Resveratrol Benefits for Hair: Can This Antioxidant Help with Hair Loss?

Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine, grapes, and even dark chocolate, is mostly known for its potential cardiovascular health benefits and anti-aging properties. But did you know that resveratrol might help with hair loss, too?

Some research suggests that resveratrol may promote hair growth. It may also tackle some of the underlying causes of hair thinning, like inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances.

So, can you use resveratrol for hair growth? And if so, how? Below, we’ll break down the benefits of resveratrol for hair and how you can use it.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant naturally found in grapes, red wine, blueberries, peanuts, and even dark chocolate.

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, resveratrol helps protect your cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which occurs when free radicals overwhelm your body’s natural defenses.

Resveratrol has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health. But some research suggests it can also address issues that lead to hair thinning.

Hair loss doesn’t happen overnight — and it rarely has just one cause. Factors like hormonal imbalances, inflammation, oxidative stress, autoimmune conditions, and poor scalp health can all contribute to thinning hair.

The good news? Resveratrol targets some of these issues, making it a potential supplement for hair health.

This doesn’t mean that resveratrol will reverse or even prevent all types of hair loss, though. Let’s look at the research on each of the potential benefits of resveratrol for hair.

1. May Promote Hair Growth

There are a few studies that look at the hair growth-promoting effect of resveratrol.

A 2021 study found that topically applied resveratrol promoted hair growth in mice and in human hair follicles ex-vivo — in other words, hair follicles that were removed from humans and tested in a lab setting.

Additionally, a 2024 study found that the topical application of resveratrol reduced hair shedding. This study, which used resveratrol derived from peanuts, suggests that resveratrol stimulated hair follicles to enter the anagen phase (growth phase) of the hair growth cycle.

It’s worth noting that these studies only focused on topical resveratrol, and not resveratrol consumed through foods or oral supplements. Also, they looked at healthy hair follicles, and not follicles affected by hair loss conditions like male pattern baldness.

In order to verify whether resveratrol really does promote hair growth, more research is necessary — including double-blind, placebo controlled studies on human participants.

2. Balances Hormones That Contribute to Hair Loss

Hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated androgens like testosterone and DHEA-S, are a common culprit behind hair thinning, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Elevated androgens cause hair follicle miniaturization, which shortens the hair growth cycle and leads to thinning strands.

A 2016 study found that resveratrol supplementation reduced androgen levels by up to 22% in women with PCOS. By lowering these hormones, resveratrol may help create a healthier environment for hair growth and reduce androgen-driven hair loss.

Another study looked at 78 women with PCOS. Half of the women were given 1000mg resveratrol daily; the other half were given a placebo. After three months, those who received resveratrol experienced less hair loss than the placebo group.

Additionally, research suggests resveratrol may improve glucose and insulin levels — another key factor in hormonal hair loss. High insulin levels can trigger excess androgen production, worsening hair thinning.

3. Fights Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is strongly associated with the ageing process. It’s why you’ll often find antioxidants in “anti-ageing” skincare products. Sun exposure, pollutants, aging, inflammation, and hormonal issues can all contribute to oxidative damage.

But oxidative stress doesn’t just take its toll on your skin; it can also damage your hair and affect hair growth.

Inflammation and oxidative stress can damage hair follicles and disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.

The good news? Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By protecting hair follicles from damage and inflammation, resveratrol may help prevent shedding and support the normal hair growth cycle.

This might explain why some research indicates that resveratrol can protect sun-damaged hair.

4. Supports Scalp Health for Stronger Hair Growth

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties may also improve scalp health. By reducing inflammation and irritation, resveratrol may promote a healthy environment for your hair follicles.

Chronic inflammation on the scalp — often caused by conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema — can interfere with the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding.

While resveratrol’s potential for hair health is promising, the research is still in its early stages. These findings are encouraging, but more large-scale clinical trials specifically targeting resveratrol’s effect on hair loss will help to fully establish its benefits.

Resveratrol is safe to consume. In general, you don’t need to be concerned about the side effects of resveratrol if you get it entirely through foods.

But resveratrol supplements, as with all supplements, may have a few adverse effects.

Research suggests that, at doses of 2500 mg or more per day, resveratrol might lead to:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Liver issues

Reservatrol may also interact with certain drugs, meaning that it can compound certain side effects when you use it with other medications and supplements.

As such, you should avoid using resveratrol while taking:

• Blood thinners

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before you start taking a new supplement, no matter how natural and beneficial it is. They can advise you on whether it’s safe to take with your current medications and medical history.

If you’re ready to give resveratrol a shot for your hair health, you’ve got a couple of options.

Dietary Sources

Eating foods rich in resveratrol is a great way to boost your antioxidant intake naturally. Some of the best sources include:

• Red grapes (especially the skin)

• Red wine (in moderation, of course)

• Blueberries

• Peanuts

• Dark chocolate

These foods can contribute to a healthy, balanced diet, which is essential for healthy hair growth and your overall well-being.

Learn more about the best foods to eat for hair health.

Resveratrol Supplements

Resveratrol supplements are widely available in capsule or tablet form, often derived from Japanese knotweed or grape skin extract.

Typical doses range from 200–500 mg per day, but most studies on the benefits of resveratrol use about 1000 mg to 2000 mg per day. It’s difficult to say whether you’ll experience the same benefits on a lower dose.

It’s best to consult your healthcare provider to determine the right dosage for you.

Topical Treatments

Some hair care products contain resveratrol and other antioxidants.

A few of the studies mentioned above specifically found that topical resveratrol stimulated hair growth. This suggests that applying resveratrol to your hair — say, through shampoos or a leave-in mask — may benefit your hair and scalp.

While resveratrol shows promise, it’s not a standalone treatment for hair loss. If you’re looking for science-backed solutions, here are some tried-and-true hair loss treatments to consider.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine®) is an FDA-approved topical treatment for hair growth. It can slow down hair loss and even promote the growth of new hair.

It works by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle, which allows hair to grow for a longer period of time. Additionally, minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp. Healthy blood circulation is important as your blood provides oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles, allowing them to function properly.

Available over-the-counter, topical minoxidil comes in the form of minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution.

Finasteride

Finasteride (Propecia®) is an oral medication that targets dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair follicle miniaturization. Over time, this leads to male pattern baldness.

By blocking DHT production, finasteride can slow hair loss and even promote regrowth.

In addition to oral finasteride, we offer a topical finasteride & minoxidil spray — a combination treatment.

Other Supplements

In order to grow healthy hair, your body needs a number of minerals and vitamins. Usually, you can get these nutrients through eating a balanced and varied diet. But if you have a deficiency, it might be worth trying a supplement.

You need the following nutrients for hair growth:

• Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E

• Zinc

• Iron

• Protein

Our biotin gummies contain most of these vitamins and minerals. Again, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor before using a new supplement.

Want to learn more about your options for hair regrowth? Read our list of hair loss prevention tips.

While resveratrol has a number of potential benefits for hair health, we don’t recommend it as a standalone option for treating hair loss. It’s not a cure-all, but it can support your overall health.

Here’s what to keep in mind about resveratrol for hair loss:

• Resveratrol has multiple potential benefits for hair. It may support hair health by stimulating hair growth, balancing hormones, fighting inflammation, and reducing oxidative stress.

• But more research is needed. There’s no telling whether resveratrol can actually treat hair loss conditions like male pattern baldness, telogen effluvium, or alopecia areata. 

• Other hair loss treatments are more well-studied. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have plenty of research showing that they’re safe and effective. If you’d like, you can combine resveratrol supplements with these treatments.

Whether you take it as a supplement or incorporate it into your diet, resveratrol could be a valuable addition to a well-rounded hair care plan. But don’t expect it to do all the heavy lifting.

If you’ve noticed the signs of hair thinning, it’s time to start with a conversation with a healthcare provider. We can help you book an online consultation with a professional so that you can get expert advice from the comfort of your own home.