We Asked Experts About Dani Austin's Hair Loss Supplements

Some hair-related dietary supplements promise to improve scalp and hair health. However, experts say that while some vitamins and herbs may have hair-related benefits, it's unclear if they actually help reduce or reverse hair loss.

Mega-influencer Dani Austin recently ranked number 20 on Forbes' top creators of 2024 for her social media pursuits. With over 3 million followers across her accounts, Austin is a top influencer with her own haircare brand, Divi, which offers a range of products, including shampoos, conditioners, and dietary supplements to boost hair health and combat hair loss.

Austin founded Divi after experiencing hair loss while attending college, which worsened after childbirth. In addition to hair care products, she created a hair health supplement called Divi Hair Vitamins to offer a holistic approach to hair and scalp health.

Some users on the social media platform Reddit say they follow Austin because they resonate with her hair loss experiences but question whether Divi supplements are effective.

Despite the brand’s promise to provide optimal hair nourishment, one commenter said Austin's hair vitamins didn't work and are a "waste of money."

A closer look at Divi hair vitamins

Austin's vitamin brand claims that the product is suitable for individuals with dull and fragile hair, people who wear tight hairstyles, and those who want a more holistic approach to hair and scalp health.

According to the company's website, the Hair Vitamins Trio contains vitamins, minerals, and Divi Roots-9 Complex, which promise to nourish the hair from the inside out.

Wellnesspulse researcher Dominyka Sitavičiūtė says that while the brand appears to lack transparency, as there are no indications of third-party testing or a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), all ingredients fall within the recommended tolerable upper intake level (UL). Still, some ingredients exceed the recommended daily intake (RDI).

According to Sitavičiūtė, Diva Hair Vitamin ingredients and their safety and potential benefits include:

Sitavičiūtė says that Divi vitamins likely won't significantly impact hair growth, but they appear to be generally safe to use.

Dominyka Sitavičiutė, MSc

Health content researcher

However, some ingredients in the product may interact with each other, and some might be unsuitable for many individuals. Moreover, some ingredients lack scientific backing for their effectiveness for improved hair growth or hair health support.

Do hair loss vitamins work?

Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a double-board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Circle PLLC, explains that there are many types of hair loss (alopecias), including androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, and scarring alopecias. Each type requires different treatment approaches.

Kazlouskaya tells Wellnesspulse that hair loss supplements can help improve hair health and, in some cases, support hair loss treatment, but there are limitations.

"Hair loss is rarely a standalone condition — it's often a symptom of an underlying systemic issue such as thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, or nutritional deficiencies," Kazlouskaya explains. "[That's why] proper medical diagnosis is essential."

Dr. Ross Kopelman, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, says that in his practice, he has seen supplements help people with underlying nutritional deficiencies contributing to their hair loss.

For example, Kopelman explains that low levels of iron, vitamin D, biotin, or zinc can lead to hair shedding, and addressing these deficiencies with supplements can help improve hair health.

"[However], if the hair loss is caused by something like androgenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss), supplements alone typically aren't enough to stop the process or regrow significant hair," Kopelman adds. "They're most effective as part of a larger treatment plan when there's a clear deficiency or imbalance to correct."

Supplements that show promise for hair loss

Kazlouskaya tells Wellnesspulse that while biotin has been widely used for hair loss, recent research suggests its role is often overestimated unless a deficiency exists.

However, Kazlouskaya says that in addition to iron, vitamin D, and zinc, other supplements that have shown potential for combatting hair loss include:

• Saw Palmetto: Known for its anti-androgenic effects, Saw Palmetto may mimic the action of hair loss medications like finasteride. Moreover, some research suggests it may improve hair quality and density for some people.
• Pumpkin Seed Oil: Though research is limited, a 2019 study found that pumpkin seed oil, a natural anti-androgen, promoted hair growth when applied to mice's skin. The scientists say it could be a promising treatment for male-patterned hair loss if human trials yield similar results.

"Marine collagen, caffeine extract, melatonin, and rosemary oil may support hair health, although data is less robust," Kazlouskaya adds.

In addition to specific vitamins and minerals, Kopelman agrees that saw palmetto may benefit hair health.

"However, I always tell my patients that while these supplements can support healthier hair growth, they aren't a magic fix," Kopelman explains. "If someone's experiencing significant hair loss, I prefer to take a more targeted approach to uncover the root cause."

Clinical treatments for hair loss

Dietary supplements may help improve hair health in certain individuals, especially those with specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies. However, there are more effective evidence-based treatment options available.

"When it comes to proven clinical treatments, I rely on options like minoxidil (topical or oral) and finasteride or dutasteride (oral medications that block DHT)," Kopelman says. "I also offer non-invasive treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesotherapy, which can help stimulate hair growth in many patients."

Kopelman says hair transplants are an effective option for individuals with advanced hair loss since they deliver natural and lasting results.

"I always emphasize that treating hair loss often requires a combination of therapies tailored to the individual's specific needs," Kopelman concludes.

Kazlouskaya says clinical treatments depend on the type of hair loss, so getting an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider is essential.

"For example, pattern hair loss is commonly treated with FDA-approved medications such as minoxidil and finasteride," Kazlouskaya tells Wellnesspulse. "In cases of alopecia areata, newly approved JAK inhibitors represent a significant advancement in treatment options."

In addition, Kazlouskaya suggests that microneedling, laser treatments, and exosome therapies are becoming increasingly popular for treating specific types of hair loss.

The bottom line

Austin's line of hair vitamins and other dietary supplements may provide some benefits for people experiencing hair loss. However, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider to ensure they won't interact with other medications or worsen underlying health conditions.

Instead of relying on supplements, experts suggest that FDA-approved treatments such as minoxidil, finasteride, or dutasteride may be a more effective option for treating hair loss, and procedures such as hair transplants can provide lasting results.

Still, since treatments can differ depending on the type of hair loss, getting an accurate diagnosis from a qualified provider is critical to help determine the most appropriate and effective treatment approach.