Turns Out, the Secret to Healthier Hair Starts from the Inside Out

Remember that time you tried Whole30 and your skin never looked better? Like, didn’t-even-need-concealer better? That’s because what you put into your body affects what’s portrayed on the outside. We all know this. But we’re willing to bet that you never really thought about it in terms of how it could affect your hair.

Well, according to the hair wellness company Nutrafol, anyone who’s ever dreamed of thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair needs to prioritize a healthy routine from within. Instead of treating your hair concerns with topicals (laters, overpriced hair mask), Nutrafol wants to help you get to the root of your hair growth problems and address them through personalized, natural plant-based supplements. Got questions? Here’s what we know.

Nutrafol teaches us that hair growth occurs by fighting off inflammation and free radicals that can impair follicle function. While vitamins and minerals like biotin and zinc (as well as marine collagen) are important for maintaining healthy hair, they’re simply not enough to fight these factors on their own. The brand recommends you think of it like watering a plant in sick soil: It doesn’t matter how much you water it if the roots are in an unhealthy environment.

For this reason, Nutrafol created the GrowthPlan®: a wellness regimen featuring a combination of supplements rooted in vitamin E, keratin, marine-based collagen and hyaluronic acid that—when used together—can speed up growth, promote absorption of hair-boosting nutrients and add that coveted oomph.

Start by taking the Hair Wellness Evaluation to get your personalized GrowthPlan®. Using a series of questions that delve into your hormones, stress levels and gut health—from “Do you have trouble sleeping?” to “How often do you consume refined carbohydrates?”—the team of Nutrafol naturopathic doctors creates your recommended product plan. (PSA: If you are pregnant or nursing, they advise you not to partake until after nursing.)

Depending on your answers, you are likely to receive a Core Solution and two Targeted Boosters. When I took the quiz, for example, I was recommended Nutrafol Core for Women, a Hairbiotic (to give my gut a helping hand) and a Stress Adaptogen (to curb my body’s response to that frazzled feeling). Some other Targeted Boosters include Liver Support, Vitamin B-Booster and Digestive Enzymes. Plans start a $79 per month.

Along with clinical studies, one-on-one consultations with naturopathic doctors and a decent amount of science-backed information available on the site—Nutrafol has a slew of positive reviews from real people, as well as trusted influencers. “Nutrafol gave my hair its life back,” says one client. Need further proof? Just look at the photos.