Hair La Vie Vs Nutrafol: Which Is Better For Hair Growth?

Medically reviewedby Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.
WrittenbyLuat Duong
Last updated

In the bustling world of hair growth supplements, two names consistently stand out: Hair La Vie and Nutrafol. Both have carved a niche for themselves, promising luscious locks and rejuvenated roots. But when it comes to choosing between the two, which reigns supreme? 

In this comprehensive comparison, we delve deep into their ingredients, efficacy, user experiences, and more to determine which one truly holds the key to your hair's potential. 

Whether you're battling hair loss or simply seeking a boost in volume and shine, let's find out which product might be your hair's new best friend.

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What is Hair La Vie?

hair la vie vs nutrafol

Hair La Vie is a brand established in 2014, offering a range of products designed primarily for women to combat hormonal, postpartum, age-related hair loss, and promote healthier, thicker hair. 

Their offerings, which include shampoos, conditioners, serums, vitamins, and a powdered elixir, are vegan, cruelty-free, and contain only natural ingredients known to support hair growth.

How does Hair La Vie work?

Hair La Vie uses natural ingredients to promote longer, thicker, and fuller hair growth. By boosting hair follicle strength, keratin protein production, and maintaining scalp health, it taps into nutrition and immunity to support hair health.

 Key ingredients like kelp, saw palmetto, bamboo stem, and collagen play significant roles in this process. Here is an elaboration of how it works and the ingredients: 

  • Kelp: Rich in vitamins and minerals, it nourishes the hair follicles, promoting growth.
  • Borage flower: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it aids in reducing scalp irritation.
  • Saw palmetto: Clinically evidenced to support hair growth, especially in reducing hair thinning.
  • Bamboo stem & horsetail: Both are high in silica, which strengthens hair and adds shine.
  • Collagen: An essential protein that provides hair with its structure, leading to healthier and thicker strands.
  • Holistic approach: Beyond the hair-specific ingredients, Hair La Vie focuses on overall body health. By promoting immune health through its natural ingredients, it addresses potential underlying causes of hair challenges.
  • Scalp health: A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Hair La Vie's topical treatments, enriched with natural oils, moisturize the scalp. Furthermore, ingredients like ginger combat inflammation, reducing hair shedding and enhancing circulation to the follicles.
  • Exclusion of harmful additives: Staying true to its natural philosophy, the brand steers clear of parabens, sulfates, and other potentially damaging additives, ensuring that users experience the best of what nature has to offer without the potential side effects of synthetic ingredients.

Are there any side effects of Hair La Vie?

Hair La Vie contains a blend of ingredients, including biotin, copper, zinc, flaxseed oil, iron, selenium, horsetail extract, and bamboo stem. While these components aim to boost hair health, they can also cause side effects in certain individuals, especially when consumed in excess or if allergic reactions occur. 

The main side effects are:

Biotin allergies

  • Possible allergic reactions causing swelling of lips, tongue, throat, or face.
  • Mild skin rash.
  • Upset stomach.

Copper (165 mg per serving)

  • Consuming more than the recommended 2 mg/day can lead to toxicity.
  • Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, muscle aches, and abdominal cramps.

Zinc (15 mg per serving)

  • High doses can cause gastrointestinal issues.
  • Symptoms include abdominal cramps, headaches, indigestion, diarrhea, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.

Flaxseed oil

  • Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, bloating, breathing issues, nasal congestion, and anal leakage.
  • Allergic reactions may include muscle weakness and shortness of breath.

Iron (18 mg per serving)

  • Excess intake can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, blood vomiting, and liver damage.
  • Other side effects: constipation, heartburn, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and dark stools.

Selenium (200 micrograms per serving)

  • Can cause hair loss in some people.
  • Other side effects: nausea, weight loss, vomiting, fatigue, irritability, skin rash, brittle nails, muscle tenderness, and tremors.

Horsetail extract

  • When combined with calcium, it may lead to osteoporosis.
  • Postmenopausal women are at higher risk if they take calcium and horsetail extract together. 

Pros and cons of Hair La Vie

Pros:

  • Individual results may vary due to genetic differences; however, many users report thicker hair growth.
  • Potential to improve hair growth rate.
  • Strengthens and repairs hair follicles.
  • Contains ideal dosages of many active ingredients.
  • Free from unnatural or synthetic substances.

Cons:

  • Lacks sufficient ingredients that are clinically proven to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • Missing key ingredients like L-Cysteine and Ginkgo Biloba, known for promoting hair growth.
  • The shampoo might not foam well, leading to potential application issues.
  • Conditioner has been reported as thick, difficult to apply, and lacking in hydration for the hair.
  • No fragrance in the topicals - while this can be seen as a positive, the consistency might be off-putting for some.

What is Nutrafol?

hair la vie vs nutrafol

Nutrafol is a renowned wellness company best known for its award-winning hair growth supplements. Positioned as a major player in the hair wellness arena, Nutrafol's primary focus is on promoting holistic hair health. 

While they have branched out into producing other hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and serums, their claim to fame remains their specially formulated supplements. 

Unlike typical supplements, Nutrafol's offerings are coined as 'nutraceuticals' - a blend of the words 'nutrition' and 'pharmaceutical'. This is because they're crafted from high-quality, medical-grade botanical ingredients that undergo a process of bio-optimization to ensure maximum efficacy. 

These ingredients are not just randomly picked; they have been subjected to clinical tests to prove their efficiency in promoting hair health. With the motto "keep growing", Nutrafol aspires to be a beacon of hope and a solution for those grappling with hair challenges.

How does Nutrafol work?

Nutrafol's methodology is rooted in understanding the diverse causes of hair loss and providing tailored solutions. Recognizing that hair loss is not a one-size-fits-all issue, they have developed five distinct nutraceuticals to address varied triggers, be it related to metabolism, hereditary factors, or stress. 

Their holistic perspective is further evident in their specialized supplements catered to life stages like postpartum and menopause, acknowledging the physiological changes that can impact hair health during these times.

Furthermore, Nutrafol offers "boosters", which provide even more customization, catering to specific needs such as liver support, stress adaptogens, or digestive enzymes. This allows individuals to pinpoint and address their unique hair loss triggers effectively.

At the heart of their products are scientifically-backed ingredients known for their hair-boosting properties. Ashwagandha, for instance, is recognized for its ability to diminish stress and inflammation, two common culprits of hair loss. Saw palmetto extract plays a pivotal role in blocking DHT, a hormone closely associated with hair loss. 

For women experiencing menopause, the Nutrafol Women’s Balance supplement contains maca, known to help balance declining estrogen levels, a common cause for hair thinning during this life stage. 

Are there any side effects of Nutrafol?

Nutrafol, while lauded for its hair growth benefits, does come with potential side effects related to its ingredients, particularly biotin. Before starting any supplement, it's crucial to be aware of the following potential reactions:

Biotin-related side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Skin rashes
  • Elevated blood sugar levels

Pros and cons of Nutrafol

Pros:

  • Scientific backing: Nutrafol boasts a board of scientific advisors who contribute to the formulation of the company's products.
  • High-quality ingredients: Classified as "nutraceuticals," Nutrafol supplements contain medical-grade, bio-optimized botanical ingredients.
  • Clinically evaluated: The efficacy of Nutrafol's products has been assessed through clinical evaluations, adding a layer of trustworthiness.

Cons:

  • Pricey option: Compared to other OTC hair-growth supplements, Nutrafol tends to be on the more expensive side.
  • High dosage: Many of Nutrafol’s supplements necessitate a substantial dose, with some recommending four capsules daily.
  • Lack of FDA regulation: Since Nutrafol is categorized as a supplement, it isn't regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration like medications. This can pose challenges in determining its safety and efficacy.
  • Potential overdose concerns: Some of Nutrafol’s offerings have high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. Certain doctors have voiced concerns that these levels could be potentially hazardous for some individuals.

Hair La Vie Vs Nutrafol: What are the differences?

When comparing Hair La Vie and Nutrafol, both aim to provide solutions for hair loss and promote hair health. However, their approaches, ingredients, target audiences, and pricing differ. Here's a breakdown:

Clinical evidence

  • Hair La Vie: While they emphasize natural ingredients and a positive self-image, they don't seem to provide clinical trials backing their product's effectiveness.
  • Nutrafol: Positions itself strongly on science and data. They not only promote natural ingredients but also support their claims with clinical studies of their product.

Ingredient purity

  • Hair La Vie: Claims to use only natural ingredients without fillers or preservatives. However, it doesn't explicitly state it's chemical-free.
  • Nutrafol: Proudly advertises being 100% drug-free and hormone-free.

Ingredient potency

  • Hair La Vie: Has a higher dosage of saw palmetto, a key ingredient known for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.
  • Nutrafol: Although it boasts a comprehensive ingredients list, the quantities of key ingredients might be smaller.

Product range

  • Hair La Vie: Seems to focus primarily on women with both supplements and topical treatments.
  • Nutrafol: Offers solutions for both men and women and has a range that includes supplements and topical treatments.

Price point

  • Hair La Vie: Priced at $49 for a one-month supply, with potential discounts and free shipping on their website.
  • Nutrafol: Much more expensive at $88 per bottle. However, there's a discounted rate of $79 with their autoship service (though it might be challenging to cancel).

Hair La Vie Vs Nutrafol: Which one is better for you?

If you prioritize clinical evidence and a product formulated for both genders, Nutrafol might be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option with a higher dosage of saw palmetto, Hair La Vie could be more suitable. 

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement to determine what's best for your specific circumstances.

Conclusion

The quest for a perfect hair growth solution often navigates through a sea of options, each boasting its unique merits. 

While Hair La Vie leans into the power of nature with its all-natural formula and affordable price point, Nutrafol anchors itself in science, offering specialized solutions for diverse hair needs. 

Your choice boils down to personal priorities and budget considerations. 

However, for those exploring cutting-edge alternatives, the Bio-Pilixin Serum by Scandinavian Biolabs emerges as a compelling contender, harnessing stem cell technology and offering results backed by clinical trials. 

Whichever path you choose, remember to consult a healthcare professional and prioritize what feels right for your hair and overall health.

References:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29742189/ 
  2. https://nutrafol.com/clinical/ 
  3. https://law.yale.edu/sites/default/files/area/center/isp/documents/hairlavie.pdf
Luat Duong

Luat Duong is a Copenhagen-based writer and content strategist specializing in hair loss and health. His work has been featured in MyHealthGuide, The Right Hairstyles, and Woman's Era. He is a graduate of Vaasa University. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.