Although there are many different types of hair loss treatments available today, there are a few that stand out among the rest. This article discusses the best hair loss treatments for men and women that can possibly help you.
More than half of women will have visible hair loss at some point, according to the Cleveland Clinic. To make matters worse, no one knows for sure why women lose their hair.
According to dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre, it’s generally caused by a combination of factors, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, drugs, heredity, and irritating hair products that irritate the scalp.
As a general rule, if you’re experiencing considerable hair loss, you should seek the advice of your dermatologist or trichologist. For example, they may be able to identify what caused the problem.
William Gaunitz, a trained trichologist (hair and scalp specialist) and creator of Advanced Trichology, explains that depending on the reason of your hair loss, you may need to utilize both a topical hair loss remedy and a hair loss supplement to effectively cure your condition.
There’s no lack of topical treatments promising longer, thicker, and fuller hair, all of which can be purchased over the counter.
However, Dr. Gaby Longsworth, Ph.D., a licensed hair practitioner and creator of Absolutely Everything Curly, claims there is only one FDA-approved medical therapy for hair loss in men and women: topical minoxidil. It’s not FDA-approved because “no other therapies or cures have been as thoroughly examined,” she claims.
Despite this, there are still a plethora of viable alternatives available. Here are some of the top remedies for hair loss that are worth a try.
List of The Best Hair Loss Treatments To Achieve Thicker And Fuller Hair
1. Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution USP – Best Budget
A 30-day supply of this alternative, which also contains 2% minoxidil, costs just under $30, making it an excellent value. Furthermore, the focused sprayer, which delighted reviewers like, makes it very simple to apply exactly if you really need it.
What We Like
- Sprayer with a specific target for accurate application
- Clinically established
- Budget-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- You may get oily hair
2. Advanced Trichology HairStem DHT Blocking Treatment Shampoo – Best Shampoo
When a trichologist creates a hair loss product, you may be confident that it will be effective. 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 (the product of 14 years of study) has saw palmetto to help block DHT, an androgen generated from testosterone that can restrict the hair follicle.3 It also includes natural antibacterial tea tree oil to treat scalp concerns and biotin boosting, among other ingredients.
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
3. Vegamour GRO Hair Serum – Best Serum
This vegan and cruelty-free formula uses plant-based components to help battle flaking and thinning hair. Turmeric and mung bean, for example, can assist with a range of hair loss reasons. Furthermore, it does not have the problem that many other leave-on creams have, notably leaving a residue and feeling greasy.
What We Like
- Vegan\sNon-greasy
- It is suitable for all hair types.
What We Don’t Like
- The dropper might be improved.
4. Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement – Best Supplement
According to Pierre, this is one of the few supplements whose claims are supported by study. (This is supported by a large number of loyal users.) A combination of substances is at work, including saw palmetto to assist address DHT, ashwagandha, and marine collagen peptides, to name a few. 5 They (and others) act together to prevent shedding and promote hair growth that is longer, quicker, and stronger.
What We Like
- Is there clinical evidence to support it?
- Addresses a variety of hair and scalp concerns
- Organic, medical-grade ingredients
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Four tablets must be taken every day.
5. 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. 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 consider the fact that effects may take 3 to 6 months.
What We Like
- Drug-free composition
- Healing
What We Don’t Like
- Can take time to see results
6. Rogaine Women’s 5% Minoxidil Topical Aerosol Hair Regrowth Treatment – Best Overall
“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, saying that this choice, which has a 5% concentration of the substance, is effective and scientifically proved to increase hair growth.2
In summary, this is our top recommendation since there’s no doubt about it working. The odorless foam is simple to apply, but keep in mind that it must be used on a regular basis to observe and then sustain effects. (However, you receive a two-month supply in one box, so this choice isn’t too expensive.)
What We Like
- Simple to use
- Brand recommended by dermatologists
- No scent
What We Don’t Like
- To keep the effects, you must use it on a regular basis.
7. Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment For Women – Best Overall, Runner-Up
Another minoxidil-based option has 2% active ingredient. Apply it (twice daily) to the top of the scalp and any area of hair loss. Users praise how effectively it functions, but caution that effects take time to appear.
What We Like
- Simple to use
- Brand recommended by dermatologists
- Unscented
What We Don’t Like
- It must be applied twice day.
- It takes some time to dry.
8. BosleyMD BosRevive Volumizing Conditioner – Best Conditioner
A conditioner, by nature, is intended for the ends of your hair rather than the scalp; in other words, it will not promote growth. However, the appropriate conditioner may help strengthen hair and make it seem fuller, providing instant pleasure that other treatments cannot.
This specific selection contains panthenol, which strengthens hair and improves moisture levels, making hair appear fuller, so much so that 94 percent of consumers perceived increased volume in their hair, according to a brand-backed research.
What We Like
- It does not weigh down hair.
- There are two sizes available.
- Lowers scalp inflammation
What We Don’t Like
- Colored hair is not compatible.
9. Alodia Soothe Hair & Scalp Herbal Infusion – Best for Scalp Health
It’s that simple: good hair begins with a healthy scalp. Enter this selection, a favorite of Brown’s. She praises it for using jojoba oil: “It may infiltrate the hair follicles and fortify hair from the inside, as well as promote blood flow to the scalp to foster healthy development,” she says. It also includes tea tree, chamomile, peppermint, and spearmint oils, which all help to cool, relax, and relieve an irritated or sensitive scalp.
What We Like
- Natural formulation
- Budget-Friendly
- It feels amazing on the scalp and hair.
What We Don’t Like
- Costly
10. Renee Furterer Triphasic Progressive Serum – Best Preventative
If you aren’t yet experiencing hair loss but want to get ahead of the game (and/or simply maintain your scalp and hair healthy), Hill advises this serum. “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,” she says. 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
- Non-chemical formula
What We Don’t Like
- Some people may experience scalp tingling.
11. Tropic Isle Living Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil – Best Oil, Runner-Up
According to Brown, 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.
12. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub – Best Scalp Scrub
Exfoliation isn’t simply for your skin. It’s also beneficial to your scalp, where it may aid in the removal of built-up residue and dead cells that can block the follicles from which new hair emerges. This alternative appeals to us since it employs a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids—glycolic, citric, lactic, and tartaric—to dissolve all of the above without causing irritation. 7 And, unlike many other scalp cleaners on the market, it comes in an easy-to-use squeeze container rather of a jar, which can quickly become messy.
What We Like
- Gentle
- Squeeze-top applicator
- Sulfate-free
What We Don’t Like
- It is difficult to rinse off
Who Wins?
When it comes to hair loss treatments, it’s best to keep your expectations in check. “Aside from minoxidil, Nutrafol, and Viviscal, there are no other OTC treatments with major efficacy trials, so you should have minimal anticipation if you chose to try such products,”
Pierre explains. Rogaine Women’s 5 Percent Minoxidil Topical Aerosol Hair Regrowth Treatment, Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement, and Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women all get huge thumbs up from us since they have research and reviews behind them.
You may also choose products that improve general scalp health, such as the Drunk Elephant T.L.C.Happi Scalp Scrub and Alodia Soothe Hair & Scalp Herbal Infusion, because a healthy scalp environment is vital for good hair development.
FAQ
What to Look for in a Minoxidil Hair Loss Treatment?
Trichologist Kerry Yates of Colour Collective notes that there is a myriad of reasons why you might be suffering hair loss (more on that below) and that there is no one treatment. 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 high blood pressure 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, Yates recommends using products that contain scalp health-boosting components, such as ingestibles. 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 minimizing products containing silicones and heavy oils. “Silicones or heavy oils of any kind can block the follicles, creating follicular stress and severely compromising overall follicle health,” she explains.
Ingredients that block DHT
If your hair loss is caused by hormones or genetics, Yates 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?
According to Gaunitz, hereditary hair loss in both men and women is linked to DHT sensitivity and revolves around certain quantities 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. “It is 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. “Because hair is extremely sensitive to inflammation, it’s critical to avoid anything that irritates the scalp, such as certain hair dyes,” says Pierre.
“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.
