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Viviscal Review 2021: Side Effects, Ingredients And The Results

Arianna
Written by Arianna Last Updated: November 30, 2020

Hair care isn’t something that began in what we could call the modern era.

Beginning in Ancient Egypt, women would use creams to protect their hair from heat and dryness of the climate.

In the 1300’s, Europeans created a hair gel that was made from bird droppings and lizard tallow, fat recovered from the meat of a lizard.

Thanks to the discoveries of nutrients and how hair functions and what it consists of, we not only have products that can help to maintain our hair, but also to help us regrow our thinning or missing hair.

One such product is Viviscal .

For those of you that may not have heard of it, Viviscal is a hair growth supplement that the manufacturers claim actually helps people combat thinning hair by growing new hair.

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements
  • NUMBER 1 SELLING HAIR GROWTH VITAMIN AND SUPPLEMENT PILLS for Women, recommended by Doctors and Stylists,...
  • SUITABLE FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: 40% of Women will have noticeable thinning hair by age 40. Stress, hormonal changes,...
  • TRUSTED & CLINICALLY PROVEN: Backed by 25 years of Research & Development with comparable formulas, millions of...
  • AWARD WINNING FORMULATION (Harper’s Bazaar Anti-Aging Award 2020) is 100% drug free, with new and improved taste,...
  • THICKENING SYSTEM: Viviscal offers scientifically formulated products that promote healthy hair growth from the...

Last update on 2023-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As with any new product making such bold claims, it is surrounded by plenty of skepticism.

However, there is a large number of people who back up the manufacturer’s claims and say that they have tried it and it works.

This means that there is only one thing we can do to find out for sure if this product is the real deal and actually can combat thinning hair – review the facts and find out for ourselves.

What intrigued myinterest in this product is the “A-list” of previous customers that have claimed that it in fact works, is effective, and as far as we know, they still use this product.

Some of these names will be very familiar and include:

  • Miley Cyrus
  • Cynthia Nixon
  • Cate Blanchett
  • Christina Aguilera
  • Kate Hudson
  • And most notably Orlando Pita

With endorsements – unpaid I might add – from some of the biggest names in the movie and music industries, it’s hard to ignore such an acclaimed product.

Before we dive into the details of our review, let’s go over some basic information about the product and the manufacturer.

Table of Contents

What is Viviscal and What Does It Do?

As stated earlier, Viviscal  is a supplement that is designed to help encourage hair growth.

Viviscal is manufactured by Lifes2Good Inc.

This companyis the same people that brought Sonic Chic, MicroPedi, and Micronail to the health and beauty markets.

The company specializes in acquiring high-potential health and beauty products that are in the early stages of development and continues to develop them by using consumer insights, investing in the related sciences, and developing their products to meet consumer needs.

Unlike many of the other hair growth products to hit the market, Viviscal claims to be drug-free and comprised of all natural ingredients that are combined specifically to aid in hair growth.

Viviscal works in four stages:

  • Stage 1 – Due to the constant intake of the marine complex and other vitamins and nutrients found in this product, the hair follicles are enriched
  • Stage 2 – Thin hair starts to gain strength due to the increased nourishment it is receiving
  • Stage 3 – Users should start to see a reduction in the amount of breaking and thinning hair and increased growth in existing hair
  • Stage 4 – It is during this stage when the hair becomes healthier, stronger, and more vibrant

Stage 4 is roughly the 180-day benchmark and the full results of taking this supplement should be clearly visible at this point.

Now that we know how it is supposed to work, let’s dive in and see what is supposed to make it work.

What Are The Ingredients in Viviscal?

According to the labels on the Viviscal packaging, the ingredients found in this product are indeed all natural products with each aiding in hair growth in some fashion.

This hair growth supplement is available in three primary variations and each has their own formulation.

  • Professional
  • Extra Strength
  • Viviscal Man

We will cover the active ingredients for all of the various formulations.

Viviscal Professional
  • Vitamin C -Research indicates that along with aiding in the absorption of iron, protecting against heart disease, and decreasing the total amount of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), vitamin C has been shown to protect against different types of cancers and to regenerate and repair tissues, including hair
  • Calcium -By itself, calcium does little in helping repair or regenerate hair, regardless of what some of the misinformation you may find on the internet might say. However, when combined with a well-balanced, nutrient-rich plan for maintaining your hair, it can play a significant role in preventing hair loss
  • Biotin -Biotin has come under some scrutiny over the past few years regarding its effectiveness in growing healthier hair. While Biotin, also called vitamin H, is more regarded for its ability to help the body’s metabolism and to help rid your cells of carbon dioxide, it does not directly affect hair growth. However, what it does help with is the production of keratin. Keratin is the basic protein that is found in nails, skin, and hair. On the downside, too much Biotin has some unhealthy side effects on the human body. The recommended daily dosage is around 2.5 mg or 2,500 mcg. Viviscal tablets only contain 100 mcg so the dosage is well under the recommended daily limits
  • Apple Extract -Apple extract is a completely safe essential nutrient that contains a lot of antioxidants, which help to renew your body’s cells. This makes it a great choice for helping with hair loss issues without the use of chemicals. However, the key lies in the apples that are processed. Unripe apples contain a nutrient called Procyanidin B-2. It can be found in ripe apples as well, however, the concentration is not as high. Procyanidin B-2 has a way of handling proteins in a manner that stimulates new hair growth
  • L-Cystine -In 2000, a major study in Germany was conducted that showed that combinations of nutrients, along with L-Cysteine, can actually stimulate hair growth back to normal rates. While many formulations were tested, those that contained L-Cysteine proved to be the most effective
  • L-Methionine -This sulfurous a-amino acid is considered an essential amino acid needed by the human body. However, the body is not capable of producing it on its own. That means to be able to obtain the L-Methionine the body needs, it has to do so through diet and nutrition. How does this affect hair growth? L-Methionine is needed for the building of proteins and for the creation of L-Cysteine, both of which are needed for maintaining and growing hair
  • AminoMar® Marine Complex -This ingredient is actually a proprietary ingredient that includes shark cartilage and oyster extract powders. While the label does not specify dosage amounts, for obvious reasons, the combination of these two elements seem to provide the overall combination with a regenerative punch
Viviscal Man
  • Vitamin C -Vitamin C has been the topic of many articles and conversations regarding its natural health benefits and disease prevention capabilities. However, many people don’t realize that this incredibly useful nutrient also benefits our hair. Vitamin C is needed for the creation of collagen, basically the glue responsible for keeping our bodies together
  • Zinc -Zinc can be a double-edged sword when it comes to hair loss. Too much zinc in your system can lead to hair loss. However, not enough zinc in your system can also lead to hair loss. Your body only requires a trace amount of zinc to help with its biochemical processes. At the most, an adult male should have no more than 40 mg of zinc on a daily basis. Viviscal Man provides exactly 8 mg per tablet which provides the user with enough zinc to help stimulate growth, without overdoing it
  • Horsetail Extract -It goes by many names; snake grass, puzzle grass, pewter wort, bottlebrush, etc., but Horsetail seems to be the most commonly accepted name. Since the times of the Roman empire, Horsetail has been used for treating ailments such as kidney diseases and tuberculosis and also as a way to stop external bleeding and hemorrhaging. More recently, it has been used for treating itchy scalps, inflamed and brittle nails, and cracked feet. However, the main reason it is used as a hair loss preventative is that it helps to improve the body’s circulation, which in turn improves hair follicle health
  • Flaxseed Extract -The oils from flaxseed contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both of these have been shown to improve the hair health. Omega-3 nourishes the hair follicles which stimulates growth. It also helps in preventing inflammation, dandruff, and other issues of the scalp and hair, such as hair loss. The omega-6 helps to stimulate hair growth through controlling moisture loss and improving the scalp.Of course, the Viviscal Man formula also contains the AminoMar® Marine Complex which is found in all of the Viviscal products
Viviscal Extra Strength

This version contains many of the same ingredients found in their Professional option.

Biotin, calcium, vitamin C, horsetail extract, and AminoMar® Marine Complex join with a few other ingredients that are designed to give more effectiveness to the women’s side of the product line.

  • Niacin = Vitamin B3, or Niacin, has been shown to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow in the body. Ever see someone that takes a niacin supplement experience the niacin “flush”? This is caused by the widening of the capillaries which lets your blood flow more freely and provide nourish to the hair follicles and scalp
  • Iron = A lack of iron has been shown to be a cause for hair loss in women, especially those that experience heavy menstrual cycles or women that are vegetarians. Iron is also essential in creating red blood cells that deliver oxygen to the rest of the body, including hair follicles
  • Millet Seed Extract -Your hair contains a large amount of proteins known as keratin. Keratin is responsible for the composition of every strand of hair on the human body. Millets are packed with proteins that feed and strengthen your hair. Additionally, millets contain magnesium which helps to control the levels of cortisol in the body. Increased levels of cortisol can lead to hair loss

Health Note:Too much iron can have adverse health effects on the body.

If you are taking iron supplements, check with your physician prior to using Viviscal Extra Strength.

Overall Thoughts on Ingredients

After looking at the ingredients in each of the Viviscal products, we can conclude that the overall list of ingredients has been shown to help with preventing hair loss and/or stimulating hair growth in some manner.

However, the main ingredients may be all natural as the manufacturer claims, but when taking a look at the fine print, there are some additives included in these tablets.

  • Microcrystalline Cellulose -This is a refined wood pulp that is used in food production and vitamin supplements
  • Maltodextrin -An additive used in food production
  • Magnesium Stearate -This is used during the production of the supplements and is considered a “flow agent”. It keeps the ingredients from clinging to the machinery during the mixing and compression processes. There have been links to intestinal issues related to magnesium stearate

When we look at the label, there are a few other ingredients that might not be considered all natural, but the three we listed stand out the most for detracting from the claims of this supplement actually being all natural.

Now we have to ask if there have ever been any unbiased studies conducted on these products by an authoritative source.

The answer?

Yes.

The Official Study of Viviscal

A study was conducted at the Ablon Skin Institute Research Center which is part of the University of California.

While the funding for the study was provided by Lifes2Good Inc., Dr.

Glynis Ablon conducted the study in a manner that was unbiased and the results of the study appear to be based and actual facts.

If you would like to see that actual report and read it for yourself, you can find it here at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website.

However, if you would like to save yourself from medical jargon and pictures of people’s scalps,we suggest reading on.

The Experiment and Results

The study was a double-blind study.

A double-blind study is when a study is conducted and neither the participants or those conducting the study had any idea on who was getting a placebo and who was getting a real treatment.

This was ideal for ensuring that all reported results were unbiased and accurate.

The participants were women that were between the ages of 21 and 75, healthy, and self-perceived to have thinning hair.

Each was given either the real treatment or a placebo two times a day for 6 months, or 180 days.

To keep track of progress, an area of the scalp was measured, marked, and the current number of hairs counted.

At the 90 days and 180-day benchmarks, the same area used to start the study was recounted and inspected for signs of reactions, both good and bad.

The results were pretty impressive.

Those that received the placebo started with an average hair count of 245, at the 90-day count, 245, and 242 at the 180-day mark.

However, those that received the real treatment demonstrated significant improvements.

The beginning average for those that received the treatment was 271.

By the 90-day mark that average grew to 571 and by the 180-day mark 609.

In other words, the number of hair strands for the specified area more than doubled in a six 6 month period.

Up to this point, we have to agree that Viviscal seems to be a legitimate option for helping to prevent and regrow hair.

But are there any side effects?

If so, how severe?

Let’s take a look at some of the known side effects and how common they were.

Known Side Effects of Viviscal

During the study we just mentioned, there were no reported side effects associated with the Viviscal product.

However, now that more people have used it outside of a controlled environment, let’s see what side effects have been reported.

  • Hair Growth -One common side effect that has been reported is hair growth. Sounds crazy since it is a supplement for hair growth doesn’t it? However, many people don’t realize that when the product says it can help grow hair, it means all of your hair. Eyelashes, leg hair, arm hair, pubic hair, facial hair, it will all experience the same hair growth that you are trying to achieve on your head. If you are planning on using this product, be prepared for this experience
  • Noticeably Greasier Hair -Another common side effect is that those that are using Viviscal are experiencing greasy hair more rapidly. Switching shampoo formulas might be an option if you want to try and prevent this from happening
  • Mile Breakouts -Probably the more concerning side effect is reported breakouts during the initial stages of using this product. This can be linked to your body adjusting to the increased intake of vitamins. Most people that have reported this issue have stated that once they were taking the Viviscal product for a little while, the breakouts ceased
  • Nausea -Stomach irritation is another commonly reported side effect. This is tied to the iron that is found in the Viviscal tablets and taking them on an empty stomach. Having a bite to eat before you take the tablets will help to prevent this from happening
  • Skeletal Issues -By taking too much vitamin C, you can increase the chances of skeletal issues. If you start to feel any bone pain or stiff joints, you will want to lower the dosage you are taking, such as ½ tablet twice a day instead of the recommended 1 tablet twice a day. However, you would have to take more than the recommended dosage for this to be an issue

Health Note:If you are allergic to shellfish or fish, do not take this product.

AminoMar, the main ingredient in all of the mentioned Viviscal products is a marine protein complex, meaning it contains elements that come from fish.

Pros and Cons of Using Viviscal

So far we have seen how it works, what makes it work, studies that demonstrate that it, in fact, does work, and the side effects we can expect is we were to use this product.

Now that we have all of that information, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using Viviscal.

Pros
  • Viviscal is available in different formulas so that both men and women can use the product
  • It has been proven to work by outside organizations via a double-blind study
  • The products are apparently effective
  • The treatment is effective on all types of hair: damaged, limp, and dry hair
  • Simple to use by only requiring that you take a pill twice a day
Cons
  • While the reported side effects are not major, they are still a concern you have to consider
  • This is not a cheap option for preventing hair loss or regrowing hair. Those of us on a tight budget might be out of luck
  • Even though Viviscal is MOSTLY all natural, it does contain additives and artificial flavoring and color

The pros seem to outweigh the cons with the Viviscal products.

However, the price, especially in today’s slow economy, can be a huge “con”.

Comparison Between Viviscal and Other Products

Even though Viviscal looks like a good option for treating thinning hair and stimulating hair growth, how does it compare with some of the other products in this same industry?

We will start by looking at the ingredients found in four of the top hair vitamins on the market, including Viviscal:

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New Nordic Hair Volume Tablets | 3000 mcg Biotin & Biopectin Apple Extract for Healthy Hair Growth |...
3,918 Reviews
New Nordic Hair Volume Tablets | 3000 mcg Biotin & Biopectin Apple Extract for Healthy Hair Growth |...
  • [BEAUTY FROM WITHIN] 1 daily tablet promotes healthy hair volume by activating the life processes of hair follicle...
  • [BENEFITS] Supports healthy hair, normal hair growth, hair strength and pigmentation while reducing hair shedding
  • [NATURALLY SOURCED] Micronutrients and herbal extracts like biotin, procyanidin B2 extracted from red apples and...
  • [PURE INGREDIENTS] Formulated without preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors, non-GMO, and free from salt,...
  • [MADE IN SWEDEN] Taking the best of traditional medicine and biological science, we source high quality, pure...
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Hairfinity Hair Vitamins - Scientifically Formulated with Biotin, Amino Acids, and a Vitamin...
  • Unique Formula - A blend of bioactive vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Includes 2500mcg Biotin which promotes...
  • Exclusive Capilsana Complex - Provides the hair with it’s naturally occurring building blocks through the...
  • Hairfinity Supplements - Suitable for women and men. Fills in the gaps left by your regular diet to provide your...
  • Targeted Treatment - Each ingredient in HAIRFINITY Healthy Hair Vitamins was specifically chosen for the special...
  • These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. Manufacturer Warranty Included If...

Last update on 2023-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

When we look at only the ingredients, Viviscal comes out on top.

Obviously, the AminoMar® Marine Complex can only be found in Viviscal since it is a proprietary element.

However, seven other ingredients in Viviscal beat their closes competitors by three.

Pricing

Viviscal Women's Hair Growth Supplements with Proprietary Collagen Complex, 1 Selling for Clinically...
  • NUMBER 1 SELLING HAIR GROWTH VITAMIN AND SUPPLEMENT PILLS for Women, recommended by Doctors and Stylists,...
  • SUITABLE FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: 40% of Women will have noticeable thinning hair by age 40. Stress, hormonal changes,...
  • TRUSTED & CLINICALLY PROVEN: Backed by 25 years of Research & Development with comparable formulas, millions of...
  • AWARD WINNING FORMULATION (Harper’s Bazaar Anti-Aging Award 2020) is 100% drug free, with new and improved taste,...
  • THICKENING SYSTEM: Viviscal offers scientifically formulated products that promote healthy hair growth from the...

Last update on 2023-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Viviscal is the most expensive of the top four in our comparison.

PHYTO may cost more initially, but you receive a 90 day supply instead of 30 like the other brands.

Yetthe old adage “You get what you pay for” is something to keep in mind while we do our comparisons.

Who Would Benefit the Most with Viviscal?

Not all supplements are for all people.

This is just as true with hair growth supplements.

Some people might be sensitive to certain vitamins that others.

Some may have health concerns that could be exasperated by certain ingredients.

With that said, let’s take a look at the type of people Viviscal would be ideal for, and the type of people that probably should look for alternative ways to strengthen their hair.

Perfect Fit
  • For those that are healthy but experiencing hair loss and looking for a simple and relatively cheap solution
Should Avoid
  • You’re already taking an iron supplement, check with your physician before using Viviscal or any other supplement containing iron
  • If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You’re allergic to fish or shellfish

What Are Some Natural Hair Supplements That Promote Growth?

Top 3 Supplements For Hair Growth:

Zinc Supplement, New Chapter Fermented Zinc Complex, ONE Daily for Immune Support + Skin Health +...
  • ONE DAILY FORMULA: Easy to swallow, digest & absorb one-daily Zinc tablet can be taken anytime--even on an empty...
  • SKIN HEALTH: Fermented Zinc supports healthy skin from the inside out* with 1.6x better bioavailability than...
  • IMMUNE SUPPORT: New Chapter Zinc supports healthy immune system function with complementary herbs like Elderberry...
  • FERMENTED ZINC: 1.6x better absorbed+ whole-food fermented Zinc supplement for enhanced immune support and...
  • Made with organic vegetables & Herbs, Non-GMO Project Verified, 100% Vegetarian, Certified Gluten-Free by NSF,...
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Viva Naturals Triple-Strength Wild Caught Fish Omega-3 Fish Oil with EPA and DHA Supplement, 2000 mg...
8,771 Reviews
Viva Naturals Triple-Strength Wild Caught Fish Omega-3 Fish Oil with EPA and DHA Supplement, 2000 mg...
  • ✔️ TRIPLE STRENGTH OMEGA-3 ACTION - Our fish oil delivers 3X the omega-3s compared to what you get with some...
  • ✔️ OMEGA-3 for HEART, EYE, BRAIN, SKIN & EYE HEALTH* - Science has shown that not only do the omega-3s in fish...
  • ✔️ NO FISHY AFTERTASTE - There’s nothing worse than the fishy aftertaste left by lower-quality fish oils. Our...
  • ✔️ DESIGNED FOR BETTER ABSORPTION - The omega 3 fatty acids in our fish oil are delivered in triglyceride form....
  • ✔️ QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST - Our fish are wild caught using sustainable fishing practices – never farm raised....
Natrol Biotin Beauty Tablets Promotes Healthy Hair Skin and Nails Helps Support Energy Metabolism...
  • PROMOTES HEALTHY HAIR, SKIN & NAILS – Restore the health of your hair, radiance of your skin and strength of your...
  • INCREASE ENGERY – Biotin, a B vitamin also known as vitamin H or B7 helps support the metabolism and assists in...
  • ADVANCED FORMULATION – The beauty supplement includes an important B Vitamin that has long been known as a key...
  • 100% VEGETARIAN – Go ahead, nourish your inner beauty with Natrol Biotin.

Last update on 2023-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you feel like you’re not ready to give Viviscal a try, that’s completely okay.

Here are some other natural supplements that help promote hair growth.

These are a lot less expensive and are also an essential part of your daily diet.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Viviscal seems to be a legitimate option for those who have thin or damaged hair and are looking for a noninvasive solution.

Even though the price is high, the reported results from consumers, the mild side effects, and the results of independent scientific study outweigh the steeper price tag.

If you have any thoughts on Viviscal, feel free to leave them down below and tell us about your experience.

Author

Arianna
Arianna

Hi there! My name is Arianna and I have a passion for cosmetics and making myself look beautiful and stylish, especially on a budget. When I'm not diving into the latest beauty trend, you can find me playing tennis and taking care of my cat Mido.

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Last update on 2023-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API