Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Remedies for the root of the issue.
Byrdie
Peterson Pierre, M.D., notes that causes vary fromstressand hormonal changes likepregnancyand even harsh hairstyles or products.
A topical, over-the-countertreatment for hair losscan help turn things aroundno prescription needed.
Currently, only one topical ingredient is FDA-approved to treat hair loss:minoxidil.
PHOTO: Advanced Trichology
However, many other products with scalp-stimulating and DHT-blocking ingredients show promise.
Testers weighed the products' efficacy and results regarding new growth and a fuller hairline.
Check out the winners below.
Byrdie
The serum-like consistency dried remarkably fast, swiftly absorbing into the scalp without leaving behind any unwanted residue.
The key ingredient is melatonin, which has been shown to support regrowth and thicker strands after hair loss.
We found the scent a little strong, but only upon initial applicationit dissipates quickly.
PHOTO: hers
Taylor, tester with fine hair:“This was actually one of my favorite hair product applications.
Still, it delivered noteworthy results.
Brendan Camp, M.D.
PHOTO: Byrdie
The dropper applicator was fairly easy to use, but the liquid formula does tend to run.
Ultimately, we think this is a stellar deal for an effective hair loss treatment.
I have also noticed some new growth, which is great to see!”
It also helped with thickness and fullness.
It absorbs into the scalp within a few minutes without causing irritation and doesn’t weigh the hair down.
It was fairly thick and uniform and not wispy or weird.
My hair did appear thicker and fuller after the testing period."
Our tester only used the foam once a day.
However, it has to be measured into the product cap, a step our tester found inconvenient.
All that said, if you’re looking for fast results, this product will deliver.
However, it did result in new hair growth with twice-daily use.
Plus, the quick-drying foam was barely noticeable after applying.
PHOTO: Bosley
This formula is perfect for addressing those spots.
For starters, the targeted nozzle makes precise app a breeze, something our tester greatly appreciated.
But the treatment dried quickly without weighing down the hair.
Byrdie
They look like flyaways in photos, but it’s new growth."
It also slowedhair shedding(he saw way fewer hairs falling out in the sink).
Just a couple of things threw us about the utility process.
PHOTO: hers
The foam can melt quickly (which is why the instructions say to apply with cold hands).
And it requires some planning since your hair is supposed to be dry before each use.
The Virtue Flourish Kit includes shampoo, conditioner, and leave-on minoxidil foam.
Byrdie
The latter is easy to use and effortlessly soaks into the skinit was truly undetectable on the scalp.
And it delivered real results.
There was no irritation or unwanted scent (great for our sensitive-skinned friends).
PHOTO: Walmart
Thankfully, this product restores fullness without product buildup.
Our tester noticed a change in her hair about six weeks after starting the minoxidil-based leave-on serum.
Some sparse patches began filling in, and she saw more fullness and length.
Byrdie
Though it did cause slight tingling upon app, there was never any irritation.
One caveat, though: It’s not ideal for color-treated hair.
Our tester noticed her color fading and grays starting to re-emerge within a week.
PHOTO: Ulta
My hair is fuller in the areas it was receding."
The foam only has to be used once a day, at nightanother attribute she appreciatedand it’s fragrance-free.
(CBD may help with hair loss by minimizing inflammation and regulating oil production on the scalp.)
Byrdie
This shampoo cleaned our tester’s hair well without stripping it or causing irritation.
We’re also fans of the subtle citrusy-herbal scent.
Since it’s formulated withoutsulfates, it doesn’t suds up into a rich later.
PHOTO: Rogaine
But it still does its job and rinses out easily.
We then recruited testers across genders and hair types experiencing hair loss or thinning.
Each tester used the product for 12 weeks, applying it according to the brand’s instructions.
Byrdie
They took photos of their hair and scalp before starting treatment and at the end of testing.
It’s also the most challenging to remedy because the exact cause varies.
A nutritional deficiency could also be an under-the-radar cause of hair loss.
PHOTO: Virtue Labs
“You should condition your hair andmoisturize your scalpregularly to minimize your chances of hair loss.”
Gaunitz says the most critical for hair are iron,zinc, ferritin, folate, andvitamin D3.
Don’t expect immediate, dramatic results from hair loss treatments.
Byrdie
“Hair loss treatments take timeusually around four to six months to see real progress.
He has covered hair loss extensively during her career.
(Shes also a new mom to twins experiencing postpartum shedding and trying new treatments to stop it.)
PHOTO: Amazon
Emily Cieslak, an associate editor at Byrdie, interviewed several experts for this story.
Famenini S, et al.
2017;96(6):371-378.
Byrdie
(2023).Melatonin and the Human Hair Follicle.Journal of drugs in dermatology.
doi.org/10.36849/JDD.6921
Suchonwanit P, et al.
PHOTO: Amazon
Byrdie
PHOTO: Sephora
Byrdie
Byrdie