoo’s and the scalp lotion did not work, I could have a thyroid problem. Then later found out soy makes thyroid problems worse, and its all soy even organic, unprocessed soy.
This product says it has Marine complex, but what is in it. Another thing to worry is the high rates of Mercury in certain fish and shellfish.
Myri, soy does contain compounds (called goitrogens) that can reduce thyroid hormone. So to other things like broccoli, kale and cauliflower too. I’d talk to your doctor about this. While I’m sure some might really have a problem with this (like you said you did) when they eat too much of certain foods, others might only need to reduce their intake or separate the consumption of these foods and thyroid medications by a few hours.
Hi Joe. Just a quick question: I am now on my 3rd box of Viviscal and note that each tablet has 100 mg of biotin (so 200 per day). I am also now taking a supplement to stablize blood sugar called Glucostable…it happens to contain 3,000 mg per day. And also a b-complex tab with 60 mg a day.
So my grand daily total of biotin is now going to be under 3,500 mg per day.
I am wondering if there are any possible problems regarding this?
The (very dim) dermatologist I initially saw who had never heard of Viviscal, looked at the box and said, “Oh, not very much biotin! You can take thousands of mg of biotin safely!”
What do you think? I’d like to stay on all of this as each item is used for a different purpose.
Many thanks.
Hi Robin, I didnt see biotin when I reviewed Viviscal. I wonder if they reformulated it? Are you sure it says milligrams (mg) or micrograms (mcg)? Biotin is pretty harmless as far as I can tell for the most part. There isnt an RDA for biotin but intakes of about 30 micrograms a day (mcg) for adults are often recommended. Im not aware of any serious side effects from biotin supplements. Here is something I located that might help you: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/313.html
Hi Joe, Thanks so much for your (very fast!) reply.
In answer to your question, the product I take for stabilizing blood sugar naturally is Glucostable and two tablets daily contain (among other things) 30,000 MG’s of biotin.
So adding in the other biotin from Viiscal (I use Viviscal PROFESSIONAL, which is the one with NO iron but with added biotin), I’m taking a load of it!
Hopefully, not a problem.
I appreciate your link to the medline. It doesn’t really address that large an amount. I do want (and need) to continue the Glucostable. High blood sugar runs in my family and though I eat an incredibly conscious diet (no gluten, no processed sugars, etc), my a1c has been teetering towards high and the glucostable helps reign it in.
Comparatively, Viviscal Professional has a lot less biotin.
Thank you again. Will keep you posted!
Robin, that’s intersting about biotin helping you. Here is another link that does into more depth on biotin and blood sugar as well as toxicity: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/biotin/
Im not aware of any bad side effects of biotin. Have you asked a pharmacist? They likely would be able to tell you that answer as they often know a lot about vitamins. If you do this, let me know. I’d be interested in knowing what they say.