According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than half of all women experience hair loss. Because there is only one FDA-approved component developed to effectively treat hair loss, minoxidil, chooses a product with a minoxidil concentration for the highest growth potential.
According to dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD, the causes of hair loss are multifaceted and might include stress, hormonal changes, drugs, heredity, and hair products that irritate the scalp.
He points out that the only FDA-approved medical therapy for hair loss is topical minoxidil. He also recommends exfoliating shampoos for the scalp. Saw palmetto and tea tree oil, for example, offer antimicrobial and therapeutic characteristics that help to general scalp health.
Keeping this in mind, we spent hours researching the top hair loss remedies for women, comparing formulations based on active ingredients, type, and outcomes. This list was created by combining these findings with dermatologist-recommended options. Discover the finest hair loss remedies for women to achieve thicker, fuller hair.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Dr. Peterson Pierre is a board-certified dermatologist who practices both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Gaby Longsworth, Ph.D., is a licensed hair practitioner who received her certification from the International Association of Trichologists. She also runs and founded Absolutely Everything Curly.
- Bridgette Hill is a trained trichologist and the founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis, a platform dedicated to assisting people in understanding and resolving hair and scalp issues.
- William Gaunitz is the creator of Advanced Trichology and a qualified trichologist.
- Kerry Yates is a trichologist and beauty expert who founded Color Collective, a brand development business and incubator for innovative hair products, concepts, and trends.
1. Overall winner: Rogaine Women’s 5% Minoxidil Topical Aerosol Hair Regrowth Treatment.
“Over-the-counter minoxidil has a long history of being beneficial in decreasing hair loss while boosting hair growth,” adds Pierre. Longsworth is a fan, stating that this choice, which has a 5% concentration of the substance, is beneficial and scientifically proved to increase hair growth.
In summary, this is our top recommendation since there is no doubt that it will get the job done. The unscented foam is simple to apply, but keep in mind that it must be used on a regular basis to observe and then sustain effects. One package contains enough for two months.
What We Like
- Simple to use
- Brand recommended by dermatologists
- Unscented
What We Don’t Like
- To keep the effects, you must use it on a regular basis.
2. Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment For Women came in second place overall.
Another minoxidil-based option has 2% active ingredient. Apply it (twice daily) to the top of the scalp and any areas of hair loss. Reviewers praise how effectively it works, but caution that effects take time to appear.
What We Like
- Gentle
- Simple to use
- Unscented
What We Don’t Like
- It must be applied twice day.
- It takes some time to dry.
3. Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women 2 percent Minoxidil Topical Solution USP is the most affordable option.
A 30-day supply of this alternative, which also includes 2% minoxidil, costs just under $30, making it a wonderful budget-friendly option. The focused sprayer, according to reviewers, makes it very easy to apply exactly where you need it.
What We Like
- Sprayer with a specific target for accurate application
- Clinically established
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Hair may get oily.
4. Advanced Trichology HairStem DHT Blocking Treatment Shampoo is the best shampoo.
While a rinse-off shampoo will not be a miracle cure on its own, it is a wonderful alternative to utilize in conjunction with other therapies. This one was created by a trichologist after 14 years of research.
Saw palmetto is one of the substances in the mix that helps prevent DHT, an androgen generated from testosterone that can shrink the hair follicle.
It also includes natural antimicrobial tea tree oil to help with scalp difficulties and to strengthen biotin, among other things.
What We Like
- Addresses a variety of hair and scalp concerns
- Softens the hair
- Trichologist-developed
What We Don’t Like
- Application time: three to five minutes
5. Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement is the best supplement.
According to Pierre, this is one of the few supplements whose claims are supported by study. It’s also a best-seller with a lot of great feedback. Saw palmetto, ashwagandha, and marine collagen peptides are used in the recipe to help combat DHT. Ingredients work together to prevent shedding and promote hair growth that is longer, quicker, and stronger.
What We Like
- Addresses a variety of hair and scalp concerns
- Natural, medical-grade ingredients
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
- Four tablets must be taken every day.
6. Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women, Best Supplement, Runner-Up
Pierre believes this is a more economical option with data to back it up; thank a combination of biotin, iron, and horsetail extract.
8 It not only promotes hair regeneration, but it also strengthens the hair you already have, which is always a plus in our eyes. You simply need to take two pills every day, but keep in mind that effects may take three to six months.
What We Like
- Easy on the stomach
- Formula without drugs
- Nourishing
What We Don’t Like
- It may take some time to notice results.
7. Alodia Soothe Hair & Scalp Herbal Infusion is the best for scalp health.
This oil combination enters the hair follicles, strengthening them from inside. Tea tree, chamomile, peppermint, and spearmint oils encourage growth while also cooling, calming, and soothing an itchy or irritated scalp.
What We Like
- Natural formulation
- Affordable
- It feels amazing on the scalp and hair.
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
8. Tropic Isle Living Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil, runner-up
According to Hill, the beginning of the show is castor oil, which is high in ricinoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acid. According to her, these fatty acids have been demonstrated to lower DHT generation by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, and DHT production is a primary cause of hereditary hair loss.
It’s also convenient that there are several applications for it. It is effective as a pre-shampoo treatment, a hot oil therapy, or simply as an accompaniment to a scalp massage.
What We Like
- Restores natural moisture to the hair
- Volumizing
- Can be utilized in a variety of ways
What We Don’t Like
- Some find it a little hefty.
9. Renee Furterer Triphasic Progressive Serum is the best preventative.
Hill suggests this serum if you want to avoid hair loss. “It hydrates the scalp and gives it the required components to support the scalp and hair at the cellular level, assisting in the creation of healthy hair.” It just has to be used twice a week for the first month, then once a week after that.
What We Like
- Simple to include into a current routine
- Lovely aroma
- Formula without drugs
What We Don’t Like
- Some people may experience scalp tingling.
FAQ
What Should You Look For in a Hair Loss Treatment?
Minoxidil
Bridgette Hill, a trichologist, emphasizes that there are several causes of hair loss and that there is no single solution. However, she claims that there are numerous products available that promote both scalp and hair health, so it’s critical to identify the source of your problem and treat it properly.
She claims that the FDA has only approved one substance to help regenerate hair: minoxidil. “It was originally developed to aid people with hypertension and was subsequently discovered to help regenerate hair,” she explains. “It is said to move the hair from the resting to the growth stage.” However, there is no clear explanation for why this occurs.”
She also warns that taking a Minoxidil product may have some negative side effects, so do your homework before trying it for yourself. Of course, there are several products on the market that can enhance hair health but do not claim to promote growth.
Ingredients that Improve Scalp Health
Because a healthy scalp is essential for good hair, Hill recommends using products containing scalp health-boosting components, such as ingestible. She offers topical medications like salicylic acid or natural choices like rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree oils if you have an itchy scalp, dandruff, or irritation.
Keeping this in mind, she advises avoiding products containing silicones and heavy oils. “Silicones or heavy oils of any kind mixed with your hair’s natural sebum can block the follicles, creating follicle stress and having a severe influence on overall follicle health,” states the ASPCA “she claims
Ingredients that block DHT
If your hair loss is caused by hormones or heredity, Hill suggests using a DHT-blocking product. “Hormone fluctuations might have a detrimental influence on the life cycle of your hair,” she explains.
“For example, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone derivative, can shrink the follicle, effectively ‘killing’ it and resulting in hair loss and future hair development issues.” Topically administered DHT blockers such as saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil are considered to help prevent DHT from damaging the follicle.”
What factors contribute to hair loss?
Trichologist William Gaunitz argues that hereditary hair loss in both men and women is linked to DHT sensitivity and revolves around particular amounts of androgens linked to hair follicle receptors. “This sort of hair loss affects only the top of the scalp,” he explains.
Inflammatory hair loss, induced by stress, drugs, and lifestyle factors, according to Gaunitz, is the most difficult to treat because everyone is different. “This sort of hair loss can be spotty and unexpected, with itching and burning,” he explains.
Another significant reason of hair loss? Nutritional deficiency. “Nutritional hair loss is, in my opinion, the most common type of hair loss worldwide, and it is also the most easily correctable,” he explains. “Nutritional hair loss causes widespread thinning of the scalp and can aggravate other kinds of hair loss.”
To restore your hair to its thickest, fullest potential, you must address all of the fundamental reasons of your hair loss. “Hair is highly susceptible to inflammation,” explains Peterson Pierre, MD. “It’s crucial to avoid anything that irritates the scalp, such as some hair colors.”
“Repeated use of heated instruments can result in breaking.” To reduce your risks of hair loss, you should also condition your hair and hydrate your scalp on a regular basis.”
In terms of diet, you should have your doctor do a full blood panel so that they may prescribe nutrients you may be deficient in. According to Gaunitz, important nutrients for good hair include iron, zinc, ferritin, folate, and vitamin D3.
