Viviscal is one of the most popular hair supplements of all time. Since its launch, Viviscal has been marketed to the mass market as a "hair growth supplement" with the potential to "reduce shedding." However, our perusal of different Viviscal reviews reveals that the product continues to attract mixed opinions from its users. While some swear by its claimed benefits, a few feel that the product could be better in one way or another.
Are There Better Alternatives to Viviscal?
Viviscal continues to attract love and hate in equal measure. For anyone thinking of trying out an alternative, it is worth considering a product that comes with high-quality ingredients and is reasonably priced.
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The Folexin Professional Formula is what comes as close as possible to that definition for now.
What Is Viviscal?
Viviscal is a hair growth product that has been in existence for close to 3 decades. Apparently, the product makes use of ancient Scandinavian diets to create a formula for nourishing thinning hair.
Research commissioned by the brand itself suggests that the product may lead to a 32 percent increase in hair thickness and a 39 percent reduction in shedding.
The product is available in two separate formulas – one targeting women and another one targeting men. A third formula exists, Viviscal Professional (or simply Viviscal Pro), but is only available at selected dermatology clinics.
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Ingredients
As an over-the-counter hair thinning reversal product, this product is made from earth-grown ingredients. These are sourced from different parts of the world and assembled to create the pills that are claimed to possess immense hair growth potential. Some of the Viviscal ingredients include the following.
Biotin
Biotin (also known as Vitamin B7) is one of the crucial vitamins in the breakdown of fats and proteins. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is also naturally found in bananas, milk, and eggs among other foods. People who are deficient in Biotin can experience the thinning of hair and the onset of rashes on the face.
Viviscal contains ample amounts of Biotin meant to replenish supplies of this crucial vitamin in the body. This may help support the development of stronger hair particularly in individuals with biotin deficiency.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a renowned antioxidant. It functions by ridding the body of oxidative stress and helping the body function optimally. Individuals with vitamin C deficiencies often experience hair dryness and/or split ends. As such, by providing a steady supply of this vitamin, Viviscal helps in the development of fuller and luscious hair.
AminoMar Marine Complex
This is a compound comprising marine extracts. The calcium-rich compound is made from mollusk powder as well as shark cartilage. This combination is thought to support the regeneration of new cells while also sustaining the existing ones.
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Niacin
In a 2005 study appearing in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Niacin was shown to increase hair fullness compared to a placebo. Also worth noting is that Niacin plays a role in improving blood circulation. This helps improve the supply of crucial nutrients to the scalp. A healthy scalp is an integral part of supporting healthy hair.
Zinc (from Zinc Oxide)
There are tens of vitamins and minerals that are needed at different stages of hair development and zinc is one of them. This mineral plays an important role in cell regeneration, immune response, and reproduction among others.
Above all, this micronutrient plays a key role in regulating oxidative stress which is an important part of overall wellness.
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Calcium
Having optimal concentrations of calcium in the body is essential to the development of healthy hair. In fact, having dry hair is one of the symptoms of calcium deficiency. With an adequate consumption of calcium, the hair develops to become healthy and full. This is due to the fact that the mineral plays a vital role in the secretion of hormones that support hair growth.
Iron
Hair shedding is one of the well-known signs of iron shortage in the body. This mineral is involved in the production of red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells improve the transfer of oxygen throughout the body including to your hair follicles. Also, iron improves energy levels in the body and nourishes the muscles thereby standing out as an all-round supplement for overall fitness.
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Does Viviscal Work?
Viviscal may work for some people and disappoint for some. The key thing to note is that products such as this only work when the underlying loss of hair arises from a deficiency in any of the vitamins or minerals it provides. It may not work if the trigger of the hair loss has nothing to do with dietary deficiencies.
Given its expensive price tag, one would be better off settling for a cheaper yet pretty much equally effective supplement. Folexin, from our experience, is a good alternative to consider seeing as it is cheaper and banks on tackling dietary deficiencies to support hair growth just like Viviscal.
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Viviscal Side Effects
Viviscal is one of the safest hair growth supplements out there. However, even the safest supplement of all can trigger side effects. This is the case for Viviscal. People respond differently to different products. As such, it is advisable to consult an expert before taking this hair supplement.
There are four possible side effects that Viviscal can cause.
- Stomach irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skeletal stiffness (rare)
Common Alternatives to The Product
Viviscal stands out thanks to the presence of the AminoMar Marine Complex in the blend. However, other equally good hair supplements exist and can be used to support the development of healthy hair.
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Folexin
Folexin is a highly popular professional formula that promises to support the development of thick, stronger hair. The product comprises ingredients that are individually known to support general hair health.
Some of the stand-out ingredients of Folexin include:
- Saw Palmetto – An American herbal remedy believed to promote hair growth and male health. It is a DHT inhibitor.
- Fo-Ti – A Chinese herb thought to increase hair density by increasing hair follicles.
- Biotin – A common ingredient in most hair health supplements known for its ability to indirectly support the maintenance of normal hair in humans.
This professional formula is well-thought-out making it a good alternative to Viviscal. A bottle of Folexin can go for as low as $18 when bought from the official website.
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Nutrafol
Nutrafol is yet another popular formula that aims to promote hair growth and restoration. The main ingredients in this supplement are:
- Tocotrienol – This is a form of Vitamin E thought to increase hair count in some individuals.
- Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen – Thought to provide essential building blocks of hair strands known as keratin proteins.
Unfortunately, Nutrafol costs a lot more than Viviscal at $88 per month, and yet, just like its rival, continues to attract mixed opinions from its users.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Viviscal FDA-approved?
The Food and Drugs Administration does not regulate supplements. Therefore, Viviscal is not FDA-approved.
How long does it take to work?
According to the literature on the brand's website, the results should be visible in 90 to 180 days.
What is the average Viviscal rating from different user reviews?
Viviscal is rated 4.4 stars on average across different third-party platforms. However, reviews change from time to time, and this rating may also follow suit.
Summary
Viviscal remains a great hair wellness supplement. It is made in USA and is backed by a clinical trial. However, for some users, the product falls short of expectations. This is why it is important to consider other better-priced and yet effective alternatives.
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Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
