Meet Your Hair Goals With Hair Loss Treatments That Work (We Tested for 1000 Hours) (2024)

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TL;DR

The Advanced Trichology NutraM DHT Blocking Hair Serum was our favorite of the bunch, an easy-to-use leave-on that delivered impressive results. And if you have an easily irritated scalp, consider the Keeps 5% Minoxidil Foam, an effective option that doesn't cause any skin irritation.

If you’re dealing with hair loss, take heart in knowing that you’re not alone—studies have found that about 40% of women will experience some level of hair loss by age 50. The reasons behind hair loss are as varied as they are frustrating: stress, hormones, genetics, and even harsh hair products can all contribute to thinning strands, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre. The good news? The proper topical treatment for hair loss can help turn things around. Currently, only one FDA-approved ingredient effectively treats hair loss: minoxidil. Many other products contain scalp-exfoliating ingredients like saw palmetto and tea tree oil to soothe and support a healthy environment for hair growth.

To determineexactlywhich hair loss treatments live up to their strand-saving promises, we spent 960 hourstesting over 20 top options in our New York City lab and at home for 12 weeks. Testers weighed in on the efficacy of the products and the overall results, specifically how their hair looked and felt and how easy the products were to use. Ultimately, these 10 proved to be the best hair loss treatments.

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What We Like

  • Easy-to-use dropper applicator

  • Dries quickly

  • Improved hair growth and thickness

What to Consider

  • Scent is a little strong

Type: Leave-on serum | Key Ingredients: Melatonin, DHT blockers, niacin | Dosage: Once daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not only did this product deliver impressive results, but it was also incredibly easy—dare we say pleasant—to use. The serum-like consistency dried incredibly quickly; it felt like it fully absorbed into the scalp and didn’t leave behind any unwanted residue. (We like that it’s meant to be left on overnight so you can just apply it and forget it.)

After three months, our tester Taylor noticed more hair growth along her temples and improved thickness as well, particularly while sporting a ponytail. The scent of the product is a bit strong, but that was only upon initial application; it dissipates quickly.

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Taylor, tester with fine hair: “This was actually one of my favorite hair product applications. It's a dropper which means I can put it right on my scalp but the thing is, the product itself is almost dry, so it feels like it soaks into your scalp. Other products are more on the greasy side so it feels like it sits on top of my hair since my hair soaks it in, this actually feels like it is penetrating my scalp."

What We Like

  • Encourages growth over men's bald spots

  • Dries quickly on hair and scalp

  • Doesn’t cause irritation

What to Consider

  • Liquid product can be a bit drippy

Type: Leave-on spray | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pick proved to be ideal for men dealing with balding. After 12 weeks of use, our tester Matt noticed a layer of thinner hair covering balding areas (where there had previously been nothing)—it also helped with thickness and fullness. The leave-on liquid is meant to be sprayed on twice daily; this wasn’t a problem, largely because of how easy it is to use. It absorbed into the scalp within a few minutes, without causing any kind of irritation. It also didn’t weigh the hair down. The only minor drawback was that, because it is a liquid, it does tend to run a bit, so you may want to keep a tissue handy to wipe off any excess.

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Matt, tester with wavy hair, balding on top: “I was pleased with the hair growth I saw, it was fairly thick and uniform and not wispy or weird. My hair did appear thicker and fuller after the testing period.”

What We Like

  • Results after one month

  • Improved hair growth and fullness

  • Doesn’t cause irritation

What to Consider

  • Leaves scalp a bit greasy

Type: Leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Once daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Patience is a virtue when it comes to treating hair loss (one big reason these products were tested over 12 weeks). That’s why we were especially impressed when our tester Alexa started seeing results just one month after using this minoxidil foam. It helped fill in some sparse spots on the scalp but also improved the overall length, fullness, and general look and feel of the hair.

The foam is only used once a day, however, it has to be measured into the product cap, a step that Alexa found a bit cumbersome. And, while the foam didn’t weigh down her strands, it left a bit of an unwanted sheen and greasy feel on the scalp.

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Alexa, tester with very fine, wavy hair: “My hair looks overall longer, fuller, and healthier, and my scalp has definitely filled in.”

What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Dropper is easy to use

  • Yields visible results

What to Consider

  • Takes a while to dry, especially on hair

Type: Leave-on liquid | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Hair loss treatments aren’t typically cheap, but this was the least expensive of all our winners. Still, it delivered noteworthy results; our tester Shauna noticed a clear difference, especially when looking at before and after pictures, particularly along the part. The dropper applicator was fairly easy to use, but she did call out that the liquid formula does tend to run. While it dried quickly on the scalp, it took longer to dry on the hair, leaving it looking a bit wet and greasy until it did.

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Shauna, tester with fine, wavy hair: “My hair definitely filled out more and my part is more dense than it was. I have also noticed some new growth, which is great to see!”

What We Like

  • Doesn't cause irritation

  • Mousse-like formula stays in place

  • Dries in less than five minutes

What to Consider

  • Need to use twice daily

Type: Leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Unknown

Skin irritation is a common side effect of hair growth treatments, but using this foam twice daily for 12 weeks didn’t cause any. It did, however, result in some hair growth (aka a side effect we’re thrilled to see). Our tester Robert said it didn’t cause any strange scalp tingling either, nor did it have a scent (ideal for reactive skin).

It did take a while for results to kick in, but it did work so much so that it convinced him to keep using it. He didn’t love that it had to be applied twice daily, although the quick-drying foam was barely noticeable and made it easier to do so.

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Robert, tester with coarse hair: “I’ve used Rogaine for years and this seemed just as effective, but less irritating to my scalp.”

What We Like

  • Small applicator is perfected for targeted areas

  • Noticeable new growth

  • Dries quickly

What to Consider

  • Need to use a lot of product for each application

Type: Leave-on spray | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sometimes hair loss or thinning is only noticeable in small, targeted areas, such as along the hairline or on the top of the head. This formula is perfect for addressing those spots. For starters, the targeted nozzle makes precise application a breeze, something tester Allison greatly appreciated.

She used it to address hair loss along the hairline and temples, and about eight or nine weeks into the testing period she saw new baby hairs start to crop up. She didn’t love that you have to use six sprays of the product at each application (and you have to apply twice a day to see results), but the treatment did dry quickly without ever weighing down the hair.

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Allison, tester with fine, straight hair: “I have more baby hairs in the formerly sparse areas along my hairline and temples. They look like flyaways in photos, but it’s new growth.”

What We Like

  • Dries on scalp in seconds and on hair in minutes

  • Prevents existing hair loss from getting worse

  • Makes hair thicker and fuller

What to Consider

  • Hair needs to be dry before using

Type: Leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Twice daily | Cruelty-Free: No

We’re big fans of this fast-drying foam for how quickly it absorbs and that it never interfered with how our tester Peter's hair looked or felt. He didn’t see a ton of new hair growth, but definitely noticed that it made his existing hair thicker and fuller. It also slowed hair shedding (he saw way fewer hairs falling out in the sink).

There were just a few things that threw us about the application process. The foam can melt quickly (which is why the instructions say to apply with cold hands). He also found it a bit challenging to work directly into the scalp rather than the hair. It does require some planning when you use it too, given that hair should be dry before application.

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Peter, tester with coarse, straight hair: “My hairline never got worse, and I had dramatically fewer hairs falling out.”

What We Like

  • Comes with three products and detailed instructions

  • Improves thickness and fullness

  • Nonirritating formula

What to Consider

  • Shampoo/conditioner may not be helpful for those who wash hair sporadically

Type: Shampoo, conditioner, leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Once daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Consider this your one-stop shop for hair loss; it comes with a shampoo, conditioner, and leave-on minoxidil foam. The latter is easy to use and easily rubs into the skin; it was truly undetectable on the scalp. And it also delivered real results. Not only was our tester Chantia's hair thicker and fuller, but she could also see improved growth, particularly along the edges.

There was no irritation or unwanted scent (great for our sensitive-skinned friends). Just keep in mind: if don't wash your hair as regularly, purchasing this kit may not be the best use of funds.

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Chantia, tester with thick, kinky hair: “I have been avoiding doing ponytails for over a year now because my hair was heat damaged and my edges kept decreasing. However, I was able to get a ponytail two weeks ago and even my stylist complimented the way I’ve been taking care of my hair; my edges are growing back thicker.”

What We Like

  • Noticeable new growth and fullness

  • Absorbs quickly

  • No scalp irritation

What to Consider

  • Not for color-treated hair

Type: Leave-on liquid | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Twice daily | Cruelty-Free: No

Loss of hair volume and fullness can be especially frustrating—no one wants to have to pile on the texturizing sprays all the time. Thankfully, this product brings back that fullness without all that product buildup. Our tester Alisa noticed a change in her hair about six weeks after starting this minoxidil-based leave-on. Some sparse patches began filling in and she noticed more fullness and length.

While it did cause a bit of tingling upon application, there was never any irritation.One caveat though: It’s not ideal for colored hair. Alisa noticed her color fading and grays starting to re-emerge within a week.

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Alisa, tester with thick, curly hair: “You have to be diligent in applying twice a day, but the results for me were worth it. My hair is fuller in the areas it was receding.”

What We Like

  • Minimized both shedding and overall hair loss

  • Triggers hair growth

  • Quick to apply

What to Consider

  • Tends to get caught in the hair before you can get it onto the scalp

Type: Leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Once daily | Cruelty-Free: No

While our tester Brenda did see some new hair growth, she was more impressed by how this curtailed her existing hair loss and hair shedding during the testing period. The foam only has to be used once a day, at night, another attribute she appreciated, and it’s fragrance-free. However, as with many of the other winning foam formulas, it works best when applied with cold hands, and it does have a propensity to get stuck in the hair before you can really work it into the scalp.

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Brenda, tester with fine, straight hair: “I liked that this is a once-a-day application, and I’m not losing as much hair daily as I was prior to using this product.”

What to Look for in Hair Loss Treatments

  • Cause: Numerous factors could be causing your hair loss and there’s no single cure. However, if you get to the root of your issue and treat it accordingly—along with using products that support scalp and hair health—you’ll likely start to see an improvement. We recommend speaking with a hair loss expert (like a trichologist) to narrow down what’s triggering your hair loss before picking a product. Several products on this list will connect you to experts who can do just that.
  • Type of Product: There is a litany of hair growth solutions on the market, from supplements you can take orally, to thickening products you can apply topically—hair oils and serums, shampoos and conditioners, masks, and more. But again, it’s best to identify the underlying cause before moving forward with a treatment plan.
  • Ingredients: Trichologist Bridgette Hill says there’s only one ingredient approved by the FDA to help regrow hair: minoxidil. “It pushes the hair from the resting phase to the growing stage. However, there is no defined reason for how this happens," says Hill. She says there may be some adverse side effects when using a Minoxidil product (headaches, fluid retention, and acne, to name a few), so be sure to do your research before trying it yourself. Other helpful formulas that rely on inactive ingredients (i.e., saw palmetto, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and more) can improve hair health, though they don’t boast growth benefits.

How We Tested Hair Loss Treatments

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To find the best hair loss treatments that actually work, we first spoke to medical experts and used their advice to compile a list of 20 promising products. We then recruited testers across genders and hair types who were experiencing hair loss or thinning. Each tester used the products for 12 weeks, applying it according to the manufacturer's instructions. We asked the tester to take photos of their hair/scalp before using the treatment and add the end of 12 weeks. We also ensured the testers didn't get any hair treatments during the testing period, like haircuts or color, that could alter the look of their hair. At the end of the test, the testers rated the products based on the following attributes:

  • Application: Consistency is key when using a hair loss treatment, so it's important the product is easy to use and not a burden. We noted if the application was messy and how quickly the product absorbed into the scalp. We also noted how well the product's consistency worked with our hair texture and if we needed a lot of product to cover the target area. We recommend products that were easy to incorporate into our routine and that we would actually keep up with after the testing period.
  • Comfort: Hair loss treatments can cause your scalp to tingle, but we discarded any products that caused extreme irritation or discomfort. We also noted if the scent was bearable.
  • Performance: During the 12 weeks, we consistently checked our scalp and recorded the moment we started to notice any changes to our hair. Then at the end, we recorded any visible signs of hair growth, using our before photo as a benchmark. We also noted if we noticed less hair shedding during the testing period.
  • Value: Since hair loss treatments tend to be pricey, we rated the overall value of the product based on the results we achieved after three months. Did we feel like the product delivered its promises and the results were worth the price? How long did the amount of the product last? Would we buy it again?

FAQ

  • What are the most common causes of hair loss?

    Inflammatory hair loss—the kind caused by stress, medications, and lifestyle factors—is common and also the most challenging to deal with because everyone is different. “This type of hair loss can be patchy and unpredictable and associated with itching and burning,” says trichologist William Gaunitz.

    Lack of nutrition can also be an under-the-radar cause of hair loss. “Nutritional hair loss, in my opinion, is the most prominent form of hair loss worldwide and is also the most easily correctable,” he says. “Nutritional hair loss causes general thinning throughout the entire scalp and can exacerbate other types of hair loss.”

  • How can you prevent further hair loss?

    “Hair is very sensitive to inflammation so it's important to avoid anything that irritates the scalp, such as certain hair dyes,” says Dr. Pierre. “The frequent use of heating tools can cause breakage. You should condition your hair and moisturize your scalp regularly to minimize your chances of hair loss.” As for nutrition, you want your doctor to run a full blood panel, so they can recommend nutrients you could be lacking. For healthy hair, key nutrients are iron, zinc, ferritin, folate, and vitamin D3, says Gaunitz.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She has covered hair loss extensively during her career. (She’s also a new mom to twins experiencing postpartum shedding and trying new treatments to stop it.)

For this story, Melanie also enlisted the help of three experts. The experts she consulted include:

  • Dr. Peterson Pierre, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist
  • Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist
  • William Gaunitz, a certified trichologist

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough hair loss treatments from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. Famenini, S., Slaught, C., Duan, L., & Goh, C. (2015). Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 73(4), 705–706.

  2. Patel P, Nessel TA, Kumar D D. Minoxidil. [Updated 2024 Feb 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

Meet Your Hair Goals With Hair Loss Treatments That Work (We Tested for 1000 Hours) (2024)
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