Vitamins for hair growth: what a London trichologist actually recommends
The hair vitamin market is worth £200m in the UK alone. Most of it is wasted spend. Here is what the evidence supports.
Dr. Amara Okafor
Consultant Trichologist · Harley Street
In short
- Ferritin, vitamin D and zinc are the three deficiencies that genuinely impact hair growth in London.
- Biotin only helps if you are deficient — and almost no one in the UK is.
- Always test before supplementing; otherwise you are guessing expensively.
- Branded 'hair vitamins' are usually a low-dose multivitamin with marketing on top.
Hair vitamins are one of London's most lucrative wellness categories — and one of its least evidence-based. Trichologists do prescribe supplements, but always based on bloodwork, and always for specific deficiencies.
The three that matter in London
These are the deficiencies trichologists consistently identify in Londoners with shedding:
- Ferritin (stored iron) — target >70 ng/mL. Below 30 is a near-guaranteed shedding trigger.
- Vitamin D — target >75 nmol/L. Most Londoners are below 50 from October to April.
- Zinc — borderline deficiency is common in plant-based diets and contributes to brittle hair.
What about biotin?
Biotin deficiency is rare outside specific genetic conditions or long-term antibiotic use. Mega-dose biotin supplements (5,000–10,000 mcg) do nothing for hair if you are not deficient — and they interfere with thyroid and troponin blood tests, occasionally causing misdiagnosis.
The right protocol
Test first — a £80–£150 trichology bloodwork panel from any London clinic covers ferritin, vitamin D, B12, zinc, TSH and free T4. Supplement only what is deficient. Re-test after 12 weeks.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Do hair gummies work?+
If you are biotin or zinc deficient, marginally. For most people, no.
How much iron do I need for hair growth?+
Enough to push serum ferritin above 70 ng/mL. The exact dose depends on your baseline — test, don't guess.
Should I take collagen?+
Collagen is a protein source — fine to take, but unremarkable. Total daily protein matters more than the form.
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