I’ve been on a quest to tame my thinning hair, and I know you might be too. The world of hair growth products is overwhelming, with Nutrafol and Monat standing out as popular choices.
My goal here is to break down both brands—Nutrafol’s science-backed supplements and Monat’s natural haircare line—through a real user’s lens. I’ll weigh their pros and cons, share my insights, and help you decide which (if either) fits your needs.
Let’s get to the heart of what makes these products tick and whether they’re worth your investment.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Nutrafol | Monat |
| Product Type | Oral supplements (capsules) | Topical haircare (shampoos, conditioners, serums, oils) |
| Key Ingredients | Ashwagandha, saw palmetto, biotin, marine collagen, zinc | Hydrolyzed rice protein, coconut oil, botanical extracts, essential oils |
| Target Audience | Men and women (18+) with mild to moderate thinning | Men and women seeking natural haircare for various hair concerns |
| Price | ~$88/month (120 capsules) | Varies; ~$35-$99 per product (e.g., shampoo, oil) |
| Dermatologist Recommended | Yes, #1 per IQVIA ProVoice survey (2024) | No clear dermatologist endorsement |
| Clinical Studies | Multiple peer-reviewed studies showing modest hair growth | Limited clinical evidence; relies on user testimonials |
| Application | 4 capsules daily | Daily topical use (varies by product) |
| Time to Results | 3-6 months | 1-3 months (user-reported) |
| Side Effects | Mild GI discomfort, rare allergies | Possible scalp irritation, transitional hair texture changes |
| Availability | Online (Nutrafol.com, Amazon, Sephora), physician networks | Direct selling model (Monat website, distributors) |
My Journey With Hair Thinning
Like many of you, I noticed my hair thinning in my late 20s. It wasn’t drastic, but the mirror didn’t lie—my part was widening, and my ponytail felt skimpy. I wanted a solution that worked without harsh chemicals or prescription drugs.
That’s when I stumbled across Nutrafol and Monat. Nutrafol promised a science-driven, inside-out approach with supplements, while Monat lured me with its natural, botanical-based haircare.
I decided to try both, track my experience, and dig into what makes them tick. Spoiler: neither is a miracle cure, but they’ve got strengths worth exploring.
Nutrafol: The Science-Backed Supplement
Nutrafol’s pitch is simple: hair health starts from within.
Their supplements target root causes of thinning—stress, hormones, nutrition, and environmental damage.
I started with Nutrafol Women, taking four capsules daily.
The ingredient list reads like a wellness guru’s dream: ashwagandha to lower cortisol, saw palmetto to block DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss), biotin for keratin strength, and marine collagen for scalp support.
They’ve got formulas for men, postpartum women, and menopausal women, which I appreciated for their tailored approach.
Pros of Nutrafol
- Clinical Backing: Nutrafol’s got data to flex. A 2022 study showed 79.5% improvement in hair density for women and 83.7% for men after six months. Another 2018 study reported a 7% increase in hair count. These numbers aren’t game-changing, but they’re promising for mild thinning.
- Holistic Approach: It’s not just about hair. I noticed better sleep and less stress, which Nutrafol claims as “side benefits.” Ingredients like zinc and vitamin D support overall wellness, which felt like a bonus.
- Dermatologist Trust: The brand’s #1 spot in a 2024 dermatologist survey gave me confidence. Over 3,500 healthcare providers back it, which isn’t just marketing fluff.
- Customizable Formulas: Whether you’re a guy, a new mom, or navigating menopause, there’s a formula for you. I liked that they acknowledge different life stages.
- Third-Party Testing: Nutrafol tests for purity, heavy metals, and microbes, which eased my mind about quality.
Cons of Nutrafol
- Pricey Commitment: At $88 a month, it’s a wallet punch. Buying in bulk (six months for ~$422) saves some cash, but it’s still steep compared to generic supplements.
- Slow Results: Patience is key. I saw less shedding after three months, but noticeable thickness took closer to six. If you want instant gratification, this ain’t it.
- Pill Overload: Four large capsules a day? Not fun. I struggled to pack them for travel, and they’re tough to swallow if you’re not a pill person.
- Mild Side Effects: I had occasional bloating, especially when I took them on an empty stomach. Some users report nausea or allergies (fish-derived collagen is a culprit for seafood-sensitive folks).
- Limited for Severe Loss: Nutrafol’s great for early thinning, but it won’t regrow hair in bald spots. If you’re dealing with advanced androgenetic alopecia, you might need minoxidil or finasteride.
My Nutrafol Experience
After three months, my hair felt shinier and shed less in the shower. By month six, my part looked fuller, and my hairdresser noticed new growth around my temples. It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but it boosted my confidence.
The downside?
The cost and daily pill routine tested my commitment. I also worried about what would happen if I stopped—would my progress vanish? Still, the science and dermatologist endorsements kept me hooked.
Monat: The Natural Haircare Contender
Monat takes a different tack, focusing on topical haircare—shampoos, conditioners, serums, and oils.
Their ethos is all about “naturally derived” ingredients like hydrolyzed rice protein (for growth), coconut oil (to prevent breakage), and botanical extracts for scalp health.
I tried their Volumizing Revive Shampoo and Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive, lured by promises of thicker, healthier hair.
Monat’s direct-selling model (think distributors, not store shelves) made it feel exclusive, but also a bit tricky to access.
Pros of Monat
- Natural Ingredients: Monat skips sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, which appealed to my clean-beauty side. Ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils felt gentle and nourishing.
- Versatile Range: From shampoos to styling products, Monat covers all hair types and concerns—growth, repair, hydration, you name it. I liked the flexibility to mix and match.
- User-Reported Results: Many customers rave about shinier, less frizzy hair. I noticed softer hair and less scalp dryness within a month, which was faster than Nutrafol.
- Eco-Conscious: Monat emphasizes sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging (though their refill pouches aren’t recyclable, which is a bummer).
- Business Opportunity: If you’re into direct selling, Monat offers a side hustle as a distributor. Not my thing, but it’s a draw for some.
Cons of Monat
- Limited Clinical Evidence: Unlike Nutrafol, Monat leans on user testimonials, not peer-reviewed studies. A meta-study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology mentions rice protein’s potential, but Monat’s specific formulas lack robust data.
- Controversy Cloud: Monat’s faced lawsuits alleging hair damage and scalp irritation. An FDA investigation also flagged unsanitary conditions at a manufacturing facility, which raised red flags for me.
- Transitional Phase: Some users, including me, noticed weirder hair texture (oily or dry) during the first few weeks. Monat calls it a “detox” phase, but it’s unsettling.
- Questionable Ingredients: Their Volumizing Shampoo has fragrance and inactive ingredients like citric acid, which a 2014 study linked to potential health risks. I’d rather avoid these in daily use.
- Accessibility Issues: The direct-selling model means you’re buying through distributors or Monat’s site, which isn’t as convenient as Amazon or Sephora.
My Monat Experience
The Volumizing Revive Shampoo smelled amazing and left my hair softer, but the transitional phase was real—my scalp got oily for two weeks, which freaked me out. The Rejuveniqe Oil felt luxurious and reduced frizz, but I didn’t see major growth.
After three months, my hair looked healthier, but not thicker. The lack of clinical studies and Monat’s controversies made me skeptical, though I enjoyed the natural vibe and quick cosmetic improvements.
Key Features of Nutrafol And Monat
Let’s talk nuts and bolts. Nutrafol’s strength is its systemic approach.
By tackling stress (ashwagandha), hormones (saw palmetto), and nutrition (biotin, zinc), it addresses hair loss at the root—literally.
Their Synergen Complex, a patented blend, is designed to balance internal imbalances like high cortisol or DHT.
I found this appealing because my thinning felt tied to stress and diet gaps.
Nutrafol’s third-party testing and clinical studies (even if modest) gave me trust in their process.
Monat, on the other hand, shines in topical care. Their products focus on scalp health and hair strength, using ingredients like hydrolyzed rice protein (clinically shown to promote growth) and coconut oil (great for preventing breakage).
The sensory experience—think luxe textures and scents—makes daily use enjoyable. But without solid studies, I wondered if the results were more cosmetic than transformative. Monat’s direct-selling model also felt less transparent than Nutrafol’s wide availability.
Which Is More Effective?
From an analytical standpoint, Nutrafol has the edge for evidence-based results. Their studies, while not perfect (some are brand-funded), show measurable improvements in hair density and shedding.
Saw palmetto, a key ingredient, has a 2020 review backing its DHT-blocking power, though it’s less potent than finasteride. Nutrafol’s holistic focus on stress and nutrition aligns with research linking cortisol and deficiencies to hair loss.
However, its slow timeline and cost make it a long-term investment.
Monat’s effectiveness is harder to pin down. Ingredients like rice protein and coconut oil have some clinical support, but Monat’s specific blends haven’t been rigorously tested. User reviews are mixed—some swear by it, others report irritation or no change.
The brand’s controversies, including lawsuits and FDA scrutiny, cast doubt on quality control. Monat’s topical approach might complement a supplement like Nutrafol, but alone, it feels less impactful for thinning.
Combining Approaches Or Choosing One?
Here’s where it gets personal. If your hair loss is mild and tied to stress or nutrition, Nutrafol’s internal approach might be your best bet. It worked for me because I suspected my thinning was more systemic than scalp-related.
But if you love a pampering haircare routine and want quick cosmetic boosts (shinier, softer hair), Monat’s products are tempting. I’ve even considered pairing them—using Nutrafol for growth and Monat for maintenance—but the combined cost is daunting.
Consulting a dermatologist is smart, especially if your hair loss is sudden or severe. They might recommend minoxidil or finasteride, which have stronger evidence than either Nutrafol or Monat.
For me, the natural, drug-free angle of both brands was a big draw, but I wish Monat had more transparency and Nutrafol was more affordable.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Some avoid Monat due to lawsuits claiming hair damage and scalp irritation, plus an FDA investigation into unsanitary manufacturing. Mixed reviews and a lack of clinical studies also fuel skepticism.
Nutrafol’s high cost (~$88/month), slow results (3-6 months), and four daily pills are drawbacks. Mild side effects like bloating and limited efficacy for severe hair loss are also concerns.
There’s no clear evidence Monat is widely dermatologist-recommended. Unlike Nutrafol, it lacks endorsements from major surveys or healthcare providers.
Yes, but modestly. Studies show a 7% increase in hair count and improved density after six months, best for mild thinning, not baldness.
Conclusion: Your Hair, Your Choice
You’re probably wondering which I’d pick—Nutrafol or Monat? Honestly, it depends on your goals. Nutrafol won me over with its science and holistic benefits, but the price and patience required aren’t for everyone.
Monat’s natural products are fun and fast-acting for hair health, but controversies and weak evidence held me back. I’d love for you to try one (or both!) and see what fits your lifestyle. Hair growth is a journey, and whether you go with Nutrafol’s pills or Monat’s potions, you’re taking a step toward confidence.
Let me know how it goes!