How do we vet brands and products? Learn more.
Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol: Which One Is the Winner?
We compare Hair La Vie and Nutrafol, two leading haircare brands that may help to restore your hair.
No matter your age or gender, losing hair can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. It’s also frustrating when your lengths become dry, thin, or stop growing altogether.
That’s where products like Hair La Vie and Nutrafol come in, offering a range of solutions to your hair woes.
From vitamins and supplements to serums and shampoos, both brands are loved by customers for nourishing their troublesome locks, but which is most effective for hair growth?
This article compares Hair La Vie Clinical Formula Hair Growth Vitamins with Nutrafol Women supplement.
Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol: Which One Is Better?
In terms of hair growth, our experts believe Nutrafol is slightly more effective than Hair La Vie. Nutrafol is a 100% natural dietary supplement that helps promote thicker, stronger hair growth. However, Hair La Vie is also a natural supplement that helps to support hair health and growth. Both supplements have been proven effective in clinical trials.
Although it can take a while to begin seeing results, Nutrafol’s product range has a wider offering for both women and men and as mentioned before, the ingredients within their supplement range have been proven to be effective in several clinical trials.
Uses natural, medical-grade ingredients
Gluten and dairy-free
Balances hormones
Improves both skin and hair health
Clinically proven results
Cruelty-free
Contains no harsh chemicals
Naturally nourishes hair for growth, density, and volume
Relatively expensive
Side effects are possible
Must take 4 capsules per day for 3 months to see results
Mixed customer reviews regarding effectiveness
Not suitable for vegans (vitamins)
Not all ingredients are clinically proven
What Is Nutrafol?
- Targets the root causes of thinning hair
- Supports healthy hair growth
- Balances hormones
- Improves skin health
Designed specifically for women aged 18–44, Nutrafol is a hair growth supplement that targets the root causes of thinning hair, such as stress, age, and nutrient deficiency.
With its completely natural, medical-grade ingredients, the supplement promises to restore stronger, thicker, and faster-growing hair after 3 months.
Other Nutrafol products
Along with the Women’s vitamins that are aimed at those aged 18–44, Nutrafol also offers a range of other products designed to help women and men of different ages, lifestyles, and with different needs. These products include:
- Women’s Vegan – Similar to the original Women formula but made with 100% vegan ingredients for those living a plant-based lifestyle.
- Women’s Balance – For women aged 45 and over experiencing signs of hair thinning.
- Postpartum – This supplement was created to help women in the first year after childbirth who may be struggling with shedding.
- Nutrafol Men – A product created specifically for men seeing signs of thinning hair and bald spots.
- Boosters – Targeted products designed to be used in conjunction with other vitamins for additional support, stress, nutrition, aging, hormones, toxin cleanse, or metabolism.
- Haircare products – A shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, scalp mask, and scalp essence for smoother, stronger hair.
What Is Hair La Vie?
- Rejuvenates damaged follicles
- Reduces shedding
- Promotes natural hair growth
- Nourishes hair for shine and softness
- Removes product buildup and impurities
Meaning “Hair is Life,” Hair La Vie is a natural haircare brand that aims to help women from all walks of life feel more confident about their hair and create “Great Hair Naturally.”
Their most popular product is Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins, which contain a blend of botanical extracts, vitamins, and minerals to help support hair growth, add volume, and maintain healthy locks.
Hair La Vie Products
Although the Clinical Formula vitamins are Hair La Vie’s main selling point, they also have other vitamins, treatments, and haircare products available, such as:
- Foundation Collagen Elixir – A honeydew-flavored powder that is designed to be mixed with water to promote hair growth, a radiant complexion, and good gut health.
- Renewing Growth Treatment –Targets the strength, growth rate, and root attachment of your hair to help you grow long healthy locks.
- Shampoo and conditioner – Gentle cleanser, liquid hair vitamins, and nourishing oil that restores impurities and reinvigorates hair follicles with 19 natural ingredients.
- Revitalizing Hair Blend vitamins – Provide essential nutrients to boost the immune system and encourage hair to grow.
- No.77 Leave-in – A conditioning treatment that moisturizes roots without weighing the hair down.
- Pure Argan Oil –100% pure argan oil treatment that hydrates dry skin and hair.
- Mask – Provides a deep conditioning treatment to prevent limp, lifeless hair and hydrate your locks.
- Serum – An ideal product for taming frizzy locks while moisturizing the strands with its silicone-free formula.
- Dry shampoo – This dry shampoo boosts volume and detoxifies the scalp, helping to refresh hair and encourage growth.
How Do Nutrafol and Hair La Vie Work?
When it comes to Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol, both contain unique blends of natural ingredients, which work together to strengthen hair follicles and promote healthy growth.
Nutrafol uses botanical ingredients in its special Synergen Complex, which addresses a range of lifestyle factors that can cause your hair to be thin and fall out. These factors include:
- Hormonal change – Having an imbalance of the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes hair follicles to shrink. This can occur as a result of age, menopause, and pregnancy.
- Stress – Those who are chronically stressed have high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which leads to thinning hair.
- Slow metabolism – Eating too few calories, having a hormonal imbalance, or a change in thyroid activity means that your body has less energy available for hair regrowth.
- Nutrient deficiency – Following a restrictive diet that leads to sudden weight loss can lead to the body not receiving the correct balance of vitamins and minerals that it needs to function and maintain good hair health.
- Aging – As we grow older, hair can begin to thin and shred due to a natural decrease in collagen stores, a protein that contributes to strong bones, muscle tissue, and hair.
Hair La Vie’s Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins use ingredients such as biotin to strengthen hair follicles, while saw palmetto is a traditional herbal remedy that treats hair loss. It does this by inhibiting the action of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to DHT.
Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol Ingredients
Although Nutrafol and Hair La Vie products are not suitable for vegetarians, they do use completely safe, natural ingredients that target the issues underlying hair loss.
One of the key ingredients in both Hair La Vie and Nutrafol is hydrolyzed marine collagen. Also known as collagen peptides, this is a protein derived from fish that is made from keratin, an amino acid that provides the hair with strength and elasticity.
They both also contain saw palmetto, a natural plant extract that can help to treat hair loss conditions such as alopecia and telogen effluvium (TE), and biotin. Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is another nutrient that is vital for the production of keratin.
What makes Nutrafol Women stand out is its inclusion of sensoril ashwagandha, a natural ingredient that balances levels of the hormone cortisol. This helps to reduce stress, which is a key factor in hair loss.
Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol: Key Differences
One of the main differences between Hair La Vie and Nutrafol is that Nutrafol has a longer, more impressive ingredient list. However, Hair La Vie contains a higher dosage of saw palmetto, which is the recommended amount for it to be effective.
Although Hair La Vie provides several positive customer testimonials, we couldn’t find any links to actual research or clinical trials that prove the efficacy of their products, unlike Nutrafol’s array of clinical studies.
Also, while Hair La Vie only makes products for women hoping to promote hair growth naturally, Nutrafol also has a vitamin specifically designed for men as well as women of different ages and needs.
Finally, the most noticeable difference between the two brands is the pricing of their products, with a bottle of Nutrafol costing about $31 more than Hair La Vie.
Benefits
As treatments for healthier, faster-growing hair, Hair La Vie and Nutrafol share some similar benefits, which we’ve explored in detail below:
#1 Promotes healthy growth
The unique blend of ingredients in Nutrafol’s Synergen Complex takes a natural approach to tackle hair loss, targeting factors such as stress, hormones, and aging. Studies have shown that this is effective in increasing the number of hairs grown, as well as boosting volume and thickness.
Similarly, many of the ingredients within Hair La Vie have been shown to increase hair count after consistent use, including saw palmetto.
#2 May boost immunity
One of the stand-out ingredients of the Nutrafol Women formula is astaxanthin, an antioxidant that fights free radicals to ward off disease while also building more protective white blood cells.
Hair La Vie contains zinc, iron, and selenium, key minerals that can treat immune-related diseases such as diarrhea, age-related blindness, and the common cold.
#3 Contains natural ingredients
If you’re looking to avoid the many cosmetics and haircare products that contain toxic chemicals, in the case of Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol, both are great options. Their ingredients are whole and naturally sourced, without the need for heavy processing or synthetic additives.
#4 Balances hormones
As we’ve mentioned, both brands use ingredients that inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which in turn prevents testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT clings to follicles and causes them to shrink, which prevents hair from growing properly.
Downsides
Like any product, it’s important to consider the drawbacks of Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol so that you can make an informed decision on which is best overall. Some of the main downsides include:
#1 Not all ingredients are clinically-backed
Some of the natural ingredients in both products, but especially in Hair La Vie, are not 100% proven to be effective. For instance, although saw palmetto may help to promote hair growth, more research is needed to confirm whether it works when taken orally through a supplement.
Similarly, although some research suggests that reishi mushroom extract may boost immunity, no human studies have yet found a direct link between reishi mushrooms and the treatment of alopecia areata.
#2 Takes a while to see visible results
You’ll need to take 4 Nutrafol Women capsules once a day and 3 Hair La Vie vitamins for at least 3 months before you’re likely to begin seeing any improvements in hair growth, loss, or hair shedding.
Taking these hair vitamins with a meal consistently each day may also be difficult for those who struggle to swallow capsules.
#3 Can’t be consumed by vegetarians
When considering Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol for those on a vegetarian or plant-based diet, neither is suitable. This is because they contain animal products such as collagen, which come from sources such as beef or fish.
However, you can use Nutrafol Women’s Vegan if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative.
Side Effects
When using any new skin, hair, and cosmetic product, you’re at risk of encountering gastrointestinal side effects as your body adjusts, including bloating, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.
For example, both Nutrafol and Hair La Vie products contain biotin. Consuming too much of this water-soluble vitamin can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, along with more serious side effects such as insomnia, elevated blood sugar, and skin rashes.
Hair La Vie’s Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins also contain more than the recommended dose of copper, which is 2 milligrams. This puts you at risk of toxicity, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and liver damage in extreme cases.
To avoid these side effects, ensure that you only take the recommended dose as indicated on the packaging with a meal, which helps the vitamins digest properly.
Pricing
Hair La Vie’s Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins are significantly cheaper than Nutrafol Women, costing $56.99 per bottle compared to $88.
However, both brands offer discounts if you subscribe for a recurring monthly, 3-month, or 6-month supply, with savings increasing the more bottles that you buy.
For instance, Clinical Formula is priced at $49.20 for 1 bottle every month, $44.99 for 3 bottles every 3 months, and $38.99 for 6 bottles every 6 months. Nutrafol is still slightly more expensive, at $79 for a 1-month supply, $224 for a 3-month supply ($74.67 per bottle), and $422 for a 6-month supply ($70.33 per bottle).
Best in the Category
Cruelty-free
No artificial fragrances
Suitable for both men and women
Free of silicones, parabens, SLS, and GMO
Vegan-friendly
Science-backed ingredients
Suitable for a range of hair types
Cruelty-free
Clinically-backed formulas
Suitable for all hair types
Products aren’t suitable for children
You have to take the quiz first
Ingredients are “clean,” but this term is unregulated
Products are relatively expensive
Serum can feel too oily
May not be suitable for those who are pregnant
Difficult to find the price of subscriptions
How We Picked the Products
When comparing two products like Hair La Vie vs. Nutrafol, it’s important that we look at them from multiple angles to ensure we’re providing a clear picture of what they offer. We, therefore, tested Hair La Vie and Nutrafol in four categories, which are:
Quality
For a hair growth supplement or product to be considered high quality, it should contain natural, non-artificial, and cruelty-free ingredients from reliable sources. A product gets bonus points if it comes with minimal side effects.
Price
The brands we’ve discussed both offer products that are on the more expensive side. However, high-quality ingredients often come at a higher price, and the benefits of these products will outweigh the financial cost.
Brand reputation
Brand reputation is an important category because it helps us determine whether their products are safe, effective, and trustworthy. If a brand has a good reputation, it will show in the number of purchases and positive customer reviews.
Effectiveness
Effective haircare products should contain ingredients that are backed by clinical studies. We looked at the science behind each product and how each brand puts this research to work.
FAQs
Clinical studies have proven that Nutrafol improves hair regrowth by 80%. There is no official research on the effectiveness of Hair La Vie, but it does contain some ingredients, such as saw palmetto, that may potentially help with hair growth.
Nutrafol and Hair La Vie are both made with safe, natural ingredients. However, Nutrafol contains many more ingredients and is proven to be more effective, although it comes at a higher price.
Yes, both Nutrafol and Hair La Vie hair supplements are safe when taken according to the directions on the package. You may experience some side effects when taking a supplement for the first time, including bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
A Word From an RD
The best hair growth supplements can be an effective solution for tackling hair loss, especially if they target root causes such as nutrient deficiency, hormonal imbalance, or natural collagen depletion.
However, there are many other things that you should do to maintain your hair health in the long term. You could quit smoking, reduce your stress levels, drink plenty of water, and eat a range of healthy, anti-aging foods.
Before taking any new hair vitamins or supplements, you should always consult your doctor, especially if you are taking any medications that may have dangerous side effects when taken together.
Conclusion
Nutrafol and Hair La Vie both offer great haircare products for creating nourished, healthier curls. However, if you are looking for an effective, clinically backed supplement, Nutrafol is the better option.
Always follow the recommended dosage on the package to avoid harmful side effects, and talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.