Which (probably) overpriced over-hyped supplement should I buy to help my thinning hair grow?

[ForeverTipsy]

Please help me choose?! I've always had fine hair, not much of it. But I'm 43 now, entering peri menopause I think, and looking to try either a collagen supplement like Ancient + Brave:

https://ancientandbrave.earth/products/true-collagen-powder?variant=16401984028706

Or a dedicated hair loss support supplement with biotin, like Feel:

https://wearefeel.com/products/hair-support?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0bEEgNbyLTj2XIs4I4nXg5PwsOFXcJ0KVNCPhCmknu_pi2Pv5m-DUQNpQ_aem_zOcZcRC114MRORzBvXUrpA

Has anyone tried either for hair growth and strength?

Just to add, I am following a healthy diet and exercise regularly, do all the right things, hardly drink alcohol any more etc. I also take iron, B12, Vit C, Vit D and Magnesium every day, and have the Rheal Balance Tonic I take most days (which all help with the tiredness, low mood, mood swings etc). I'm also cutting right back on using heat and hair clips in my hair to try and look after what I have left.

Thank you!

Hrt.

I've read and heard good things about rosemary oil too. How long do you leave it in for? I know I'll then need to put shampoo straight onto my head before water, otherwise I'll end up with oily, greasy hair.

I had my bloods checked for peri last year and my FSH levels were considered normal, so GP said NFA. My periods are still regular, too (albeit changing in terms of length/flow each month. Never know what I'm going to get).

@MadMadamMum this one? I'm torn now whether to try this or rosemary oil as a topical solution...

https://www.boots.com/the-ordinary-multi-peptide-serum-for-hair-density-10286193?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--PLAs_HeroCompare---_-pmax_skincare__gg_shopping__hc-skincare___pmedia&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9eO3BhBNEiwAoc0-jX2eIScFrDOyi9VZEj1Dq9fAlFmpOAwMhVfgBvrdRJHmhGm-enQqqBoCWdIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

@thejadestoneandthedragon ooh yes! A silk pillowcase is a brilliant suggestion - thank you! I used to have one, goodness knows where it is now. I was looking to get a couple recently but fell down a rabbit hole where some were around £100 and ended up not buying one at all ! Could you recommend one please? I am thinking of these from Dunelm as have bedding from the Dorma range and like it -

https://www.dunelm.com/product/dorma-silver-silk-pillowcase-1000161522?defaultSkuId=30679388&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bedding_Pillowcases-PMax_%5BGOO-PLA-BEDDING-PILLOWCASES%5D&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9eO3BhBNEiwAoc0-jc8tvL4XOVIRaqR9sOZWHaT7gtkz71YdGzjcRgkCeBmBgc9rhluNuxoCTzIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

@ReferMeNot what do you cover your hair with at night please? Sounds like you've been trying lots of things and are finally seeing results - I'm so pleased for you.

I’m not sure. It doesn’t contain minoxidil though so I don’t know if you have to stick with it to continue to maintain regrowth like regaine and similar products.

I bought the nyoxin kit before trying regaine - opened it and sent it straight back, I hate the smell of mint and I could literally smell it before opening the bottle - it’s pretty potent

I use:

-Regaine/minoxydil: I get that from Boots
-multivitamins and minerals daily supplements
-Biotin hair complex from Holland and Barrett
-regular homemade hair mask with things like rosemary essential oil, castor oil or coconut oil
-gentle herbal shampoo & conditioners from H&B

I am also on HRT and I keep my hair short-ish.

I have always had fine, thin hair but with the above routine it has definitely improved in the past 2 years :) and I really like my haircut!

@NippyCrab thank you for this. Do you mind sharing which rosemary oil please? Do you just massage it in and leave for five minutes before washing off? Or leave it overnight?

Sorry the biotin injections were painful and all for nothing 😢 Glad the oestrogen levels being up are finally helping you!

Yes keep it up - happy it is working for you and it only works out at around £10.00 per month so definitely worth it.

Perfectil for hair, skin and nails has worked beautifully for me. It has all the ingredients you need.

OMG! yes! Mine came out in clumps after a bad case of covid, probably lost half my hair volume.
Then with being in peri it never really came back.😭

I think a good haircut really helps. Something that can make you look like you have more volume.
I keep mine above shoulder length as I know beyond that it really starts to thin out and look abit 'rat taily'.

I have been contemplating a silk pillow case for years. I’m going to get my Husband to buy me one for Christmas yay 🥳

I’ve been using UK lash on my eyelashes which has been insane. It basically stops them falling out so they just keep growing. At one point I considered cutting them they looked so long. They’ve just started doing a hair option. I’ve not used it but I’ve been so impressed with the eyelash one that I think it’s worth a go.

Ooh @Phonicshaskilledmeoff I've very nearly bought that a couple of times...I'm an Elizabeth Day fan and she's always plugging them on How to Fail! My Christmas wishlist is certainly growing now thanks to this thread 😉

Yes to Dunelm! That would be my go to! Much more reasonably priced. I've also bought from M&S, John Lewis, Next and even Amazon do a good selection too! 😊

No supplement recommendations but hair extensions have been a godsend for me. I have them for thickness instead of length.

I tried so many different supplements, shampoos, masks, serums etc. Nothing worked. I ended up consulting a dermatologist and getting a tablet with minoxidil and spironolactone which has worked. I also use hair fibres to give the illusion of thicker hair.

Nioxin serum. It will last you ages. You could also try their other products. Google to get best prices.

www.amazon.co.uk/Nioxin-Sandalore-Anti-Treatment-Serum/dp/B08ZTM65Q6

Ooh what hair fibre product is this please. I’ve wondered about oral minoxidil instead of topical, how much does it cost if you don’t mind me asking?

It's this one, Meille, it's easier with the dropper and I run the dropper with oil all over my scalp and massage in. You can run it over the length of your hair too but it takes 2 to 3 washes to come out. You can leave it in overnight but definitely cover your hair up. I don't leave it overnight. My hair was like yours, thin and transparent at the sides when i put it up. I was paranoid. I have fine hair but a lot of it and it just seemed to go thin quickly. The Biotin injections are meant to be fab but they go into the muscle same as the B12 and I'm a wimp. Xx

Apologies I forgot the pic x

I add it to my shampoo and leave on for a few minutes, and also use it on scalp before bed if I'm hair washing in the morning

Thank you so much to everyone for your contributions to this thread.

I decided to start with the cheapest option, and have just bought these high strengths biotin tablets from Amazon

Deal: Zipvit Biotin Hair Growth Supplement 10000mcg, 180 Vegan Tablets (6 Months Supply). High Strength Biotin for Hair and Skin. Supports Hair Growth & Skin Health. Vegan Hair Vitamins for Women & Men https://amzn.eu/d/2R7vmDm

I will take them for three months then reevaluate. Thinking of asking for some Regaine mousse or serum for Christmas, along with a silk pillowcase. I found some old L'Occitane hair repair oil in the cupboard so will massage that into my scalp at bedtime the night before washing my hair from now on (if nothing else, it's nice to have a little head massage!). Like the look of the Nioxin range but it's so expensive!

Anyone else planning on trying something from this thread and fancy sticking around to update/support each other?