Hair Loss (Alopecia) Support Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceEssential B vitamin for keratin production; deficiency causes hair loss
Supporting Studies (1)
Deficiency is common cause of hair loss, especially in women; only supplement if deficient
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsSupports hair follicle health; deficiency linked to hair loss
Supporting Studies (1)
Plays role in hair follicle cycling; deficiency associated with alopecia
Supporting Studies (1)
Provides amino acids for hair keratin; supports hair structure
Supporting Studies (1)
May inhibit 5-alpha reductase; potentially helpful for androgenetic alopecia
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Hair loss (alopecia) can have many causes, from genetics to nutritional deficiencies to medical conditions. Understanding the type is important for treatment.
COMMON TYPES:
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
MEDICAL TREATMENTS:
NUTRITIONAL FACTORS:
* 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.
Clinical Perspective
Hair Loss: Most common is androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Telogen effluvium from physiologic stress. Workup: pull test, scalp exam, labs (TSH, ferritin, zinc, vitamin D, CBC, ANA if suspected autoimmune). Biopsy if diagnosis unclear.
Treatment: AGA - minoxidil (both sexes), finasteride (men), spironolactone (women), PRP. Telogen effluvium - address trigger, patience. Nutritional - correct deficiencies (ferritin target >70 for hair). Supplements: biotin if deficient; zinc, iron only if deficient; saw palmetto modest evidence for AGA. Most important: identify and treat underlying cause.
* Biotin (B-grade): Keratin support. Systematic review: (PMID: 28879195). 2.5-5mg daily.
* Iron (B-grade): If deficient. Systematic review: (PMID: 28252380). Target ferritin >70.
* Zinc (B-grade): Hair follicle support. Review: (PMID: 26845419). 15-30mg daily.
* Vitamin D (C-grade): Follicle cycling. Review: (PMID: 28750270). 2000-4000 IU daily.
* Collagen (C-grade): Amino acids. Review: (PMID: 30681787). 5-10g daily.
* Saw Palmetto (C-grade): 5AR inhibition. Review: (PMID: 23298508). 320mg daily.
Assessment targets: Hair density, shedding rate, ferritin, zinc, vitamin D, thyroid function.
Protocol notes: Minoxidil: 5% for men, 2-5% for women; takes 4-6 months; shedding initially normal. Finasteride: men only; 1mg daily; check PSA if prostate screening. Ferritin: aim >70 ng/mL for optimal hair (higher than deficiency cutoff). Biotin: high doses interfere with lab tests (thyroid, cardiac). Telogen effluvium: self-limited but supplement optimization helps recovery. Alopecia areata: intralesional steroids, topical immunotherapy, JAK inhibitors emerging. Scarring alopecia: needs dermatology referral; treatment differs. Diet: adequate protein (0.8-1g/kg); avoid crash diets. PRP: monthly x 3, then maintenance; modest evidence.