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’m going to try it. I just started on Nature-Throid (natural thyroid hormone) which my Alternative MD Doctor prescribed to replace the Levothyroxine (Synthetic thyroid hormone) I have been on for three years for hypothyroidism. My hair shedding hasn’t gotten any better on the Levothyroxine. Hoping that the Nature-Throid will help much more. Will keep you posted.
Thank you Joe and others for providing all the helpful information!
Hi Jane Lee, you are most welcome and I hope the Nature Thyroid helps you. Do let us all know how things go.
I am only just now seeing the results of using the Somaluxe Shampoo (after about 1 month). I noticed that my hair isn’t falling out like before,..
Have any of you guys ever heard of soaking your head in tomato juice ? It is supposed to be a potent anti-androgen…
Mark, I have never heard of that strategy. I saw several websites talking about it. I’d like to see a study or two on it.
I recently transferred from HMO coverage to a PPO and as a result, was accepted to the University’s medical center’s, medical group. I met with a dermatologist who had two residents accompanying her with her patients. Upon gaining my permission for the residents in attendance to remain during the examination, she ascertained my current hair loss treatment which is spironolactone and finasteride for androgenetic alopecia treatment, which had provided dismal results and then examined by scalp while explaining to me and the residents her findings. In addition to reviewing my diet/nutritional consumption, she recommended that I start:
1) taking high-potency, organic fish oil tablets, 2) use women’s Rogaine foam, 3) purchase Visceral Extra Strength, 4) eat more protein, 5) start light scalp massage, 6) at least 30 minutes of aerobic to increase full body circulation. 7) enroll in her hair loss clinic, 8) laboratory/blood work-up, and ) follow-up after lab work-up and return for treatment assessment in three months.
I headed to the grocery store to stock up on poultry, nuts and fish and than went on-line and purchased Visceral. That was three weeks ago and hair is already growing in previously bald patches on my head! I look in the mirror everyday, several times daily, giddily marveling at the fact that I have hair growing in areas that had been bald for over five years.
I am so fortunate to have become a patient of the medical group affiliated with my state’s top performing tertiary hospital systems because now, I have hope for hair…again.
Roz – I’m so glad to hear you’re finally getting results. You mention a few times that you bought a product called “Visceral.” Did you mean to say “Viviscal”? As I mentioned here a few months ago, I’m getting good results from Viviscal. Where I used to have lots of shedding every day following shampooing–as in 20/30 hairs a day!, now I get no shedding or perhaps 1 to 2 hairs. BIG difference. Another big test was that without mentioning anything to my hairdresser, she noticed within 10 seconds of sitting in her chair that my hair appeared fuller after I had been on Viviscal for only a month.
So how is your hairloss coming? Did you start going to the studys yet and has she found anything? I also was on spironolactone and finasteride for hairloss. I have also been on synthroid for 2 months, but my hair shedding and loss seems to worsen everyday.
If you were prescribed Synthroid, I assume that you have confirmed and documented thyroid insufficiency, as I can not imagine, that any physician would suggest Synthroid (Levothyroxine) as empiric (other word, “whatever works”) treatment for hair loss.
And as much as hair loss is a multi factorial problem, thyroid insufficiency (slow thyroid gland function) seems to be the leading cause of it, and certainly the hair re-growth could not be achieved with ANY OTHER MEASURES, until thyroid gland function is corrected, which Synthroid is currently considered being “Stone Age” medication for.
I would suggest to consult with physician, specializing in thyroid gland disorders and it latest treatment modalities.
My dermatologist recommended it yesterday for my thinning hair and some moderate hair loss. I also have been using Rogaine for about 1 month so will see if the combination works. Anyone else using these products together?
Deb – At one time, I thought about using Rogaine for my thinning hair, but upon reading the fine print it states that if you stop using the product, all the hair regrowth will fall out. I didn’t like the idea of being chained to this expensive product for life. Using Viviscal, you can at least scale back on the dosage and people are able to eventually stop.
Hi Jean, for what it’s worth, a 6 month supply of the Cosco brand (kirkland) of Rogaine looks like less than $30.
I have long and thin hairs and too much hair fall so i ve decided to use the product .. I m gonna start in few days .. can anyone please tell me will the tablets have impact on my facial hairs as well .. cuz i ve been removing my facial hairs from lasers and i don’t want them to grow more due to these tablets..
Please tell me as some of many said it helped to increase eyebrowes and eye lashes .. will it increase facial hairs as well .. help !
Hi Katy, if you have a lot of hair already then you might not need viviscal. I dont think I know of it growing facial hair. Anybody else experience this?
It will not grown hair follicles removed previously by lasers.
Hi, I have been suffering with hair loss for about 17 years now very distressing. I have been to numerous doctors even Harley Street and no one could find the cause of my hair loss. I have tried nourkrin, thymuskin, all sorts of other supplements.
I used Viviscal for about 6 months at first I thought it was working my shedding did reduce but nothing amazing. I have been researching online and came across a lady just like myself who had been suffering for years and eventually found a doctor who checked her Serum Ferritin level and it came back very low this was the cause of her hair loss.
I have now had my Serum Ferritin checked and I too have very low ferritin 13, it needs to be about 40 to maintain hair and 80 to regrow hair! My doctor has now prescribed Ferrous Fumerate 210mg 2 tabs a day, it will take time for my levels to rise but I am so so happy I have finally found the cause of my miserable hair loss. I just wanted to share my story in case this helps others.
Kelly
Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing. That is very interesting about your iron levels.
Hi Kelly,
How are you tested for ferritin?
Hi Bern
Its a blood test its called Serum Ferritin. I went to my doctor and asked him if I had ever had this tested and it hadn’t, I have had numerous other blood tests including iron but Serum Ferritin is different it shows your iron stores which is different. Your Ferritin needs to be at least 80 to grow hair. I hope this helps,
Kelly
Kelly, do you have any updates since June? I have been suffering from chronic hair loss and shredding for years. My telgen effluvien has been going on for years and nothing has really helped.
I am a 32 yr old female with major hair loss and breakage. I recently started taking viviscal about 3 weeks ago. My hair was over processed when dying it blonde and left it feeling like straw and breaking off a lot. I had been putting olive oil on it daily and cutting the ends every week but it was still very dry.
I started taking this and although my hair hasn’t grown YET I do see that my hair isn’t so dry already in just 3 weeks. My nails are stronger. They used to break all the time now they dont. My eyebrows have started to grow in thicker which is great because I have always had thin eyebrows and always had to fill them in with eyebrow makeup.
My eyelashes are looking fuller thank god considering I barely had any and I have hair growing faster on my legs and such which necessarily isn’t good thing considering its summer but I think I would rather have more hair growth then loss. I’m not pulling it out of the shower drain anymore at all actually.
It’s really improving my hair and hasn’t been a whole month. I will continue to use and would recommend it. But as for everything else it works differently on different people just depends on the person not the product.
I started on vivsical almost 3 months,ago. I only noticed my eyebrows getting alittle thicker. No hair growth, and my hair texture is differnt like flatter ,smoother, not sure if I will continue. Also I buy it from the store not online is this the same product just differnt strengths?
Hi Ann, if it says “viviscal” Im sure its the same whether you get it at a local store or online. There is a regular strength and extra strength viviscal. I showed the differences in my review. I also covered the mens version of viviscal too.
As promised, I have looked into castor oil and hair growth. Here is my review:
http://supplementclarity.com/castor-oil-grow-hair/
I am very interested in knowing if castor oil works. I tried the extra strength Viviscal for 6 months and sadly it did not work for me. In fact, I am losing more hair than ever. I am desperate to find a solution!
Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
I am 23 years old and I have been using this product because I have excessive shedding. In the shower my hair would fall out in clumps. I bought the viviscal extra strength and I have been using it for 30 days. There is no difference in the amount I have been shedding but there is regrowth around the edges of my scalp. My hair is long to my lower back. I am thinking about calling them to complain.
I am 48 years old (female) and have been suffering from hair loss for 18 years. I have tried everything including minoxidil daily for 15 years. My hair was getting worse and worse. I visited my trichologist 5 months ago and she had heard from other colleagues that viviscal professional had been successful for some people.
I have been taking them now for 3 and a half months. The shedding has virtually stopped completely so I am delighted. I am hoping this will lead to thicker hair and I can already see lots of regrow where previously there was nothing. Would definitely recommend you try this product if you can afford it. There is nothing to lose. Good luck
I STARTED TAKING MAXIMUM STENGTH IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2016. IT WAS SAYING TO TAKE 2 A DAY. ONE IN THE MORNING AND ONE AT NIGHT. MY RESULT WAS DISAPPOINTED. THE VIVISCAL PRODUCT WAS SAYING FOR THICKER FULLER HAIR. I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE FULLER THICK HAIR. SINCE IT DIDN’T HAPPEN I REDUCE TO ONE PILL DAILY. I SPEND LOT OF MONEY ON THAT PRODUCT. I HAVE SOME TILL THE MONTH OF JUNE. THEY HAD TO MAKE A STORY FULL OF LIES TO MAKE MONEY OUT OF US. PERHAPS IF I WOULD’VE ORDER EXTRA STRENGTH MAYBE I WOULD’VE SEE RESULT OF FULLER THICKER HAIR. THAT IS MY HONEST STORY.
This sounds like a commercial instead of a complaint. If the orignal strength does not work, why would anyone spend money on Double Strength? You could of just took twice as much of the original (same thing). Anyway, here is my opinion………if Shark and Mollusk actually grows hair, why don`t Shark and Mollusk have hair?
I’m not an expert but I would guess because scientifically speaking these sea creatures were not genetically evolved to have, or need, hair as we primates are. Hair would be a hinderance to these creatures and that’s what evolution does over time, try to give all animals features that are helpful.
Why do you shout?
I was losing hair and went to my dermatologist – who sent me for lab work. Turns out I have hypothyroid – which hairloss is a symptom. She recommended Viviscal. Bought on Amazon for $30 (60 tabs) . Religiously took it twice a day for about 2 months.
I noticed significantly LESS hair coming off while in the shower and on my white tiled bathroom. I have since stopped taking (pricey) and now my hair is falling off again 🙁 I will go back on it as it has worked on me.
Your under-active thyroid condition is a very serious medical problem. See your medical doctor. Do not purchase OTC products without consult with your medical professional.
I know what I am talking about. I played with vitamins, hair loss and hair regrowth products, scalp treatments, shampoos and conditioners to help my hair loss. Nothing worked. I have the same thyroid condition and you must have thyroid tests performed so they can put you on the proper regiment to
stop hair fall and promote regrowth. Get offline and see your doc. Good luck.
Marge, re-read her comment. It was a recommendation from her dermatologist (a doctor!). She isn’t asking for advice here, rather she is giving her testimony that it worked for her.
I have hyperthyroidism, so I can relate. I recommend all women have their thyroids checked who aren’t feeling so great. Also have
CBC panels and vitamin D levels checked. There might be a underlying medical issue or vitamin and mineral deficiency.
Best shelly
I took Vivascal for over a year with no results!! It is very expensive also!!
I have been taking viviscal for about 5 months and I have seen significant reduction in shedding, my hair appears shinier, and I noticed my new growth is thicker than before. I began taking this supplement because my forehead started receding due to immense stress. My receding hairline is definitely growing back. As for all supplements, they work for some people but not for everyone. I saw immediate results within 1-2 weeks. It is definitely worth a try.
Well castor oil and coconut oil mixed has been used in the Caribbean for hair growth for as long as I can remember. However I stopped using it and recently started back. I am not an eater so I know my loss is due to a deficiency. Along with Biotin and Vitamin B complex, vitamin A&E, and Niacin I am see much growth. Not much body since I have very fine hair but growth nonetheless less. Will update later
I’ve used castor oil in the past and had good results, but it can be a bit of a pain to wash out. I’m was thinking about trying Viviscal but I noticed that a few of testimonials used language that was a bit to similar to be considered truly independent. And I also found a very fishy website called tipsforgrowinghair .com which consists of one page that contains a glowing review of Viviscal. There are no names, photos, or personal information that would indicate a real person. So I think I’m going to hold off on Viviscal for now.
Hi Rebecca, I looked up that website you mentioned. It was created in 2015. Generally, I also get suspicious of websites that are only 1 page long.
Hi Joe
I was searching for hair loss/ hair growth remedy on YouTube and I watched several postings that had a common ingredient being castor oil.
I thought I would try it in an obvious area like my left temple region and was pleasantly surprised to find hair growth in less than a month.
Hi Angela, that is a new one for me but as long as it is helping, then that is what is most important. 🙂
how often did you apply it and how
Sorry meant to write castor oil
I understood 😉
I’m 50 years old and have had cycles of hair loss and regrow through the years. I’ve noticed that my hair loss was linked to diet and stress. However in recent months, I am experiencing hair loss on the left side of my head . I have been rubbing castrol oil along my hair line and left temple area. I have noticed new hair growth in these areas but my older longer hair is still breaking and falling out on my left side. I started taking biotin and it seems to slow down the amount of hair I am losing but not at the rate that it is falling out.
I heard about Viviscal from my family doctor’s secretary who loves it. I started taking it a few days ago and hope that it will work for me. I will continue taking biotin along with the Viviscal ( as recommended prior to meals).
I will keep you posted on my progress and hope for the best.
I just wanted to know if you know why castrol oil has created new hair growth. By the way, I told my 74 year old mother to try the castrol oil as well and she has also started noticing new hair growth in the temple area where she is rubbing a small amount in daily.
Hi Angela, Ive honestly never heard of castor oil for hair growth. Where did you hear about it? Yes, do let us know how the viviscal is working for you.
I wonder if its the rubbing (scalp stimulation) and nothing to do with the castor oil at all. In India scalp massage with various oils is extremely popular for hair health and growth.
Hi Lauren, good question. I’m not sure and also I’m not sure how well scalp massage is for growing hair.
Umm Castor oil is COMMONLY known for hair growth !!
Para, I’m going to take a serious look at this in the very near future. stay tuned.
Scalp massage is one of the few things that has been shown to improve scalp condiotions, which in turn helps with hair loss/growth. Whereas castor oil may be COMMONLY known for hair growth, there is little evidence to prove it does such.
Lauren, thanks. Yes, I saw the current lack of castor oil evidence when I investigated it: Castor oil and hair growth review Thanks for the confirmation on that!
It works like a charm its just too thick
Diana, castor oil makes your hair too thick? How much do you use and how long did it take to work? I am going to look in to this
Hi joe, I’m in distress due to balding and dry, major breakage. I was told I have Alopecia and seborrheac dermatitis. My hair loss has been going on for a couple years and is very noticeable. There are a lot of bald patches and u can literally see thru my hair, it no longer even covers my ears and my part has become w I d e!
Would viviscal grow hair back with these diagnoses? I believe my dermatologist recommended this too but I never did get it. HELP!!!!??
Hi Dona, I honestly don’t know if viviscal will work or not. Some of the people here say it has worked for them and others say it didn’t. I know some dermatologists recommend it -my niece was an esthetician and that’s how I first learned about it. Best I can say is give it a try for several months and see if it helps. I wish I had better advice for you. If it helps -or doesn’t -let me know.
I just started about a week ago. I will publish what happens