Much like acne, the apparent signs of hair thinning and loss can make you self-conscious and somewhat frustrated, not knowing how to treat it.
Not to mention, there’s a Persian buffet of different hair types, textures and genetic factors that make up each person’s condition. Of course, if you have additional questions about these formulas, consult your dermatologist to see if it’s right for you. But, in the meantime, the New York Post turned to certified, professional experts to dial down the information on hair growth products.
“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, 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
Ahead, find the best hair growth products divided by category that we feel comfortable recommending after consulting with our team of experts. Oh, and you’ll want to check out our in-depth FAQ section following the top products.
- Best Hair Growth Oils: Mielle Organics; Hask; Kitsch
- Best Hair Growth Serums: VEGAMOUR; Nutrafol; hims; PATTERN
- Best Hair Growth Supplements: Viviscal; HUM Nutrition; Nutrafol
- Best Hair Growth Shampoos and Conditioners: Avalon Organics; ArtNaturals; Nioxin; Kérastase
- Best Hair Growth Sprays: hims; As I Am; BondiBoost
- Best Hair Growth Oral Medications: Finasteride; Spironolactone; Oral Minoxidil
Best Hair Growth Oils
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
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.”
Hask Argan Oil Repairing Hair Oil
For a hair oil hailing from Morocco with rich benefits in the hair-strengthening department, grab the Hask Argan Oil Repairing Hair Oil. It’s less than $10 and will be your new favorite formulation to travel with.
“This product is free from sulfates, gluten, parabens, phthalates and drying alcohol,” Green said. “It’s an excellent quality oil that can make your hair luscious and healthy.”
Kitsch Rosemary & Biotin Strengthening Scalp Oil
We love Kitsch scrunchies, so it’s no surprise the brand’s Rosemary & Biotin Strengthening Scalp Oil is just as loved and nurturing on the hair. Its rich antioxidant blend of argan, jojoba, and castor oils are the ultimate hair-boosting trifecta, too.
“This product contains rosemary extract that can improve blood flow and soothe irritation of your scalp,” Green said. “It also has biotin that can encourage the growth of thicker-looking hair. Moreover, it has a nourishing blend of argan, jojoba, and castor oils that can help to maintain your scalp’s health.”
Best Hair Growth Serums
VEGAMOUR Gro Hair Serum
“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 we use and swear by. Results won’t come instantaneously but it’s a wonderful product to have on hand for long-term use.
Nutrafol Hair Serum
“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.
hims Rx Hair Loss Serum
“The hims Rx Hair Loss Serum is a combination of 0.3% finasteride and 6% minoxidil that prevents future hair loss and promotes new hair growth,” Green shared. “Finasteride reduces the levels of DHT, an androgen hormone that causes hair loss, while minoxidil enhances blood flow to the scalp, keeping hair in the growth phase for longer periods.”
The serum also contains a blend of essential oils, including tea tree, rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus to provide further nourishment to the scalp.
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Scalp Serum
“The PATTERN Scalp Serum contains rosemary leaf oil to soothe and calm the scalp, as well as peppermint and lavender oils to promote hair growth and strength,” Green said.
This consciously curated serum is the ideal hair refresher, too. When paired with the brand’s Moisture Hair Milk ($28) and Curl Mousse ($23), you’re golden.
Best Hair Growth Supplements
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements
“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.”
What’s more, many customers have reported seeing an improvement in the health and appearance of their hair after taking this supplement.
HUM Nutrition Hair Strong Gummies
“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.
Nutrafol Hair Growth Nutraceutical for Women
“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 and nutrients in Nutrafol, such as saw palmetto, prevent the conversion of the male androgen hormones into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is responsible for hair loss.
Best Hair Growth Shampoos and Conditioners
Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Tea Tree Shampoo
“The Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Shampoo is made up of entirely natural and organic ingredients, and it is free from harmful synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates and harsh preservatives,” Green highlighted.
<Moreover, it does not contain any synthetic colors or fragrances. “Aloe and tea tree oil are the two primary ingredients that work together to soothe the scalp and strengthen hair,” she added.
ArtNaturals Argan Oil & Aloe Shampoo
“The ArtNaturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo contains aloe and argan oil, which are both excellent for hydrating the hair and scalp, as well as protecting against damage caused by harsh chemicals, heating tools, and free radicals,” Green noted.
For less than $15, we love how this shampoo also contains coconut to help create that silky soft end result.
Nioxin System 1 Cleanser 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 nearly 4,000 glistening reviews for its efficacy, volume and shine, too.
Kérastase Première Repairing Shampoo for Damaged Hair
Kérastase is a high-end hair care product line that offers treatments to restore and repair damaged, dry, and over-processed hair while also preventing future hair damage.
“The Première Collection from Kérastase includes several products, such as pre-shampoo, shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, leave-in hair serum, hair oil and hair treatment, all of which aim to remove mineral buildup from dry and damaged hair,” Green noted. “The primary ingredient used for this purpose is citric acid, which dissolves calcium and eliminates buildup from the hair.”
After the removal of calcium, the Kérastase Première Collection deeply penetrates the hair and hydrates it with glycine. Using this collection on dry and calcium-affected hair results in stronger, smoother hair.
Best Hair Growth Sprays
hims Finasteride & Minoxidil Topical Hair Loss Spray
If you’re looking for a simple spritz-on formulation that won’t feel too heavy on the scalp, grab the hims Finasteride & Minoxidil Topical Hair Loss Spray. It hails from a brand we trust, is less than $50 and contains expert-recommended ingredients to help improve hair thickness over time.
“This serum promotes healthy hair growth, improves hair density, and reduces hair loss,” Green said.
As I Am Rice Water Spray
“The As I Am Rice Water Spray is a hair spray that moisturizes with black rice water, biotin, saw palmetto, Inositol, and Ceramide to lock in moisture for the scalp and hair,” Green shared, recommending the product.
In a spray bottle form, it’s the easiest ready-set-go product to apply post-shower.
BondiBoost Intensive Spray
“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 ingredients mean that thicker, healthier, fuller hair can be achieved without any irritation.
Best Hair Growth Oral Medications
Finasteride (1 MG Tablets)
“Finasteride (Propecia) is an FDA-approved medication for male-pattern baldness caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone),” Green explained. “DHT shrinks hair follicles, leading to hair loss and baldness. Finasteride works by reducing DHT levels in the scalp, promoting hair growth.”
This item is likely more affordable when you include your insurance provider ahead of checkout.
Spironolactone (100 MG Tablets)
“Spironolactone is an FDA-approved prescription medication for treating female-pattern baldness caused by hormonal imbalances,” Green explained. “It works by blocking male hormone receptors, which control DHT and testosterone levels, leading to hair thinning or loss.”
This item is likely more affordable when you include your insurance provider ahead of checkout.
Oral Minoxidil
Oral Minoxidil has yet to undergo extensive clinical trials to obtain FDA approval for treating hair loss. However, it is considered safe and widely prescribed off-label for hair loss-related disorders.
“Minoxidil is a medication that works as a vasodilator by relaxing the blood vessels in the scalp,” Green noted. “Increased blood flow strengthens hair follicles and promotes growth. Studies support its effectiveness in preventing hair loss in low doses. Oral Minoxidil is typically prescribed between 0.25mg and 5mg daily for hair loss.”
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,” Mack explains. “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 explains. “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.
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