Hair Growth and Thickness for Men and Women: What Actually Helps

While no single routine or supplement can guarantee thicker hair, understanding these factors can help men and women make informed choices about supporting their hair health.

Supporting healthy hair growth begins with the fundamentals: a varied diet, sufficient intake of essential nutrients and gentle, consistent haircare.

Some people may also consider a supplement formulated to support hair health, growth, strength or thickness. However, benefits depend on the particular ingredients, the product’s listed indications and individual circumstances.

Look for realistic claims, follow the directions on the label and remember that a supplement should complement, rather than replace, balanced nutrition.

Scalp hair coverage describes how much of the scalp is covered by visible hair and can be influenced by the number, thickness and distribution of hair strands. Coverage may change gradually with age and can also be affected by individual health, nutritional and lifestyle factors.

Because coverage and hair texture vary naturally between people, it is more useful to consider changes in your own hair over time than to compare it with someone else’s.

Speak with a healthcare professional if you notice a sudden, significant or concerning change to your scalp hair.

Hair strength refers to how well individual strands resist breakage during everyday activities such as brushing, styling and washing.

Gentle handling, avoiding excessive heat and chemical processing, and using haircare suited to your hair type can help minimise unnecessary stress on the strands.

Nutrition also forms part of the broader picture, as hair supplements may contain nutrients selected to support hair structure, strength or follicle health.

A varied diet containing sufficient protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids helps support general health, including hair health. Sleep, stress management, hydration and gentle scalp and haircare can also form part of a balanced routine, although no single lifestyle change can promise a particular hair-growth result.

If you are considering a supplement, check whether its ingredients overlap with a multivitamin or another beauty product and speak with a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your nutritional requirements.

Vi-Spo™ is a standardised extract of Serenoa repens, commonly known as saw palmetto, used in selected Nature’s Way hair products.

It was investigated in a 16-week, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study involving 80 male and female adults aged 18 to 50. The trial evaluated specific oral and topical Vi-Spo™ formulations and measured factors including hair count, density, thickness and scalp appearance.

The study reported improvements in hair density and reduced hair fall with the tested formulations, although its results should not be generalised to every saw palmetto ingredient, dose or product.

Supporting hair growth, thickness and coverage involves a number of factors. Balanced nutrition, gentle haircare and healthy lifestyle habits can all form part of a consistent routine, while an appropriately formulated supplement may provide additional support depending on its ingredients and listed indications.

Individual experiences vary, so look for transparent labelling, follow the directions for use and seek professional advice if you notice sudden or significant changes to your scalp hair.

What helps hair grow thicker?

No single approach can guarantee thicker hair. A varied diet, sufficient nutrient intake, gentle haircare and avoiding unnecessary damage can help support overall hair health. Some supplements are formulated to support hair growth, thickness or strength, but their potential benefits depend on their ingredients, listed indications and individual suitability.

What is scalp hair coverage, and why does it matter?

Scalp hair coverage refers to how much of the scalp is covered by visible hair. It can be influenced by the number, thickness and distribution of hair strands, so changes in any of these factors may affect how full the hair appears. Coverage differs naturally between individuals and should not be treated as the only measure of hair health.

What supports hair strength?

Hair strength can be supported through gentle handling, appropriate haircare and limiting excessive heat, tension or chemical processing. Balanced nutrition also contributes to general hair health. Some supplements contain ingredients with listed indications for supporting hair structure or strength, but the exact benefits differ between products.

Is hair growth support different for men and women?

The foundations of hair health, including balanced nutrition and gentle haircare, are relevant to people of all genders. However, age, life stage, health, medicines, nutritional intake and the nature of the changes can differ between individuals.

What is Vi-Spo™?

Vi-Spo™ is a clinically trialled extract of Serenoa repens, also known as saw palmetto, used in selected Nature’s Way hair products. In Nature’s Way Hair Growth & Thickness for Men, clinically trialled Vi-Spo™ is used to promote hair growth and support scalp hair coverage, hair strength and thickness. Individual results may vary, and the product should be taken according to its label directions.

Nature’s Way Hair Growth Clinical Strength also contains clinically trialled Vi-Spo™ and is formulated to support hair health, growth, strength and thickness. Product formulations, indications and warnings differ, so always refer to the individual label.

How long does it typically take to notice a difference in hair growth or coverage?

There is no single timeframe that applies to everyone, and results cannot be guaranteed. In the Vi-Spo™ clinical trial, outcomes were assessed over 16 weeks, while selected Nature’s Way product claims refer to improvements in hair strength after eight weeks and scalp hair coverage, growth or thickness after 16 weeks. These timeframes relate to clinically trialled Vi-Spo™ and the claims approved for the relevant products, rather than hair supplements generally.

Are there lifestyle factors that support hair growth?

A balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management and gentle hair and scalp care can all contribute to a supportive routine for healthy hair. Avoiding excessive heat, tight styling and harsh chemical treatments may also help minimise unnecessary stress and breakage. These measures support general hair health but cannot guarantee a particular change in growth, thickness or coverage.

Is Nature’s Way Hair Growth & Thickness suitable for everyone?

No supplement is suitable for everyone. Check the individual product label for its age directions, ingredients, dose, warnings and suitability before use. Nature’s Way Hair Growth Clinical Strength should not be used if pregnant, breastfeeding or likely to become pregnant, and its product information advises speaking with a health professional if symptoms persist.