Protocol · Dermatological/Cosmetic Health
Hair Loss (Alopecia) Support Protocol
Biotin and Iron are the core of this stack, with 4 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Hair Loss (Alopecia) Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · none graded yet · 2 confirmed studies
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Biotin | Amount listed: 2.5–5 mg daily | Essential B vitamin for keratin production; deficiency causes hair loss | Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Biotin (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Iron | Amount listed: If deficient: 65–200 mg elemental iron daily until replete | Deficiency is common cause of hair loss, especially in women; only supplement if deficient | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Supports hair follicle health; deficiency linked to hair loss | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily | Plays role in hair follicle cycling; deficiency associated with alopecia | Not graded yet | ||
| Marine Collagen/Protein | Amount listed: 5–10 g daily | Provides amino acids for hair keratin; supports hair structure | Not graded yet | ||
| Saw Palmetto | Amount listed: 320 mg standardized extract daily | May inhibit 5-alpha reductase; potentially helpful for androgenetic alopecia
| Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Saw Palmetto (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
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Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Hair loss (alopecia) can have many causes, from genetics to nutritional deficiencies to medical conditions. Understanding the type is important for treatment.
COMMON TYPES:
- Androgenetic alopecia: Most common; male/female pattern baldness; genetic + hormonal
- Telogen effluvium: Diffuse shedding after stress, illness, pregnancy, diet
- Alopecia areata: Autoimmune; patchy hair loss
- Nutritional deficiency: Iron, zinc, biotin, protein deficiency
- Thyroid disorders: Both hypo and hyperthyroidism
- Medication-induced: Various drugs can cause hair loss
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
- Sudden or patchy hair loss
- Hair loss with scalp symptoms (itching, scaling)
- Hair loss after starting medication
- Associated symptoms (fatigue, weight changes)
- Scarring hair loss
MEDICAL TREATMENTS:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): FDA-approved; topical; works for various types
- Finasteride (men): Prescription; blocks DHT
- Spironolactone (women): For hormonal hair loss
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Injections; growing evidence
- Hair transplant: For stable androgenetic alopecia
NUTRITIONAL FACTORS:
- Test for iron, ferritin, zinc, vitamin D, thyroid
- Adequate protein intake essential
- Crash diets can trigger telogen effluvium
Biotin* supports keratin production.
Check and correct deficiencies* in iron, zinc, vitamin D.
Saw palmetto* may help androgenetic alopecia.
Expected timeline: Telogen effluvium resolves in 6-12 months. Nutritional supplementation takes 3-6 months to see improvement. Hair grows ~1 cm/month.