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HAIR & NUTRITION SCIENCE

Published by Olympus Roots

Your Hair Supplement Probably Has Biotin. Here's What It Doesn't Have.

Most hair supplements are built around a single, well-marketed ingredient. Your hair, however, depends on a network of ten. Understanding that gap is the first step to actually seeing a difference.

A woman and a young man sitting at a table in a restaurant, with text labels pointing to them.

"We kept reading the ingredient lists on hair supplements and asking the same question: where is everything else? Hair is one of the most nutritionally complex tissues in the body - so why was the industry selling it a single vitamin and calling it a formula?"

— Josh & Anita, Co-founders of Roots by Olympus

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The Science Behind the Gap

Why Most Hair Supplements Don't Work As Well As They Should

I noticed my hair wasn't quite the same. A wider part. More shedding. Less volume.

So I did what most people do: I searched for answers. And one ingredient kept appearing everywhere: Biotin.

The problem? Hair health isn’t driven by one nutrient alone.

Healthy hair relies on a combination of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients working together. When even one piece is missing, the entire system can struggle.

That’s why more people are moving beyond single-ingredient supplements and choosing comprehensive formulas designed to support hair from multiple angles.

The issue is not that Biotin doesn't matter. The issue is that Biotin alone is not enough — and the supplement industry has been slow to catch up.

10+

Nutrients involved in a normal hair growth cycle

~90

Days in a single hair growth cycle — the reason results take time

1–2

Ingredients in the average high-street hair supplement

A formula built around one ingredient - no matter how well-researched that ingredient is - simply can't address the complexity of what hair actually needs. That's not a flaw in Biotin. It's a flaw in formulation.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows in a four-phase cycle that takes approximately 90 days to complete. Each phase has different nutritional demands - which is why a full 90-day supply is the standard measure for whether any supplement is truly working.

Phase 1 · Weeks 1–3

Anagen (Growth)

Active growth phase where hair cells divide rapidly and require amino acids, B vitamins, and iron to build new keratin structures.

Phase 2 · Weeks 4–6

Catagen (Regression)

Hair detaches from blood supply and follicle shrinks. Antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium protect against oxidative damage during this transition.

Phase 3 · Weeks 6–10

Telogen (Rest)

Follicle rests while a new hair begins forming beneath. Trace minerals like zinc and biotin support cellular regeneration in preparation for the next growth phase.

Phase 4 · Weeks 10–13

Exogen (Release)

Old hair sheds naturally as new growth pushes through. A complete nutrient profile ensures seamless transition between cycles without prolonged thinning.

This is the context that most supplement marketing skips over - because it's easier to sell one hero ingredient than it is to explain why a comprehensive formula matters. But if you're reading this, you're not looking for easy answers. You're looking for something that actually works.

A woman with blonde hair holds up a brown bottle of Olympus Roots hair supplement capsules.

I'd read so much about Biotin that I genuinely expected it to fix everything. When it didn't, I assumed I was doing something wrong. Switching to a formula that actually supported the full hair cycle changed everything. My hair feels stronger, my scalp feels healthier, and I finally understand why those other supplements never worked.

Claire B., 38 — London

Roots customer since 2023

✓ Verified Purchase

Customer Results · 90-Day Routine · Results May Vary

A woman with long brown hair holds up a bottle of Olympus Roots hair supplement.

Sophie, 34

I noticed less shedding by week 6. I was fuller at the crown by month 3.

90 days · verified

A man in a car holds up a bottle of Olympus Roots hair supplement.

James, 41

Hair feels thicker and the ends are less dry. The difference surprised me.

90 days · verified

A smiling woman with blonde hair holds up a bottle of Olympus Roots hair supplement capsules.

Rachel, 61

Hair felt stronger by week 8. Conditions my GP recommended helped — Roots helped too.

90 days · verified

Individual results vary. Photographed at 90 days of consistent daily use.

THE FIVE MISSING PIECES

5 Things Most Hair Supplements Are Missing

The following breakdown covers the five most commonly overlooked components in standard hair formulas — what they do, why they tend to be absent, and what that absence may mean for your hair over a full growth cycle.

Gap No. 1 — Most talked-about, least often addressed

Scalp Environment Support — The DHT Factor Most Formulas Ignore

A bowl of green pumpkin seeds sits on a dark wooden surface with whole pumpkins in the background.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the most well-known factors in hair loss—but most supplements only address symptom management, not scalp-level environment support. Without ingredients that help create a healthier foundation at the follicle level, even the best biotin formulas can fall short.

Why it's missing

Scalp-level DHT support often requires expensive, specialized ingredients that many brands avoid to keep costs down. Most focus on systemic supplementation rather than follicular environment optimization.

Pumpkin Seed

Scalp Support

Often Ignored

Important: Hair grows in a 90-day cycle. For noticeable results, consistency for a full 3-month cycle is recommended.

Gap No. 2 — The raw material Biotin depends on

A Complete Collagen Support Matrix — Not Just an Enzyme Activator

Biotin is crucial for hair health, but it needs support to work effectively. A comprehensive collagen support matrix provides the raw materials and co-factors that help your body build stronger hair from the inside out—not just activating one enzyme, but supporting the entire structural foundation.

Why it's missing

Comprehensive collagen support matrices require multiple synergistic ingredients at clinical doses, which significantly increases manufacturing complexity and cost—something most mass-market formulas simply skip.

Collagen Peptides

Vitamin C

Amino Acids

Important: Hair grows in a 90-day cycle. For noticeable results, consistency for a full 3-month cycle is recommended.

Gap No. 3 — The familiar ingredients that are still chronically underdosed

Zinc, Biotin, and the Trace Mineral Layer Most Formulas Get Wrong

An assortment of raw meats, seafood, cheese, nuts, and legumes arranged on a wooden table.

Everyone knows zinc and biotin are important for hair growth. The problem? Most supplements include them at dosages that are far too low to make a meaningful impact. Without proper trace mineral support alongside effective dosing, these familiar ingredients simply can't perform as intended.

Why it's missing

Higher dosages mean larger capsules, more capsules per serving, or both. Many brands prioritize convenience over efficacy, resulting in chronically underdosed formulas that look good on a label but underperform in practice.

Zinc (Clinical Dose)

Biotin (10,000mcg+)

Commonly Underdosed

Important: Hair grows in a 90-day cycle. For noticeable results, consistency for a full 3-month cycle is recommended.

Gap No. 4 — The vitamin most people are deficient in without knowing it

Vitamin D3 — A Follicle Regulator That Most Hair Supplements Simply Omit

An assortment of foods including fish, liver, eggs, cheese, and milk arranged on a wooden surface.

Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in hair follicle cycling and overall follicle health. Yet it's one of the most commonly deficient nutrients—and one of the most frequently missing from hair supplements. Supporting your vitamin D levels can have a significant impact on hair density and growth patterns.

Why it's missing

Vitamin D3 is typically seen as a 'bone health' nutrient, not a hair growth ingredient—so it's easy to overlook. Plus, effective D3 dosing adds cost and requires more complex formulation than many budget supplements allow.

Vitamin D3

Follicle Health

Common Deficiency

Important: Hair grows in a 90-day cycle. For noticeable results, consistency for a full 3-month cycle is recommended.

Gap No. 5 — The systemic layer nobody talks about

Iodine, Selenium, and Thyroid-Supporting Nutrition — The Overlooked Root Cause

Thyroid health is deeply connected to hair growth. Iodine and selenium are essential for proper thyroid function, yet they're rarely included in hair supplements. Addressing this systemic nutritional layer can unlock better results than any surface-level approach.

Why it's missing

Thyroid support is often perceived as outside the scope of a 'hair supplement.' Including iodine and selenium also requires careful balancing and quality sourcing, which many companies choose to skip in favor of simpler, cheaper formulas.

Iodine

Selenium

Thyroid Support

Systemic Root Cause

Important: Hair grows in a 90-day cycle. For noticeable results, consistency for a full 3-month cycle is recommended.

Why We Built Roots Around All Five

Each of the five gaps outlined represents a critical area of hair health. Addressing just one or two leaves your hair vulnerable to the others.

Roots was built around a single design principle: address all five gaps simultaneously to create the conditions for comprehensive hair transformation.

The 10-in-1 design reflects the research: complete coverage requires comprehensive support. That's why Roots contains the exact nutrients your hair needs to address every gap.

Marine Collagen Peptides

Zinc

Biotin

Vitamin D3

Selenium

Iodine

Horsetail Extract

Curcumin

Pumpkin Seed Extract

+ More

One full hair cycle to see what Roots can do

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

90 days · 13,000+ customers · British brand

Inside the Formula

The Ingredient Science Behind Roots

Each ingredient in Roots has a specific, documented role in hair or follicle biology. Here's what the science shows — and why each one was included.

🌿

Pumpkin Seed Extract

Scalp Environment · DHT Support

Rich in phytosterols including beta-sitosterol, Pumpkin Seed Extract is designed to support a healthy scalp environment at the hormonal level. Research has examined its potential role in supporting hair density and reducing excess shedding, particularly in the context of scalp sensitivity. It may contribute to maintaining normal follicle function where hormonal activity at the scalp is a factor.

🐟

Marine Collagen Peptides

Structural Support · Keratin Precursors

Derived from fish, Marine Collagen Peptides supply glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline — the amino acids that form the structural scaffolding of the hair shaft. These are the raw materials that keratin synthesis depends on. High bioavailability means the peptides are efficiently absorbed and directed to active tissues. Designed to support the structural integrity of the hair fibre from within.

⚡

Zinc

Follicle Enzyme Function · Growth Cycle

Zinc plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those that govern hair follicle cycling and protein synthesis. It contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, and its depletion is associated with increased shedding. The body does not store zinc, making consistent daily intake important — particularly during periods of sustained stress, intense training, or dietary restriction.

✨

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Keratin Synthesis · Enzyme Activation

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair — a well-established nutritional relationship. Its primary mechanism is the activation of carboxylase enzymes involved in keratin synthesis. Included in Roots at a meaningful dose, paired with the collagen peptides and mineral cofactors that allow its enzymatic function to translate into structural output. Biotin activates the machinery; the other ingredients supply what the machinery needs.

☀️

Vitamin D3

Follicle Receptor Activity · Cycle Regulation

Vitamin D receptors are present in hair follicle cells, and low D3 status is consistently linked with disrupted hair cycling in research literature. D3 may contribute to regulating the transition between hair growth phases and is thought to play a role in follicle cell differentiation. Particularly relevant for anyone in a low-sunlight climate — the UK population is considered broadly at risk of suboptimal D3 levels during winter months.

🔬

Selenium

Oxidative Protection · Thyroid Conversion

Selenium is required for the production of selenoproteins — enzymes that protect follicle cells from oxidative damage and support the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone into its active form. Selenium deficiency is associated with both hair and skin changes, and its levels can be depleted by sustained immune demand, illness, or poor dietary variety. Designed to support follicle cell integrity and the broader hormonal environment that governs hair cycling.

🌊

Iodine

Thyroid Hormone Production · Cycle Speed

Iodine is the essential mineral from which the thyroid produces its hormones — hormones that regulate the metabolic activity of every cell, including those in the hair follicle. Without adequate iodine, thyroid hormone output is limited, which may slow the hair growth cycle. Iodine is rarely included in hair supplements, despite the thyroid's documented role in governing follicle cycling speed. Designed to support the upstream hormonal environment on which hair growth depends.

🌾

Horsetail Extract (Silica)

Hair Shaft Integrity · Structural Silica

Horsetail is one of the richest plant sources of organic silica — a trace mineral that plays a role in the structural integrity of the hair shaft, contributing to its strength and resilience. Silica levels naturally decline with age and can be depleted during periods of dietary restriction or physiological stress. Horsetail Extract is designed to support the structural quality of the hair fibre — an aspect of hair health that most formulas overlook entirely.

Side by Side

How Do Hair Supplements Actually Compare?

Not all supplements are equal — but not all premium ones are complete either. Here's an honest look at what separates a single-ingredient formula, a typical multi-ingredient supplement, and a purpose-built 10-in-1 formula like Roots.

What your hair needs

Biotin-Only Supplement

e.g. most high-street brands

Typical Multi-Ingredient

e.g. 3–5 ingredient premium brands

Roots 10-in-1

Complete daily formula

Keratin enzyme activation (Biotin)

✓

✓ Meaningful dose

Structural amino acids (Marine Collagen)

✗ Not addressed

~ Occasionally included

✓ Marine Collagen Peptides

Scalp environment / DHT support

✗ Not addressed

✗ Rarely included

✓ Pumpkin Seed Extract

Zinc (follicle enzyme cofactor)

✗ Not addressed

~ Often underdosed

✓ Properly dosed

Vitamin D3 (follicle receptor activity)

✗ Not addressed

✗ Rarely included

✓ Included

Thyroid support (Iodine + Selenium)

✗ Not addressed

✗ Almost never included

✓ Both included

Structural silica (Horsetail Extract)

✗ Not addressed

✗ Rarely included

✓ Horsetail Extract

Follicle oxidative protection (Selenium)

✗ Not addressed

~ Sometimes present

✓ Selenoproteins supported

Full 90-day growth cycle coverage

✗ Partial

~ Partial

✓ All four phases supported

Number of active ingredients

1–2

3–5

Money-back guarantee

✗ Rarely

~ Sometimes (30 days)

✓ 90 days — one full cycle

No competitor brands are named. Comparisons reflect the general category profile of each supplement tier based on typical ingredient counts and formulation patterns across the market.

What to Expect

A Realistic Timeline for Complete Hair Nutrition

Because hair grows in 90-day cycles, consistency matters more than intensity. Here is what supporting your hair through a complete cycle typically looks like with Roots. Individual results vary, and Roots is designed to complement a balanced diet — not replace one.

Weeks 1–4

Building the Foundation

Nutrients are beginning to accumulate in the system. This is the establishment phase — levels of zinc, vitamin D3, selenium, and iodine are gradually building toward the concentration needed to influence follicle activity. Most people won't notice dramatic external changes yet, and that's expected. What's happening is internal. Establish your daily routine now; consistency through this phase matters most.

Weeks 4–8

Early Signs of Change

Some people begin to notice early textural changes — hair may feel stronger or more resilient at the shaft. Reduced shedding is one of the earliest-reported changes for some users, as zinc and selenium begin to support the follicle environment more consistently. Marine Collagen Peptides are now contributing their amino acid supply to the growth phase. Not everyone notices visible changes at this stage, and that's entirely normal.

Weeks 8–12+

A Full Cycle of Support

This is the meaningful window. A complete hair growth cycle has now been supported by the full nutrient network in Roots. Many users report that this is when they begin to notice fuller-looking hair, improved condition from root to tip, and a sustained reduction in excess shedding. Vitamin D3 and iodine have had sufficient time to influence follicle cycling regulation. The compound effect of ten ingredients working together across a full cycle becomes more apparent.

Ongoing

Daily Internal Nutrition

Hair health is not a problem to solve once — it's an ongoing biological process that benefits from consistent nutritional support. Many Roots customers continue as part of their daily nutrition routine, treating it the same way they would any other supplement they've found genuinely useful. The 90-day guarantee exists precisely because one complete cycle is the right unit of measure for assessing whether this approach is working for you.

Hair grows in 90-day cycles. That's exactly why the Roots 90-day pack — and the 90-day money-back guarantee — are the same length. One full cycle to see what complete internal support can do for you. If it doesn't work, you pay nothing.

Start My 90-Day Cycle →

13,000+ CUSTOMERS

What People Say About Roots

★

4.8 out of 5

Based on 13,000+ verified customer reviews

★

I'd taken Biotin on and off for two years and always felt like something was missing — because obviously it was. I switched to Roots about four months ago and the difference in how much I'm shedding has been genuinely noticeable. Not overnight, but by the end of the second month I was seeing far less in the shower. Still going. The full formula thing makes so much sense to me now.

Sophie M.

Age 34, London

✓ Verified Purchase

★

I was sceptical — I've tried a few of these over the years and the results were always underwhelming. What got me with Roots was the ingredient list actually making sense. I could see why each thing was there. Three months in and my hair genuinely feels thicker and the ends are less dry. I don't know which ingredient is doing what, but collectively something is working.

James K.

Age 41, Manchester

✓ Verified Purchase

★

After my second pregnancy my hair was really struggling — a lot of shedding that wasn't resolving as quickly as I'd hoped. My GP mentioned nutritional support and a friend recommended Roots. I started seeing less shedding around week six. My hair feels stronger now than it has in a couple of years. Glad I gave it the full 90 days rather than giving up early.

Rachel T.

Age 31, Edinburgh

✓ Verified Purchase

★

I'm 52 and had been noticing my hair thinning at the crown for a couple of years. I wasn't expecting a transformation — I just wanted to slow it down and support what I have. Roots has been part of my routine for five months now. The thinning doesn't seem to be progressing the way it was, and my hair does look fuller overall. Very happy I gave it a proper try.

David H.

Age 52, Bristol

✓ Verified Purchase

★

I changed my diet quite significantly last year and within a few months I started noticing more shedding and my hair felt a bit lifeless. Reading about the nutritional side of it all, I found Roots and the 10-ingredient approach made sense given that I'd probably created some gaps through eating differently. Eight weeks in and things are clearly improving. Good product, and the science behind it is legit.

Aisha W.

Age 27, Birmingham

✓ Verified Purchase

Honest Answers

Questions Worth Asking Before You Try Roots

These are the most common questions people have before starting. We've answered each one as honestly as we can.

I already take Biotin — isn't that enough?

I've tried hair supplements before and didn't notice anything.

How long before I notice a difference?

Is this gentle? I don't want anything harsh.

Is this only for women, or for people with serious hair loss?

Your 90-Day Routine Starts Here

Try the Complete Formula — Risk Free

One full hair cycle. All ten nutrients. The complete internal support your hair needs — with a money-back guarantee that's as long as the cycle itself.

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Try a full hair cycle. If it doesn't work for you, we'll refund you in full.

★ 4.8/5 from 13,000+ customers

🇬🇧 British brand

🔬 Lab-tested

🌿 Natural ingredients

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Frequently Asked

Your Questions About Roots, Answered

Where do the ingredients in Roots come from?

Roots is formulated in the UK to GMP standards, using natural ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. The Marine Collagen Peptides are derived from sustainably sourced fish. All ingredients are lab-tested for purity and potency before inclusion. Full ingredient information is available on the product label and at olympusroots.com.

Who is Roots designed for?

Roots is suitable for adults of any gender or age who want to support their hair health through complete daily nutrition. It is not designed exclusively for any demographic — the nutritional gaps it addresses are relevant across adulthood. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a diagnosed health condition, consult your GP before starting.

How do I take Roots?

Take the recommended daily serving as directed on the product label, ideally with food and water. Consistency is more important than timing — the same daily intake, maintained over 90 days, gives the nutrients time to accumulate and support the full hair growth cycle. Sporadic use is unlikely to produce the same results as a committed daily routine.

When should I expect to see results?

Most customers begin to notice early changes — particularly in shedding and texture — between four and eight weeks. The most meaningful changes tend to appear after completing a full 90-day cycle. Individual results vary depending on your starting nutritional status, health, and consistency of use. Roots is designed to complement a balanced diet; it is not a substitute for good nutrition overall.

What does the 90-day guarantee cover?

If you complete a 90-day course of Roots and are not satisfied with your results, contact the Roots team within the guarantee window for a full refund — no complicated conditions. The guarantee is aligned with the hair growth cycle because that is the honest timeframe for assessing whether nutritional hair support is working. Full terms are available at olympusroots.com.

Can I take Roots alongside other supplements or medications?

Roots can generally be taken alongside most common supplements as part of a balanced nutrition routine. However, if you take prescription medications or have a specific health condition — particularly relating to the thyroid, kidneys, or immune system — we recommend consulting your GP before adding any new supplement to your routine. This is straightforward advice, not a cause for concern: a healthcare professional is simply best placed to advise based on your full picture.

Hair Nutrition Is a Network. Your Supplement Should Be Too.

If there is one thing worth taking from this article, it is this: hair does not depend on one ingredient. It depends on a network of nutrients working together, across a 90-day cycle, to support every stage of growth. Most supplements are built around one of those nutrients. Roots is built around all of them.

The 90-day money-back guarantee is not a marketing tactic. It exists because one full hair cycle is the correct unit of measure for deciding whether this approach works for you — and we're confident enough in the formula to let the results make the case. If they don't, it costs you nothing.

Try Roots for 90 Days →

90-day money-back guarantee · 13,000+ customers · British brand

THE BOTTOM LINE

Results may vary. Roots is designed to support hair health as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, consult your GP before use. Food supplements should not replace a varied and balanced diet. All ingredients are listed on product packaging. Roots by Olympus · olympusroots.com