Chelated iron that’s kinder to the stomach and pairs well with clinician-ordered labs to track ferritin recovery.
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If low iron is behind your shedding, the right supplement can rebuild stores without wrecking your stomach. These top picks focus on absorbable forms you can actually take consistently.
In-depth Reviews
Thorne Iron Bisglycinate
- Gentler feel for many people than standard iron salts
- Clean, simple formula that is easy to stack with other supplements
- Good choice when consistency matters more than “extras”
- No built-in vitamin C, so you may need to pair it strategically
- Still can cause constipation in sensitive users
MegaFood Blood Builder
- Convenient combo that supports common co-nutrient gaps
- Simple once-daily routine for most people
- Often easier to stay consistent versus separate pills
- Not ideal if you want iron-only dosing control
- Some people dislike the taste or smell
Solgar Gentle Iron
- Commonly tolerated better than many basic iron formulas
- Easy to take and easy to find
- Straightforward option for longer repletion plans
- Still may cause constipation without supportive habits
- No vitamin C included
Floradix Liquid Iron + Herbs
- Helpful for people who struggle with pills
- Flexible dosing and easy to split into smaller servings
- Often feels gentler when taken with food
- More “maintenance” than capsules and can be messy
- Taste may be a dealbreaker
Proferrin Clear (Heme Iron Polypeptide)
- Often better tolerated than non-heme iron forms
- Less finicky around food and beverages for many users
- Good alternative when standard iron has not worked well
- Not suitable for vegetarians
- Usually more expensive per dose
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: Make Iron Work Better for Hair (Without the Stomach Drama)
Start with labs, not guesses. Hair shedding has lots of causes, and iron is just one of them. If you can, ask for a CBC plus iron studies (often ferritin and transferrin saturation). That gives you a baseline, helps you avoid unnecessary supplementation, and lets you recheck later to confirm the plan is working.
Timing matters, but consistency matters more. Iron often absorbs best away from calcium, coffee, tea, and high-fiber meals, and many people pair it with vitamin C. If that “perfect” schedule makes you skip doses, simplify: take your iron at the same time daily, then improve absorption gradually (for example, by moving it away from your latte, or splitting the dose).
Plan for side effects before they happen. Constipation is the main reason people quit. Hydration, daily walking, and a fiber-forward diet help, but do not overdo bran-heavy meals right around your dose. If you are sensitive, consider a gentler form first, and talk with your clinician about alternate-day dosing, which can be easier to tolerate for some people while still improving iron stores.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: Thorne Iron Bisglycinate is our top pick for hair-focused iron repletion because it is simple, well-tolerated for many people, and built around a highly absorbable form. If you want extra “hair-support” nutrients in the same tablet, MegaFood Blood Builder is the most convenient all-in-one option on this list.
See also
While you work on iron from the inside, keep strands looking healthier with our picks for the best lightweight hair oil and heatless styling methods for your hair type.
- Hair oils that calm an itchy scalp without buildup
- Conditioners that ease dry scalp and reduce breakage
- Shampoos that work for once-a-week washers
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Will an iron supplement help hair growth if my labs are normal?
Usually not, and taking iron when you do not need it can cause side effects or, in rare cases, lead to excess iron. If shedding is your concern, ask your clinician about checking a CBC plus iron studies (often ferritin and transferrin saturation) before you supplement.
What ferritin level is “too low” for hair?
There is no single universal cutoff, but low ferritin is a common finding in people with diffuse shedding. Many clinicians consider low or borderline ferritin worth addressing when hair loss is present, especially if you also have fatigue, heavy periods, or low dietary iron.
How long does it take to see hair improvements after starting iron?
Hair runs on a slow cycle, so visible improvement typically takes time even after iron stores start rising. Many people look for reduced shedding first, then gradual density changes over the next few months, assuming low iron was the driver and you are consistent.
When should I take iron for best absorption?
Iron often absorbs best away from calcium, coffee, tea, and high-fiber meals, and it is commonly paired with vitamin C. If your stomach gets upset, taking it with a small meal and using a gentle form may improve consistency, which matters more than perfect timing.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common issues are nausea, constipation, reflux, and dark stools. Stop and check in with a clinician right away if you have severe abdominal pain, vomiting, signs of an allergic reaction, or if there is any chance a child could access the bottle, since iron overdose is dangerous.
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