Much like acne, hair thinning and loss can make you self-conscious and somewhat frustrated, especially if you’re not familiar with the best hair growth products and how they work.
According to NYU Langone, more than 80% of men and “nearly half of women experience hair loss during their lifetime.”
Although stress, genetics or underlying health conditions can play a role, it may take some time and testing to determine why you’re losing hair. Because of this, it’s always wise to consult with a dermatologist (as we did) or your general practitioner when you notice more shedding than usual.
“Hair loss can be caused or triggered by many factors including genetics, underlying health conditions, stress, environmental factors and aging,” said Michele S. Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in treating a myriad of skin-related issues. “Menopause can also lead to hair loss due to the decrease in estrogen levels, which weakens and shrinks the hair follicles.”
RELATED: Best hair oils, per experts
Although hair loss can be frightening, there are solutions and some of them come in the form of a foam, spray, or supplement.
Best Hair Growth Products
Pros:
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Hails from a respected brand, with a medically tested ingredient to support hair growth, minoxidil
- Helps restore inactive follicles
Cons:
- Must be used consistently to see results
“Rogaine is one of the most well-studied and well-proven topical treatments for hair loss,” Green said. “It contains minoxidil, a medication that pushes hair into the growth phase of the hair growth cycle and restores inactive hair follicles.”
Rogaine offers either a 5% topical foam or solution for men and either a 5% topical foam or a 2% topical solution for women. “Rogaine’s efficacy remains consistent regardless of its delivery system,” she added.
Active Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 3-Month Supply | Expected Results: Between 2-4 months with regular use
Pros:
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Contains a higher yet safe amount of finasteride, as recommended
- Helps promote thicker hair
Cons:
- Can be difficult to target certain areas of the scalp
“Hims is an online platform that provides virtual healthcare for men,” Green explained. “Its treatments for hair loss include a spray compounded with 0.3% finasteride and 6% minoxidil. Its minoxidil concentration is slightly higher than most topical hair loss treatments, allowing for increased benefits for the hair.”
The addition of finasteride works to lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, a hormone that results in hair follicle miniaturization. “This spray has been clinically studied for its ability to decrease DHT levels and promote healthier, thicker hair,” she added.
Active Ingredients: Finasteride, Minoxidil | Size: 3-6 Month Supply | Expected Results: Up to 3-4 months with consistent use
Pros:
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Budget-friendly, so appeals to most shoppers
- Helps promote thicker hair
Cons:
- Must be taken consistently to see results
“Hers is the sister platform of Hims that provides virtual healthcare for women,” Green said. “Hers carries a line of hair blend vitamins, combining prescription-strength oral minoxidil with key vitamins, including vitamin C, biotin and other B vitamins, to strengthen hair and help regrow hair.”
As oral minoxidil is only available through a consultation, a virtual healthcare provider will consult with you regarding your hair loss before prescribing the blend of vitamins and minoxidil.
Active Ingredients: Minoxidil, Key Vitamins| Size: Varies | Expected Results: Up to 3-6 months; take as prescribed
Pros:
- Budget-friendly, so appeals to a variety of shoppers
- Feels fresh and clean on the scalp
- Incredible for giving split ends a boost
Cons:
- Must be used consistently to see results, based on our testing
Meet the hair oil we’re obsessed with: the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil. It has earned its spot as a No. 1 Amazon best-seller, has a fresh scent we love and is adored by nearly 75,000 beauty lovers on Amazon alone.
“It’s a combination of several natural oils, including rosemary, tea tree, castor oil, eucalyptus oil, biotin and peppermint oil,” Dr. Green listed. “This strengthening oil can stimulate your scalp and enhance hair strength and elasticity.”
Active Ingredients: Rosemary, Castor Oil | Size: 2 Ounces | Expected Results: Up to 6 months
Pros:
- Absorbs quickly into the scalp
- Contains clinically tested ingredients that, collectively, help boost hair growth
- Void of silicones
Cons:
- Easy to go through the product fast, especially if using every day
“The Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum is a natural hair care product that aims to stimulate hair growth,” Green said. “One of its key ingredients is ashwagandha exosomes, an antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation on the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.”
The hair growth serum also contains Irish moss peptides to help grow thicker hair and pea sprout extract to minimize hair breakage.
Active Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Ashwagandha Exosomes | Size: 1.7 Ounces | Expected Results: Up to 90 days
Pros:
- Void of that “oily feel” as it’s cosmetically elegant
- Lovely scent
- Color-safe, cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- On the expensive size for the size of the bottle
“The GRO Hair Serum from Vegamour is a vegan product designed to create thicker and healthier hair,” Green said. “It contains biotin to strengthen hair strands, a blend of mung bean and red clover to nourish the scalp, caffeine to stimulate the scalp, and turmeric to give the appearance of denser-looking hair.”
Though a splurge, it’s a product many women swear by. Results won’t come instantaneous, but it’s a wonderful product to have on hand for those willing to commit to long-term use.
Active Ingredients: Turmeric, Caffeine | Size: 1 Ounce | Expected Results: Between 90-120 days
Pros:
- Absorbs quickly into the scalp
- Contains clinically tested ingredients that, collectively, help boost hair growth
- Void of silicones
Cons:
- Easy to go through the product fast, especially if using every day
“The Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum is a natural hair care product that aims to stimulate hair growth,” Green said. “One of its key ingredients is ashwagandha exosomes, an antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation on the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.”
The serum also contains Irish moss peptides to help grow thicker hair and pea sprout extract to minimize hair breakage.
Active Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Ashwagandha Exosomes | Size: 1.7 Ounces | Expected Results: Up to 90 days
Pros:
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Bestseller, with more than 40,000 shoppers purchasing it monthly on Amazon
- Boasts its proprietary collagen complex, among other tested ingredients
Cons:
- Must be used consistently to see results
- May not be compatible for those with certain dietary restrictions, so consult a medical professional before using
“The Viviscal hair growth supplements are popular for promoting hair growth,” Green said. “They are the best-selling hair growth supplement in the United States and don’t contain any drugs. The supplements are made with ingredients such as vitamin C, biotin, and essential amino acids, which are known to support healthy hair growth.”
Many customers have reported seeing an improvement in the health and appearance of their hair after taking these hair growth pills. Some have even posted their before and after photos on Amazon, and they’re impressive! If you’ve been seeking collagen for hair growth but are not sure if the single ingredient is enough, this supplement is worth consideration.
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C | Size: 60-Count | Expected Results: Between 3-6 months
Pros:
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Contains vitamin B12, biotin for hair growth and folic acid to support healthy strands
- Non-GMO
Cons:
- Some people don’t love the taste of its formulation
“HUM is a vegan gummy supplement specifically designed to promote stronger and healthier hair,” Green said. “This supplement includes a blend of essential nutrients like biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc that can help maintain healthy hair follicles and prevent hair loss.
Made with clinically proven and all-natural ingredients, this supplement can help make a noticeable difference with regular use.
Active Ingredients: Vitamin B12, Biotin, Folic Acid | Size: 60-Count | Expected Results: 6 months
Pros:
- Contains scientifically tested ingredients designed to support long-term hair growth
- Hails from a top, respected brand
Cons:
- Pricey
- The serving size is four tablets daily, which some may find excessive
“Nutrafol is a proprietary blend of vitamins that are clinically proven to promote new hair growth,” Green said. “Nutrafol comes in two forms: as an oral supplement and as a topical solution.”
Green told The Post that the vitamins for hair growth and ingredients in Nutrafol, such as saw palmetto, prevent the conversion of the male androgen hormones into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is responsible for hair loss.
Active Ingredients: Saw Palmetto | Size: 120-Count | Expected Results: Between 3-6 months
Pros:
- Contains a mix of nourishing ingredients to help promote hair growth
- Excellent for sensitive scalps
- Lightweight and doesn’t lead to product buildup as quickly
Cons:
- Must be used consistently to see results
“The Bondi Boost Intensive Daily Scalp Spray is a lightweight formula that contains nourishing ingredients, including tea tree oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera and peppermint oil,” Green said. “This powerful blend provides the scalp with intense, essential hydration and boosts circulation, which improves the health of the hair follicles and stimulates new growth.”
Moreover, the natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of these essential oils for hair growth and ingredients mean that thicker, healthier, fuller hair can be achieved without any irritation.
Active Ingredients: Tea Tree, Peppermint | Size: 4.23 Ounces | Expected Results: Up to 1 month
Pros:
- Great for thin hair types as it thickens while scrubbing
- Contains peppermint oil to support hair growth and to offer a fresh scent
- Great value for its efficacy and size
Cons:
- Slightly price for a shampoo
“The Nioxin Shampoo System is enriched with minoxidil, which deeply cleanses the scalp, boosts hair growth, and is an excellent option for treating thin hair,” Green shared. “It widens hair follicles, promotes blood circulation, and helps to thicken hair.”
The product has garnered a 4.7 star rating, providing volume and shine, as well as thickening. It works best when used in conjunction with the matching hair growth conditioner.
Active Ingredients: Minoxidil, Peppermint Oil | Size: 33.8 Ounces | Expected Results: Up to 30 days when used as part of the Nixon Hair System 1 Hair Growth Kit ($27)
An FAQ on Hair Growth Products
Ahead, our team of dermatologists and scalp experts share the 411 on hair growth products, including what to look for.
What’s the difference between hair thinning and hair loss?
“Hair loss is usually sudden in onset and is caused by external or internal factors; It may be caused by certain drugs and treatments (for example chemotherapy), tight fitting hair styles and harsh hair-care products,” Lian A. Mack, MD, board-certified dermatologist, explained. “Hair thinning on the other hand is a very gradual process and does not cause discrete areas of baldness like hair loss does.”
What’s more, individuals with hair thinning usually appear to have less hair, but no discrete patches of baldness, per Mack. Some causes include vitamin deficiencies, menopause or other hormonal imbalances like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
What are signs of hair thinning and hair loss, respectively?
“Signs of hair thinning include thinning of the hair shaft,” Mack said. “The hair feels coarser and more brittle; it typically starts at the top of the crown and radiates from the area in a diffuse pattern.”
Unlike hair thinning, hair loss occurs when the hair falls out in such a significant amount that it creates frank areas of baldness. “Hair loss occurs very quickly, while hair thinning happens gradually over time,” she adds.
What contributes / leads to hair loss?
Stress can have a negative impact on hair growth by causing it to weaken and fall out prematurely. It can also cause the hair to stop growing, leading to excessive shedding and hair loss. “Stress hormones disrupt the hair growth cycle, resulting in a longer rest period, which stops growth,” Green explained. “Stress can trigger an autoimmune response that attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Managing stress levels is essential for healthy hair growth.”
Two types of hair loss are commonly linked with stress: telogen effluvium and trichotillomania. “Telogen effluvium occurs when stress causes hair follicles to become dormant or enter a resting period,” Green shared. “After three to four months in the resting period, the hair falls out, leading to reduced hair growth and thinning. Trichotillomania, on the other hand, is an uncontrolled and impulsive disorder in which a person pulls out their hair, resulting in hair loss from the follicle. It’s important to note that stress-related hair loss can become permanent if not treated in its early stages.”
Thyroid disorders can cause hair loss, particularly in people with autoimmune thyroid conditions. “Alopecia areata is type of hair loss that results in patchy hair loss and occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles,” Green said. “In alopecia areata, the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.”
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause hair loss due to hormonal imbalances and an inherited sensitivity to androgens. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone that is responsible for hair loss. “Over time, this hormone causes hair follicles to thin out and shrink, ultimately leading to hair loss,” Green noted. “DHT is produced when testosterone is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase as it moves through the body.”
Androgenic alopecia, the most common hair loss, is called male pattern hair loss when it affects men and female pattern hair loss when it affects women. “In men, hair loss happens in the temporal areas, and this is caused by androgen-mediated follicular miniaturization,” she added. “This sensitivity to male hormones, called androgens, is inherited. In women, diffused thinning occurs around the crown area, but they do not experience the horseshoe baldness seen in men. Instead, the entire crown experiences diffused thinning.”
What ingredients to look for in hair growth products, per experts
- Minoxidil: This ingredient is found predominantly in serum formulations but may also be found in shampoos at varying concentrations.
- Finasteride: As a dermatologist, Mack prescribes Finasteride orally for many of my male patients suffering from hair loss secondary to androgenetic alopecia. Plus, there are more natural renditions of this formula to consider.
- Red Clover Flower Extract: This natural herb contains a very high level of isoflavones — a type of phytoestrogen. The phytoestrogens are plant-derived molecules similar to female estrogens. This extract has been shown to help with hair loss associated with hormonal changes in women.
- Saw Palmetto: New, exciting research is pointing to saw palmetto as a natural alternative to preventing/minimizing hair loss. The research suggests that saw palmetto is a natural blocker of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the molecule known to shrink hair follicles promoting hair thinning/hair loss.
- Ashwagandha: This increases blood circulation and flow while decreasing cortisol levels, which can take a toll on the whole body and specifically affects healthy scalp and hair follicles.
- Caffeine: It’s not just a component of your coffee or favorite eye cream, Hill explains it promotes hair growth by acting as a vasodilator, which improves circulation and blood flow. It also provides DHT blocking properties that strengthens the hair shaft allowing for a longer stronger hair fiber.
- Curcumin: Studies are proving this yellow component of turmeric to be a 5a-reductase inhibitor — aka helping to reduce DHT, a trigger to androgenic hair loss. Plus, it contains Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Larch: According to Hill, Larch wood oil is rich in polyphenols, which are believed to activate cell division to the outer root sheath (an essential to the beginning phases of hair growth). It is also a key compound in Redensyl — a plant-based substance proven to impact hair growth and improve hair follicular health.
How to treat hair loss and thinning hair, respectively
“The workup for hair loss or diffuse thinning typically starts with a series of blood tests,” Mack explained. “With blood work, I am able to figure out if the hair loss is related to a systemic condition like a vitamin deficiency or thyroid disease.”
If the blood work is normal, she recommends a small scalp biopsy to determine the state of the hair follicles (i.e are they miniaturized or smaller, are they still functional).
That said, there isn’t one best treatment for hair loss. Speak with your doctor to find out what’s best for you.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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