Hair Growth Supplements for Men: What the Research Shows

Many supplements are marketed to men for hair thinning. A 2025 network meta-analysis of randomized trials found some improved hair density in men and women with androgenetic alopecia, but the authors said large, high-quality trials are still needed. A review of two popular products called the benefit modest.

Here's what the evidence says and how to read a supplement label.

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Key Takeaways

• A network meta-analysis of 19 trials (1,658 people with androgenetic alopecia) found some supplements improved hair density compared with placebo, and all were well tolerated.
• A review of two popular oral nutraceuticals concluded they promote hair growth to a modest degree and may be useful adjuncts to current treatments.
• In a two-year study of 100 men, 38% taking saw palmetto had more hair growth, against 68% on finasteride.
• A doctor can tell you what type of hair loss you have before you spend on supplements.

What Are Hair Growth Supplements For Men?

They are oral products, often multi-ingredient, aimed at male pattern thinning (androgenetic alopecia). Ingredients vary widely, and so does the evidence behind each.

Do They Work?

Some may help modestly. The evidence is stronger for a handful of ingredients and weak for most, and no supplement here replaces a medical diagnosis.

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How To Read A Supplement Label

• Look for human trials of the ingredient at the dose in the product, not just lab studies.
• Be wary of "proven" claims. Many trials are small.
• Check what else you take. Ask your doctor before combining supplements with medicines.
• Give it time and track it, with photos at the same angle and lighting.

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What The Research Shows

Network Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and network meta-analysis included 19 randomized trials with 1,658 people with androgenetic alopecia and 16 dietary supplements. Compared with placebo, standardized plant extracts, apple extract, tocotrienols, pumpkin seed oil, and a compound extract of Cistanche and Laminaria significantly improved hair density, and some multi-component products improved terminal hair density. Blind doctors also scored saw palmetto extract, omega 3 and 6, and others above placebo or conventional treatment. All supplements were well tolerated, and the authors said future large high-quality trials are needed (Zhou et al., 2025).

Popular Products Reviewed

A review of the literature on two popular oral nutraceuticals concluded that they are effective to a modest degree in promoting hair growth in men and women with androgenetic alopecia, and may serve as useful adjuncts to current treatments. The authors noted that supplements typically lack the rigorous testing that applies to pharmaceuticals (Ring et al., 2022).

A Supplement Against A Prescription Drug

In an open-label study, 100 men with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia took 320 mg of saw palmetto or 1 mg of finasteride daily for 24 months. By global photo score, 38% of the saw palmetto group had more hair growth, against 68% of the finasteride group (Rossi et al., 2012). Finasteride is a prescription medicine; ask a doctor about it.

For one ingredient in detail, see saw palmetto for hair.

See also: Hair Growth Products: What the Research Supports · Pyrithione Zinc for Hair Loss and Dandruff: What the Research Shows

To see how this fits with the other nutrients hair needs, read our guide to the best vitamins for hair growth.

For the full picture on biotin, including who is likely to be low and how it affects lab tests, see our guide to biotin for hair growth.

For how minoxidil and finasteride work, their results and side effects, see our guide to minoxidil and finasteride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hair growth supplement for men?

The evidence doesn't identify a single best one. The meta-analysis found several with benefit, with limits in trial size and quality.

Do supplements work better than medicines?

In the one comparison above, finasteride did better than saw palmetto.

Are hair supplements safe?

The meta-analysis found them well tolerated, but talk to your doctor first.

References

1. Zhou L, Zhu W, Chen Y. Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2025. PubMed
2. Ring C, Heitmiller K, Correia E, et al. Nutraceuticals for Androgenetic Alopecia. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022. PubMed
3. Rossi A, Mari E, Scarno M, et al. Comparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2012. PubMed