Dr. Camp recommends using hair oils as a mask to deeply penetrate the hair and enhance moisture levels. Another option is to add a small amount to your favorite conditioner to improve softness and pliability. He also suggests mixing oil with water in a spray bottle for a lightweight styling treatment or an extra hydration boost throughout the day. Growing up, my mom would sit me down and massage a coconut, castor, and amla oil concoction into my scalp, no matter how much I protested—she always said it would help with hair growth and scalp health.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, with its active ingredient ketoconazole, combats dandruff and contributes to hair growth by reducing scalp inflammation and controlling fungal growth. Regular application can yield significant results, especially in the early stages of hair thinning. Minoxidil is suitable for both men and women, though it’s most effective in younger individuals who have recently begun to experience hair loss.
”We don’t know the true concentration of rosemary oil in those,” she explains. Add a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil (like argan or castor oil), and apply the blend to your scalp daily. If you don’t want to spring for the popular hair growth supplement Nutrafol, Finney recommends this cost-saving swap.
- We then researched over 70 hair growth products ranging from vitamins and supplements to serums and oils to shampoos and topical medicated solutions and rated each based on the key ingredients, brand reputation, clinical studies, user results and reviews, among other factors.
- The bakuchiol in this treatment is key, because of its touted benefits of increasing cell turnover, similar to a topical retinol, which could both help unclog hair follicles and stimulate dormant ones, encouraging growth.
- “For people with textured hair, I really, really like the Tangle Teezer brushes,” says Atoyebi.
- DHT has been linked explicitly to hair loss in multiple studies, making the prevention of its creation paramount to preventing hair loss and generating new hair growth.
- Plus, its anti-inflammatory, which can treat different forms of irritation and damage.” That being said, the minimal amount of time to see results is in at least six months, if you’re using it consistently.
It’s an FDA-approved solution for both men and women dealing with pattern baldness. Elaborating further, these products often target different aspects of hair health. For example, some aim to invigorate hair follicles to stimulate new growth, while others focus on preventing hair breakage and loss.
However, all of the experts we interviewed agree that there is no single miracle cure for hair thinning and loss and treating it is a long game that requires patience and consistency. “It works by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle and increasing blood flow to the scalp,” explained Dr. Kopelman. Keep in mind, though, minoxidil should not be used for those who are pregnant and it can also potentially cause increased shedding or irritation — make sure to stop using it immediately, if so. The FDA-cleared Revian Red system has been shown in a 2017 double-blind, placebo-controlled study to be an effective alternative to chemical treatments like minoxidil or prescription drugs like finasteride, according to company-published results.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil
Not only that, but I always think that it looks thicker and more voluminous in the days after. ”Hair masks are intensive conditioning treatments,” shares Dr. Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist in New York City. Look at reviews and testimonials from users who have similar hair loss concerns. Their experiences can provide insight into the product’s effectiveness.
Leonor Greyl Scalp Massager Brush
Peptides and zinc fortify roots while vitamin B3 and glycerin hydrate and balance the scalp, making it the ideal environment for growth. ”There are studies showing that rosemary oil can be equivalent to 2 percent minoxidil,” Henry says. She recommends using 100 percent organic rosemary oil rather than haircare formulas that contain some rosemary oil.
This Ocoa scalp massager is a favorite of NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, who uses it every time she washes her hair (about once every two to three days). “I have very fine hair, so most scalp massagers cause a lot of breakage. This one has soft silicone bristles that don’t tug or pull at my hair, so I’m never worried about it damaging my roots,” she says. It’s also very easy to hold and small enough to take it comfortably on the go, says Godio.
Dermatologist-Recommended Hair Growth Treatments and Products
Products recommended or prescribed by dermatologists are typically more reliable as they are backed by scientific research and clinical trials. ”Thermadome is a light device that one wears at least twice weekly for at least 20 minutes,” says Dr. Goldenberg, who notes that some even wear it daily because you can’t overdo it. ”It stimulates hair to grow by shuttling nutrition and oxygen to the scalp.”
Kerastase Initialiste Strengthening & Volumizing Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum
Saw palmetto is one of the ingredients in Nutrafol and ”is a weak DHT blocker the hormone linked to hair loss, so it can potentially help prevent further loss,” he says. Perhaps the only thing more anxiety-inducing than excess hair shedding is realizing that many of the purported solutions are expensive. In addition to stocking up on specialized shampoos, serums, and supplements, you might also see a doctor, get blood work, or try an in-office treatment. If you have dandruff or oily hair, Lolis recommends this Jupiter scalp brush because of its firm but not too firm bristles, which are still gentle enough for everyday use, according to the brand. “If you want to really exfoliate the scalp or have extra sebum production, I like this one,” she says.
Proper Scalp Cleansing
”The device is worn for 30 minutes, three times per week. I often recommend this device in combination with PRP treatments. The Lasercap is worn at home and is an excellent complement to any hair loss treatment,” shares Dr. Green. It’s also important to understand what specific hair growth concern you’re trying to address. Small explains that, for example, if you’ve had excessive sun exposure, the oxidative stress caused by free radicals would require a formula rich in antioxidants. If you’re postpartum and experiencing the “big shed,” ingredients that stimulate blood circulation would be ideal. And if you’re noticing hair thinning or loss near the temples or the crown, you may need an ingredient that combats dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
- Our tester found using the tool especially helpful for encouraging baby-hair growth after postpartum shedding and noted that it’s much gentler on the scalp than the cheaper, harder drugstore options she’s tried.
- Hair loss affects millions of people in the U.S., and the impacts go beyond physical appearance.
- However, Dr. Camp warns that applying oils too close to the scalp or roots may lead to scalp irritation, clogged pores, or even acne in some individuals.
- Keep in mind, though, consistency is key when it comes to achieving the best results.
- I’m a journalist and former Glamour editor who has covered beauty and wellness treatments for over a decade.
This is the case for all hair growth products; hair can only grow so fast. Keep in mind that topical products will act on hair follicle and growth phases in different ways—some will stimulate, while others will regulate. Nutritional supplements like hair growth vitamins work internally to support hair cell production, says trichologist Anabel Kingsley. If you are using a scalp massager to stimulate growth, you should use one three times a week for 15 minutes, typically right before you take a shower, says Gaunitz. “The scalp massage is going to increase blood flow and exfoliate the scalp.
That’s why he suggests using the K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask at least weekly to restore your hair’s strength and elasticity, promoting a healthy environment for growth. Spironolactone is an FDA-approved drug prescription medication that treats androgenetic alopecia in women by slowing down the production of male sex hormones (androgens), says Dr. Green. Working to create a low-stress lifestyle can be a powerful tool in promoting hair growth.
“They’re a great starting point,” says Danilo Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and partner at Chicago Skin Clinic. Possibly the most famous hair loss treatment, Rogaine is successful at preventing hair loss and promoting new growth. ”Rogaine is a topical solution or foam that blocks the type of testosterone that causes hair miniaturization—the process that causes androgenetic hair loss,” says dermatologist recommended hair growth products Dr. Goldenberg, who recommends it for women just once daily.
Hair Growth Serums
New to the market is the Omi Hair Growth Peptide, which is intended to do just that. Some may also benefit from adding a prescription tretinoin to their multi-pronged approach. ”Some studies suggest tretinoin can boost the effectiveness of minoxidil, likely by improving the absorption of the active ingredients into the scalp. It should be considered a complementary treatment, rather than a standalone solution for hair loss,” says Idriss. Explains that hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, and thus the treatment should be determined by the specific cause, as opposed to a general approach. Finasteride is highly effective in halting hair loss progression and promoting hair regrowth, particularly in the crown and middle scalp areas.
Panthenol can swell the hair shaft and collagen coats each one — all making your hair look more full. So perhaps it comes as no surprise that there has been an uptick in people reporting hair loss, which can be triggered by stress, among other things. Luat Duong is a Copenhagen-based writer and content strategist specializing in hair loss and health. His work has been featured in MyHealthGuide, The Right Hairstyles, and Woman’s Era.