Skin & Hair Products The 10 Best Products for Thinning Hair of 2023 Rogaine's 5% Minoxidil Solution is dermatologist-recommended and FDA-approved By Danielle Zoellner Danielle Zoellner LinkedIn Twitter Danielle Zoellner is a freelance writer with an emphasis in health and wellness. She graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 25, 2022 Medically reviewed by Paige Lovellette, PharmD Medically reviewed by Paige Lovellette, PharmD LinkedIn Paige Lovellette, PharmD, is a board-certified pharmacist and community pharmacy manager in Massachusetts. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked by Christina Oehler, RYT-200 Fact checked by Christina Oehler, RYT-200 Christina Oehler is a commerce editor for Verywell Health. She has a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has work published on sites like Health, Shape, and Brides. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. There are a variety of reasons why one might experience thinning hair or increased hair loss; this includes damage from chemicals or dyes, aging, experiencing a major stressor, or alopecia areata. Hair thinning can take time to address because of the hair's growth cycle, but there are a number of options on the market that can help stimulate hair growth. “It is first important to determine if the problem is due to weak and damaged hair shafts, or if the problem emanates from reduced growth from scalp follicles,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Cynthia Bailey. “If the hair shafts are weak, brittle, and weathered, then hair care products and treatments are the solutions. If hair is thin at the scalp level then the causes of hair thinning are different.” "The first step in treating hair loss is to figure out if there are any underlying conditions that are causing it," says board-certified Chicago dermatologist Dr. Omer Ibrahim. When shopping for products for thinning hair, look for ingredients like minoxidil, which is proven to help stimulate hair growth. Additionally, supplements that address vitamin deficiencies or products that help prevent hair damage can also help grow stronger, healthier hair. These treatments should be used for at least six months, but ideally for one year, to see results. We researched dozens of products for hair loss and evaluated them for form, key ingredients, frequency of use, and price. Here the the best products for thinning hair on the market today. Before you shop You should speak with a healthcare provider about what might be causing hair loss or thinning, the best ways to prevent and/or treat it, and whether or not any of your current medications or pre-existing conditions could have an impact. We also want to note that none of these products guarantee hair growth, and different products may work better for different people. Always consult your dermatologist before starting a hair growth regimen. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Rogaine Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Kirkland Signature Minoxidil 5% Topical Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best Serum: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum at Walmart Jump to Review Best Shampoo: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash at Amazon Jump to Review Best Conditioner: Baebody Argan Oil Conditioner at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hair Oil: Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil at Amazon Jump to Review Best Scalp Scrub: Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub at Amazon Jump to Review Best Supplements: Vegamour GRO Biotin Gummies at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hair Dryer: Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer at Bluemercury.com Jump to Review Best Laser Cap: LaserCap The Original LaserCap Kit at Lasercap.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Rogaine Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Solution 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Unscented formula Three-month supply FDA-approved product Cons Can take months to see results Oily formula We chose Rogaine as our best overall pick because it's one of the most commonly recommended treatments by dermatologists for addressing hair thinning and loss. The product has formed prestige in hair growth for being the first FDA-approved over-the-counter product that is proven to regrow hair. Nine out of 10 men and more than 80 percent of women experienced hair growth after using Rogaine versus placebo, according to a clinical trial funded by the company. The topical is formulated with 5 percent minoxidil, an FDA-approved ingredient that works to boost hair follicle activity and protein production to stimulate hair growth. To use, start with dry or damp, towel-dried hair and part your hair in a few rows to maximize scalp exposure when applying the topical. Then apply the topical and massage it into the scalp, specifically where your hair is thinning the most. The topical will then get to work in boosting hair growth on the scalp. This product comes with a three-month supply, but dermatologists recommend using a hair-growth solution for at least six months to let them work their magic. Price at time of publication: $51 Type: Topical | Frequency of Use: Twice daily | Key Ingredients: 5% minoxidil Best Budget Kirkland Signature Minoxidil 5% Extra Strength Topical Solution Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Unscented formula Six-month supply Affordable Cons Faulty dispenser Oily formula Addressing hair loss can get expensive because most treatments require at least six months of use before you see results. But Kirkland’s Minoxidil 5% Topical Solution makes the process affordable. The topical is formulated with a key ingredient that stimulates resting hair follicles to resume hair growth: 5 percent minoxidil. The product is also unscented, which is great for anyone looking for a product that will not overpower their other hair care products. Like other topicals, it is important to apply the product directly to the scalp after washing your hair so it can target the hair follicles. Apply the formula to areas of the scalp with the most hair loss and then massage throughout the entire scalp. You should see results after six to 12 months of use, which can be frustrating, but consistency is key when using these types of hair-growth products. Price at time of publication: $34 Type: Topical | Frequency of Use: Twice daily | Key Ingredients: 5% minoxidil Best Serum Vegamour GRO Hair Serum Sephora View On Walmart View On Sephora View On Vegamour.com Pros Plant-based formula No harsh chemicals Cons Expensive Can take longer to see results Vegamour takes a holistic route toward addressing hair loss through its 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free hair serum. The company utilizes vegan phyto-actives that work together to promote a healthy scalp while assisting with hair growth from the follicles. The main phyto-active that Vegamour uses is mung beans, an ingredient that is nutrient-rich in other hair nourishing components like folate, zinc, and vitamin B7 (biotin). Deficiencies in these vitamins have been linked to hair loss, though these vitamins are usually ingested in an oral form. Vegamour boasts that using its plant-based product as prescribed will result in fuller-looking hair within 90 days of use. Users will experience the peak of hair growth around the 120th day, according to the company. For best results, use the product on dry or towel-dried hair twice per day by massaging it directly into the scalp. Price at time of publication: $58 Type: Serum | Frequency of Use: Twice daily | Key Ingredients: Mung bean What Our Editors Say "I love how this hair serum doesn't leave my hair feeling oily or greasy after application. A lot of serums I've tried leave a thick, greasy residue, but this one can be massaged in without adding weight or excess oil to your hair."—Christina Oehler, Commerce Editor Best Shampoo Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Cruelty-free No harsh chemicals Moisturizing Cons Expensive Fragrance can be too strong for some Because regrowing thinning hair can take a while, we also wanted to include products that can help simulate thicker hair right off the bat. The Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash is another way to give the appearance of thicker, healthier hair while simultaneously moisturizing your locks. The shampoo hydrates the hair with the incorporation of shea butter while the rice amino acids work to strengthen and densify the hair strand to promote thicker and stronger hair. This shampoo is ideal for all types of hair, including hair that is experiencing thinning or aging, and the shampoo is sulfate-, paraben-, and cruelty-free. It has an indulgent scent that leaves your hair smelling fresh and clean after a single use. Price at time of publication: $40 Type: Shampoo | Frequency of Use: Once daily | Key Ingredients: Rice amino acids, shea butter The 8 Best Shampoos for Seborrheic Dermatitis of 2023 What Our Editors Say "With my thinning hair, a lot of shampoos leave my hair looking oily. This one not only removes product buildup (making it look fresh and clean after one wash) but smells amazing. I think it helps give my hair a lot of volume too, which masks the parts of my scalp that look particularly thinned out."—Christina Oehler, Commerce Editor Best Conditioner Baebody Argan Oil Conditioner Amazon View On Amazon View On IHerb Pros Affordable Vegan ingredients For all hair types Cons Best paired with other products to stimulate growth Address damaged and thinning hair with the Baebody Argan Oil Conditioner. The vitamin E-rich formula can help strengthen and repair hair that is damaged from things like hair dyeing and the use of heat products. The argan oil also helps strengthen your locks while combining with shea butter to bring moisture back into the hair shaft. For best use, squeeze excess water from the hair and then apply the conditioner from the mid-length down to the ends of the hair. It is recommended to leave the product in for two to three minutes before rinsing out. The conditioner is not only rich in strengthening and moisturizing ingredients, but it is also paraben-, sulfate-, and cruelty-free. We especially love this product because despite being hydrating and moisturizing, it doesn't leave a heavy, greasy feel on thin hair after usage. Price at time of publication: $19 Type: Conditioner | Frequency of Use: Once daily | Key Ingredients: Argan oil, vitamin E Best Hair Oil Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Affordable Natural ingredients Can use on eyebrows and lashes Cons Requires washing hair after use Sticky upon application Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil helps nourish hair from the root of the hair follicle all the way down to the end of the hair shaft. The moisturizing formula is made of 100 percent pure castor oil. This castor oil is cold-pressed as opposed to chemical extraction, which means that it can retain more of its vitamins and antioxidants that will further nourish the locks when used. To use, warm a few drops of the oil in the palms of your hand before massaging it into the scalp and then combing it evenly from the root of the hair down to the ends. Leave the product in overnight or for at least one hour before washing it out with shampoo. The oil will then work to promote hair growth and strengthen your existing locks to look fuller and stronger. Not only can you use this product for your hair, but the brand claims that you can also use it on your eyebrows and eyelashes to similarly promote growth in those areas. Use one to two drops of the oil on eyebrows and eyelashes daily. We recommend starting light and using only a drop or two of the product to get used to its thick viscosity. Price at time of publication: $14 Type: Hair oil | Frequency of Use: Once daily | Key Ingredients: Castor oil Best Scalp Scrub Ouai St. Barts Cleansing Scalp and Body Sugar Scrub Amazon View On Amazon View On Kohls.com View On Sephora Pros Vegan ingredients Multipurpose Smells great Cons Expensive Can be drying Dry, flaking skin and sebum buildup on the scalp could be one reason why you might be experiencing excessive hair loss and thinning. The Ouai St. Barts Cleansing Scalp and Body Sugar Scrub helps remove the flakiness that can form on the scalp with the addition of sugar crystals that will gently exfoliate the surface. Then the product incorporates panthenol and glycerin to help improve the skin’s moisture to prevent future dryness. Coconut is also incorporated into the product to further nourish the scalp. For most optimal use, apply the product in the shower by sectioning the wet hair to reveal the scalp. Use about a quarter-size amount of the product and rub it in a circular motion on the scalp before washing the product out. Once you are done, finish off your shower routine by moisturizing the hair with a conditioner. This scrub can also be used on the body to exfoliate any dry or flaking skin. Price at time of publication: $38 Type: Scrub | Frequency of Use: As needed | Key Ingredients: Panthenol and glycerin Best Supplements Vegamour GRO Biotin Gummies Amazon View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Vegamour.com Pros Vegan ingredients Natural flavoring Cons Expensive As we mentioned before, vitamin deficiencies can be a cause of thinning hair. The GRO Biotin Gummies nourish the body from the inside with important nutrients like vitamins B5, B6, and B12. The supplement also includes other vitamins like A, C, E, and zinc, to promote health from the inside out. To use, take one gummy supplement daily. These supplements are formulated with all vegan ingredients and have a natural strawberry flavor, so it's easy to remember to take these supplements regularly. Price at time of publication: $28 Type: Supplement | Frequency of Use: Once daily | Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, B6 and B12 The 10 Best Tested and Researched Collagen Supplements of 2023 Best Hair Dryer Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer 4.4 Zuvi Life View On Bluemercury.com View On Neiman Marcus View On Zuvi.us Pros Boosts hair moisture Lightweight Fast-acting Cons Expensive Sometimes addressing hair loss requires fully transforming your hair routine, and that can include replacing your hair dryer with a more natural option. The Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer has transformed how you should think about using hair dryers. Instead of using hot air to dry your locks—which can end up creating dry ends and breakage—like other hot tools, the tool takes a more natural approach. It uses a combination of light and wind to dry the hair. The wind function operates like a traditional hair dryer but instead uses a cooler temperature that is gentler on the hair. Then the dryer concentrates light energy to further dry the hair at its surface, which leaves the inside of the locks hydrated. According to Zuvi, the hairdryer helps hair retain 109 percent more of its internal moisture compared to the traditional hairdryer. This hairdryer is pricey; however, it could be a beneficial option to implement into your hair care routine if you’re looking to not only promote growth but also remove any products that are further drying out and damaging the locks. Price at time of publication: $349 Type: Hairdryer | Frequency of Use: As needed The 7 Best Ingrown Hair Treatments of 2023 What Our Editors Say "I love that this hair dryer doesn't use heat the way traditional hair dryers do, and I've noticed a huge difference in the texture of my hair because of this. It gives me the at-home blowout I want without leaving my hair dry and damaged."—Christina Oehler, Commerce Editor Best Laser Cap LaserCap The Original LaserCap Kit LaserCap View On Lasercap.com Pros Drug- and chemical-free Portable Easy to use Cons Price Takes time to see results Laser therapy is another route that you can consider to address hair loss and thinning. The LaserCap is an FDA-cleared product that addresses the regrowth of hair for men and women by using prescription-strength lasers that promote regrowth. The red light produces Low-Level-Laser Therapy (LLLT), which is clinically proven to stimulate hair growth for both men and women when used. The cap is portable, making it easy to take the cap with you if you’re traveling. It also doesn’t require using chemicals or medications to promote growth. The company recommends wearing the laser for 30 minutes every other day for best results, and warn that it can take up to six months of consistent usage to start seeing results. Price at time of publication: $1,195 for laser cap SD Type: Laser cap | Frequency of Use: Daily Final Verdict If you’re looking for a tried and tested hair growth product that is recommended by dermatologists to give you the results you want, then we recommend the Rogaine Men’s Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution. If you’re looking for an all-natural product that does not use any chemicals and still promotes hair growth, then we recommend the Vegamour GRO Hair Serum. How We Selected the Best Products for Thinning Hair When selecting products for hair growth, we spoke with dermatologists and spent hours combing the web for the best and most effective products. Our experts include: Cynthia Bailey, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Northern California and founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care Omer Ibrahim, MD, board-certified dermatologist with Chicago Dermatology After taking all of our options into consideration, we determined which to feature based on a few key criteria as recommended by dermatologists: key ingredients, form, and lifestyle habits. Once we narrowed down our options, we compared each treatment's benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive, we wanted to give a wide range of options that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best OTC hair growth treatments. What to Look for in a Hair Growth Treatment Key Ingredients Active ingredients are the best way to know if the products that you are selecting will promote hair growth or strengthen your existing hair. Minoxidil is one of the most popular clinically proven ingredients to help hair growth. “I almost never recommend the 2 percent because the 5 percent, both for men and women, is more effective and just as safe,” Dr. Ibrahim says. “That ingredient still helps slow down the shedding quicker and helps promote regrowth.” Other ingredients that are recommended are pyrithione zinc and ketoconazole, which are both found in dandruff shampoos. “It is now known that a healthy scalp is the best ‘incubator’ for healthy hair growth,” Dr. Bailey says. “Using a shampoo with pyrithione zinc as a second lather and rinse can help to prevent and treat seborrhea (which causes scaly patches on the scalp), thus leading to a healthy scalp for hair growth.” Form Hair growth treatments can come in a variety of forms, including supplements, serums, foams, shampoos, conditioners, and alternative treatments like light therapy. Besides minoxidil, a topical recommended by both Dr. Bailey and Dr. Ibrahim, other topicals can be beneficial to promote hair growth. “Other proven hair loss treatments include finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone, and cyproterone, which all work by inhibiting and regulating hormones that contribute to genetic patterned alopecia,” Dr. Bailey says, noting that these are all medications that require a prescription. “Laser treatments, microneedling of the scalp, and injections of platelet-rich plasma into scalp all show promise and are being studied,” Dr. Bailey adds. “They may work but results are still preliminary.” Speaking with a board-certified dermatologist can help guide you on the best type of product to implement into your hair care routine. Ultimately, trying a combination of different forms of products could be the best route to achieve the results that you are looking for in promoting hair growth. “I tell my patients that treating hair loss is unlike treating anything else in medicine—meaning that hair loss is one of the only conditions in medicine where the more you throw at it, the better the results,” Dr. Ibrahim says. Lifestyle Habits Exposing the hair to certain products and treatments can impact the hair growth you might experience when incorporating regrowth products. “In the presence of hair thinning, it’s important to protect the remaining hair shafts that are present,” Dr. Bailey says. “This means limiting exposure to harsh styling chemicals or practices that will lead to weak and brittle hair, including treatments such as bleaches, dyes, straighteners, heat, and even sunlight.” Dr. Ibrahim says that when it comes to using hair tools or chemicals to alter your hair color, less is more to prevent them from further damaging the hair. “If you are used to blow-drying every day, then try to do it a couple of times a week,” Dr. Ibrahim recommends. “Straightening with chemical straighteners is also very damaging to their hair,” he adds. “So we say if you can spread out the treatment as far as you can, then that would be great to just about three times a year.” Dr. Ibrahim says it is important not to avoid doing things to your hair, such as washing it, because you are experiencing increased hair loss. “I always tell patients, ‘Don't be afraid of your hair; make sure to give it the care it needs,’” he says. “Proper hygiene is the most important to keep the scalp nice and healthy.” Physical and emotional stressors in your life can also lead to increased hair loss. So if you’ve experienced something stressful recently that has since resulted in hair thinning, the shedding could subside after a few months. Frequently Asked Questions What types of hair growth products are most effective? One of the most effective products available is topicals that include minoxidil in either 2 percent or 5 percent. “Minoxidil stimulates resting hair follicles to resume growth,” Dr. Bailey says. “There may be a transient hair loss when beginning treatment as the resting hairs are shed and new growth hairs emerge from the follicles.” For best results, Dr. Bailey recommends for the treatment to be used for one year “before any conclusion is reached about the effectiveness” of the product. “If you do discontinue use, those follicles that entered growth phase solely due to minoxidil will shed their hairs,” she says.Dr. Ibrahim recommends doing a combination of products for the best results. This includes doing a routine incorporating a topical with minoxidil, a supplement, and hydrating shampoo. “I would recommend doing this under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist because at the end of the day you want to make sure you're being safe,” he says. “But the more you do to treat the hair loss from different angles, then the better the results.” How often should I use a hair growth treatment? It is important to follow the product's instructions when it comes to how often you use these products. Supplements can be taken once per day. But Dr. Ibrahim recommends for topicals and serums to first try using the product once per day before increasing the usage to twice per day. “I usually tell patients to start with once a day and do that for four weeks,” Dr. Ibrahim says. “If you're not getting any irritation, you can go up to twice a day because the biggest risk is irritation.” Normally the sensitivity is not from ingredients like minoxidil, he says, but from other ingredients that can be incorporated in the serum or topical. If people are finding that the OTC products being used twice daily are insufficient, then they can visit a dermatologist to get a prescription. Can dyeing your hair make it look thicker? “When the color of your hair and your scalp skin is significantly different, thin hair volume will appear much more noticeable,” Dr. Bailey says. “Changing the color of your hair to more closely match your scalp, or selecting a scalp colorant that brings your scalp skin closer in color to your hair, will help to reduce the appearance of hair thinning.” But it is important to note that chemically dyeing your hair can also lead to more damage to the hair follicles. Excessively dyeing the hair could then cause more harm than good, depending on how often you do it. So consider implementing hair growth treatments while dyeing the hair to help strengthen your locks. Why Trust Verywell Health As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life. 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bryan, J. How minoxidil was transformed from an antihypertensive to hair-loss drug. The Pharmaceutical Journal. Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151. doi:10.1002/lsm.22170 Schiavone G, Raskovic D, Greco J, Abeni D. Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. Dermatol Surg. 2014;40(9):1010-1019. doi:10.1097/01.DSS.0000452629.76339.2b Zhou Y, Chen C, Qu Q, et al. The effectiveness of combination therapies for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(4):e13741. doi:10.1111/dth.13741 Mayo Clinic. Minoxidil (topical route). See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit