Viviscal Review: Is It Right for You? Experts Weigh In

If you've ever panicked after seeing how much hair was swirling around the shower drain or in your hair brush, you're not alone. In a lot of cases, shedding is completely normal...until it's not. But before the panic rushes in, know that there are ways to help put a stop to excess hair fall including lifestyle changes, topical products, and of course, supplements.

One of the most popular on the market is Viviscal, a buzzy hair growth system that includes supplements, shampoo, conditioner, and more. But, despite the hundreds of glowing reviews, it takes a bit more to convince us, so we went straight to the professionals. Dermatologists, Michele Green and Shari Sperling , MDs, give their input on everything you need to know, including when to expect results and potential side effects.

What Is Viviscal?

Viviscal is designed to be a two-part hair care system that promotes hair growth inside and out with its Extra Strength Dietary Supplements, Gorgeous Growth Densifying Elixir, Densifying Shampoo, Densifying Conditioner, and Conceal & Densify Volumizing Fibers. According to the brand, these topical products are composed of hair-thickening botanicals and proteins and are meant to be used in conjunction with the Viviscal supplements—however, Dr. Green tells her patients that they can go without the shampoo and conditioner if they have a cleansing regimen they already love.

Aside from celebrity promotion and glowing customer reviews, Viviscal claims its products have performed well in several clinical trials. On the brand's website, they state that, in one such trial, 75.3% of participating patients experienced a “significant decrease in hair loss.”

The Science

"Viviscal works with amino acid-rich protein that treats hair loss and accelerates hair growth. Taking these is like giving your scalp 'food' so that it grows new, healthy hair," says Dr. Sperling. According to Dr. Green, though, the star ingredient that makes Viviscal supplements so successful is its trademarked AminoMar marine complex, which is a blend of sustainably sourced shark cartilage and mollusk powder, fish oil, and silica. It also contains a number of potentially hair-boosting vitamins and minerals such as biotin, niacin, and zinc.

There are several other ingredients in Viviscal supplements, too, and the below are some of the strongest key players in helping to bring hair back to life.

• Shark Cartilage & Mollusk Powder: These marine-based protein sources aid in the reduction of hair loss.
• Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may nourish a parched scalp and deliver nutrients to hair follicles, which in turn may help to minimize hair thinning.
• Silica: May help strengthen hair strands and help to reduce hair thinning.
• Niacin: A vitamin that transforms carbohydrates into energy, maintains the structure of blood cells, and improves blood circulation, all of which might encourage blood flow to the scalp and its hair follicles.
• Vitamin C: Rich in antioxidants and helps the body absorb iron into the blood while also boosting collagen production.
• Zinc: Balances hormone levels and, when used topically, minimizes dandruff on the scalp, so hair may have a clear path for growth. Adequate amounts of zinc in the body may also prevent protein deterioration.

Is It Effective?

Although Viviscal can reduce hair loss, it's not a magic pill that can make hair grow to Rapunzel-lengths overnight. However, Dr. Green notes that it is effective and most people see an increase in hair length while taking the supplement.

When it comes to competing supplements on the market, Dr. Green adds that there hasn’t been a definitive comparative study that puts one brand over another. “Some patients see success with Viviscal while others see success with other vitamins on the market—it’s all up to preference,” she says.

How to Use Viviscal

Dr. Sperling says you should take Viviscal twice daily, once in the morning and once at night with food and water. Dr. Green recommends patients use Viviscal consistently for at least six months, which means committing to three packages since Viviscal recommends taking one tablet twice a day. After six months, you can continue to take one supplement a day for two to three months. Monitor your hair to see if shedding starts again—and if so, it might be time to head to a dermatologist to rule out any other causes.

And if you eventually stop using it altogether? Not everyone will experience hair loss, but if you do, it'll start gradually shedding at your normal rate.

When You'll See Results

“Since hair grows at approximately a quarter- to a half-inch per month, it will take some patience to see results,” Dr. Green explains. “Most people see a difference between two to four months of use.” It is important to remain consistent with taking Viviscal in order to get these results.

Using Viviscal With Other Hair Growth Modalities

According to Dr. Green, Viviscal can be used with other hair treatments. "It can be used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma treatments, laser therapy, and hair transplants. You can usually see enhanced results when you use more than one hair restoration method,” says Dr. Green. Just make sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist, physician, or licensed trichologist before administering Viviscal if you have had one of these treatments done.

Potential Side Effects

Dr. Sperling says that potential side effects are nausea and skeletal stiffness. If you experience either of these side effects you should contact a doctor immediately.

Viviscal is generally safe, but like any other ingestible, you should be wary of any ingredients that will be hazardous to your health. Individuals with fish or shellfish allergies should certainly stay away from Viviscal supplements and opt for one of its non-marine topical products instead. You should also abstain from taking Viviscal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, according to the brand.

Those who are sensitive or allergic to dairy, eggs, nuts, wheat, or gluten should also be careful since Viviscal cannot confirm whether there is cross-contamination at its manufacturing facilities.

Price

The price for Viviscal is $40 for a single box, and $36 if you opt for a monthly subscription. Each packet comes with 60 tablets, which should last you about one month. As mentioned, it's recommended that you commit to about three months/packets to see results, which means you'll spend around $120 for a full treatment. Viviscal's website offers a subscription discount for three months if you order directly through them, which can bring the cost down from $120 to $96.

Pros and Cons

Before you try Viviscal for yourself, it's important to consider the pros and cons of the supplement to see if it's a good fit for you.

Pros:

• Suitable for all hair types
• Drug-free supplement made with natural ingredients
• 10 published clinical studies which show proven results
• Oral supplement

Cons:

• Not suitable for those with fish or shellfish allergies
• Not suitable for those who are pregnant
• Higher price point
• While Viviscal meets FDA requirements, it is not FDA-approved

The Takeaway

Viviscal may be an excellent choice to add to your hair care regime if you are looking for help with hair growth. “Take Viviscal as long as you feel that you need it,” says Dr. Green, as it is a product line that requires continuous use for visible results.

For those who already have a full head of hair, Dr. Green notes that "they can take whatever vitamin they want," as there have been no studies thus far that show Viviscal helping people with thick hair achieve additional thickening or growth.