Table of Contents
The 19 Best Hair Growth Products of 2022 for Thinning Hair and Hair Loss
What is the best fast hair growth product?Is there a hair growth product that actually works?What can stimulate hair growth?Does biotin grow hair?Does castor oil make hair grow?What causes hair not to grow?
Anyone, regardless of gender or age, is susceptible to experiencing hair thinning at some point in their lives.
The good news is that the process of hair thinning can be slowed down or even reversed with the help of specific treatments and chemicals that are currently on the market. These can also help hair appear full and healthy.
We took a deep dive into the available treatment alternatives, ranging from prescription medications to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines so that you can choose the remedy that is best suited to meet your requirements.
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A quick look at the best hair growth products of 2022
- Best for women: Women’s Rogaine 5% Unscented Minoxidil Foam
- Best for men: Hims
- Best over-the-counter: Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment
- Best subscription: Keeps
- Best budget: The Ordinary Hair Serum
- Best splurge: Better Not Younger Superpower Hair & Scalp Duo
- Best restorative shampoo: Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
- Best volumizing shampoo: Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Shampoo
- Best strengthening shampoo: Kérastase Bain Force Architecte Shampoo
- Best hair growth serum: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
- Best cleansing serum: Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum
- Best for brittle hair: Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Serum
- Best for thin hair: OUAI THIN Hair Supplement
- Best bond-building: OLAPLEX No. 0 Treatment
- Best pre-cleanser: Mizani Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanse
- Best scalp scrub: Frank Body Caffeinated Scalp Scrub
- Best spray-in treatment: Bondi Boost Procapil Hair Tonic
- Best oral supplement: Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement
- Best MSM supplement: Shedavi Hair + Skin + Nails Whole Food Vitamin
How do hair growth products work?
Even while it could feel like you’ve been dealt a bad hand, hair loss is really much more frequent than you might think.
It could be brought on by:
- stress
- hereditary factors
- hormone imbalanceTrusted Source
- thyroid disorderTrusted Source
- Anemia
Investigating the reason behind your hair loss with a medical professional or a dermatologist will help you identify the most effective treatment method for your condition.
When looking for treatments that can treat hair loss, you should begin your search with the components of the product.
Blockers and inhibitors of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are among the most potent agents for promoting new hair growth. The substance that is responsible for hair loss is called DHT, and it is derived from testosterone.
It is believed that minoxidil works by partially expanding hair follicles and prolonging the growth phase of hair. This is how it works. Finasteride reduces the quantity of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that is produced in your body, which is how it works.
The following are some additional components necessary for healthy hair growth:
- Biotin. It has been demonstrated that biotin can improve hair loss, particularly in people who suffer from alopecia.
- Zinc. Alopecia patients may benefit from vitamin zinc, which can aid with hair loss.
- Iron. There is a strong correlation between iron deficiency and hair loss. Iron supplements may be of assistance with regeneration in certain instances.
- Collagen. Collagen is a protein that is beneficial to the health of the hair, yet there is limited evidence to suggest that it can aid in the renewal of hair. Source. Despite this, it is regularly discovered in various hair products.
- Niacin. It has been demonstrated that niacin can assist promote fuller hair.
- Caffeine. Caffeine is an ingredient that is commonly used in hair growth products since studies have shown that it can boost follicular stimulation, particularly when it is applied topically.
- Horsetail. According to research published in ResearchTrusting Source, horsetail’s high silicon and antioxidant content promote healthy hair growth.
- Saw palmetto. Saw palmetto extract has the potential to inhibit the enzyme known as 5 alpha-reductase (5AR), which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
- Ginseng. Ginseng includes saponins and gintonin, both of which have the potential to treat alopecia in people. Saponins have been found to stimulate hair growth in mice by blocking 5AR, while gintonin has the potential to treat alopecia in humans.
- MSM. MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane, which is a chemical substance containing sulphur that is generated from plants. It has been discovered that supplementation with MSM leads to considerable improvements in the appearance and condition of hair and nails, as determined by expert grading and participant self-assessment.
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How we chose
Even though there are a lot of products on the market containing chemicals that manufacturers claim would promote hair growth, not all of them are supported by research done in a scientific setting.
We searched for goods and treatments produced by renowned manufacturers that had the most significant amount of research conducted on them and contained the most efficient ingredients.
We also paid close attention to the feedback provided by previous buyers, selecting only those items that previous buyers have stated were helpful to them in their own lives.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $25
- $$ = $25–$35
- $$$ = over $35
The best hair growth products of 2021
Best for women
Women’s Rogaine 5% Unscented Minoxidil Foam
Rogaine is a therapy for hair loss that contains minoxidil and has been approved by the FDA. It is typically considered to include a higher proportion than other over-the-counter brands, and there is a solid reason why it is one of the most popular and well-known.
According to a study that was published in 2019 by Trusted Source, Rogaine is effective for treating both male and female pattern baldness since it works by preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. It is also helpful for restoring eyebrow density and treating alopecia.
In accordance with the terms of the company’s satisfaction guarantee policy, you will be eligible for a complete refund if, after using the product on a regular basis for a period of one hundred and thirty days, you are unsatisfied with the outcomes. It is recommended that Rogaine be used for a period of at least three to six months before seeing any outcomes from its use.
When it comes to evaluations, the vast majority of reviewers mention that their scalp became obscured by new hair growth in areas that were previously bare. On the other hand, a handful of the reviews that were given one star mentioned that the product caused allergic reactions, irritation on the scalp, no changes, or even accelerated hair loss.
It is vital to keep in mind that minoxidil may initially promote shedding, but it is likely that this impact will lessen as continued use occurs.
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Best for men
Hims
Hims provides a number of subscription products for the treatment of male hair loss. These products contain either minoxidil, finasteride, or both of these ingredients together. The company also sells a range of vitamins, including biotin gummies, amongst other options.
84.4 per cent of participants with androgenetic alopecia maintained good hair density following initial therapy when using a topical minoxidil-finasteride combination, according to a study that was conducted in 2015 utilising 45 male volunteers who were trusted as sources of information.
Participants in the study were able to keep their hair in better condition by combining the two components in their routines.
One more study from 2015
According to Trusted Source, just 80.5 per cent of men noticed improvements when using finasteride alone, and only 59 per cent of men had improvements when using minoxidil alone. On the other hand, 94.1 per cent of men who took both ingredients together showed considerable improvement.
Customers who have already created an account with HIMS have the ability to schedule an online consultation with a qualified medical professional in order to receive recommendations regarding the items that are most suitable for their needs.
However, while having an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, Hims, Inc. has received some evaluations from customers that are less than fantastic. The overall 1.33 average rating out of 5 stars that the company has received is due to sexual dysfunction items as well as complaints about being charged for products after informing the company of the wish to cancel the subscription to such products.
When it comes to hair products, in particular, consumers have remarked on the efficacy of the combination of minoxidil and finasteride in particular.
Hims also provides customers with a full money-back guarantee for the first ninety days after purchase. It may take up to 48 hours to cancel a subscription, and you have to do so at least two days before the charge for the next month or you will be charged for an additional month’s worth of service.
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Best over-the-counter
Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women
Keranique is another medication that has been clinically proven to cure female pattern baldness. It contains minoxidil, which has been approved by the FDA. It comes with a convenient sprayer, which enables you to apply it directly to the areas of the scalp that are experiencing hair loss.
Keranique’s formulations only include 2 per cent minoxidil, which is a lower concentration than that of several competing brands. Nevertheless, it should be administered to the scalp on a regular and twice-daily basis.
The product currently has an average rating of 4.8 stars out of a possible 5, as stated on the website of the manufacturer. According to a significant number of reviews, consumers are pleased with the outcomes of the product.
Best subscription
Keeps
Keeps is comparable to Hims in that it provides customers with the option to personalise their own subscription plans, which may include either minoxidil or finasteride, or both of these ingredients together.
In addition, Keeps sells medicines that contain ketoconazole, which is an antifungal prescription and the generic version of Nizoral. Ketoconazole is employed for the treatment of hair loss in unapproved ways.
You have the option of selecting the products you wish to use right away or filling out a questionnaire about your medical history, lifestyle, and how much hair you have lost. You also have the option of including photographs in your submission.
After a medical professional has examined your records, they will recommend a treatment strategy to you. Tablets, foams, and serums are the three primary product forms.
The vast majority of reviews for products are positive, while the few that are bad focus on issues such as customers being unable to cancel their subscriptions or the company continuing to bill them after they have done so.
Best budget
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
When it comes to high-quality beauty products at affordable prices, many people turn to The Ordinary. This item is a highly concentrated serum that has been developed to assist in making the appearance of the user’s hair being thicker, denser, fuller, and healthier.
This vegan serum is also devoid of silicones, parabens, and alcohols, in addition to being designed for fine, medium, or thick hair types.
It is formulated with a number of proprietary compounds that have been shown to improve the appearance of hair density and boost blood flow to the scalp. Caffeine and a number of different peptide complexes are both included in this product, which work together to make your hair stronger, fuller, and thicker.
These chemicals may help thicken the hair, stop it from thinning, and relieve itching and dryness on the scalp. To use, simply apply a few drops to your scalp and massage them in before going to bed each night.
The majority of reviewers on Sephora believe that the product has contributed to observable volume and regeneration in their hair. The phrase “total game-changer” was used by one of the reviewers. Reviewers who had hair thinning as a result of medical conditions such as anaemia, hypothyroidism, postpartum hair loss, and alopecia have submitted before and after images that are encouraging.
Over 800 customers have provided feedback on the product, and they have given it an average rating of 3.9 stars out of 5. The majority of reviewers point out that they saw benefits in as little as two to three weeks.
Complaints that the shampoo made their hair greasier and was unsuccessful for them are common in reviews that are not positive.
Best splurge
Better Not Younger Superpower Hair & Scalp Duo
There is a hair and scalp serum included in the Better Not Younger Hair and Scalp Duo. Some of the substances included in this serum are niacinamide, caffeine, and gotu kola. It also has a massage applicator for the scalp, which helps spread the serum more evenly.
Although it is toward the pricier end of our pricing spectrum, the fact that it includes two separate products makes you feel like you are getting more for your money than usual.
According to the website for Better Not Younger, independent consumer trials showed that 97 percent of women who used the serum on a daily basis for a period of eight weeks observed changes in both the quantity and quality of their hair.
It’s possible that massaging the scalp with the applicator designed specifically for that purpose will result in extra health benefits.
Best restorative shampoo
Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
The effective components included in Shea Moisture hair products are frequently cited as a company selling point. Castor oil, which is the primary component in this shampoo, is rich in ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Shea butter is included in the shampoo to moisturise the hair, make it more manageable, and shield it from breaking and damage. It closes the hair cuticle, which results in increased smoothness and lustre, making it an excellent choice for chemically treated hair. The scalp is given a jolt of energy and vitality by peppermint, while apple cider vinegar helps to clarify.
On Amazon, customers have given this shampoo an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. When it comes to the 4% of customer reviews that are negative, the vast majority of reviewers caution readers to be wary of fraudulent merchants who may sell products that have been altered or diluted in some way.
Best volumizing shampoo
Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo
This popular Briogeo Blossom & Bloom shampoo contains ginseng, which has been advocated for a long time as a natural therapy for hair development. As a result, the shampoo has garnered a significant number of favourable reviews. In addition to this, we use maltodextrin and biotin, both of which provide thickness, and witch hazel extract, which helps clarify.
The formulation does not contain any phthalates, parabens, sulphates, silicones, or artificial colours of any kind. This indicates that it is mild and that the majority of its components are natural.
The majority of consumers have provided excellent feedback, although a few have mentioned that after using the shampoo, their hair was left feeling dry or knotted.
Best strengthening shampoo
Kérastase Bain Force Architecte Shampoo
This shampoo was formulated to give your hair the appearance of being strong and healthy while also giving it that impression. It contains a Vita-Ciment Complex, which is a trademarked ingredient that is designed to turn brittle, breakable hair into thick locks that are strong.
The manufacturer of the shampoo claims that it can repair and strengthen broken hair fibres, and it also makes the claim that it can make hair silkier, more shiny, and more manageable, in addition to preventing breakage and split ends.
Keratin and ceramides are two of the most important elements; they work to smooth and condition the hair respectively.
Even though it has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and the majority of reviewers have given it excellent feedback, some customers have mentioned that it left their hair dry and weighed it down.
Best hair growth serum
Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
This cruelty-free hair serum is formulated with caffeine and clover seed extract, two phytoactive ingredients that have been proved to boost the appearance of hair density and reduce the indications of shedding, resulting in hair that seems to be fuller and thicker.
Clinical tests conducted by the manufacturer demonstrated that using the product can “improve the look of hair density by up to 52 percent and reduce symptoms of shedding by up to 76 percent.” On the website for the product, it is stated that you can anticipate your hair to appear fuller in as short as 90 days, with the finest benefits occurring after 120 days of use.
Over 2,300 customers have given their feedback on the serum, and they have given it an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5. The vast majority of reviews are positive, although many of the reviews rated one star merely state that the product was ineffective.
Best cleansing serum
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum
This clarifying serum has been formulated to remove debris from the roots while simultaneously nourishing the scalp. Imagine that it’s a clarifying mask that you’re applying to your scalp!
In addition to rose clay, witch hazel, and jasmine essential oil, the serum is formulated with exfoliating ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Best for brittle hair
Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Serum
This scalp serum is formulated with a combination of plant-based components, such as gluco-peptides and wheat protein, and it promises to completely transform your hair in just one week. It is formulated to make the hair less prone to breakage while also improving its lustre, texture, and volume.
According to Kérastase, the serum can significantly minimise the amount of breakage that occurs as a result of brushing, which is why this option is excellent for people who have hair that is brittle and weak.
The product has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with reviewers citing more shine and decreased frizz. A significant number of reviews rated one star claim that the reviewer did not detect any differences.
Best for thin hair
OUAI THIN Hair Supplement
Although OUAI is most known for the celebrity endorsements it has received for its line of hair care products, the firm also produces vitamins that are designed to strengthen hair.
These supplements contain a plethora of substances known to promote healthy hair, including:
vitamins A, B, C, D, E zinc
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids ashwagandha biotin
You just need to take one pill every day, and you should start to see benefits within the next three months. Gluten, parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulphate (SLS), and sodium laureth sulphate are not present in these vitamins, just as they are not present in any other product sold by OUAI (SLES).
Reviews that are favourable mention that using the product following chemotherapy treatment may have aided in the growth of new hair. One user reports seeing thicker hair and growth of up to two inches in the first 90 days of using the product. Acne is mentioned as a potential side effect in reviews that are only given one star, and good effects on hair are not mentioned.
Best bond-building treatment
OLAPLEX No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment
TikTok users can’t get enough of this celebrity-favorite treatment for strengthening bonds.
Based on the results of tests conducted by the manufacturer, the OLAPLEX extreme hair treatment can make hair up to three times stronger with just one application.
Their recipe calls for an element known as a -unsaturated Michael acceptor, which is bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. This component is protected by a patent. It does not contain any sulphates, parabens, or phthalates; it is colour safe; it is vegan; and it does not test on animals.
Customers are pleased to report that this product assisted in the recovery of their hair following bleach processing. According to reviews that are less than favourable, the product’s packaging isn’t perfect, the fluid isn’t distributed uniformly using the single stream sprayer, and the small bottle size requires frequent repurchases.
Best pre-cleanser
Mizani Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanse
Before you shampoo your hair, use a foamy treatment like Mizani Wonder Crown to your dry strands first. This oil-based treatment cleans and hydrates the scalp in a single step without first stripping it of its natural oils, thanks to the inclusion of substances such as honey, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil.
One of the most important components is cannabis sativa seed oil, which has a hydrating effect on the scalp and hair as well as a protective effect against breakage.
It is especially helpful for those with oily scalps, although it can also be used to treat dryness in the scalp. It does not include any silicones or parabens.
The adaptable formula is great for hair that is straight, curly, wavy, or coily, and it also works well for hair that is fine, medium, or thick.
In one laudatory review, the foam is praised for how it “truly gets the accumulation out of there!” Additionally, it was referred to as a “essential” for styling oily hair. There are no reviews of the product with a single rating, but several reviews with two stars mention that the product caused their hair to get dry or wasn’t soft enough for their requirements.
Best scalp scrub
Frank Body Caffeinated Scalp Scrub
Caffeine, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil are all included in the caffeinated scalp scrub produced by the coffee-based beauty care firm Frank Body. The rosemary oil helps prevent hair loss, and the peppermint oil improves the condition of the scalp.
When it comes to removing buildup, one user comments that there is “no better feeling” than utilising this scrub. One person commented that it was “just what my scalp needed!”
When it comes to evaluations that aren’t positive, several customers said that clumps of their hair fell out and that the bathtub was a mess.
Best spray-in treatment
Bondi Boost Procapil Hair Tonic
The Bondi Boost Procapil Hair Tonic is a leave-in solution that contains 3 percent Procapil and works to minimise and prevent hair fall while also stimulating the growth of new hair. In addition, saw palmetto and horsetail leaf extract, two common remedies for thinning hair, have been incorporated into the formulation of this spray.
Participants who used Redensyl, Capixyl, and Procapil (RCP) saw “significantly better clinical recovery in terms of hair growth” in a study conducted in 2019 that compared alternatives like Procapil to 5 percent minoxidil in people with androgenic alopecia. RCP is an acronym for “Redensyl, Capixyl, and Procapil.”
On the product website, the spray has received a majority of good feedback, with an average rating of 4.7 stars out of a possible 5. There is not a single review with a single star and just two reviews with fewer than four stars. Both of these reviewers acknowledge that they haven’t utilised the product for a sufficient amount of time to provide an objective evaluation of it.
Best oral supplement
Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement
Another supplement brand that is popular among famous people is called Viviscal, and famous people like Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon take it. These supplements contain a unique combination called AminoMar C.
This combination consists of:
horsetail extract silica biotin vitamin C iron niacin zinc calcium marine collagen
The appearance and thickness of hair, particularly hair that is prone to excessive shedding or breakage, can be improved with the help of the vitamins sold under the brand name Viviscal. The components work to both defend against damage and encourage the development of new tissue.
Many pleased users reported that the lotion made their hair shinier, softer, and reduced the amount of hair that fell out. One of the reviewers even mentions that she stopped using wigs and is now confidently sporting her natural hair.
According to some of the unfavourable reviews, the product is both costly and has undesirable side effects.
Best MSM supplement
Shedavi Hair + Skin + Nails Whole Food Vitamin
This vitamin is vegan and organic, and it contains biotin, MSM, and saw palmetto, all three of which have been proved to increase the health of hair and minimise shedding. These vitamins may also help enhance the suppleness of your skin, eliminate dandruff, and support your immune system as an added bonus.
According to evaluations that are favourable, Shedavi vitamins were effective in reducing hair loss, increasing thickness, and working much more quickly than anticipated. There are no reviews rated one star for this product; nevertheless, several reviews rated two stars mention that the purchaser did not experience any results.
What to look for in hair growth products
When looking for products that promote hair development, the list of active ingredients should be your first consideration. Keep an eye out for biotin, collagen, niacin, and caffeine as these are four natural compounds that have been shown to aid in preventing hair loss.
Also, keep an eye out for a sticker indicating that the product has been approved by the FDA to guarantee that it has undergone extensive testing.
What to avoid
There are many products on the market that promise to aid with hair growth, but not all of them are safe or efficient. Steer clear of brands that have not been approved by the FDA or that do not have a significant number of user evaluations.
How to use hair growth products
Always make sure to follow the detailed instructions that are printed on the package or the bottle. The following are some general guidelines that can assist you in getting the most out of the hair growth products you purchase:
- In order to assist stimulate the hair follicles, it is important to thoroughly massage in any scalp treatments.
- Don’t overdo it. A buildup and a blockage of the hair follicles will result from using an excessive amount of your product.
- Be patient and continue using a new product for at least a few weeks, and perhaps up to a month, before expecting to see results.
- Consume hair supplements with food to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
Safety and side effects
It is possible that certain substances and products will do more damage to your scalp and hair than they would help, however this will depend on how sensitive your scalp and hair are.
If you want to take a hair growth supplement, you should first review the list of contents. Many hair growth supplements contain compounds that can cause adverse effects, so it is important to be aware of what you might be getting into.
These potential adverse consequences include, among others:
- nausea
- bloating
- tiredness
- headaches
- stomach aches
On the other hand, some hair growth products may result in unexpected benefits, like:
- higher energy levels
- improved circulation
- lower cholesterol
- clearer skin
Frequently asked questions
When will I get results from using products that promote hair growth?
The effects of hair growth products do not appear immediately. The majority of products will begin to show some kind of effectiveness within a few months.
It will take your product several weeks to begin stimulating hair follicles, and even after that, it will be at least a couple of months before you start to see new hair growth.
Although actual hair growth can take several months, the majority of hair products can boost the look of your hair’s thickness in just a few weeks.
When it comes to hair growth, which is more effective: serums or supplements?
Supplements, on the other hand, work from the inside out, in contrast to serums, which work from the outside in. If you want the best possible outcomes, it’s best if you can use both kinds of products at the same time.
As opposed to supplements, there are no studies that have been conducted that demonstrate the benefits of serums. On the other hand, in most cases, therapies that are applied topically work more quickly than those that are taken orally.
What more can you do to promote the health of your hair, and will it make a difference?
You can increase the health and thickness of your hair in a variety of different ways, including the use of hair growth products, but there are also a lot of other approaches you can try.
Additionally, it is essential to:
Get adequate rest, maintain a regular exercise routine, and cut down on your stress.
Eat a diet that is well balanced, including fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
These products might be what you need to give your hair the boost in growth that you’ve been waiting for. Although many of them have the potential to improve hair health, they rarely address the underlying cause of the issue.
Always have a conversation with your physician so that you can determine the medical cause of your hair loss and find a solution that is more tailored to your specific needs.