Top Nutrafol Alternatives to Try Instead: 6 Effective Hair Growth Solutions That Deserve More Hype

Hair Growth / By

How do you stop your hair from thinning? What are the best products for hair growth? Good questions. It all starts with the root of the cause (like that pun?)

Hair thinning can be subtle at first—more hair in your brush, a wider part, or breakage that just won’t quit. It’s the reason for the thinning that really matters. Is it stress? Hormone changes? Age? An unhealthy scalp?

I know a lot of people run to the go-to solution, Nutrafol, because it’s a well-known supplement for supporting hair growth from the inside out. They claim to tackle all the possible culprits. But as someone who’s spent a small fortune testing hair growth products, I’ll be the first to tell you: Nutrafol isn’t the only player worth considering.

Maybe you’ve tried Nutrafol and didn’t see the results you hoped for. Maybe the price feels like a bit much (I get it). Or maybe you just want something more targeted to your unique hair situation. Whatever your reason, there are other options—good ones!

So I did the digging for you and rounded up 6 of the best Nutrafol alternatives that are effective, backed by solid ingredients, and honestly don’t get the credit they deserve. I’ve got suggestions for a prescription-strength solution, a clean beauty favorite, vegan options, a budget-friendly supplement, and more. Let’s see which one works best for you!

Bottom Line Upfront

If you’re hoping for something a bit stronger and way more customizable than Nutrafol, Happy Head is hands-down the best alternative, in my opinion. My favorite part is that your information is reviewed by an actual doctor, and everything is delivered right to your door each month, so you never have to bother with embarrassing glances at the drugstore.

But it’s also a great option because of how customizable it is. Your age, skin condition, diet, etc., are all considered when assembling your specific formula.

Quick List: Best Nutrafol Alternatives

What Is Nutrafol, and Why Are People Looking for Alternatives?

Nutrafol is a super popular hair growth supplement right now, and it’s made with drug-free, natural ingredients. It targets internal imbalances that a lot of us face like stress, inflammation, and hormonal fluctuations, which can trigger hair thinning. The blend they created includes saw palmetto, ashwagandha, biotin, marine collagen, and more, and it’s all focused on improving hair density, growth speed, and thickness.

But Nutrafol isn’t perfect for everyone, and here’s why:

  1. It’s expensive at $79+ per month
  2. Results usually take 3-6 months
  3. The formulas are generalized, not customized
  4. It might not be strong enough for advanced hair loss

That’s where these Nutrafol alternatives I found come in handy—some more affordable, some more potent, and some have totally different ways to support your strands. I hate the one-size-fits-all options out there because we’re all so different, leading different lives, eating different diets, etc.

My hair might be thinning because I used a god-awful product that made it fall out (yes, this actually happened to me), but someone else might be experiencing hair thinning after having a baby, which can be chalked up to hormone changes. We would need two completely different solutions. So, let’s take a look at a few.

Selection Criteria: How I Chose These Nutrafol Alternatives

When building this list, I focused on products that checked at least a few of these boxes:

  • Clinically backed or evidence-based
  • Contains key hair growth ingredients (biotin, saw palmetto, minoxidil, etc.)
  • Customizable or targeted formulas
  • Accessible pricing and availability
  • Free from harsh fillers, parabens, or artificial additives
  • Positive user reviews or high reorder rates

Let’s get into the full breakdown so you can pick one that you feel is best for your type of hair loss.

1. Happy Head

Best Prescription-Strength Custom Formula

Price: $79.99/month

If you’re past the point of subtle hair thinning and need something stronger than your average supplement, Happy Head can definitely help you out.

Unlike Nutrafol, Happy Head is a prescription-grade topical treatment that uses a powerful blend of minoxidil, finasteride, retinoic acid, and other ingredients formulated by actual dermatologists and delivered straight to your door.

What’s really cool is that it’s fully customizable based on your age, gender, hair loss type, and sensitivity levels.

It’s especially ideal if your hair loss is linked to DHT (a hormone that shrinks hair follicles) and you need something that doesn’t mess around.

Key Features:

  • Custom-made formula for men and women
  • Includes FDA-approved growth ingredients
  • Easy online consultation—no doctor’s office visit
  • Free shipping + flexible subscriptions

Pros

  • Stronger and faster results than supplements
  • Great for androgenetic hair loss
  • Personalized to your needs

Cons

  • Requires a subscription
  • Not drug-free (consider that if you’re avoiding medications)

2. Wellbel

Best Vegan Supplement with DHT Blockers

Price: $58/month

If Nutrafol didn’t do it for you, and you want a clean, natural approach, Wellbel is a worthy alternative, in my opinion. It’s actually vegan! Plus, it’s hormone-free, non-GMO, and packed with nutrients that support hair, skin, and nail health—all in one.

It’s also formulated by a neurologist! How cool is that? Wellbel includes ingredients like saw palmetto (a natural DHT blocker), biotin (I personally love!), zinc, methylated B12, and selenium. It’s super popular with people who are looking for a gentler daily supplement that still delivers visible results in a few short months.

Key Features

  • Vegan-friendly capsules
  • Drug-free and safe for long-term use
  • Doctor-formulated with high-quality ingredients

Pros

  • Plant-based + clean label
  • Targets hormonal, stress-related, and nutritional causes of hair loss
  • Can improve skin and nails, too

Cons

  • Some may need to take it for 3-6 months before seeing changes
  • Slightly pricey for a supplement-only solution

3. Vegamour GRO Hair Serum

Best Natural Topical Option

Price: $64/month (or less with a subscription)

Not a fan of pills? Then I totally got you!

Vegamour’s GRO Hair Serum is a plant-based topical designed to reduce shedding and improve the appearance of thickness—without the use of drugs or hormones. It contains mung bean (not the most pleasant smell, fair warning), red clover, curcumin, and caffeine, all aimed at increasing scalp circulation and stimulating hair follicles naturally.

All you have to do is apply a few drops to your scalp once a day and spend a few minutes massaging it into your scalp. Decent results typically take 90+ days, which is a bit long, I know, but so many people say the serum helps reduce breakage and shedding faster than they expected.

Key Features

  • Lightweight, leave-in formula
  • Clean, vegan, and cruelty-free
  • Best when used consistently

Pros

  • No pills to swallow
  •  Drug-free and plant-powered
  • Works well when combined with GRO Biotin Gummies

Cons

  •  Needs daily use to see results
  • Not a quick fix for advanced hair loss

4. Viviscal

Best Clinically Proven Supplement

Price: ~$33/month (depending on package)

If you’re looking for a Nutrafol alternative that has stood the test of time (and science), Viviscal is a classic choice and, hey, you can’t beat that price! It’s been around for decades and is backed by tons of clinical studies showing real results in both women and men with thinning hair.

The star of Viviscal’s formula is its proprietary AminoMar marine complex which is blended with biotin, zinc, vitamin C, and iron. This combo supports the hair growth cycle and promotes the appearance of thicker, stronger hair.

Bonus: it’s easy to find in most drugstores and online retailers, and you don’t need a subscription.

Key Features

  • Clinically tested and backed by scientific studies
  • Trusted by dermatologists and hair experts
  • Great budget-friendly option

Pros

  •  Proven results in clinical trials
  • Affordable and easy to find
  • Also supports skin and nail health

Cons

  • Not suitable for people with shellfish allergies
  • Some users report shedding before results kick in

5. Moon Juice SuperHair

Best Overall Wellness Supplement

Price: $60/month

You can treat your scalp until the cows come home, but sometimes hair loss isn’t about follicles—it can be stress, hormone fluctuations, burnout, or even your diet. Yeah, the food you eat can affect your hair.

But that’s why I slipped Moon Juice SuperHair in as a great alternative to Nutrafol. This awesome supplement is all about balancing your internal health first so your hair can be happy, healthy, shiny, and thick.

The formula includes adaptogens (like ashwagandha and ginseng), hormonal regulators (like saw palmetto and horsetail), and nutrients (like biotin, selenium, and iodine) to help reduce cortisol levels you get from stress, balance the thyroid, and, yes, also nourish your follicles. Think of it as a hair-supporting multivitamin with mood benefits, too.

Key Features

  • Designed for stress-related or hormone-based hair loss
  • Contains no fillers, synthetics, or added sugars
  • Great for overall health and well-being

Pros

  • Targets multiple causes of hair thinning
  • Beautiful packaging and clean branding
  • Vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO

Cons

  • Requires daily consistency
  • May not be powerful enough for aggressive hair loss

6. Nutrafol Women’s Balance

Best for Women Experiencing Hormonal Hair Loss

Price: $79/month

I’ll be 100% honest. Sometimes, the right Nutrafol alternative… is still Nutrafol, just the right version of it.

Nutrafol Women’s Balance is a more targeted version of the original formula, specifically designed for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. It focuses on hormonal imbalances that come with age, the increased cortisol we get, and nutritional deficiencies that tend to lead to hair thinning during these lovely life transitions.

If you tried regular Nutrafol and didn’t see results—or if you’re entering your 40s or 50s—this may be the version you actually needed but didn’t know.

Key Features

  • Tailored for women 40+
  • Includes maca, astaxanthin, and saw palmetto
  • Supports hormonal and stress-related hair loss

Pros

  • Great for hormonal imbalances
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Strong brand reputation

Cons

  • Still pricey
  • Needs at least 3 months of use

FAQs

Question: What is the best Nutrafol alternative overall?

Answer: If you want faster, prescription-level results, Happy Head is for sure your best bet. If you want a natural, drug-free supplement, Wellbel or Viviscal are awesome alternatives.

Question: Are Nutrafol alternatives safe?

Answer: Most of the alternatives I listed here are safe for long-term use, but I always recommend you talk to your doctor if you have any health concerns, sensitivities, or are taking medications.

Question: Do Nutrafol alternatives really work?

Answer: Yes, most of these products include clinically supported ingredients like biotin, saw palmetto, marine collagen, and adaptogens which is what you want to see in products like this.

Question: How long does it take to see results?

Answer: Most supplements and serums take 3–6 months to show any really noticeable improvement. Products like Happy Head are known to work faster because they use prescription ingredients.

Question: Can you combine these with other treatments?

Answer: Yes! Tons of people use a combination of supplements, topical serums, and gentle scalp care for the best results. Just avoid stacking multiple products with the same active ingredients. For example, I used Rogaine for a while, and during the last few weeks of use, I combined it with LUS Scalp Therapy.

My Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Stick with Nutrafol

Sure, Nutrafol might be one of the most recognizable names in hair growth these days—but it’s far from your only option.

Figure out if you want a customizable topical treatment like Happy Head, a clean, vegan supplement like Wellbel, or something tried-and-true like Viviscal. Then, grab one of these alternatives that fit your hair goals, your lifestyle, and your budget.

My advice? Know what you’re targeting—hormones, stress, breakage, or something else—and pick the product designed for that. Give it 90 days, be mindful of reactions, stay consistent, and watch what happens.

Have a favorite alternative I didn’t mention? Let’s hear it! I’m always on the hunt for the next great thing in hair health. And if you want more great recs, check out our other guides for hair right here on our site!

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