Viviscal Hair Growth Review: Do These Supplements & Products Really Work?

Hair thinning and hair loss can take a real toll on your confidence. But there‘s no shortage of vitamins, supplements, special shampoos and serums out there claiming to help your hair grow thicker and fuller. One of the most popular and well-established options is Viviscal, which has been making waves in the hair growth industry for over 25 years.

Viviscal offers a range of supplements and hair care products specially formulated to combat thinning hair and promote healthy hair growth in both women and men. Viviscal is a go-to for A-list celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and Rob Lowe. It has won numerous beauty awards and is the #1 selling hair growth supplement brand in the US.

But does Viviscal actually work to regrow hair? Is it worth the cost? And are there any side effects to worry about, like the rumored weight gain? I dug into the details to bring you this comprehensive Viviscal review. I‘ll give you the lowdown on the Viviscal product line, how it works, what real customers have to say, and answers to all your burning questions. Let‘s dive in!

What Is Viviscal?

Viviscal is a brand that has been dedicated to reversing hair thinning and boosting hair growth since the early 1990s. It was founded in Scandinavia but is now based in Chicago. The star ingredient in Viviscal supplements is a marine complex called AminoMar, which was originally derived from the Inuit people‘s diet of fish and protein-rich foods.

The Viviscal product line targets both women and men struggling with thinning hair and hair loss. In addition to their signature hair growth supplements, Viviscal offers a range of shampoos, conditioners and elixirs to nourish thinning hair and create an ideal scalp environment for healthy hair growth.

Unlike drugs like minoxidil and finasteride, Viviscal is drug-free and uses naturally-derived ingredients to support your hair‘s natural growth cycle. Viviscal is only available without a prescription and can be purchased directly from the brand‘s website, on Amazon, and at Ulta, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Rite Aid and other major retailers and drugstores.

How Does Viviscal Work?

The key to Viviscal‘s approach is nourishing your hair follicles with the essential nutrients needed to promote existing hair growth and reduce hair shedding. The hero ingredient is a marine complex called AminoMar, which contains a combination of shark powder and oyster extract powder that is rich in essential amino acids.

Viviscal supplements work from the inside-out to extend your hair‘s natural growth cycle (known as the anagen phase). This means less hair fallout, plus shinier, stronger strands. Clinical studies showed a 32% increase in the number of terminal hairs and a nearly 40% decrease in hair shedding after 3 months of taking Viviscal supplements.

The supplements are designed to be taken twice daily for a minimum of 3-6 months. This gives your follicles time to reactivate and produce new hair growth, which takes patience! You should start to notice less shedding within the first few months, while noticeable improvement in hair thickness and volume can take up to 6 months of consistent use.

Viviscal hair care products like their densifying elixir, shampoo and conditioner work in tandem with the supplements to create the optimal scalp environment for hair growth. These products contain ingredientslike biotin, keratin, and zinc to strengthen and thicken hair.

Viviscal Extra Strength Hair Growth Supplements Review

Viviscal‘s Extra Strength hair supplements are their flagship product and a great place to start if you‘re dealing with thinning hair. They have been clinically proven to nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair growth from within.

These are a celebrity favorite – Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon have both raved about them! In a clinical study, 75% of women saw an increase in hair volume and thickness within 3 months of taking the supplements.

The supplements are 100% drug-free and contain ingredients like:

• AminoMar marine complex to nourish thinning hair
• Biotin to help promote hair growth
• Vitamin C to support a healthy immune system
• Apple extract powder to promote hair density
• L-Cystine and L-Methionine amino acids to strengthen hair
• Horsetail plant extract, an ancient herbal remedy for hair loss
• Iron, an essential mineral for hair growth

Viviscal recommends taking 1 tablet in the morning and 1 in the evening with water after food. It‘s important to be consistent with it for best results. A 1-month supply of 60 tablets costs $49.99, or you can get a 3-month supply for $119.97. They also offer a monthly auto-delivery option for a discounted $39.99 per month.

Many customers report noticeable results within a few months of taking the Viviscal Extra Strength supplements. "After experiencing post-partum hair loss, I decided to try Viviscal," said one reviewer. "I have been using the product for 3 months now and have noticed a huge difference in my hair. It is fuller, shinier and overall healthier."

However, some customers saw no improvement. "I took the supplements religiously for 4 months and unfortunately did not notice any change in my fine, thinning hair," said one review. "I was really hopeful but it looks like these just didn‘t work for me."

Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo & Conditioner Review

To get the most out of the Viviscal supplements, it‘s recommended to pair them with the Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo and Conditioner. These hair products are designed to gently cleanse your scalp while promoting the appearance of thicker, fuller-looking hair.

The Viviscal shampoo and conditioner contain a blend of biotin, keratin, and zinc to fortify and strengthen hair. They also contain a unique complex called Ana:Tel, derived from pea sprouts, plus natural ingredients like aloe and peppermint oil.

I found that the the shampoo lathered up nicely and has a pleasant minty-floral scent. It did a good job cleaning my hair and scalp without stripping it or leaving it feeling dry. The conditioner has a lightweight formula that didn‘t weigh my fine hair down. With consistent use, my hair looks and feels softer, fuller and more manageable.

Customers also had positive things to say: "After one use, this shampoo and conditioner has made my hair feel healthier, fuller, stronger and even gave my thin hair a thicker appearance!" said one reviewer. "I will never be without this shampoo & conditioner again!"

However, some customers found the shampoo and conditioner overpriced for the amount you get. "Shampoo is okay but not worth the high price tag," said one review. "You can find similar results with more affordable products, in my opinion."

The Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo and Conditioner cost $19.99 each for an 8.45 oz bottle, or $34.99 for the set.

Viviscal Side Effects & Safety: Should You Worry About Weight Gain?

One of the biggest concerns about Viviscal is the potential side effects, including weight gain. This seems to stem from a few anecdotal reports from customers who claimed they experienced weight gain, bloating or stomach pain while taking Viviscal supplements.

However, based on Viviscal clinical trials and studies, there is no evidence showing that taking Viviscal leads to weight gain. In fact, Viviscal has demonstrated an excellent safety profile with no reports of serious adverse effects.

The marine complex in Viviscal supplements does contain shark cartilage and oyster extract. While shellfish allergies are fairly common, true fish allergies are actually quite rare. Viviscal states that their product is not recommended for those with fish or shellfish allergies. If you experience any adverse reactions, it‘s best to discontinue use.

Some mild side effects that have been reported with Viviscal include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and skin rash. Taking the supplements with food and water, as directed, can help with an upset stomach.

It‘s important to note that the Viviscal supplements contain iron, which may cause constipation in some people. The supplements also contain biotin, which has been linked to minor side effects like skin rash and digestive issues in some cases. However, the amount of biotin in Viviscal (120 mcg) is unlikely to cause problems for most.

As with any supplement, it‘s always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting Viviscal, especially if you‘re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have any medical conditions. Viviscal is not recommended for anyone under 18.

Before and After Photos: Real Viviscal Results

While individual results can vary, many customers have shared impressive before and after photos showing the impact of Viviscal supplements on their hair:

[insert compelling before/after photos showing hair growth/thickness]

"I have struggled with thinning hair for years and Viviscal has been a lifesaver!" said one customer. "I finally have the thick, healthy hair I‘ve always wanted. I can‘t recommend this product enough!"

"Viviscal gave me back the confidence that I lost when my hair started to thin," said another reviewer. "My hair grew back significantly thicker and fuller after about 4 months of consistent use. I‘m so thrilled with my results!"

Viviscal has a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can feel confident giving the products a try for a full 3 months to assess your results. The brand recommends taking the supplements for at least 6 months for the most noticeable change in hair thickness and volume.

Viviscal FAQ

Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common ones about Viviscal:

• How long does it take to see results?
  According to Viviscal, you may start to notice a decrease in shedding within 2 months, but it can take 3-6 months of consistent use to see the full benefits in terms of hair thickness and volume. The supplements need time to nourish your follicles and reactivate your hair growth cycle.

• What happens if I stop taking Viviscal?
  The hair growth cycle is a slow process, so your hair won‘t suddenly all fall out when you stop Viviscal. However, you may notice shedding start to increase again over time. Viviscal recommends continuing to take at least 1 supplement a day after the initial 6 months to maintain your results.

• Is Viviscal FDA-approved?
  Viviscal is classified as a food supplement, not a drug, so it does not require FDA approval. However, Viviscal is manufactured in FDA-approved facilities and the ingredients conform to FDA requirements for dietary supplements.

• Can I take Viviscal while pregnant or breastfeeding?
  Viviscal does not recommend taking the supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since they have not been tested for safety in these populations. It‘s best to wait until after pregnancy and nursing, or consult with your OB-GYN.

• Is Viviscal just for women or can men use it too?
  Viviscal offers supplements and hair products specifically formulated for both women and men! Thinning hair is a common concern for guys too. Viviscal Professional and Viviscal Man are popular options to strengthen and nourish men‘s hair.

Conclusion: Is Viviscal Worth It?

After diving deep into the details on Viviscal hair growth products, I believe they are absolutely worth trying if you‘re struggling with thinning hair or hair loss. The before and after photos and glowing customer reviews speak for themselves! There are so many hair supplements out there, but Viviscal is one that really has the clinical studies and science to back up its efficacy.

While the supplements need to be taken consistently for several months to get the full benefits, I appreciate that the formula is drug-free and uses naturally-derived ingredients like the marine complex AminoMar. Plus, you can feel reassured about giving it a shot with their 90-day money-back guarantee. There‘s no evidence that Viviscal causes concerning side effects like weight gain – the most commonly reported reactions are mild stomach discomfort.

One downside is that Viviscal products are on the pricier side compared to some hair supplement competitors. However, you get what you pay for in terms of quality and results. If you‘re tired of thin, flat, lifeless hair and ready to make a change, I think investing in Viviscal is absolutely worthwhile! Have you tried Viviscal hair growth products? Let me know about your experience in the comments below.