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Hair loss and hair thinning affect millions of people and are dependent on a host of varying underlying factors. Whether you’re experiencing hair loss, hair thinning, or just want more volume or length, you may be overwhelmed by the staggering number of hair growth product options out there. I’ll help you understand what to look for and then you can check out my top picks.
What to consider when choosing a hair growth product
To help narrow your search, there are a few things to consider before you start looking.
What’s your reason for seeking hair growth products?
Since hair thinning and hair loss aren’t the same thing, you’ll want to know which condition you have. Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, thinning is when the shaft of the hair itself becomes thinner than usual and it occurs in the early stages of hair loss. Hair loss is when hair has been shed and the affected hair follicles no longer produce new hair.
Either can be caused by a number of reasons, including genetics, age, illness, stress, or diseases like alopecia areata. Each of these factors causes hair loss to a different degree, and requires different treatment. Before you begin looking for treatments for your own hair, it’s best to consult a physician in order to understand what’s causing your hair loss or thinning so you’re not taking shots in the dark.
Do you want a topical or an oral product?
Products for hair loss come in both topical formulations like serums which go on top of the skin, or oral, such as capsules, which work from the inside out. Which is best for you may be influenced by the type of hair loss or thinning you’re experiencing, but also your lifestyle and your preference.
What ingredients should you look for in a hair growth product?
When it comes to ingredients, Dr. Samuel Hetz, Medical Director of Concept Medical, an Ontario-based physician-led medical aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology practice, recommends keeping scalp nourishment a top priority, and looking for products that use oils (castor, rosehip, coconut, argan) as a base. On top of that, here are some ingredients to seek out:
- Minoxidil is one ingredient found in Rogaine that works by promoting blood flow to the hair follicles.
- Finasteride, also found in Rogaine, blocks the conversion of testosterone to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is linked to pattern baldness.
- Dutasteride also blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, and is often used to treat alopecia.
- Caffeine may be incorporated into some shampoos and serums, and has been linked to the promotion of hair growth when left on the scalp for an extended period of time.
- Collagen and peptides are other popular ingredients in shampoos or oral products. Though not a proven treatment, they are thought to promote skin, hair, and follicle health.
Our top picks for the best hair growth products
Best hair growth serum: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum for Thinning Hair
The GRO Hair Serum from Vegamour is a daily topical product targeted toward thinning hair. Its natural ingredients increase the appearance of hair density, stimulate and nourish the scalp, and promote strength and resilience. Shopping tip: Vegamour also makes a lash growth serum.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Turmeric, caffeine, red clover, mung bean blend
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: Once daily
- Price on publish: $64 for 1 oz bottle
What we like:
- Natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Fast results
What we don’t like:
- Price
The bottom line:
Vegamour’s GRO Hair Serum for Thinning Hair is a plant-based solution for all types that’s designed to target hair thinning and promote healthy-looking hair.
Vegamour GRO Hair Serum for Thinning Hair 1 oz / 30 mL
Best scalp serum for hair growth: dpHUE ACV Exfoliating Scalp Detox
Making sure your scalp is happy is key in promoting hair growth, and the ACV Exfoliating Scalp Detox by dpHUE can help. It’s formulated with natural, vegan ingredients designed to exfoliate, remove excess oil and build up, and stimulate the follicles on your scalp.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, salicylic acid, fruit enzymes, red clover flower extract, menthol
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: N/A
- Price on publish: $35 for a 4 oz bottle
What we like:
- Natural ingredients
- Color-safe
- Sustainable packaging
What we don’t like:
- Some report difficulty in applying product
The bottom line:
dpHUE’s ACV Exfoliating Scalp Detox is a vegan scalp exfoliant designed to unclog hair follicles and promote growth.
ACV Exfoliating Scalp Detox
Best oral supplement for hair growth: Nutrafol Clinically Proven Hair Growth Supplement for Thinning
Nutrafol’s Hair Growth Supplement for Thinning is a daily oral supplement made with natural ingredients and it targets hair thinning. According to Nutrafol, 90% of users reported improvement in thin areas within six months, and some as little as three months.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Ashwagandha, marine collagen peptides, tocotrienol complex
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: 4 capsules once daily
- Price on publish: $88 for 120 capsules
What we like:
- Natural ingredients
- Sustainable packaging
- Reduces shedding
- Builds stronger hair
- Physician-formulated
- Fast results
What we don’t like:
- Price
The bottom line:
Nutrafol’s Hair Growth Supplement for Thinning is an oral product targeted toward hair thinning with high reported levels of user success.
Nutrafol WOMEN Clinically Proven Hair Growth Supplement for Thinning 1 Month Supply / 120 Capsules
Best hair growth shampoo: Virtue Flourish® Thickening Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Your dry scalp (and the accompanying build-up) could be one reason why you’re seeking a volumizing, detoxifying shampoo, and the Virtue Flourish Thickening Shampoo can help. Formulated with proteins and plant-based ingredients that are targeted toward hair growth, lightweight hydration, and scalp nourishment, this shampoo can restore the microbiome on your scalp to see positive results.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku CLINICAL® Protein, sodium hyaluronate, red algae extract, biomimetic signal peptides
- Hair type: Fine to medium hair
- Recommended dosage: Quarter-sized amount
- Price on publish: $44 for 8 oz bottle
What we like:
- Adds volume
- Natural ingredients
- Spa-like aroma
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Good for dry scalp
- Price
What we don’t like:
- Contains fragrance
The bottom line:
The Virtue Flourish Thickening Shampoo is an affordable hair-growth solution for thin to medium hair and dry scalps.
Virtue Flourish Thickening Shampoo for Thinning Hair 8 oz/ 240 mL
Best hair growth serum for a sensitive scalp: RANAVAT Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum
If you’re concerned about a sensitive scalp, the Ranavat Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum uses a few, natural ingredients to avoid overwhelming your skin and aims to calm your scalp. Its jasmine, amla, and sunflower oil contain antioxidants and hydrating components to relax and relieve your scalp.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Jasmine, amla, sunflower oil
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: One pump daily, nightly, or as needed
- Price on publish: $70 for 1.7 oz bottle
What we like:
- Short ingredient list
- Natural ingredients
- Increases shine
- Good for dry scalp
What we don’t like:
- Price
The bottom line:
Ranavat’s Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum promotes hair growth and tackles a sensitive scalp by keeping its ingredient list short and natural.
RANAVAT Mighty Majesty- Fortifying Repair & Shine Hair Serum 1.7 oz/ 50 mL
Best luxury hair growth serum: Act+Acre 2% Stem Cell H-2 Grow Complex™ Scalp Serum for Thicker Looking Hair
If you’re feeling a splurge, the Act+Acre 2% Stem Cell Serum uses an ingredient called H2-Grow Complex™, which is formulated from clinically validated apple stem cells to protect your hair follicles and promote thicker looking hair. It also promotes hydration, making it good for dry scalp sufferers, to create an optimal environment for hair growth.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Apple stem cells, bamboo and pea sprout blend, hyaluronic acid
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: 2 - 3 pipettes daily
- Price on publish: $86 for 2.2 oz bottle
What we like:
- Natural ingredients
- Soothing feel
- Fragrance-free
What we don’t like
- Price
The bottom line:
The Act+Acre 2% Stem Cell Serum uses apple stem cells and other ingredients to hydrate and protect hair follicles and promote fuller-looking hair.
Act+Acre 2% Stem Cell H-2 Grow Complex Scalp Serum For Thicker-Looking Hair 2.2 oz / 65 ml
Best pre-wash hair growth serum: The Nue Co. Supa Thick Scalp Serum with Rosemary
If you prefer a topical solution, the Nue Co. Supa Thick Scalp Serum with Rosemary is used pre-wash two to three times a week. It uses a patented follicle technology that stimulates growth and decreases shedding. The essential oils enhance circulation and cleanse while reducing dandruff and dry scalp.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Redensyl™, rosemary, clary sage, peppermint, probiotic
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: As much as needed 20 minutes before washing hair, 2 - 3 times per week
- Price on publish: $45 for a 3.3 oz bottle
What we like:
- Price
- Planet Positive ingredients
- Fast results
- Vegan and cruelty-free
What we don’t like:
- Best paired with several other products
The bottom line:
The Nue Co. Supa Thick Scalp Serum with Rosemary is a pre-wash, topical solution designed to promote circulation and prevent shedding and dryness.
The Nue Co. Supa Thick Scalp Serum with Rosemary 4 oz/ 100 mL
Best hair growth serum for dry scalp: OUAI Scalp Serum
If you’re willing to spend a little more on your hair, the popular brand OUAI has a scalp serum targeted toward dry scalp sufferers. The natural ingredients protect the skin barrier and promote hydration, especially during styling. Users report significant growth within several months and the appearance of fuller, thicker, and healthier hair.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Adaptogens, hyaluronic acid, red clover flower extract, peptides
- Hair type: Thin to medium hair
- Recommended dosage: Leave-in product for daily use
- Price on publish: $52 for a 2 oz bottle
What we like:
- Fragrance
- Fast results
- Vegan
- Ulta Conscious Beauty product
What we don’t like:
- Price
- Not for all hair types
The bottom line:
The OUAI Scalp Serum is designed to soothe dry scalps, hydrate, and protect the skin barrier.
OUAI Scalp Serum
Best hair growth serum for oily scalp: Moroccanoil Oily Scalp Treatment
Oil to fight oil? Moroccanoil’s Oily Scalp Treatment combats oily scalps through a combination of naturally-derived oils and peptides. As with all of their products, argan oil is the star of the show, but this serum also uses ginger root oil to calm the scalp, regulate oil production, and stimulate hair growth.
Specifications
- Key ingredients: Argan oil, ginger root oil, biotin peptide complex
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: 3 - 6 drops per hair section five to 10 minutes before washing
- Price on publish: $40 for a 1.5 oz bottle
What we like
- Fragrance
- Natural ingredients
- 5% off with monthly subscription
What we don’t like
- Some users complain there’s not enough product for the recommended dose
- Price
The bottom line:
Moroccanoil’s Oily Scalp Treatment uses soothing, natural oils to regulate oil production and promote hair growth.
Oily Scalp Treatment
Best hair growth serum for color-treated hair: dpHUE ACV Daily Scalp Serum
If you’re worried about accommodating color-treated hair, the dpHUE ACV Daily Scalp Serum provides all the benefits of a hair growth serum while being gentle enough for daily use without making color-treatments fade. The natural ingredients combine to promote hydration, pH balance, reduce signs of shedding, and stimulate dormant hair follicles.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, apple cider vinegar, organic maca root, apple stem cells
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: Leave-in product for daily use
- Price on publish: $49 for a 1.7 oz bottle
What we like:
- Lightweight
- Promotes pH balance
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Conscious ingredients
- Ulta Conscious Beauty product
What we don’t like:
- Price
The bottom line:
The dpHUE ACV Daily Scalp Serum promotes hydration and hair growth and is gentle enough for daily use on color-treated hair.
dpHUE ACV Daily Scalp Serum
Best hair-regrowth treatment: Women's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam
Rogaine has been a leader in the hair loss industry for several decades and offers products targeted to both men’s and women’s hair loss. The primary ingredient is minoxidil, which increases blood flow to the hair follicles and revives shrunken follicles, therefore promoting hair regrowth. Though users report high rates of success, this product is longer term and requires sustained use.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Minoxidil, botanical extracts, alpha hydroxy acids
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: Half of a capful once daily
- Price on publish: $33.34 for a 2.11 oz can
What we like:
- Price
- Accessibility
- Dermatologist recommended
- 120-day money-back guarantee
What we don’t like:
- Some users complain that the foam is difficult to distribute
- Requires sustained use
The bottom line:
Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam is a daily topical mousse designed to direct blood flow to the hair follicles, reviving them and promoting hair growth.
Women's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam
Best scalp mask for hair growth: Fable & Mane SahaScalp™ Cooling Scalp Mud Mask
For a soothing product, the Fable & Mane SahaScalp Cooling Scalp Mud Mask revives, clarifies, and moisturizes the scalp to ease irritation and promote healthy hair growth, all with a warm spice and vanilla scent. Its middle-of-the-road price point is made to be paired with other products from the line before and after use.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Neem, sea silt, apricot kernel oil
- Hair type: All types
- Recommended dosage: Apply dime-sized amount, leave on for up to 10 minutes before washing out
- Price on publish: $34 for a 6 oz bottle
What we like:
- Price
- Soothing natural ingredients
- Fragrance
- Vegan
What we don’t like:
- Paired products sold separately
The bottom line:
The Fable & Mane SahaScalp Cooling Scalp Mud Mask is a great product to soothe your scalp and promote growth.
Fable & Mane SahaScalp Hydrating Cooling Scalp Mud Mask 6 oz / 177 mL
How we selected the best hair growth products
Drawing on medical professionals’ expertise, I reviewed a selection of online and traditional retailers to make my recommendations for the best hair growth products, with an emphasis on price, natural ingredients, oil-based solutions, and formulation for all hair types. All of my picks are cruelty-free products, are priced under $100, and prioritize financing options and accessibility.
What is a hair growth product?
A hair growth product is a topical or oral formulation designed to stimulate and promote hair growth by targeting the underlying cause of hair loss.
Do hair growth products really work?
The answer to this depends on the underlying cause of hair loss, and therefore varies from person to person. Promoting growth and strengthening hair can be much more manageable than recovering hair loss caused by genetics, for instance. Dr. Michael May, Medical Director at Wimpole Clinic, a hair transplant clinic in the UK, emphasizes that products usually require consistent and prolonged use to see results, so users need to be patient with the process.
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