About Nutrafol
Like Viviscal, Nutrafol brings natural, safe ingredients to the field of hair growth. Drug-free and focused on efficacy and results, the brand’s hair growth products for men and women combat thinning and damaged hair both internally and externally.
The brand was founded in 2014 by a team of three people who have all been affected by hair loss in one form or another – Roland Peralta, Giorgos Tsetis C.E. and Dr. Sophia Kogan, M.D. They opted for medical-grade ingredients and a doctor-backed service to ensure your hair gets the care and attention it needs.
Nutrafol is praised by celebrities like Hilary Duff and Naomi Watts and uses clinically tested ingredients. Today, the company is headquartered in New York City.
Since both brands are science-based products, this review will be a heated one between Viviscal and Nutrafol. Below, I’ll go into all the details, compare the products and question their policies to make finding the right product from the perfect brand a little less stressful.
What to Consider
Product range
With these two brands, everything is geared towards hair growth. Viviscal offers men’s and women’s specific supplements as well as hair care products for women.
Nutrafol has a similar product line with separate supplements for men and women, as well as products for postpartum and post-menopausal women. The range also includes boosters and products to support the scalp.
Target group
Both Viviscal and Nutrafol manufacture products aimed at adults. The portion sizes are tailored to the adult body and neither product line is recommended for children. While Viviscal maintains a sober aesthetic, Nutrafol has a more modern look. The packaging and website give a fresher, younger impression than its competitor.
Clinical research
Nutrafol is a dietary supplement and not a drug and therefore cannot be evaluated by the FDA. The brand manufactures its supplements in an FDA-certified facility and has tested them in clinical trials. In addition, Nutrafol supplements are recommended by dermatologists, the brand has a scientific advisory board, and the dermatology team is board certified.
In a clinical study, researchers investigated the effectiveness of Nutrafol capsules for hair growth in women with thinning hair. Forty women between the ages of 21 and 65 were randomly assigned to receive either Nutrafol capsules (containing curcumin, ashwagandha, saw palmetto and tocotrienols) or a placebo for six months.
The authors found that the group receiving the supplement showed a significant increase in hair quantity and quality compared to the placebo group. In addition, the Nutrafol group reported an improvement in quality of life and reduced anxiety.
Viviscal is a clinically tested and proven product based on more than 20 years of scientific research. It is also a drug-free nutraceutical and cannot be evaluated by the FDA.
In a clinical study published in the International Journal of Medical Research, the efficacy of Viviscal supplements containing marine extracts and silica was investigated in young men with hereditary androgenic alopecia. 40 participants were randomly selected to receive either Viviscal supplements (2 tablets daily) or a placebo containing fish extract for six months. In the men who received Viviscal, hair growth increased significantly compared to the control group (on average by 38%).
In another clinical study, researchers investigated the effectiveness of Viviscal on alopecia areata and alopecia totalis. 40 men and women affected by these forms of hair loss were given Viviscal preparations (2 tablets per day) and Viviscal shampoo (once a week) for 8 months.
The results showed that 85% of the participants with alopecia areata regrew their hair completely. Of the participants with alopecia totalis, 25% were cured and 20% experienced a significant improvement.
However, I would like to point out that these results could be biased by conflicts of interest, as the studies are often funded by the companies that manufacture the products.
Accessibility
Viviscal can be purchased at a number of popular pharmacies such as CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Target and RiteAid. You can also order and subscribe directly from its website. The prices are relatively affordable, and bundle deals are offered.
Nutrafol, on the other hand, is more expensive but also offers savings through a subscription. You can find the supplements at dermatology offices, Walmart, and online skin care stores. Both brands are available on Amazon.
There’s a lot to uncover in this Viviscal vs Nutrafol review, so we might as well step to it. Be sure to keep the above points in mind, as this article will dive deep into each company to help you see them at their roots.
Viviscal vs Nutrafol: How Do They Work?
Both brands offer natural, drug-free supplements, so you may think that they work in a similar way. That’s true, but in this section we’ll do a comparison between Viviscal and Nutrafol to show you the differences as well.
Viviscal’s signature ingredient (or should I say mane?) is AminoMar, a blend of marine extracts and polysaccharides. The signature formula also contains vitamins and minerals such as biotin, zinc and iron, as well as fish oil and horsetail extract.
The effectiveness of AminoMar for hair growth was tested in a clinical study with 96 women (21-55 years) who were considered to have thinning hair. The participants were randomly selected to receive the marine protein supplement or a placebo daily for 6 months. In the group receiving AminoMar, there was a significant reduction in hair loss and an improvement in hair thickness.
In another clinical study, the effectiveness of AminoMar in promoting hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss was investigated. Participants were randomly selected to take AminoMar or a placebo twice daily for 6 months. The authors concluded that the marine complex was shown to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth in men with thinning hair.
As the American Academy of Dermatology states, a lack of biotin, zinc and iron is associated with hair loss. If these micronutrients are not consumed in sufficient amounts through diet, supplementation is recommended as this may be the cause of hair loss.
This clinically proven combination works by nourishing thinning hair strands and promoting growth to produce visible results within 3-6 months. So how does this seemingly strange blend of ingredients work? The mechanism of action is unclear. The brand claims that the active ingredients promote growth by stimulating blood flow to the blood vessels at the hair follicles.
When more nutrients (and the right kind) reach the lifeless strands of hair, they can do their natural job: grow. By extending the growth phase of your hair, your strands can become thicker and healthier thanks to the nutrients in the Viviscal formula.
Viviscal’s products don’t have to be purchased as part of a subscription, but the brand does offer members a 20% discount on certain products (see the promotions section of this Viviscal vs Nutrafol review to learn more) and ships your orders for free. With auto-shipment options ranging from 30 to 90 days, you’ll get enough products to last you that long.
A review article by P.K. Farris (Nutrafol and Nutraceutical Wellness Inc. Advisor) and colleagues highlights that marine collagen promotes hair growth in individuals with telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. They also describe that the anxiolytic properties of ashwagandha may help with stress-induced hair loss. synthesis
Although both brands claim the same time frame for results and both provide essential nutrients to your hair, Nutrafol seems to be more focused on whole body balance. I also appreciate GrowthPlan’s personalized approach – and who would turn down free advice from a doctor?
In contrast, Viviscal has a looser structure. It offers a subscription, but the decision of which products to buy is entirely up to you. This approach may be more appealing to those who just want to try something without committing and who want a cheaper product.
Viviscal Women’s Hair Growth Supplements vs Nutrafol Women Review:
Thinning hair can be a tough experience. Some people go to extremes to get their old hair back. Both brands offer natural formulas for those who don’t want to take medication because of its side effects, have a clinical contraindication or want to supplement their current treatment with supplements. prove (clinically) that hair growth doesn’t have to be achieved with medication – instead, it’s possible through a natural formula.
In this part of our comparison between Viviscal and Nutrafol, we’ll look at the hair growth products for women from both brands. Let’s start with the first name on this title.
Viviscal hair growth products for women are designed to thicken thinning strands and promote the growth of new strands. With a healthy blend of vitamins and minerals, this formula offers a drug-free alternative to hair loss treatments. You can get a one-month supply for $34 or a three-month supply for $102.
Viviscal hair restorer for women:
- Free from medication
- Contains some natural ingredients
- Free shipping with automatic delivery
- Can be changed or canceled at any time
- 20% discount on all Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying products (with subscription)
- Clinically proven
Nutrafol Women works with your body to find the cause of your thinning hair. Whether it’s the environment, too much stress or a poor diet, the medical supplement focuses on whole body health to help restore hair to its naturally healthy state.
A clinical study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology investigated the efficacy and safety of Nutrafol Woman Capsules to promote hair growth in perimenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal women whose hair was perceived to be thinning. 70 women were randomly selected to receive Nutrafol or a placebo for 6 months.
The authors reported a significant reduction in hair loss (34.4%) in the group receiving the supplement. The total number of hairs was significantly higher in the Nutrafol group compared to the placebo group. The supplement was well tolerated.
With a blend of 21 potent ingredients including Sensoril® Ashwagandha, Tocotrienol Complex and Marine Collagen, the daily supplement for women helps to combat the effects of stress, strengthen hair follicles and restore health. As a one-time purchase, a month’s supply costs $88.
Nutrafol Women:
- Contains 21 effective ingredients
- Natural formula
- Helps restore body and hair health
- Dermatologist recommended
Both brands are equally transparent and use a spectrum of natural ingredients. Although neither brand contains pharmaceuticals, Nutrafol is the more natural product and contains a broader spectrum of herbal ingredients to support the health of the whole body, not just the hair.
However, Viviscal’s supplement is much more affordable for a month’s supply and is still an effective option for those looking to achieve hair-specific results.
Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Elixir vs Nutrafol Growth Activator Serum:
Many people only treat their hair growth from the outside in. In reality, an effective regimen consists of a combination of treatments, including one that rebalances your cells and one that nourishes your strands.
Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Elixir is a lightweight treatment for luscious hair. It adds body and thickens limp strands, repairs damage to the outside of the hair, treats hair breakage and helps to reduce hair loss.
The elixir contains a complex called Ana:Tel™. This complex consists of natural ingredients such as pea shoots, biotin, keratin and zinc and is said to completely transform the hair in just one week. See for yourself with a 1.7 oz bottle for $20.
Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Thickening Elixir:
- Predominantly natural formula
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Works fast
- 90-day money-back guarantee
The Nutrafol Growth Activator promises a similar effect. It is quickly absorbed into the hair and does not feel greasy. It uses ashwagandha exosomes, which promote cell renewal and protect the scalp from stress, as well as pea shoots, green tea, sea buckthorn and moringa.
The result is thicker, stronger hair in 90 days, but customers report noticing a difference after just 30 days. The Growth Activator ingredients are moisturizing, drug and synthetic fragrance free, making it incredibly natural and nourishing. Pick up a bottle for $70.
Nutrafol Growth Activator:
- Clean formula
- Absorbs quickly
- Lightweight
- All natural and drug free
- Free from common allergens such as soy, dairy and gluten
If an expensive product works, people are willing to pay for it – and by people I mean us, but I know I’m not alone… right? I also love how easy it is to buy a $20 bottle without having to think about it.
Both use similar ingredients. Although Viviscal boasts natural ingredients, Nutrafol is the more natural product – if you’re looking for natural. That’s not to say Viviscal is any less effective – the blend of ingredients is clinically tested for effectiveness.
Viviscal vs Nutrafol: What Do Customers Think?
Brands… they really pull you in, especially if they’re selling something you need. I’m often quick to jump on products with big promises, but it’s important to take the time to read reviews before clicking ‘buy’ and spending your hard-earned cash on something you’re not sure will work.
In this section of our Viviscal vs Nutrafol review, we’ll do just that, and below you’ll find a number of reviews I’ve compiled from around the web, starting with Viviscal.
- Amazon: Women’s Hair Growth has an average of 4.5/5 stars from 2,899 reviews
- Ulta: Women’s Hair Growth has an average rating of 4/5 stars from 331 reviews
- Lovely Skin: 4.5/5 stars from 705 reviews
Viviscal is used by celebrities, and while there is no direct evidence that celebrities only buy the best products, I know they get good advice on what works. I mention this because it speaks to the effectiveness of the brand’s formula. Here’s what else I found out about it:
- Improves hair density
- Fills in bald spots
- Also grows eyelashes and eyebrows
Nutrafol’s reviews are very similar. Since it’s a newer company, it has fewer reviews overall, but its results are fantastic.
- Amazon: Women’s Hair Growth has an average of 4.4/5 stars out of 155 reviews
- Influenster: Women’s Hair Growth has an average of 4.6/5 stars out of 35 reviews
- Innerbody: 4.5/5 stars
I’ve found that Nutrafol’s reviews, just like Viviscal’s, reflect everything the brand claims and that it’s used by high profile celebrities. Here are some commonalities I found in the reviews:
- Stops hair loss
- Helps restore hair to balding areas
- Helps hair growth and repairs damaged strands
With both companies, users appreciate that their formulas are drug-free and offer them an effective alternative without negative side effects. Viviscal is the more popular brand according to our search results, but it also has a 24-year head start on its competitor. Other than that, their reviews are very similar.
Who Will You Shop With?
Now that all is said and done, this comparison between Viviscal and Nutrafol will let you make your final decision. Whichever product you choose, you know you’re getting a clinically tested formula that’s proven to work. Of course, the results are different, but it’s reassuring to know that both contain effective, potent ingredients.
Viviscal has been around for over 30 years. Its drug-free formula and nourishing hair care is used by those looking for a natural alternative to conventional hair growth products. It is popular with customers and extremely affordable – a clever solution for a product designed for long-term use.
Nutrafol products are slightly more expensive, but they also contain a broader spectrum of medical-grade botanical ingredients, vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and antioxidants. It’s like getting a dietary supplement along with a hair growth product. With the option to take a more targeted, personalized approach, the products can be combined with an on-call doctor and a virtual meeting with a dermatologist.
What is more important to you? Clinical evidence and low prices or a whole-body health approach and a dermatologist’s recommendation? The decision is up to you.
