As someone who’s spent years chasing vibrant, healthy hair, I’ve tried countless supplements promising thicker locks.
Two names consistently pop up: Vital Nutritive and Nutrafol. Both claim to tackle hair thinning and promote growth, but which one truly delivers?
In this article, I’ll share my firsthand insights, breaking down their ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, and real-world performance.
With a detailed comparison table, pros and cons, and answers to common questions, you’ll have everything you need to choose the right supplement for your hair journey. Let’s get started and find out what works best for you.
Comparison Table: Vital Nutritive Vs. Nutrafol
| Feature | Vital Nutritive Hair Complex | Nutrafol (Core Women’s Formula) |
| Price (30-day supply) | $39.95 (direct from Vital Nutritive) | $88 (one-time); $79 (subscription) |
| Dosage | 2 capsules daily | 4 capsules daily |
| Key Ingredients | Biotin, Saw Palmetto, Spirulina, Vitamins B, C, D, Folate | Biotin, Saw Palmetto, Ashwagandha, Marine Collagen, Curcumin |
| Vegan-Friendly | Yes | No (contains fish-derived collagen) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days | 30 days (unopened products only) |
| Formulation Focus | Hair, skin, nail health; DHT reduction | Holistic hair wellness; stress, hormones, nutrition |
| Clinical Studies | Limited; relies on ingredient-based research | Clinically studied (2018 trial on women) |
| Side Effects | Rare; possible mild digestive upset | Mild stomach upset; possible allergies to fish |
| Availability | Online (Vital Nutritive, Amazon) | Online (Nutrafol, Amazon, select retailers) |
My Journey with Hair Supplements
I’ve always been a bit obsessive about my hair. It’s not just vanity—my thinning strands started affecting my confidence.
After noticing more hair in my brush than on my head, I began researching supplements. Vital Nutritive and Nutrafol caught my attention due to their natural ingredients and bold claims.
I decided to try both, track my results, and dig into what makes them tick.
Spoiler: they’re not created equal, and my experience revealed some surprising truths about what works (and what doesn’t) for hair health.
What is Vital Nutritive Hair Complex?
Vital Nutritive Hair Complex is a supplement designed to combat hair thinning while boosting skin and nail health.
It’s marketed as a cruelty-free, vegan-friendly option, packed with vitamins and herbal extracts.
The brand emphasizes a “clean” formula—no gluten, dairy, sugar, or preservatives. I was drawn to its affordability and straightforward approach.
Each bottle contains 60 capsules, taken as two daily, and costs around $39.95.
The company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, which gave me confidence to try it without feeling locked in.
Key Features of Vital Nutritive
- Ingredient Blend: Includes biotin (5000 mcg), saw palmetto, spirulina, and vitamins B, C, D, and folate. These target hair follicle strength and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) reduction, a hormone linked to hair loss.
- Vegan and Clean: No animal-derived ingredients, making it ideal for vegans or those with dietary restrictions.
- Multi-Benefit: Claims to improve hair, skin, and nails, offering a holistic beauty boost.
- Ease of Use: Only two capsules daily, which I found easier to stick with than higher-dose regimens.
- Transparency: Third-party tested, with clear ingredient labeling.
My Experience with Vital Nutritive
I took Vital Nutritive for three months, religiously popping two capsules with breakfast. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to incorporate into my routine—no weird aftertaste or massive pills.
After about six weeks, my nails felt stronger, and my skin looked a bit brighter. Hair-wise, I saw less shedding, especially in the shower, but the growth was subtle.
My hair felt thicker at the roots, but I didn’t sprout Rapunzel-length locks. The price point was a huge plus—$39.95 felt like a steal compared to pricier options.
What is Nutrafol?
Nutrafol is a heavyweight in the hair supplement world, often touted as the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand.
It’s a nutraceutical, meaning it blends nutrition and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients to target hair health holistically.
Nutrafol’s Core Women’s Formula, which I tried, focuses on stress, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies.
It’s pricier at $88 per bottle (or $79 with a subscription) and requires four capsules daily.
The brand boasts clinical studies and a loyal following, but it’s not vegan due to its marine collagen.
Key Features of Nutrafol
- Comprehensive Formula: Contains biotin, saw palmetto, ashwagandha, marine collagen, curcumin, and a slew of vitamins and minerals. It’s designed to address multiple hair loss triggers.
- Clinical Backing: A 2018 study showed 80% of women with self-perceived thinning saw improvements after six months.
- Targeted Formulas: Offers versions for men, women, postpartum, and menopause, tailoring ingredients to specific needs.
- Holistic Approach: Targets stress (via ashwagandha), inflammation (curcumin), and DHT (saw palmetto).
- Brand Reputation: Endorsed by dermatologists and influencers, with a strong social media presence.
My Experience with Nutrafol
Nutrafol was a commitment—four capsules a day felt like a lot, and the $88 price tag stung. I stuck with it for four months, taking the pills with meals to avoid stomach upset.
Around the three-month mark, I noticed my hair looked shinier and felt denser, especially around my crown. Shedding decreased significantly, and I even got compliments on my hair’s fullness.
However, the cost and capsule count were drawbacks. I also worried about the fish-derived collagen, as I prefer vegan products when possible.
Pros of Vital Nutritive
- Affordable: At $39.95, it’s budget-friendly, especially for long-term use.
- Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for those avoiding animal products, unlike many competitors.
- Simple Regimen: Two capsules daily made it easy to stay consistent.
- Multi-Benefit: I noticed stronger nails and clearer skin, which was a pleasant bonus.
- Generous Guarantee: The 60-day money-back policy feels low-risk.
- Clean Ingredients: No fillers or allergens like gluten or dairy, which suited my sensitive stomach.
Cons of Vital Nutritive
- Limited Clinical Data: Unlike Nutrafol, Vital Nutritive lacks brand-specific studies. It relies on the efficacy of individual ingredients, which isn’t as reassuring.
- Subtle Results: My hair felt healthier, but growth was minimal compared to Nutrafol.
- Brand Recognition: Vital Nutritive is less established, so finding reliable reviews was tougher.
- Availability: Primarily sold online, which might inconvenience those who prefer in-store shopping.
- Potential Side Effects: Though rare, some users report mild digestive issues, which I didn’t experience but read about.
Pros of Nutrafol
- Clinically Studied: The 2018 study on women with thinning hair adds credibility, with 80% reporting improvements.
- Comprehensive Formula: Targets multiple causes of hair loss, from stress to hormones, making it versatile.
- Visible Results: My hair looked fuller and shinier, aligning with many user reviews.
- Tailored Options: Formulas for specific demographics (e.g., postpartum, menopause) make it personalized.
- Strong Reputation: Endorsements from dermatologists and influencers boost trust.
- Holistic Benefits: Ashwagandha helped me feel less stressed, which might’ve indirectly aided my hair.
Cons of Nutrafol
- Expensive: $88 per bottle is steep, especially without guaranteed results.
- High Capsule Count: Four pills daily felt cumbersome and hard to maintain.
- Not Vegan: The marine collagen excludes vegans and those with fish allergies.
- Side Effects: Mild stomach upset was an issue for me initially, though it subsided.
- Strict Return Policy: Only unopened products can be returned within 30 days, which feels limiting.
- Customer Service Issues: Some users report difficulties canceling subscriptions or getting refunds.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients, because this is where the rubber meets the road. Both products share some heavy hitters, like biotin and saw palmetto, but their approaches differ.
Vital Nutritive’s Ingredients
- Biotin (5000 mcg): A B-vitamin crucial for keratin production, which strengthens hair. I noticed my nails benefited most from this.
- Saw Palmetto: Blocks DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. It’s a staple in many hair supplements.
- Spirulina: A nutrient-dense algae that supports overall health. I liked its inclusion for skin benefits.
- Vitamins B, C, D, Folate: These support hair follicle health and immune function. Vitamin D, in particular, is linked to hair growth.
- Proprietary Herbal Blend: Includes ingredients like horsetail extract, which provides silica for hair strength.
The formula is straightforward but lacks the complexity of Nutrafol. I appreciated the vegan ingredients, but the proprietary blend’s lack of specific dosages left me wondering about potency.
Nutrafol’s Ingredients
- Biotin: Like Vital Nutritive, it supports keratin production.
- Saw Palmetto: Targets DHT, similar to Vital Nutritive.
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogen that reduces cortisol (stress hormone). I felt calmer, which might’ve helped my hair.
- Marine Collagen: Provides amino acids for hair structure but excludes vegans.
- Curcumin: An anti-inflammatory that combats scalp issues.
- Synergen Complex: A proprietary blend with tocotrienols (vitamin E) and other botanicals, designed to fight oxidative stress.
Nutrafol’s formula is more robust, with adaptogens and anti-inflammatories that address broader health issues. However, the proprietary blend hides exact dosages, and the fish-derived collagen was a dealbreaker for my vegan-leaning preferences.
Effectiveness: What Worked for Me
After trying both, Nutrafol edged out slightly in terms of visible results. My hair felt fuller and looked healthier after four months, especially in thinning areas. Vital Nutritive wasn’t a slouch—it reduced shedding and improved my nails—but its effects were less dramatic.
I suspect Nutrafol’s broader approach (tackling stress, inflammation, and hormones) gave it an advantage, especially since stress is a big trigger for my hair loss.
That said, Vital Nutritive’s affordability and vegan formula made it easier to stick with long-term.
If budget or dietary restrictions are concerns, it’s a solid choice. Nutrafol’s price and capsule count, however, felt like a luxury I couldn’t always justify.
Cost Vs. Value
Let’s be real—hair supplements aren’t cheap, and cost matters. Vital Nutritive’s $39.95 price tag is a fraction of Nutrafol’s $88 (or $79 with a subscription).
For the price, Vital Nutritive delivers decent results, especially for maintenance or mild thinning. Nutrafol’s premium cost reflects its clinical backing and comprehensive formula, but it’s a stretch for many budgets, including mine.
I calculated the cost over a year:
- Vital Nutritive: $479.40 ($39.95 x 12)
- Nutrafol (subscription): $948 ($79 x 12)
That’s a $468.60 difference! For me, Vital Nutritive offered better value, especially since my results weren’t drastically different.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Noor Hair Serum
User Reviews and Reputation
I scoured reviews to see if others’ experiences matched mine. Vital Nutritive has a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot, with users praising its affordability and nail/hair benefits. Some complained about slow results or shipping delays, but overall, feedback is positive.
Nutrafol, with thousands of reviews, averages 4.3 stars on Amazon. Users love its effectiveness but gripe about the price and customer service, especially with subscriptions.
Vital Nutritive’s smaller brand presence makes it feel less polished, but its transparency and guarantee won me over.
Nutrafol’s dermatologist endorsements and clinical studies give it clout, but customer service issues raised red flags.
Who Should Choose Vital Nutritive?
Vital Nutritive is ideal if you:
- Want an affordable, vegan supplement.
- Prefer a simple regimen (two capsules).
- Are focused on hair, skin, and nail health.
- Have mild thinning or want maintenance.
- Value a generous return policy.
Who Should Choose Nutrafol?
Nutrafol suits you if:
- You’re dealing with stress-related or hormonal hair loss.
- Want a clinically studied, comprehensive formula.
- Don’t mind a higher price for premium ingredients.
- Need targeted options (e.g., postpartum, menopause).
- Are okay with non-vegan ingredients.
Also Read: My Experience With Nature’s Bounty Hair Growth
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Vital Nutritive is more affordable ($39.95 Vs. $88), vegan-friendly, and requires fewer capsules (2 Vs. 4). Nutrafol offers a broader formula with clinical studies, targeting stress and hormones, but it’s pricier and not vegan.
Nutrafol is often cited as the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand, thanks to its clinical studies and endorsements.
Side effects are rare but may include mild digestive upset. Always consult a doctor before starting.
Nutrafol’s high cost ($88/month), four-capsule regimen, non-vegan formula, and strict return policy are key downsides.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Vital Nutritive and Nutrafol isn’t easy, but I hope my journey helps you decide.
Vital Nutritive won me over with its budget-friendly price and vegan formula, while Nutrafol impressed with its comprehensive approach and visible results.
Consider your budget, dietary preferences, and hair goals before picking one.
You deserve hair that makes you feel confident, so take the leap and find the supplement that fits your life.
With consistency, you’ll be on your way to healthier, fuller locks.
