I’ve spent years chasing thicker, healthier hair, battling thinning strands and lackluster growth. When I stumbled across Hair La Vie and Nutrafol, two heavyweights in the hair growth supplement world, I knew I had to put them to the test.
My goal?
To uncover which one delivers on its promises for fuller, stronger locks. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience, breaking down their ingredients, effectiveness, and value, so you can decide which is worth your investment.
Let’s get started on this hair-raising journey together!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Hair La Vie | Nutrafol |
| Target Audience | Primarily women, but suitable for all | Men and women, with gender-specific formulas |
| Key Ingredients | Saw palmetto, biotin, collagen, amla | Saw palmetto, ashwagandha, marine collagen, curcumin |
| Dosage | 3 capsules daily | 4 capsules daily |
| Price (1-month supply) | $49 (with discounts) | $88 ($79 with autoship) |
| Clinical Trials | Limited; relies on ingredient studies | Multiple clinical studies |
| Vegan-Friendly | Yes | Vegan and non-vegan options |
| Additional Products | Shampoos, conditioners, serums, elixir | Shampoos, conditioners, serums, boosters |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 365 days | 30 days |
My Hair Struggles And Why I Chose These Brands?
Like many of you, my hair hasn’t always been my crowning glory.
After years of heat styling, stress, and hormonal shifts, I noticed my once-lush locks thinning out.
I’d find clumps in my brush and see my scalp peeking through in photos.
It was a wake-up call. I wanted a solution that wasn’t just a quick fix but something that nourished my hair from within.
That’s when I came across Hair La Vie and Nutrafol, both promising to tackle hair loss with natural ingredients.
Their glowing reviews and science-backed claims hooked me, but I needed to know which one would work for me.
Hair La Vie appealed to me with its affordable price and vegan-friendly formula, while Nutrafol’s clinical studies and tailored approach for different life stages piqued my curiosity.
I decided to try both, alternating between them over several months, to see which one truly delivered. Here’s what I learned.
Hair La Vie: The Natural, Budget-Friendly Contender
Hair La Vie, founded in 2014 by La Muse Beauty, markets itself as a brand that’s all about empowering women to feel confident with “Great Hair Naturally.” Their philosophy? Hair is life.
Their Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins, the star of their lineup, caught my attention with a blend of 20 ingredients designed to boost hair growth, strength, and shine.
What’s Inside Hair La Vie?
The formula leans heavily on natural, vegan ingredients, which was a big plus for me since I try to keep my supplement routine clean. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:
- Saw Palmetto: This is the hero ingredient, included at a higher dose than Nutrafol’s. Studies suggest saw palmetto can block DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss, making it a powerhouse for promoting growth. I noticed less shedding after a few weeks, which felt like a win.
- Biotin: At 3000 mcg, this B-vitamin supports keratin production, the protein that makes up your hair. My nails seemed stronger, but I didn’t see a dramatic hair growth spike.
- Hydrolyzed Collagen: This helps strengthen hair and improve scalp health. I liked that it’s vegan-sourced, but the dose felt modest compared to standalone collagen supplements.
- Amla Fruit Extract: Packed with vitamin C, amla is said to nourish follicles and even help with premature graying. I didn’t notice any color changes, but my hair felt softer.
- Bamboo Stem and Leaf Extract: Rich in silica, this ingredient boosts hair elasticity. My strands seemed less brittle over time.
Hair La Vie also includes flaxseed oil, reishi mushroom, and horsetail extract, creating a well-rounded formula that supports not just hair but also skin and nails.
I appreciated the holistic approach, but I couldn’t find clinical trials specifically testing their formula, which made me question its potency compared to Nutrafol.
My Experience With Hair La Vie
I started with Hair La Vie’s Clinical Formula, taking three capsules daily with meals.
The pills were easy to swallow, and I didn’t experience any stomach upset, which is a relief since some supplements can be harsh.
After about a month, I noticed my hair felt thicker at the roots, and my brush wasn’t collecting as many strands.
By month three, my ponytail felt fuller, and my scalp looked less visible in bright light.
What I loved most was the price—$49 for a one-month supply, often with discounts or free shipping on their website. Compared to Nutrafol, it felt like a steal. Hair La Vie also offers a 365-day money-back guarantee, which gave me confidence to try it risk-free.
Their topical products, like the Revitalizing Blend Shampoo and Conditioner, were a nice bonus. The shampoo left my hair clean without stripping it, though I didn’t see dramatic growth from the topicals alone.
Pros of Hair La Vie
- Affordable at $49 per month, especially with discounts.
- High dose of saw palmetto, which is clinically linked to reduced hair loss.
- Vegan, natural ingredients with no fillers or preservatives.
- Comprehensive formula that supports hair, skin, and nails.
- Generous 365-day return policy.
- Wide range of topical products for a complete hair care routine.
Cons of Hair La Vie
- Limited clinical trials on the full formula; relies on ingredient studies.
- Primarily marketed to women, which might not appeal to men.
- Results take 3-4 months, requiring patience.
- Some ingredients, like amla, lack strong evidence for hair growth.
Nutrafol: The Science-Backed, Premium Choice
Nutrafol, a wellness company with a “keep growing” motto, has been a dominant player in the hair growth market for years. Their supplements are classified as nutraceuticals—think nutrition meets pharmaceutical—made from medical-grade, bio-optimized botanical ingredients.
What sets Nutrafol apart is its tailored approach, with formulas for men, women, postpartum, and peri-/postmenopausal women.
What’s Inside Nutrafol?
Nutrafol’s Women’s formula, which I tried, contains 21 ingredients targeting six root causes of hair thinning: stress, hormones, nutrition, metabolism, environment, and aging. Here’s a look at the standouts:
- Saw Palmetto: Like Hair La Vie, Nutrafol includes this DHT-blocker, but at a lower dose. It still seemed effective, though I didn’t notice as much shedding reduction as with Hair La Vie.
- Ashwagandha: This adaptogen reduces stress and cortisol levels, which can trigger hair loss. I felt calmer overall, which was a pleasant side effect.
- Marine Collagen Peptides: Sourced from fish (non-vegan), this boosts scalp health and hair strength. My hair felt thicker, especially at the ends.
- Curcumin: A potent antioxidant, it fights inflammation and free radicals. I didn’t see direct hair benefits, but my scalp felt less irritated.
- Tocotrienol Complex: Derived from palm fruit, this supports follicle health. It’s a unique addition, but I couldn’t pinpoint its impact.
Nutrafol also includes biotin (2500 mcg), vitamins A, C, and D, zinc, and selenium, creating a robust nutrient profile. Their vegan formula swaps marine collagen for plant-based alternatives, which I appreciated for flexibility.
The brand’s clinical studies, like a six-month trial showing 84% of women experienced less shedding, gave me confidence in its efficacy.
My Experience With Nutrafol
Nutrafol’s regimen required four capsules daily, which felt like a lot compared to Hair La Vie’s three. I took them with breakfast to avoid any stomach issues, though I occasionally felt mild nausea.
After six weeks, my hair looked shinier, and by month three, I noticed new baby hairs along my hairline—a thrilling discovery. My nails grew faster, and my skin had a subtle glow, which I hadn’t expected.
The downside? The price. At $88 per bottle (or $79 with autoship), Nutrafol is a significant investment. The autoship program was convenient but tricky to cancel, which frustrated me.
Their topical products, like the Hair Growth Serum, were effective but pricey, adding to the cost. Nutrafol’s 30-day return policy felt stingy compared to Hair La Vie’s year-long guarantee.
Pros of Nutrafol
- Backed by multiple clinical trials showing reduced shedding and improved growth.
- Tailored formulas for men, women, and specific life stages.
- Comprehensive ingredient list targeting multiple causes of hair loss.
- Vegan and non-vegan options for dietary flexibility.
- High customer satisfaction, with 4.5-star reviews for their shampoo and conditioner.
- Addresses stress and hormonal imbalances, not just hair health.
Cons of Nutrafol
- Expensive at $88 per month ($79 with autoship).
- Requires four capsules daily, which can feel cumbersome.
- Autoship program has cancellation challenges.
- High vitamin doses may cause side effects like nausea or bloating.
- Short 30-day return window.
- Some ingredients may have smaller doses, potentially reducing effectiveness.
How Hair La Vie And Nutrafol Stack Up?
After trying both, I found Hair La Vie and Nutrafol have unique strengths, but neither is a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s how they compare across key factors:
- Ingredients and Effectiveness
Hair La Vie’s higher saw palmetto dose gave it an edge for reducing shedding, which I noticed within a month.
Its vegan formula and focus on total body nutrition—supporting hair, skin, and nails—made it feel like a holistic wellness boost.
However, the lack of clinical trials on the full formula left me wondering if it could match Nutrafol’s science-backed claims.
Nutrafol’s broader ingredient list and clinical studies impressed me.
The inclusion of ashwagandha and curcumin addressed stress and inflammation, which are often overlooked in hair supplements.
I saw more new growth with Nutrafol, especially those baby hairs, but the lower saw palmetto dose meant shedding reduction was less dramatic. If you value clinical evidence and don’t mind the price, Nutrafol might be your pick.
- Price and Value
Hair La Vie wins hands-down on affordability. At $49 per month, it’s nearly half the cost of Nutrafol’s $88. The 365-day guarantee and frequent discounts make it a low-risk choice.
Nutrafol’s premium price tag feels justified by its research and tailored formulas, but the autoship hassle and short return window were dealbreakers for me. If budget is a concern, Hair La Vie is the smarter buy.
- Ease of Use
Hair La Vie’s three-capsule regimen was simpler than Nutrafol’s four, and I experienced no side effects. Nutrafol’s higher dose of vitamins occasionally caused mild nausea, and the four-pill routine felt like a chore.
Both brands offer topical products, but I found Hair La Vie’s shampoos more budget-friendly and just as effective for daily care.
- Target Audience
Hair La Vie markets primarily to women, though its formula is unisex. I appreciated the empowering messaging, but men might feel left out.
Nutrafol’s gender-specific and life-stage formulas—men, women, postpartum, menopause—make it more inclusive. If you’re looking for a supplement tailored to your specific needs, Nutrafol has the edge.
- Customer Feedback
Both brands have strong followings, but Nutrafol’s reviews are more robust. On Amazon, Nutrafol’s shampoo and conditioner score 4.5 stars, with users raving about thicker hair and less shedding.
Hair La Vie’s equivalent set gets 4.3 stars, with similar praise but some complaints about slow results. Nutrafol’s autoship issues drew negative feedback, while Hair La Vie’s customer service was consistently praised.
Which One Should You Choose?
After months of testing, I lean toward Hair La Vie for its affordability, high saw palmetto dose, and vegan formula.
It delivered noticeable results—less shedding, thicker roots—without breaking the bank.
The 365-day guarantee sealed the deal, giving me peace of mind.
However, Nutrafol’s clinical backing and tailored approach make it a strong contender, especially if you’re dealing with stress-related or hormonal hair loss.
Its new growth results were undeniable, but the price and pill count were drawbacks.
Your choice depends on your priorities. If you want a budget-friendly, natural option with solid results, go for Hair La Vie.
If you’re willing to invest in a premium, science-backed supplement and need a formula for specific life stages, Nutrafol’s worth considering. Either way, consult a healthcare professional before starting, as individual needs vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your needs. Hair La Vie is more affordable and has a higher saw palmetto dose, great for reducing shedding. Nutrafol offers clinical trials and tailored formulas, ideal for stress or hormonal hair loss.
Nutrafol is expensive ($88/month), requires four daily capsules, and has a tricky autoship program. High vitamin doses may cause nausea or bloating in some users.
Nutrafol is often cited as the top dermatologist-recommended supplement due to its clinical studies and comprehensive formula.
It’s not recommended without medical advice, as both contain high doses of similar ingredients like biotin and saw palmetto, which could lead to over-supplementation.
Conclusion: Your Path To Healthier Hair
I’ve laid out my experience with Hair La Vie and Nutrafol, and now it’s your turn to decide. Whether you’re drawn to Hair La Vie’s budget-friendly, natural vibe or Nutrafol’s science-driven, tailored approach, both can help you reclaim your hair’s glory.
You deserve to feel confident in your locks, so weigh your budget, needs, and patience for results. Whichever you choose, stick with it for at least three months and consult a doctor to ensure it’s right for you.
Here’s to your journey toward thicker, healthier hair!