Viviscal Review 2024: Can It Actually Help Hair Growth?

Viviscal is a product line that promises to combat hair loss or thinning hair, but does it really work? Here’s what experts and product testers have to say.

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Hair loss, thinning hair or hair breakage can be caused by a number of factors. Common culprits are major surgery or illness, extreme emotional stress or even crash diets, especially diets that lack enough protein. Excessive hair treatments and hair processing, like highlights or perms, can also take a toll on hair health, causing brittle hair or hair that easily snaps in half.

When dealing with hair loss, some people turn to hair growth supplements, but many popular hair loss treatments can cause unwanted side effects, including even more hair loss. Viviscal promises to offer hair loss solutions that use natural ingredients and evidence-based formulations to deliver a regiment that actually works.

Still, is this all marketing jargon, or is Viviscal as good as it sounds? To get to the bottom of its claims, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of Viviscal, what medical doctors have to say and what our in-house product testers experienced while using this product line. Keep reading for our in-depth Viviscal review and everything you should know before purchasing.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

What is Viviscal?

Viviscal is a hair care brand that sells hair growth treatments, grooming products and supplements, including traditional and dry shampoo, conditioner, scalp scrub and serum. Supplements and products from Viviscal are made with a variety of natural ingredients, like marine collagen, biotin, vitamin C and iron, the potential benefits of which we'll explore in this review. Other ingredients in Viviscal products include zinc, calcium and horsetail extract.

Related Post: The 12 Best Collagen Supplements for Healthy Skin, Joints and Hair in 2024

Viviscal Products

• Hair Growth Supplement
• Volumizing Dry Shampoo
• Thickening Shampoo
• Strengthening Conditioner
• Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
• Thickening Serum
• Hair Self-Care Supplement
• Scalp Nourish Supplement
• Man Advanced Hair Health

How It Works

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According to Viviscal, its hair growth supplements and products may reduce hair loss and increase thickness, strength and volume of hair. There are four stages to the hair growth cycle (anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen), and Viviscal claims its products elongate the anagen phase—or growth phase. In other words, using Viviscal products may help you shed less and help your hair stay on your head longer.

For reference, here are the four hair growth stages:

• Anagen (growth phase): As the longest phase of the hair cycle, which lasts several years, hair will grow from the follicle, which is why uncut hair gets longer with time.
• Catagen (regression phase): During this several-week phase, hair follicles begin to slow down growth because they’re no longer receiving nourishment from the bloodstream.
• Telogen (resting phase): In this phase, which can last from three months to a year, hair follicles stop growing entirely, a.k.a “resting.”
• Exogen (shedding phase): As the final stage of the cycle, this is when hair sheds or falls out, promoting the cycle to reset and once again move back into the anagen phase.

So do Viviscal hair products actually work? 92 percent of women in one study saw thicker hair in just three months while using its top-selling hair growth supplement. In this study, women with self-perceived thinning hair who used Viviscal twice daily for 90 days experienced hair growth and significantly less hair shedding. 

People in another study using Viviscal for 180 days (or six months) saw hair growth and reported improved hair shine, skin moisture retention and skin smoothness. Men using Viviscal with clinically diagnosed male pattern hair loss (i.e.,balding or receding hairlines) also saw decreased hair shedding and increased new hair growth, indicating that Viviscal does work for many people.

Viviscal Products At a Glance

Viviscal sells nine items, including a mix of hair care supplements and products. Here’s a quick glance at each item, including ingredients, customer reviews and pros and cons.

Hair Growth Supplement

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Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacin, biotin, calcium, iron, zinc, AminoMar Marine Complex, horsetail extract and millet seed extract
• Form: Tablet
• Best for: Thinning hair and postpartum hair loss
• Price: $40 ($0.67 per serving)

As Viviscal’s star product, its Hair Growth Supplement promises to tackle issues like thinning hair, postpartum hair loss or simply hair that’s lost its luster. Costing $40 for a one-month supply of twice-daily supplements, this compound includes a mix of vitamin C, biotin, iron and more to help support the hair growth cycle (keep reading for potential benefits of these ingredients).

Our product tester, Mel Kassal, tried Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement to get a feel for its purported benefits. She says the capsules are larger than your average pill, so if you have trouble swallowing pills whole, these may cause some difficulty. “I appreciated that I didn’t have to apply anything directly to my scalp,” Kassal explains. “Taking the supplements after a meal twice daily was pretty easy; the main obstacle was remembering to do it, so I set an alarm on my phone to remind me.”

Kassal also notes a “fishy” smell and taste to the capsules that she attributes to the marine-based ingredients, and after about a week of regular use, she experienced constipation. “I took the capsule for three weeks and didn't notice any big changes to my hair’s appearance or distribution,” she says (though she explains she would likely need to take it for longer to know whether or not it truly works). “I stopped taking it to return my bowels to their regular rhythm.”

According to Viviscal reviews, customers who use the Hair Growth Supplement claim that it helps eliminate patches of thinning hair. On the website, one customer noted that her crown bald spot had disappeared after about 10 months. Others echo the same hair growth benefits, and while some customers complain the supplements don’t do much for naturally fine hair (such as thickening it), many agree their hair is much healthier and fuller after using the supplement.

What we like:

• Formula reduced hair loss in multiple studies
• No topical application required, so won't interfere with hair styling
• Can be used for postpartum, aging and other needs

What to consider:

• Not vegan-friendly (contains shark)
• Tablets may have a fishy odor and taste
• Takes time to see effects

Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Viviscal

Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: Keratin and marine collagen
• Form: Spray
• Best for: Heat protection and extending blow drys
• Price: $13

Whether you want to add volume to your hair, increase time between washes or protect your hair against heat damage from styling tools, Viviscal Volumizing Dry Shampoo aims to tackle a variety of needs. This sulfate- and paraben-free spray has a "floral and beach" scent, and promises to create long-lasting body, fullness and thickness in your hair.

Costing $13 for a 3.81-ounce bottle, customers particularly like the pleasant scent of this spray. “It smells like I just left the salon,” one buyer notes on the Viviscal website. While some reviewers say it may leave residue (which is common with dry shampoos), they say it can easily be removed by brushing your hair out after spraying the product in dry hair. Other reviewers with dark hair say it left no residue at all.

What we like:

• May lengthen the time between washes
• Can remove oil, which weighs down hair
• Formulated without potentially harmful ingredients like parabens and sulfates

What to consider:

• May leave some residue on your hair

Thickening Shampoo

Viviscal

Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: Keratin, biotin, marine collagen and seaweed extract
• Form: Liquid
• Best for: Reducing breakage and cleansing the scalp
• Price: $13

Designed to be used in conjunction with Viviscal Thickening Conditioner, this thickening shampoo is infused with keratin, a key protein that has been shown to support hair strength and smoothness. This $13 shampoo is suitable for everyday use and promises to gently cleanse and stimulate the scalp to help promote fuller and stronger hair.

Many customers on the Viviscal website report stronger hair in as little as two weeks of use, while others say the cleansing properties help their hair feel “super clean.” Some customers say the sulfate-free shampoo doesn't lather well, but most call it “gentle and effective” and enjoy the pleasant smell.

What we like:

• Includes keratin for hair smoothness and strength
• Suitable for all hair types
• Can be used daily

What to consider:

• Sulfate-free shampoos may not lather as well

Strengthening Conditioner

Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: Keratin, biotin, marine collagen and seaweed extract
• Form: Liquid
• Best for: Conditioning and strengthening hair
• Price: $13

As another option to add to a hair-thickening shower routine, Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner costs $13 and includes the same key ingredients as the thickening shampoo (keratin, biotin, marine collagen and seaweed extract). It’s designed for all hair types and can be used for a variety of hair-strengthening needs, including repairing dry, damaged or color-treated hair.

Customers on the Viviscal website report their hair feels “stronger and softer” after using this conditioner. “It has a classic floral scent and is good for detangling in the shower after a wash,” one buyer notes. “It added a lot of moisture without weighing my hair down,” another customer echoes. A few customers say their hair felt greasy after washing, but most note the opposite: clean hair.

What we like:

• Can be used on damaged or color-treated hair
• Suitable for all hair types
• Customers report it helps detangle hair

What to consider:

• May weigh down fine hair, so use on your hair ends, not your scalp 

Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

Viviscal

Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: Keratin, biotin, marine collagen and seaweed extract
• Form: Scrub
• Best for: Deep cleansing and supporting a healthy scalp
• Price: $15

Another product that you can use alongside Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner or on its own is the Exfoliating Scalp Scrub, which is also formulated with keratin and marine collagen. Whether you have a flaky and itchy scalp, or you’re looking to deep-cleanse your hair and scalp to get rid of build-up from product or dirt, adding a scrub to your hair care routine is a great option.

Customers note a thick, sugar-like scrub that helps their roots and scalp feel healthier. “I can tell it gets rid of build-up because my curly hair is like ringlets after using this scrub,” a curly haired user says on the Viviscal website. While there are a handful of complaints about needing to rinse twice to fully remove the product, or keep the product stirred to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed, many customers say the Exfoliating Scalp Scrub is one of the best hair scrubs they’ve tried.

What we like:

• Designed to remove build-up on scalp 
• May reduce scalp itchiness from product buildup
• Reviewers say the smell is really pleasant

What to consider:

• Needs to be stirred frequently

Thickening Serum

Viviscal

Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: Biotin and keratin
• Form: Serum
• Best for: Styling hair and adding dimension
• Price: $15

Viviscal’s Thickening Serum can be used in a number of ways. It can be applied as a styling serum, leave-in treatment or anti-frizz product. Whatever your need may be, this lightweight serum promises to thicken hair and add dimension and density, which can be helpful for dull or thinning hair. The brand’s thickening serum can be applied to both wet and dry hair, meaning you can add a pump to damp hair just prior to blow drying.

Many customers say that the serum is lightweight and doesn't leave their hair greasy. “It’s weightless and feels completely clean on my hair,” one buyer with fine hair says, also explaining that it helps add volume. Other customers have opted to use this serum instead of traditional heat protectants and note that it works just as well. Some buyers haven’t noticed a difference, but most report benefits to both their hair styling routine and the overall thickness and strength of their hair.

What we like:

• Lightweight and coats strands individually
• Can be used on both wet and dry hair
• Doubles as anti-frizz serum

What to consider:

• Some reviewers say it dried out their hair, so test a sample strip of hair before using on your whole head

Hair Self-Care Supplement

Viviscal

Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: Collagen, keratin and amino acid blend
• Form: Capsule
• Best for: Daily hair health support
• Price per serving: $17 ($0.57 per serving)

If you have damaged hair, Viviscal’s Hair Self-Care Supplement pairs amino acids (or building blocks that your body uses to function) with key proteins like collagen and keratin in capsule form. This supplement formula developed by nutritionists is designed to deliver nutrients to hair strands.

As for what customers think of this daily hair care supplement, many agree that they notice less hair falling out when they brush their hair. “There are far fewer split ends, breakage and shedding,” one customer says. Buyers also appreciate that the capsules are gluten-free and easy to swallow. Negative reviews are minimal, with just one customer noting more shedding, and another noting no impacts at all, but the majority of reviewers report numerous benefits.

What we like:

• Only one capsule daily
• Formulated with nutrients that support hair growth
• Developed by nutritionists
• Gluten-free capsules

What to consider:

• Not vegan-friendly (includes fish collagen)

Scalp Nourish Supplement

VIviscal

Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin and hyaluronic acid
• Form: Capsule
• Best for: Healthy scalp support and fortifying hair follicles
• Price per serving: $17 ($0.57 per serving)

Viviscal’s Scalp Nourish Supplement specifically targets scalp health by delivering essential nutrients like vitamins A, C and E to both your scalp and root follicles. Viviscal says that “healthy hair starts at the root,” and that its scalp-specific supplement helps build a foundation for strong and resilient hair.

Overall, customers give the Scalp Nourish Supplement a 4.4/5-star average rating. “As someone who has struggled with a dry, flaky scalp and hair loss for years, this stuff is a game-changer,” one buyer says. “There’s no messy topical treatments or awkwardly timed applications.” Convenience is a major perk for customers, and while a buyer or two didn’t note any difference in their scalp health, most report both hair growth and less scalp irritation.

What we like:

• Supports scalp and hair root health
• Capsules are unflavored
• Budget-friendly price point

What to consider:

• If you eat a balanced diet or take a multivitamin, you may not be deficient in the included vitamins and minerals

Man Advanced Hair Health Supplement

VIviscal

Key features and specs:

• Key ingredients: AminoMar Marine Complex, zinc, vitamin C and flaxseed
• Form: Tablet
• Best for: Thinning hair or male pattern baldness
• Price per serving: $40 ($0.67 per serving)

Male pattern baldness, or hair loss specific to men, is typically related to genetics and hormones. Rogaine, or minoxidil, is a go-to treatment for thinning hair, but can come with unwanted side effects like headaches and skin rashes. For a drug-free alternative, Viviscal’s Man Hair Growth Supplement is formulated with more natural ingredients like zinc, vitamin C and the brand’s trademark AminoMar complex to help combat hair loss or thinning hair.

Customers report hair thickening and slower rates of hair thinning after a few months of regular use. Still, buyers caution that the supplement won’t actually grow hair in existing bald spots, but can improve the quality of hair that is already there. “My hair is thicker, fuller and feels stronger,” one customer says on the Viviscal website. 

What we like:

• Drug-free alternative to traditional treatments
• May improve hair strength and thickness
• Eliminates risk of side effects associated with topical hair loss products

What to consider:

• Formulated to reduce hair loss, but not regrow lost hair

Quality of Ingredients

Viviscal products are made with a variety of active ingredients that the brand claims reduce hair loss. Here’s a breakdown of some of the main Viviscal ingredients and what research has to say about their effectiveness for reducing hair loss, strengthening hair or boosting shine.

AminoMar marine complex

AminoMar is Viviscal’s trademark complex that includes a proprietary compound of marine extracts. These extracts also contain collagen, a naturally occurring protein that has long been studied for its purported hair, skin and nails benefits. AminoMar is derived from shark cartilage and mollusk powder, so if you have a shellfish or seafood allergy, you may want to steer clear of Viviscal products. Alternatively, if Viviscal isn’t for you, you can also consider fish oil or omega-3 supplements, both of which may be able to improve hair density or thickness.

Biotin

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a popular ingredient often used for boosting the strength of hair and nails. Ironically, there’s little clinical evidence showing biotin actually improves hair health, even though it continues to be widely marketed as a hair growth supplement and ingredient.

“The reality is that biotin deficiency is not a common cause of hair loss,” explains dermatologist Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD. In fact, Ilyas says that “biotin has absolutely no benefit to hair growth clinically unless someone has a true biotin deficiency, which is extremely rare in the U.S.” Therefore, biotin claims for hair health should always be taken with caution.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant long associated with immune health, but it’s also used in some hair growth supplements, including Viviscal products. While vitamin C deficiencies have been linked to body hair abnormalities, there’s minimal evidence surrounding vitamin C’s benefits on alleviating hair loss. 

Iron

Numerous studies point to a relationship between iron deficiency and patterned hair loss, which includes medical conditions like alopecia areata. Since iron is critical to the hair growth cycle and natural processes that occur in hair follicles, it’s thought that having low iron could disrupt this cycle, leading to hair thinning or hair loss. Increasing one’s iron intake by taking Viviscal supplements may help balance iron levels (and growth cycles) for individuals with an imbalance.

Niacin

Niacin is a B vitamin found in food and sold as supplements. It’s mainly known for being used by the body as a source of energy, but niacin may have surprising hair benefits as well. Emerging data shows that topical niacin may increase hair fullness, especially when used for treatment of female pattern alopecia. Other studies have found that niacin may enhance hair growth, making it potentially effective for alleviating both hair thinness and hair loss.

Zinc

You’ve probably heard of zinc for its immune-supporting benefits, but zinc supports hair health as well. Zinc is a critical compound in supporting DNA function and repair mechanisms that help maintain normal hair growth. Additionally, severe zinc deficiencies can contribute to hair thinning or shedding, so supplementing can ensure you get enough if your diet is low on zinc.

Calcium

While the relationship between calcium and hair health isn’t entirely clear, there have been several studies in recent years that investigated the association of calcium levels with alopecia areata. Data is still inconclusive, so whether or not calcium contributes to hair growth remains up in the air, as does its effectiveness in Viviscal products.

Who Viviscal Is Best For

Viviscal may be a good fit for people with a variety of hair health concerns. As a company that promises its products work for all hair types (meaning straight, curly and anything in-between), Viviscal may be worth trying for both men and women experiencing hair loss, hair breakage or reduced hair strength. Clinical studies also back up the benefits of Viviscal on hair shine, so if you have dull hair, Viviscal might be worth considering. Women with postpartum hair loss, which can cause excessive hair shedding after giving birth, could benefit from trying Viviscal as well.

Kassal also says that Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement in particular can be a great alternative for people who have “tried topical methods for addressing thinning hair and found them dissatisfying, or people who have tried more 'standard’ biotin supplements and want to see how a different product performs.”

Side Effects

Viviscal doesn’t note any side effects on its brand website, and clinical trials also don’t make mention of side effects. However, it’s always possible to experience skin irritation from hair care products or nausea and upset stomach from dietary supplements. Taking supplements with food may help reduce the risk of potential Viviscal side effects, but if you experience any unpleasant symptoms after using Viviscal hair care products or Viviscal vitamins, it’s a good idea to stop using the products and speak to a dermatologist or other healthcare provider.

You might also want to steer clear of Viviscal if you have a shellfish allergy, since Viviscal products are made with the marine complex AminoMar, which comes from shark cartilage and mollusk powder. Ilyas also says that horsetail extract, which is included in some Viviscal products, can be dangerous for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding and who have potassium deficiencies or heart problems. If you fall into those categories, be sure to check Viviscal labels carefully.

What Doctors Are Saying About Viviscal

Double board-certified internal medicine physician Praveen Guntipalli, MD, says Viviscal is fortified with numerous proven hair health-promoting ingredients, but it typically works as a solution for temporary hair thinning only. “It’s not a one-stop solution for hair loss due to medical conditions,” he explains. “It’s tailored for those looking to boost their hair volume and density, not as a replacement for medical treatments for conditions like male pattern baldness or hormonal imbalances in women.”

According to Guntipalli’s advice, Viviscal could be helpful for hair thinning or hair loss influenced by temporary situations—such as stress, pregnancy or hair damage from salon services—but may not be as effective for hair health issues influenced by illness or medical conditions. Plus, since Viviscal isn’t FDA-approved, dietary supplements should always be taken with caution.

About Viviscal

Viviscal was founded in 1990 and currently operates under the parent company Church & Dwight, which bought the brand in 2017 from original founder James Murphy. Viviscal is manufactured in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) approved facility in Europe and is sold in dozens of countries worldwide, including the U.S. Viviscal is known for offering drug-free hair growth supplements that use natural ingredients to combat hair loss and thinning.

Viviscal vs. Nutrafol

Nutrafol is another popular hair growth company that relies on natural ingredients to help boost hair health. Similar to Viviscal, Nutrafol offers both hair growth supplements and hair care products. However, one area where Nutrafol takes the edge is its targeted supplements, which are broken down into root causes of hair thinning such as postpartum or aging.

While you may be able to buy more targeted products with Nutrafol, the brand is significantly more expensive, with some products double the price of Viviscal. For example, a women’s hair growth supplement costs $88 per month with Nutrafol and $40 per month with Viviscal. If budget isn’t an issue, you may want to consider Nutrafol, otherwise Viviscal is more affordable.

Viviscal FAQs

Is Viviscal for men and women?

Viviscal is designed for both men and women, with one product (Man Hair Growth Supplement) created for men in particular who are experiencing hair loss.

How long does it take to see results with Viviscal?

Viviscal promises that “most users” can start to see an improvement after three-to-four months of using its products, since it’s designed to work in four stages over a six-month period.

Does Viviscal cause unwanted hair growth in places other than the head?

While anything is possible while using a hair growth supplement, Viviscal claims that “unwanted or unexpected hair growth patterns,” such as on other body parts, haven’t been reported.

What happens when you stop taking Viviscal?

Viviscal recommends monitoring your hair growth patterns after the initial six-month period by taking one supplement a day for two-to-three months. This can help you gauge if hair quality remains consistent, or starts shedding again, which can help you decide if you want to continue taking Viviscal or stop using the supplements altogether.

Takeaway: Is Viviscal Worth It?

Viviscal makes some big claims about its ability to nourish thinning hair, but they’re not all talk. Several clinical studies back up the hair growth and strengthening benefits of Viviscal, and thousands of positive reviews from customers say the products work exactly as promised. If you struggle with thinning or damaged hair, Viviscal may be worth trying, but it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.