Understanding Hair Supplements: Viviscal vs. Nutrafol
Hair loss is a growing concern for both men and women. Whether it’s due to stress, aging, or medical conditions, thinning hair can feel overwhelming. That’s where supplements like Viviscal and Nutrafol come in. These products promise to support hair growth and improve overall hair health. But how do they compare? And more importantly, which one is better for you?
What Is Viviscal?
Viviscal is a dietary supplement that supports hair health by nourishing hair follicles from within. It works in both men and women and has been on the market for over 25 years. The key ingredient in Viviscal is a marine complex called AminoMar, a blend of shark cartilage and mollusk powder, along with other vitamins and minerals like biotin, iron, and vitamin C.
The idea behind Viviscal is to provide the nutrients the body needs to maintain and encourage existing hair growth. Many users report seeing results within 3 to 6 months of regular use.
Pros of Viviscal:
- Well-researched formula
- Contains AminoMar marine complex
- Clinical studies support benefits for hair thickness
- Widely available in stores and online
Cons of Viviscal:
- Not vegan (contains marine-based ingredients)
- Low in botanical adaptogens or anti-stress ingredients
- May cause stomach upset in sensitive users
What Is Nutrafol?
Nutrafol is a newer hair supplement that looks at hair loss from a multi-targeted perspective. Rather than focusing only on nutrition, Nutrafol also addresses triggers like stress, hormonal imbalance, and inflammation. It’s available with formulas tailored for men, women, and postmenopausal women.
Nutrafol contains a wide variety of ingredients, including saw palmetto (for hormone balance), ashwagandha (for stress), curcumin (an anti-inflammatory), biotin, and marine collagen. It’s free of drugs and artificial additives, and its formulas are meant to support healthier, stronger hair over time.
Pros of Nutrafol:
- Targets multiple causes of hair thinning (stress, hormones, and inflammation)
- Plant-based and suited for many dietary needs
- Backed by clinical research and dermatologists
- Tailored formulas for different life stages
Cons of Nutrafol:
- More expensive than Viviscal
- Requires taking 4 capsules daily
- May interact with medications (check with a doctor)
Ingredient Comparison: What’s Inside Counts
When choosing a supplement, the ingredients matter. Let’s take a side-by-side look:
| Ingredient | Viviscal | Nutrafol |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Complex | AminoMar (shark + mollusk) | Marine collagen peptides |
| Biotin | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ashwagandha | ✘ | ✓ (stress support) |
| Saw Palmetto | ✘ | ✓ (supports DHT balance) |
| Vitamin C | ✓ | ✓ |
| Curcumin | ✘ | ✓ (anti-inflammatory) |
| Zinc | ✓ | ✓ |
| Iron | ✓ (in women’s formula) | ✘ (not included due to absorption concerns) |
Viviscal focuses mainly on nourishing hair follicles with proteins and vitamins. Nutrafol broadens the approach by including adaptogens and botanicals that deal with underlying causes of hair loss, offering a more holistic solution.
Effectiveness: What Do Real Users Say?
Both Viviscal and Nutrafol have thousands of reviews online, with mixed but mostly positive responses. With regular use, people generally report thicker, fuller hair over several months.
Viviscal is often praised for visible volume improvement and ease of use (only two capsules daily). Nutrafol receives high marks specifically from people with stress-related or hormonal hair loss, although some say the capsules are large and hard to swallow.
In clinical studies:
- Viviscal showed up to a 32% increase in hair count after 6 months.
- Nutrafol showed improved hair growth and thickness, particularly in women with thinning related to stress or postpartum changes.
Cost Breakdown: Budget vs. Premium
Viviscal retails around $40–$50 for a one-month supply.
Nutrafol typically costs between $79–$89 per month.
Viviscal may be a more affordable long-term option, while Nutrafol is more of a wellness investment due to its comprehensive approach. Both brands offer subscription discounts and bundles for long-term users.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Viviscal if:
- You want a proven, straightforward hair growth supplement
- You’re on a tighter budget
- You’re not concerned about marine-sourced ingredients
Choose Nutrafol if:
- Your hair thinning may be linked to stress, hormones, or inflammation
- You want a plant-based, drug-free supplement
- You’re looking for total wellness support, not just hair nutrition
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Better?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to hair supplements. Viviscal and Nutrafol both offer real benefits depending on what your body needs. If you’re primarily looking for targeted follicle support, Viviscal is a reliable and economical choice. If your hair health is affected by stress, hormonal shifts, or inflammation, Nutrafol’s multi-pathway formula may offer better results.
For best outcomes, it's worth consulting a medical professional or dermatologist. Sometimes, combining topical therapies with supplemental support can offer superior results.
Book Your Hair Health Consultation Today
Still unsure which supplement suits your needs? Let’s find the best solution for your hair goals. Book a personalized hair health consultation today and get expert guidance tailored to your body, lifestyle, and hair type.
