MSM for Hair Growth: Research & Side Effects

If you’re starting to lose your hair, one of the treatment options you may be considering is the diverse world of hair supplements like MSM that promise beneficial effects like hair regrowth and retention.

MSM has become a popular supplement to stimulate hair growth and treat androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, but a dermatologist would caution that it doesn’t treat androgenic alopecia directly. Instead, it promotes healthy hair growth at the cellular level.

Below, we’ve covered what this dietary supplement is, how it works, and whether it should be part of your hair care routine if you’re losing your hair.

Methylsulfonylmethane (or MSM for short) is a sulfur-containing compound that acts as a sulfur resupply to bodily processes that require a source of sulfur to function.

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, MSM is often used to treat arthritis, joint pain and swelling for many conditions like osteoporosis or muscle cramps.

It can promote immune and joint health, and is used most commonly for its anti-inflammatory properties. MSM sulfur has also been suggested to improve skin quality and texture by strengthening keratin, a vital nutrient for skin and hair.

MSM is also known by various other names, including dimethyl sulfone, methyl sulfone, sulfonylbismethane, organic sulfur, and crystalline dimethyl sulfoxide.

Recently, the effects of methylsulfonylmethane have been researched for possible hair growth benefits.

MSM or methylsulfonylmethane may encourage healthy hair growth by strengthening keratin in hair. Studies suggest that it may treat alopecias and improve the appearance of hair.

Male pattern hair loss is often caused by a male hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and to put it simply, men go bald because DHT may impair the function of hair follicles.

Regaining hair volume typically requires both treatment of the effects of DHT and stimulation of new hair growth.

The latter is what MSM does — or is supposed to do.

MSM isn’t an FDA-approved treatment for preventing male pattern baldness, meaning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t listed it as an effective, researched-backed remedy. (For the record, the FDA doesn’t approve supplements, only drugs.) 

Studies investigating the possibility of MSM for hair growth are limited, but initial results from those studies show promising findings.

• Limited research suggests that topical application of MSM powder may work as a treatment for alopecia (the scientific term for hair loss). However, this particular study was only conducted on mice.

• A peer-reviewed, double-blind study for the Natural Medicine Journal examined the efficacy of a daily ingested MSM supplement of 1 gram or 3 grams for four months. MSM supplementation improved hair appearance and condition for 63 subjects, and a higher dose seemed to increase the benefits.

• A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that a supplement containing MSM showed improved skin health in a short period, including a boost in hydration and elasticity, as well as a slight improvement in the appearance of hair. This study looked at MSM combined with other compounds, though, such as hyaluronic acid and L-carnosine.

Most of the promising studies on MSM hair growth have been published just in the last few years. So for the moment, the evidence is very limited.

Available as an oral supplement or in powder form, MSM supplements are one of the ways that men and women can get their

It’s commonly found in:

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Beer

• Coffee

• Tea

• Port

• Cow’s milk

If you’re consuming a predominantly vegan diet or no longer consuming alcohol, talk to a healthcare provider about the best ways to increase your MSM consumption. It may be supplements.

There’s not too much known about the side effects of MSM powder for hair growth, but studies into MSM supplements suggest they’re safe within certain dosages.

MSM isn’t an FDA-approved treatment for preventing male pattern baldness, meaning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t listed it as an effective, researched-backed remedy. (But, remember: The FDA doesn’t approve supplements, only drugs.) 

Under the FDA’s Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) notification, MSM has a recommended dosage of up to 4 grams daily.

The effect of methylsulfonylmethane has been found to be well tolerated, with most people experiencing mild side effects.

Toxicity studies conducted in rats, mice, and dogs showed mild skin and eye irritation when applied topically.

However, a review of studies noted that methylsulfonylmethane has been anecdotally associated with increased sensitivity to alcohol, though no studies have been conducted to explore metabolic side effects.

The research on MSM for hair growth is limited, and MSM powder for hair isn’t currently approved by the FDA. However, other options for treating hair loss have been proven effective and are backed by extensive research.

Here’s what to consider.

Use Finasteride

Approved by the FDA in 1997 for male pattern hair loss, finasteride is a hair loss treatment that prevents your body from converting testosterone into DHT, the hormone that slows hair growth. Multiple studies have shown that finasteride significantly decreased hair loss while increasing the number of new hairs growing.

Also sold under the brand name Propecia®, this drug is typically taken as an oral medication. It’s also available as a topical solution combined with another hair loss medication in this topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

Try Minoxidil

Typically sold under the brand name Rogaine®, minoxidil is a topical medication used to treat hair loss. Research shows that when used consistently for several months, minoxidil may help stop hair loss and improve the thickness of existing hair.

This particular medication is available in a minoxidil foam or a liquid minoxidil solution that’s usually recommended as a twice-daily treatment.

Take Diet or Hair Supplements

Some research suggests a possible connection between vitamin deficiencies and thinning hair, as well as certain foods for hair growth, such as those rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and other vital nutrients.

In addition to providing certain nutrients, vitamins for hair play important roles in helping you maintain a good level of hair density. 

These include iron, zinc, amino acids, vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as B vitamins like biotin. Biotin is a form of vitamin B7 that’s often low in people with certain forms of temporary hair loss.

You can take biotin gummies, which may offer some substantial benefits for hair health. We’ve written about this before, so check out our guide to biotin for hair growth if you’re curious.

Use Healthy Hair Products

The hair products you use may make a difference in whether you have hair that appears thinner or a full head of hair. Check your shampoo and conditioner for ingredients that promote hydration and volume.

Our thickening shampoo with saw palmetto targets harmful DHT while boosting volume and moisture. And this volumizing shampoo and conditioner not only provides hair with a lift but has hydrating and nourishing ingredients for healthier hair.

You may or may not have heard of MSM powder for hair growth. But when you’re dealing with hair loss, you might be willing to try any solution.

Keep these points in mind when weighing your options.

• MSM is a naturally occurring source of sulfur; methylsulfonylmethane is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for joint health and pain reduction.

• There’s limited evidence on potential MSM benefits for hair, namely encouraging growth and improving hair health. The current research still has a way to go, but it shows promising results.

• Other well-proven options to treat hair loss include the oral medication finasteride, a topical solution called minoxidil, hair supplements, and healthy hair products.

If you want to treat your hair loss as soon as possible or you’re interested in learning more about your options, connect with a healthcare provider to discuss hair loss treatments.