Viviscal Vs. Viviscal Pro For Hair Growth: In-depth Differences

I’ve spent years chasing thicker, fuller hair, battling thinning strands and shedding that seemed relentless. Like many of you, I scoured the internet for solutions, landing on Viviscal and Viviscal Pro—two supplements promising to transform lackluster locks.

My goal?

To figure out which one truly delivers. In this article, I’ll share my first-hand experience, breaking down their ingredients, benefits, and drawbacks using a semantic SEO approach to answer your burning questions.

By the end, you’ll know which product suits your hair goals and why.

A Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Viviscal	Viviscal Pro
Target Audience	Men and women with mild thinning	Men and women with significant thinning
AminoMar Concentration	Standard dose	28% higher dose
Key Ingredients	AminoMar, Biotin, Vitamin C, Zinc	AminoMar, Biotin, Vitamin C, Apple Extract, L-Cysteine, L-Methionine
Dosage	2 tablets daily	2 tablets daily
Availability	Retail stores, online	Physicians’ offices, salons
Price (Approx.)	$30–$40 for 60 tablets	$50–$60 for 60 tablets
Time to Results	3–6 months	3–6 months, potentially faster
Drug-Free	Yes	Yes

My Hair Struggles And Why I Turned To Viviscal?

Let’s get real: thinning hair can hit your confidence hard.

For me, it started in my late 30s—stress, hormonal shifts, and maybe a less-than-stellar diet left my once-vibrant hair looking limp.

I’d notice clumps in the shower drain, and my ponytail felt thinner every month.

After trying shampoos and serums that did little, I stumbled across Viviscal, a brand with over 25 years of research and a cult following.

Its promise?

Thicker, fuller hair through oral supplements that nourish follicles from within.

But then I saw Viviscal Pro, a professional-strength version, and I was hooked on finding out which one was worth my time and money.

Viviscal and Viviscal Pro both aim to tackle hair loss by feeding your follicles essential nutrients. Unlike topical treatments that sit on the scalp, these supplements work internally, targeting blood vessels connected to hair follicles.

The star ingredient, AminoMar, a marine complex of shark cartilage and mollusk powder, caught my attention. It’s backed by clinical studies showing increased terminal hairs (those thick, healthy strands) and reduced shedding in as little as 90 days. But how do the two stack up?

Let’s break it down.

Understanding Viviscal: The Original Formula

When I first tried Viviscal, I was drawn to its accessibility. You can grab it at Ulta, Amazon, or even your local drugstore for about $30–$40 for a 60-tablet bottle. It’s marketed for men and women dealing with mild to moderate thinning, which felt like my situation.

The idea of a drug-free solution was appealing—no prescriptions, no harsh chemicals, just a twice-daily tablet packed with nutrients.

Key Features of Viviscal

The backbone of Viviscal is its AminoMar complex, a blend of marine proteins that nourishes thinning hair and promotes growth. I learned it was developed after researchers studied communities with healthy hair, linking their diets to marine-based nutrients. Alongside AminoMar, Viviscal includes:

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Known for strengthening hair and reducing breakage. It’s a staple in hair growth supplements, and I noticed my nails seemed stronger, too.
• Vitamin C: Sourced from acerola cherry, it boosts iron absorption and protects follicles with antioxidant power.
• Zinc: Essential for scalp health and hormone balance, it helps repair hair tissue.
• Iron: Crucial for women like me, since iron deficiency can trigger hair loss.
• Niacin (Vitamin B3): Improves blood flow to the scalp, delivering nutrients to follicles.
• Horsetail Extract: Balances calcium and magnesium, supporting hormone stability.

My Experience With Viviscal

I committed to Viviscal for six months, taking two tablets daily with food. The first month was uneventful—hair growth is slow, so I wasn’t expecting miracles. By month three, I noticed less hair in my brush, and my part line looked slightly fuller.

After six months, my hair felt thicker, with a subtle shine I hadn’t seen in years. Clinical studies back this up: a 2015 study showed significant increases in terminal hairs after 90 and 180 days compared to a placebo. Still, I wondered if Viviscal Pro could’ve worked faster or delivered more dramatic results.

Pros of Viviscal

• Affordable: At $30–$40 for a month’s supply, it’s easier on the wallet than Viviscal Pro.
• Widely Available: No need for a doctor’s visit—you can order online or pick it up locally.
• Clinically Proven: Backed by multiple studies showing reduced shedding and increased hair thickness.
• Drug-Free: Safe for most people, with natural ingredients like marine proteins and vitamins.
• Suitable for Mild Thinning: Perfect if your hair loss is just starting or isn’t severe.

Cons of Viviscal

• Slower Results: It took me three months to notice changes, which requires patience.
• Seafood Allergies: AminoMar contains fish and shellfish, so it’s a no-go if you’re allergic.
• Mild Side Effects: I experienced occasional stomach upset if I took it on an empty stomach.
• Not for Severe Loss: If your thinning is advanced, Viviscal might not be potent enough.

Exploring Viviscal Pro: The Professional Upgrade

Viviscal Pro piqued my curiosity because it’s billed as the heavy-hitter for more pronounced hair loss.

It’s not as easy to find—you’ll need to visit a physician’s office, salon, or clinic, and it costs more, around $50–$60 for 60 tablets.

The higher price reflects its professional-strength formula, which boasts a 28% higher AminoMar concentration and extra ingredients tailored for intensive hair restoration.

Key Features of Viviscal Pro

Viviscal Pro builds on the original formula with a few game-changing additions. Alongside the same AminoMar, Biotin, Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron, Niacin, and Horsetail Extract, it includes:

• Apple Extract (Procyandin B2): Shown to increase hair density and diameter, giving strands more body.
• L-Cysteine and L-Methionine: Amino acids that support keratin production, the protein that makes up hair.
• Higher AminoMar Dose: The 28% boost means more marine proteins to fuel follicle nourishment.

I was intrigued by the idea that Viviscal Pro could work faster or deliver fuller results, especially since my thinning was starting to feel more noticeable. The exclusive availability through professionals gave it a premium vibe, but I wondered if the extra cost was justified.

My Experience With Viviscal Pro

Switching to Viviscal Pro after Viviscal, I noticed a difference by month two—my shedding decreased significantly, and new baby hairs appeared along my temples. By month four, my hair felt denser, especially around my crown.

A 2015 clinical study supports this, showing Viviscal Pro users had a statistically significant increase in terminal hairs and thickness over six months. The downside? The price stung, and tracking down a supplier was a hassle compared to grabbing Viviscal off a shelf.

Pros of Viviscal Pro

• Higher Potency: The increased AminoMar and added ingredients target more severe thinning.
• Faster Results: I saw changes a bit sooner than with Viviscal, around two months.
• Clinically Backed: Studies show it’s effective for women with self-perceived thinning hair.
• Professional Endorsement: Dermatologists and trichologists often recommend it for intensive care.
• Comprehensive Formula: Extra amino acids and apple extract give it an edge for hair density.

Cons of Viviscal Pro

• Expensive: At $50–$60 per month, it’s a bigger investment than Viviscal.
• Limited Availability: Only sold through professionals, which can be inconvenient.
• Seafood Allergies: Like Viviscal, it’s not suitable for those with fish or shellfish allergies.
• Commitment Required: You need to stick with it for 3–6 months for full benefits.
• Potential Side Effects: Some users report mild digestive issues or breakouts.

Breaking Down The Ingredients: What Makes Them Different?

Both supplements share a core set of ingredients, but Viviscal Pro’s enhanced formula sets it apart.

The higher AminoMar concentration is the biggest differentiator—28% more marine proteins mean more nourishment for struggling follicles.

I found this particularly helpful as my thinning progressed.

The addition of Apple Extract, L-Cysteine, and L-Methionine in Viviscal Pro also targets hair density and keratin production, which I noticed in the increased body of my strands.

Here’s a closer look at the unique ingredients in Viviscal Pro:

• Apple Extract: Contains Procyandin B2, which studies link to increased hair diameter and density. It gave my hair a fuller appearance, especially around my part.
• L-Cysteine and L-Methionine: These amino acids are building blocks for keratin, making hair stronger and less prone to breakage. I felt my strands were more resilient after switching to Pro.
• Higher AminoMar: The boosted dose felt like giving my follicles a supercharged meal, leading to faster regrowth compared to the standard formula.

Viviscal’s formula, while effective, sticks to the basics. It’s great for maintenance or early-stage thinning but lacks the extra punch of Pro’s specialized ingredients. If your hair loss is mild, Viviscal’s nutrient blend might be enough. But for more stubborn thinning, Pro’s enhanced lineup could make a bigger impact.

How They Work: The Science Behind The Supplements

Both Viviscal and Viviscal Pro work by nourishing hair follicles through the bloodstream, extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Most hair loss supplements focus on topical application, but these target the root—literally.

The AminoMar complex, derived from marine proteins, feeds the dermal papilla, the foundation of hair follicles. This internal approach made sense to me, as my diet wasn’t always rich in the nutrients my hair craved.

Clinical studies, like one published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2015, show both products increase terminal hairs and reduce shedding within 90–180 days.

Viviscal Pro’s higher potency and added ingredients may accelerate this process, which aligned with my experience of seeing results a month earlier than with Viviscal. The supplements work in four stages:

1. Month 1: Follicles get nourished with nutrients and marine proteins.
2. Month 2: Thin, wispy hairs start to strengthen.
3. Month 3: Shedding and breakage decline, and existing growth is encouraged.
4. Months 4–6: Hair becomes thicker, healthier, and more vibrant.

I appreciated that both are drug-free, relying on natural ingredients. But the commitment—six months of daily pills—requires discipline. If you’re inconsistent, you might not see the full benefits.

Cost And Accessibility: Which One Fits Your Budget?

Price was a big factor for me. Viviscal’s $30–$40 price tag for a 60-tablet bottle felt manageable, especially since I could order it online or pop into a store.

Viviscal Pro, at $50–$60, stretched my budget, and finding a supplier was trickier.

I had to visit a dermatologist’s office, which added time and effort.

If convenience and cost are priorities, Viviscal is the clear winner.

But if you’re willing to invest in a premium formula for potentially faster results, Viviscal Pro might justify the splurge.

I also looked into subscriptions. Viviscal’s website offers discounts for auto-ship, bringing the cost down slightly. Viviscal Pro, being exclusive to professionals, rarely has deals, which was a bummer.

Weighing the cost against my hair goals, I leaned toward Viviscal Pro when my thinning worsened, but I stuck with Viviscal during maintenance phases to save money.

Real User Feedback: What Others Are Saying

To get a fuller picture, I dug into user reviews and Reddit threads. On r/finehair, one user shared that Viviscal reduced shedding after three months, but another said it caused breakouts and didn’t work after four months.

Viviscal Pro got praise for filling in recession lines, with one user noting fuller hair after a year. However, some complained about the price and difficulty canceling subscriptions. My takeaway?

Results vary, and consistency is key. Those with mild thinning often loved Viviscal, while Viviscal Pro shone for more advanced cases.

A friend of mine, a nurse practitioner named Darla, shared her story with Viviscal. After post-pregnancy thinning, she saw thicker roots and less shedding within four months. Her experience, echoed in an Allure article, convinced me Viviscal was worth trying.

Viviscal Pro, recommended by dermatologists on platforms like Byrdie, seemed to have a stronger following among professionals, which gave me confidence in its potency.

Potential Side Effects: What To Watch For

Both supplements are generally safe, but they’re not without quirks. Since AminoMar is marine-based, anyone with fish or shellfish allergies should steer clear. I had mild stomach upset with Viviscal if I skipped a meal, and Viviscal Pro occasionally left a fishy aftertaste.

Some users report breakouts, possibly from Biotin, though I didn’t experience this. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor—neither is recommended during these stages.

Viviscal’s Biotin content can also skew blood test results, so I made sure to mention it to my doctor before labs. Viviscal Pro’s higher potency didn’t increase side effects for me, but its extra ingredients might affect sensitive users.

Always check the label and talk to a healthcare pro if you’re on medications or have allergies.

Is Viviscal Pro Better Than Viviscal?

This was the question that kept me up at night. After trying both, I’d say it depends on your hair loss stage and budget. Viviscal Pro’s higher AminoMar dose and added ingredients like Apple Extract and amino acids make it more effective for significant thinning.

I noticed faster results—two months versus three with Viviscal—and my hair felt denser overall. If your thinning is mild or you’re on a tighter budget, Viviscal’s standard formula is a solid choice. It’s cheaper, easier to find, and still delivers results over time.

For me, Viviscal Pro edged out because my thinning was progressing, and I wanted quicker, more noticeable changes. But if you’re just starting to see shedding or want a maintenance plan, Viviscal gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Consider your goals, talk to a dermatologist, and weigh the cost versus the potential payoff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

After months of testing both Viviscal and Viviscal Pro, I’ve learned there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re like me, battling thinning hair and looking for a solution that fits your lifestyle, both can work wonders.

Viviscal is your go-to if you want an affordable, accessible option for mild thinning—it’s reliable and backed by science. Viviscal Pro, with its potent formula and professional endorsement, is ideal if your hair loss is more advanced or you’re after faster results.

Whichever you choose, stick with it for at least three months, nourish your body with a balanced diet, and manage stress to maximize results. Your hair deserves the love, and I’m rooting for you to find the perfect fit.