Hair

Biotin, zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, and copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation. Iron matters too, as the NHS lists iron deficiency among the causes of temporary hair loss. A balanced hair formula usually combines several of these rather than relying on one nutrient.

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, and true deficiency can cause thinning. However, deficiency is rare, and the US National Institutes of Health says there is little evidence that extra biotin improves hair in people who already get enough. High doses can also affect some blood tests, so tell your doctor you take it.

Be patient. Scalp hair grows in cycles, with a resting phase of around two to four months before old hairs shed and new ones replace them. That means any change takes months rather than weeks to show, so give a supplement at least three months of consistent use before judging it.

The NHS lists stress, illness, weight loss and iron deficiency among common causes of temporary hair loss, and shedding often appears a couple of months after the trigger. See your GP if you are worried, or if hair loss is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms, so the cause can be checked.

Start with one product for your main goal and take it daily, as the label directs, for a few weeks before adding anything else. Not sure which? The two-question quiz on this page points you to the right shelf, and our protocols pair products designed to work together.

Food supplements can interact with some medicines. If you take prescription medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before you start. Always follow the label and do not exceed the stated dose.

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