Methods of enhancing the appearance of a mammal's hair/fur are provided by the administration of an oral nutraceutical or food composition comprising steviol or a steviol precursor, without chromene, for a time sufficient and in an amount effective to enhance the overall appearance of the mammal's hair/fur. The enhancement of the appearance of the mammal's hair/fur includes restoring hair/fur color, lessening hair loss, increasing the thickness of hair, counteracting age-associated hair thinning, and delaying the onset or severity of age-associated hair loss and thinning. A nutraceutical or food which includes steviol or a steviol precursor in an amount sufficient to enhance the overall appearance of a mammal's hair/fur is also provided.