According to several surveys found on the internet, if you take supplements you’re in the same group as more than half of the adults in America. One of those surveys lists the top five most popular supplements to be fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and CoQ10, in that order. I admit that I fall in the average group, as a multivitamin and flaxseed oil capsules (for omega-3s because I can’t eat seafood) have been part of my daily routine for years. Whether hope or hype, there are supplements available for practically everything you can think of, from weight loss to boosting memory.

For the past three months I’ve added a supplement called Follicle Fuel ($50 in the shop) to my daily routine. My hair normally grows fairly fast and I usually get a haircut about every four weeks, so I began this trial with a fresh haircut to help determine the product effectiveness. Although I have always had a rather thick head of hair, I have been noticing the crown area is not as lush and I’m seeing the beginning of the typical receding at the frontal hairline, so these are my areas of concern. From all that I have read, it seems to be general consensus that it is normal for individuals to shed an average of from 75 to 100 strands of hair each day. Prior to using this product I haven’t noticed any abnormal hair shedding on my brush, in the shower or on my pillow. (I am also not taking any medications that could cause hair loss.)

There are many factors that can affect hair loss, such as genetics, stress, illnesses, certain medications and a natural body chemical known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This chemical seems to signal the hair follicles to stop producing hair. According to the website for Follicle Fuel, it is supposed to help address the issue of DHT through Beta Sistosterol, a plant-derived phytosterol. (Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are cholesterol-like molecules found in plants, such as whole grains, fruits, legumes, and vegetables.) However, the main ingredient listed is Biotin, which when researched on the web has as many articles doubting its efficacy as there are touting it.

My experience with Follicle Fuel has spanned three months, taking the product as directed, three capsules daily. Closely checking the areas of concern weekly, I didn’t see any changes during the first month in the rate of growth or thickness during this time, and no change noted in the amount of hair shedding. However, the website does state that that “Follicle Fuel should be taken for a minimum of three months to see results.” During the second month I did experience a couple of changes. Although I didn’t shed excessively before beginning use, I saw the shedding decrease by at least one third. Also, my hair grew out a bit faster as I could see I now needed a haircut closer to three weeks than four. (I also noted my nails grew out faster, needing to trim them more often than before use of the product – likely thanks to the Biotin.) These same results continued through the third month; however I can’t say that I can see any new growth in the crown or hairline areas. That said, I still think for me this is a successful product with the reduction of shedding, and think it would be worth trying for anyone with concerns about their hair.

Ingredients: Biotin 2,000 mcg, Iodine (from kelp) 150 mcg, Zinc (as zinc gluconate) 5 mg; Follicle Fuel Proprietary Blend 1705 mg: Eclipta Extract 4:1 (Eclipta prostrata) (whole plant), Beta Sitosterol (from Non-GMO vegetable oils), MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Glossy Privet Extract 4:1 (Ligustrum lucidum) (fruit), Bamboo Extract (Bambusa vulgaris) (stems) [Standardized for 70% Organic Silica], Amla Fresh Fruit 25:1 Water Extract (Emblica officinalis) [Standardized for 35% Hydrolysable Gallo Ellagic Tannins], Hyaluronic Acid (natural sodium hyaluronate from fermentation), Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis) (dried leaves) [Standardized for 95% Polyphenols 45% EGCG]; Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient (Piper nigrum) (fruit) [Standardized for 95% Piperine (4.75 mg)]; Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose (capsule), rice flour and vegetable magnesium stearate