Hair thinning can affect everyone, regardless of gender or age.
Fortunately, there are several products and chemicals that can help to reduce or even reverse hair thinning and keep hair appearing thick and healthy.
We looked at the options available, from prescriptions to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, so you can choose the best solution for your needs. Nevertheless, it is still important for individuals to speak with a doctor about their hair loss to determine the best treatment options based on their overall health. Both product components and allergies should be taken into account.
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss affects a large number of people, but it has some very personal consequences. When a person notices a receding hairline, a bald patch, or thinning hair, it can be extremely worrisome.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) affects 40% of women by the age of 50, according to a 2020 study. Similarly, 50% of men over the age of 50 may experience male pattern hair loss (MPHL).
When a person knows what’s causing their hair loss, they’ll be able to find more effective hair growth products.
Many hair growth products fail to live up to their producers’ claims. Some hair growth products, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), are beneficial.
This article delves deeper into the various types of hair loss and examines some of the available hair loss treatments.
Hair Growth Mechanism
Hair loss is surprisingly frequent, even if it may feel like you’ve been dealt a bad hand.
It can happen as a result of:
- Stress
- Inherited traits
- Hormone misalignment
- Thyroid problem
- Anemia
Explore the source of your hair thinning with your doctor or dermatologist to identify the best treatment option.
It’s a good idea to start with the ingredients while looking for hair loss products.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers and inhibitors are among the most efficient substances for hair growth. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a testosterone-derived chemical that causes hair loss.
Minoxidil is supposed to operate by prolonging the hair development phase and partially expanding hair follicles. Finasteride works by lowering your body’s levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Other Ingredients for Hair Growth
- Biotin – Biotin has been demonstrated to help patients with alopecia improve their hair loss.
- Zinc – Zinc is a micronutrient that can aid in the treatment of alopecia.
- Iron – Hair loss is sometimes linked to an iron shortage. Iron supplements can aid with regrowth in some circumstances.
- Collagen – Collagen is a protein that improves hair health, yet there are researches that suggest it can aid hair regeneration. Despite this, it’s commonly found in hair products.
- Niacin – Hair fullness has been proven to benefit from niacin.
- Caffeine – Caffeine has been proved to enhance follicle stimulation, especially when used topically, and is commonly found in hair growth products.
- Horsetail – Horsetail may aid hair growth due to its silicon and antioxidant content, according to research.
- Palmetto – The enzyme five alpha-reductase (5AR), which converts testosterone to DHT, may be blocked by saw palmetto extract.
- Ginseng – Ginseng contains saponins, which have been found to promote hair development in mice by blocking 5AR, as well as gintonin, which could be used to treat alopecia in people.
- MSM – MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur-based chemical molecule found in plants. Expert grading and participant self-assessment revealed that MSM supplementation resulted in considerable changes in the look and condition of hair and nails.
Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Androgenetic Alopecia – This is the most frequent type of hair loss, also known as MPHL or FPHL. Minoxidil applied to the scalp may assist.
- Telogen Effluvium – The second most prevalent cause of hair loss is telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium occurs when a person’s number of hair follicles diminishes, causing their hair to fall out. A triggering event, such as serious sickness, might happen at any time. Gentle shampoos and hair oils, as well as specialized nutritional supplements, may aid in the treatment of this problem.
- Harsh Hair Care – Hair loss can be caused by harsh hair care, such as the use of strong chemicals and colors, as well as tight hairstyles. Changing these habits could assist in preventing further harm.
- Nutritional and Hormonal Imbalances – According to the AAD, adequate amounts of protein, zinc, biotin, and iron in the body are required for hair development, which can be obtained by eating a nutritious diet and taking the appropriate supplements.
Choosing the Best Products
While there are many products on the market with components that promise to help hair grow, not all of them are backed up by scientific evidence.
We sought goods and treatments from well-known brands that were backed by extensive research and contained the most effective ingredients.
We also looked through customer reviews carefully, selecting only things that real customers have found valuable in their own lives.
Top Products
To truly treat your hair loss, you may need to utilize both a topical hair loss solution and a hair loss supplement, depending on the causes of your hair loss. So, which hair loss remedies are worth a shot?
We’ve compiled a list of the top hair loss remedies to assist you.
- Women’s Rogaine 5% Unscented Minoxidil Foam – Rogaine is a minoxidil-based hair loss therapy that has been approved by the FDA. It has a higher percentage of active ingredients than other OTC medications, and it’s one of the most popular and well-known for a reason.
- Hims – Hims offers a number of subscription hair loss products for men, including minoxidil, finasteride, and a combination of the two. Biotin gummies, for example, are available from the company.
- Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women – Keranique is another treatment for female pattern baldness that comprises FDA-approved minoxidil, which has been clinically confirmed to work. It comes with a sprayer that you may use to apply it topically to thinning spots on your scalp.
- Keeps – Keeps, like Hims, offers personalized subscription programs that include minoxidil, finasteride, or a combination of the two.
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density – For low-cost, effective beauty treatments, The Ordinary is a popular favorite. This serum is a concentrated formula that makes hair appear thicker, denser, fuller, and healthier.
- Better Not Younger Superpower Hair & Scalp Duo – A hair and scalp serum with niacinamide, caffeine, and Gotu kola are included in the Better Not Younger Hair and Scalp Duo. It also has a scalp massage applicator to aid with serum distribution.
- Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo – The potent components in Shea Moisture hair products are well-known. Castor oil, which includes ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory qualities, is the key ingredient in this shampoo.
- Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo – This popular Briogeo Blossom & Bloom shampoo contains ginseng, which has long been regarded as a natural cure for hair development, and it has gotten rave reviews. Biotin and maltodextrin are added for thickness, while witch hazel extract is used to clarify.
- Kérastase Bain Force Architecte Shampoo – This shampoo is made to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy and strong. It has a proprietary Vita-Ciment Complex that helps to turn brittle, breakable hair into thick, strong locks.
- Vegamour GRO Hair Serum – Caffeine and clover seed extract are Phyto-actives in this vegan hair serum that have been proved to boost the appearance of hair density and minimize shedding for fuller, thicker hair.
- Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum – Exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), as well as rose clay, witch hazel, and jasmine essential oil, are included in the serum.
- Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Serum – This scalp serum claims to transform your hair in 7 days with a blend of plant-based ingredients like gluco-peptides and wheat protein. It’s made to soften, thicken, and strengthen hair while reducing breakage.
- OUAI THIN Hair Supplement – OUAI is well known for its celebrity-endorsed hair products, but it also sells hair-supporting nutrients.
- OLAPLEX No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment – The proprietary chemical bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, also known as a -unsaturated Michael acceptor, is included in their composition. It’s free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and colorants, as well as being vegan and cruelty-free.
- Mizani Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanse – Mizani Wonder Crown is a foamy treatment for dry hair that should be used before shampooing. This oil-based treatment cleanses and hydrates the scalp in one go without stripping, thanks to ingredients including tea tree oil, peppermint oil, honey, and salicylic acid. Cannabis sativa seed oil is a crucial component that moisturizes the hair and scalp while also protecting it from damage.
Hair Loss Products: What to Keep an Eye On
The active ingredient list is the first thing to look for in hair development solutions. Look for natural compounds like biotin, collagen, niacin, and caffeine that are known to aid with hair loss.
Keep an eye out for an FDA-approved sticker to guarantee that the product has undergone extensive testing.
What To Stay Away From
Not every product that claims to promote hair growth is safe or effective. Avoid brands that haven’t had FDA approval or haven’t received a lot of client feedback.
Using Hair Growth Products
Always read and follow the instructions on the box or bottle. Here are some general guidelines to help you get the most out of your hair growth supplements:
- Massage scalp treatments thoroughly to help stimulate hair follicles.
- Don’t go overboard. Excessive usage of your product will only result in the accumulation and clogging of the hair follicles.
- Stick with a new product for at least a few weeks, if not a month, to see effects.
- To avoid negative effects, use hair supplements with food.