A HARVARD dermatologist has revealed the hair growth solutions she recommends over vitamins like biotin or over-the-counter products like Rogaine.
She offered up alternatives over more well-known name-brand beauty products.
Dr. Abby shared her preferred supplements and tips for hair lossCredit: tiktok/drabby6
Dr. Abby (@drabby6) shared the hair growth shopping recommendations on TikTok.
Patients with female pattern baldness should avoid biotin supplements, she said, because they are “not too effective” for hair loss.”
She also warned that they could make thyroid tests look abnormal.
Instead, she prefers $40 Viviscal tablets, which she said are backed by science.
The doctor explained that she tends to reach for a “researched hair vitamin” like Nutrafol or Viviscal.
For women with large bald spots, she advised them to ditch women’s Rogaine.
Instead, Dr. Abby recommended Minoxidil Topical Solution, Extra Strength for Men, $38.
The expert urged viewers to pick up the stronger version with 5% Minoxidil instead of the 2% contained in Women’s Rogaine.
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For those with Telogen Effluvium, or excessive hair shedding due to metabolic stress, hormonal changes, or medication, no medication is needed.
Rather than treating the hair loss with supplements or prescription medicine, she believes the best cure is a balanced diet with sufficient protein.
She showcased lean chicken, beef, salmon, berries, and leafy greens as the best options.
The doctor also suggested women find ways to dial back their stress levels.
Dr. Abby explained that for those losing hair due to stress, once enough protein is in their system, the symptoms will resolve themselves.
“It takes a while to resolve. It usually will eventually resolve. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, zinc, and iron,” she wrote.
Tips for using rosemary oil
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- Use with a carrier oil such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil.
- Massage into the scalp to help increase blood flow.
- Use two to three times per week.
- Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, $9.99, Amazon
- Botanic Hearth 100% Pure Rosemary Oil, $14.99, Amazon
- Nature Spell Rosemary Oil for Hair & Skin, $13.49 $9.99, Amazon
- Maple Holistics Pure Rosemary Essential Oil for Aromatherapy, $12.95, Amazon
- Handcraft Blends Castor Oil with Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth, $9.99, Amazon
High protein diets help protect the hair by coating strands with keratin, strengthening hair bonds and molecules.
For thinning hair, it can help to make strands heavier.
The amino acids present in protein can also help repair broken bonds and restore health to damaged locks.
Women who’ve tried her recommendations out for themselves raved about the results they’ve seen.
“Viviscal Pro has helped with my shedding and breakage,” wrote one.
“I use the Viviscal scalp scrub. It works,” said another.
![I'm a Harvard dermatologist - don't bother with biotin or women's Rogaine for hair loss, use my solutions for growth 1 Instead of biotin, she recommended Viviscal supplements for hair growth](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/61Y5dkFFAWL._AC_SY879_.jpg)
Instead of biotin, she recommended Viviscal supplements for hair growthCredit: Amazon