Hair Thinning, Hair Shedding & Supplements: A Pharmacist's Guide

By Lauren O'Reilly, Pharmacist 

If you've noticed more hair in your brush, a wider parting or that your ponytail doesn't feel quite as thick as it used to, you're not alone. Hair shedding and thinning are common concerns for women, particularly during midlife and around perimenopause. 

But before reaching for any product, it is worth asking a more important question: why is your hair changing in the first place? 

Hair loss can have many causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, illness, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Female pattern hair loss is also common and often becomes more noticeable in midlife, but the reason for hair loss shouldn’t be assumed, and should be investigated medically.  

This is why I don't think there is one "best" hair supplement for everyone. The right approach depends on what's causing the change. 

Hair thinning and supplements at a glance 

This is why I prefer to look at the whole picture rather than automatically recommending a high-dose hair, skin and nails supplement. 

Biotin  

‘Should I take Biotin?’ is probably one of the biggest questions I get about hair supplements. 

Biotin is essential for the body, and severe biotin deficiency can cause thinning hair and hair loss. However, biotin deficiency is rare, and there is little evidence that taking high-dose biotin improves hair growth in people who aren't deficient. 

So while you'll see biotin included in many "hair, skin and nails" supplements, more isn't necessarily better. 

There's another reason I'm cautious about high-dose biotin: it can interfere with certain blood tests and potentially produce misleading results. 

If you're taking a high-dose biotin supplement, or indeed any supplement, tell your healthcare professional well in advance of having blood tests if you can, as they may sometimes wish for you to stop taking them in order to yield accurate results, and it is always best for them to be aware of this also. 

My honest take on hair supplements and whether they work is that: sometimes they are helpful, depending on why you're losing hair - but they're not a guaranteed hair-growth solution. 

If you have a nutritional deficiency, correcting it can be important for healthy hair growth, but you would first need to know what you are deficient in. If your hair loss is caused by genetics, hormonal changes or another medical condition, a general hair supplement may not address the underlying problem. 

This is why I always recommend looking at the ingredients and doses, and getting personalised advice before buying a product for hair loss. 

Perimenopause, Hair Thinning and Hair Loss 

Perimenopause is an important part of this conversation. 

Hormonal changes around menopause can contribute to changes in hair, while female pattern hair loss is also common in midlife. Female pattern hair loss often starts with a widening part or gradual thinning over the top of the scalp. 

But hair loss can also be a sign that something else is out of balance. 

If you're experiencing noticeable hair loss, your GP may consider your symptoms and medical history and decide whether blood tests are appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, these may be used to investigate things such as iron deficiency or thyroid problems. 

So if you're experiencing hair thinning during perimenopause, I wouldn't automatically reach for a supplement. I'd first work out what type of hair loss you're experiencing and whether there is an underlying cause that needs addressing. 

Hair doesn't change overnight. 

Even when you've identified and corrected a nutritional deficiency, it can take time before you notice a difference because hair grows in cycles. 

I'd be wary of any supplement promising dramatic new hair growth within a few weeks. 

If you're taking a supplement because you've identified a deficiency, give your body time to respond and focus on addressing the underlying cause rather than continually adding more products. 

Looking after your scalp and existing hair 

Supplements aren't the only part of the picture. 

If your hair is feeling finer or your scalp is uncomfortable, gentle scalp and haircare can help you look after the hair you have and improve how it looks and feels. 

For scalp health, Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Scalp Rebalance Dandruff Gentle Exfoliating Scrub is one option to consider if buildup or scalp flaking is an issue. 

For thinning or fine-looking hair, Nioxin and their ‘Systems’ range is another option I would consider if you're looking for a haircare range designed specifically around the appearance and feel of thinning hair. Systems 1 & 2 are for natural / untreated hair whereas Systems 3 and 4 are for hair that has been coloured / treated or damaged. 

And if you're experiencing more significant hair loss, products such as Kérastase Genesis Serum or the Vichy Dercos hair-loss range may be options to discuss with a pharmacist or one of our Skincare or Haircare Experts. 

These products can support the scalp, hair fibre or appearance of the hair, but they shouldn't replace investigating the cause of new or significant hair loss. 

Hair loss can sometimes be a sign that something needs investigating, so if you're concerned about a noticeable or persistent change, speak to your GP. 

It's particularly worth getting checked if the hair loss is sudden, significant or persistent, or if you have other symptoms such as significant tiredness, changes in weight, feeling unusually cold, changes to your periods or other symptoms that could point towards an underlying condition. Thyroid problems, for example, can cause dry hair or hair loss. 

Your GP can decide whether blood tests or further assessment are appropriate. 

And if you're already taking medication, check with your pharmacist before adding a hair supplement, particularly if it contains high doses of vitamins or minerals. 

My advice is simple: don't just treat the hair - investigate why it's changing. 

The best approach isn't necessarily the one with the most products. It's the one that addresses the underlying cause while helping you look after the hair you have.