Viviscal Review: Clinically Backed Hair Support or Just Hype?

Viviscal focuses on supporting healthy hair growth through science-backed options. The brand claims to address hair thinning caused by aging, stress, or other factors, offering a combination of supplements and topical care that may help nourish your hair from within.

Viviscal focuses on providing a variety of products that can form a complete hair care system. These include Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements as well as supporting products such as shampoos, conditioners, and scalp elixirs.

This article will take a closer look at the Viviscal brand, its product lineup, and the science that supports its claims. You will also find a breakdown of how the products might work, what ingredients they include, and what results customers may expect. We’ll also cover the brand’s strengths and any possible drawbacks, which will help you decide whether Viviscal could be a worthy option for your hair care goals.

About Viviscal

According to the official website, Viviscal targets thinning hair with a combination of dietary supplements and topical products. Its approach is rooted in the natural hair growth cycle, such as anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (rest), and exogen (shedding).

Factors like aging, stress, illness, or hormonal shifts can shorten the growth phase, resulting in weaker, thinner hair. Viviscal claims to address this by adding key nutrients to its products that support and prolong the hair growth phase.

At the core of Viviscal’s supplement is AminoMar, a proprietary marine protein complex inspired by the fish- and protein-rich diets of the Inuit population. This complex is rich in collagen and amino acids, key building blocks for keratin, the protein that makes up hair strands. Alongside AminoMar, the formulation includes essential nutrients such as biotin, zinc, vitamin C, iron, niacin, and horsetail extract.

Viviscal offers a comprehensive hair care range that includes daily-use supplements and topical products that could work together to promote healthier-looking hair. These external care products include thickening shampoos, conditioners, and volumizing dry shampoo, providing additional support to improve your hair thickness and appearance.

Viviscal Best Selling Products

1. Hair Growth Supplements

   Viviscal’s Hair Growth Supplement range includes products specifically formulated for women and may help improve hair thickness and fullness and reduce shedding.

   As per the official website, Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements addresses multiple triggers that can lead to hair thinning, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. It may help support the hair growth cycle and nourish hair follicles with targeted nutrients.

   Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for women include 59 mg of Vitamin C sourced from Acerola fruit powder and Ascorbic Acid. Vitamin C plays a critical part in collagen synthesis, which may help in maintaining the strength and integrity of your hair’s structure.

   The supplement also provides 12 mg NE of Niacin in the form of Niacinamide per capsule, which might help improve blood circulation in the scalp. Better circulation could help with increased delivery of an optimal amount of nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles, which may support the hair growth cycle and help prevent thinning or hair loss. This boost in scalp health can create an optimal environment for stronger and thicker hair.

   The makers added biotin 120 mcg of in the women’s formula, which may aid in keratin production. Keratin makes up hair strands, which may help in maintaining hair strength and reducing breakage.

   Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for women also contain 60 mg of Calcium, which is vital for various cellular functions, including cell renewal and signaling within the hair follicles. Healthy cellular activity helps maintain the natural growth cycle and can support consistent hair regeneration.

   Iron is included as 10 mg of Ferrous Fumarate in this formula, an important mineral that enhances oxygen delivery to the hair roots. Since hair follicles require a steady oxygen supply for optimal function, adequate iron levels can reduce hair thinning related to iron deficiency and contribute to healthier hair growth.

   The Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements feature 11 mg of Zinc from Zinc Oxide per capsule, a mineral essential for tissue repair and maintaining the health of hair follicles. Zinc’s role in balancing hormones and regulating oil production in the scalp also helps reduce issues like dandruff and scalp inflammation, supporting a healthier scalp environment conducive to hair growth.

2. Viviscal Man

   Viviscal’s hair supplement range provides Viviscal Man, which may help nourish your scalp and help maintain the natural hair growth cycle. The formula includes the AminoMar Marine Complex, which is a proprietary blend inspired by marine-based nutrients traditionally linked to hair strength and resilience. It is combined with essential nutrients such as Zinc, Vitamin C, and Flaxseed.

   As per the official website, zinc in Viviscal Man Hair Growth Supplement may help maintain normal testosterone levels and support the health of hair follicles. It also has vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and works to support collagen production, while flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids that may support scalp health and help reduce inflammation around hair roots.

   Hair loss might result from a combination of stress, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, aging, heredity, and environmental factors like UV damage. Viviscal Man might support the scalp and follicles against these influences.

3. Thickening Serum

   Viviscal Hair Thickening Serum may help promote the appearance of thicker, fuller-looking hair. It may function by forming a flexible layer around each strand, allowing it to create the effect of multi-dimensional density while also taming frizz for a smoother, more polished finish.

   As per the manufacturer, Viviscal Hair Thickening Serum is enriched with essential hair-building nutrients, including Biotin and Keratin, that might support hair strength and structure. It is also fortified with marine collagen and seaweed extract, both of which are rich in proteins and minerals that may support scalp hydration and hair fiber resilience.

   Viviscal claims that its Hair Thickening Serum can also help visibly improve hair texture, making hair appear fuller without the stiffness often caused by traditional styling products.

4. Thickening Shampoo And Strengthening Conditioner Collection

   As per the official website, Viviscal provides a Thickening Shampoo and Strengthening Conditioner Collection that may help cleanse, nourish, and fortify your hair, potentially helping with thicker, fuller-looking strands.

   The makers state that its Viviscal Thickening Shampoo could be suitable for all hair types and works by strengthening hair while reducing breakage. It might help cleanse your scalp, removing buildup and impurities that can hinder healthy hair growth. The shampoo might help stimulate your scalp to support the hair follicles and is formulated with key ingredients including seaweed extract, marine collagen, biotin, and keratin.

   Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner in the collection may help condition and moisturize the scalp while supporting the appearance of fuller, stronger hair. Like the shampoo, the conditioner features biotin and keratin, essential hair-building blocks, alongside marine collagen and seaweed extract for added nourishment.

5. The Essentials Collection

   The Viviscal Essentials Collection includes Hair Growth Supplements, Thickening Shampoo, and Strengthening Conditioner, which may help address multiple causes of hair thinning and breakage.

   The Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements are said to be drug-free and potentially suitable for all hair types. Complementing the internal nourishment, the essential collection’s Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner may work externally to reinforce hair structure and improve texture. The Thickening Shampoo might gently help cleanse your scalp, stimulate follicles, and strengthen strands to reduce breakage, especially when applied in conjunction with the conditioner.

6. The Cleanse + Fortify Collection

   The Viviscal Cleanse + Fortify Collection may help deeply cleanse your scalp, remove product buildup, and fortify each strand for fuller, healthier-looking hair. This collection features shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, and thickening serum, each promoting hair volume, texture, and strength.

   The Viviscal Thickening Shampoo in Viviscal Cleanse + Fortify Collection gently cleanses the scalp and hair while helping to strengthen strands, reduce breakage, and prepare your hair for conditioning. This collection also features the Strengthening Conditioner, which delivers lightweight yet effective moisture and scalp hydration, while the Viviscal Volumizing Dry Shampoo offers a quick-refresh option that absorbs excess oil, restores texture, and adds instant volume between washes.

   The makers also added the Viviscal Hair Thickening Serum in the Viviscal Cleanse + Fortify Collection, which is a lightweight leave-in treatment that instantly coats each hair strand to create the look of multi-dimensional density without frizz.

Viviscal Advantages

1. Comprehensive Approach To Hair Care

   Viviscal promotes a full-spectrum hair wellness strategy by combining internal nutritional support with external topical care.

   At the core of its system is the AminoMar™ marine complex, formulated with collagen-rich proteins and amino acids to help nourish hair follicles from within. The supplement also includes biotin, vitamin C, iron, and zinc, nutrients commonly associated with maintaining healthy hair growth and structural integrity.

   Viviscal is also focused on offering shampoos, conditioners, and scalp products that could reinforce the hair strands and promote a healthy scalp environment.

   This integrated approach allows you to address thinning, shedding, and breakage from multiple angles, internally through targeted nutrition and externally through supportive care, potentially resulting in more consistent hair strength and density over time.

2. Broad Retail Availability

   Viviscal is available in over 25,000 retail locations across the United States, making it one of the more accessible hair wellness brands on the market. You can find Viviscal products in major national chains like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Ulta Beauty, as well as through leading online retailers. This extensive availability helps you avoid delays from shipping or the need to plan far in advance. If you prefer in-person shopping, want to compare options on the shelf, or need to restock quickly, this kind of retail presence gives you more flexibility. It also opens access to store-specific promotions, loyalty rewards, and same-day pickup options, allowing you to integrate Viviscal into your routine with minimal disruption.

Viviscal Limitations

1. Marine-Based Ingredient Philosophy Restricts Brand Accessibility

   Viviscal’s brand identity centers on marine-derived ingredients, with its proprietary AminoMar® complex as the core active component in its supplements. This complex includes fish proteins, shark cartilage, and mollusk powder, chosen for their amino acids and marine collagen content, which are believed to support the hair growth (anagen) phase. However, this strong focus on seafood-sourced ingredients presents notable limitations. Viviscal relies on animal-derived ingredients, which means it won’t align with your ethical or dietary choices if you follow a vegan lifestyle. If you have fish or shellfish allergies, these same marine components pose a significant risk and effectively exclude you from using their supplements. Thus, Viviscal’s narrow formulation approach may not meet your needs if you require vegan-friendly options or have seafood sensitivities.

Viviscal Alternative Brands

1. Nutrafol

   When you compare Nutrafol and Viviscal, the differences in their approach to hair wellness are pretty clear, especially when it comes to how they formulate their products, price their offerings, and support you as a customer.

   Nutrafol positions itself as a premium, personalized option for hair thinning. It offers a wide range of targeted formulas for men, women, postpartum people, those over 45, and even a vegan version. The brand features DHT-inhibitor capsules, a topical hair serum, and a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.

   As per its official website, Nutrafol offers a GrowthPlan+, a $299/month subscription that includes hair mineral testing, consultations with naturopathic doctors, personalized supplement adjustments, and a six-month satisfaction guarantee.

   Viviscal, on the other hand, offers a marine-based oral supplement using the proprietary AminoMar complex, available for both men and women. It also provides affordable topicals like shampoo, conditioner, and a thickening serum, with bundles priced as low as $50.

   In terms of cost, Nutrafol is significantly more expensive. Monthly subscriptions for its core supplements range from $79 to $99, with one-time purchases going up to $145. Add-ons like the DHT inhibitor and serum increase the total cost further. Viviscal is more accessible, with monthly supplies starting around $36 through a subscription and $40 as a one-off for supplements. Even its bundled kits are budget-friendly compared to Nutrafol’s high-end packages. Both brands offer free shipping on subscriptions and 30-day return policies, though Nutrafol adds a results-based refund guarantee for its premium plan.

   When it comes to formulation, Nutrafol uses a diverse mix of plant-based and marine-derived ingredients, including saw palmetto, ashwagandha, curcumin, and biotin. It takes a whole-body wellness angle by targeting root causes like stress and hormonal imbalances. It also offers a fully vegan formula for women. Viviscal’s supplement formulation, however, is centered on marine ingredients such as fish proteins, shark cartilage, and mollusk powder, making it unsuitable for vegans or people with shellfish allergies.

   Nutrafol focuses on providing more personalized, clinically guided options, while Viviscal offers a straightforward, effective, and budget-conscious option that’s easy to integrate into everyday life.

How Did We Evaluate Viviscal?

1. Brand Credibility

   To evaluate Viviscal, we considered the brand’s age and history, customer reviews on Trustpilot, and its Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Viviscal has been in the hair supplement market since the 1990s, which shows it has maintained a presence over the years by promoting a marine complex formula aimed at supporting hair growth. While its longevity suggests some credibility, we also noted concerns about transparency around ingredient sourcing and the strength of clinical backing.

   We reviewed customer feedback on Trustpilot, where Viviscal holds an average rating of about 3.8 out of 5 based on only two reviews. It’s also important to highlight that these reviews are old and may not reflect the current state of the brand’s products or customer service. This outdated nature of reviews means Trustpilot alone is insufficient to assess the brand’s current reputation fully.

   Viviscal’s BBB rating is also concerning, as it got D-, indicating multiple unresolved complaints and issues related to customer service, refunds, and product claims. This low rating suggests caution is warranted when considering Viviscal, and we recommend seeking additional information to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

2. Refund Policy

   We assessed Viviscal’s refund policy to analyze if the brand prioritizes your satisfaction and peace of mind.

   Based on its refund policy, the brand demonstrates a clear commitment to customer satisfaction by offering a full refund or exchange within 30 days of purchase. The policy is straightforward, specifying that the product should be returned in the original packaging, which is a reasonable requirement to ensure fairness for both parties.

   The availability of multiple contact options, such as email and phone, makes it easy for you to initiate a return. Processing times of 10-14 business days for returns and an additional 5-7 days for refunds are typical and set clear expectations.

   One limitation to note is that purchases made through retail stores cannot be returned via the website. Instead, you must return the item to the original store. This could be inconvenient if you bought the product in-store but prefer handling returns online.

   The policy seems to be customer-friendly, offering a full refund window that is fairly standard in the industry, combined with transparent timelines and clear instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Viviscal Work For All Types Of Hair Concerns?
   Viviscal is primarily designed to support hair growth in cases of thinning hair or general hair loss. However, it may not be effective for conditions like alopecia areata or scarring alopecia, which require specialized medical treatments.
2. Can Viviscal’s Product Range Cause Hair Shedding Initially, And If So, Why?
   Viviscal offers oral supplements, which may cause an initial increase in shedding due to follicles cycling out old hairs to make way for new growth. This is typically temporary, but persistent shedding should prompt consultation with a professional.
3. Does Viviscal Work For Complete Baldness Or Severe Hair Loss?
   Viviscal claims that its supplements can support thinning hair and promote healthier hair growth, but it is generally not effective for complete baldness (alopecia totalis) or severe hair loss where follicles may be inactive or scarred.

Conclusion

Viviscal provides several hair care products to support thicker, fuller, and healthier-looking hair. It works to address common causes of hair thinning, such as stress, aging, hormonal changes, and styling damage.

The brand’s multi-product system may also support all stages of the hair growth cycle and offers flexible routines tailored to different needs. Viviscal is widely available in retail stores, which may also add to convenience. However, the brand’s reliance on marine-based ingredients limits its suitability if you are a vegan or have fish and shellfish allergies.

While Viviscal claims to support your hair health and address hair concerns through its products, consuming eggs, nuts, berries, and legumes can help nourish hair follicles from within. Reducing heat styling, protecting hair from UV exposure, and managing stress through techniques like regular exercise, mindfulness, or adequate sleep can further contribute to stronger, more resilient hair over time.