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6 Best Hair Growth Products

By Katie Schenk,

Home / Grooming

Ever wonder why most women don’t experience balding the way men do? To add fuel to the fire, there’s a nasty rumor that male baldness comes from your maternal genes.

The good news is that you can stop resenting your mother – hereditary baldness can come from either side of your gene pool.

Here’s what we mean:

The most common form of balding is officially called Androgenic Alopecia. If this is the type of hair loss that you have, a Minoxidil product (including Rogaine) is going to be your best bet.

Here’s the best part:

We took a look at some of the best hair growth products and hair loss cure options on the market. The truth is that there isn’t much out there. Yes, there is Minoxidil, and that is your best bet as a hair loss treatment. 

But:

You should also look at hair growth shampoo. Though these aren’t going to give you a full head of hair on their own, they provide the right environment for that to happen.

The good news is, we created a list of the best hair growth shampoo out there.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

#1 Best Overall Hair Loss Treatment

Minoxidil for Men Hair Regrowth Treatment

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  • Great product at a great price, especially if you love buying in bulk
  • Works effectively
  • Noticeable change towards thicker, healthier hair
Pros Cons

Minoxidil contains one of the few FDA-approved ingredients for hair regrowth. Not only does it slow the loss process, preserving the hair you have, but it also assists with faster regrowth. 

Some users report a dryness or itching of the scalp.

Product Ratings

8.8/10

Minoxidil is basically Rogaine operating under a different name. Well, it’s similar, but the composition is different. It is, however, 1 of the 2 FDA-approved drugs relating to hair growth stimulation. If you’re balding at the crown, it’s worth a shot, but this isn’t going to do anything at the hairline.

The major drawback to this product is that you need to take it forever, or you’ll lose a lot more of your hair than you would naturally. However, you should know that Minoxidil (in pill form) also helps with high blood pressure. You can get your hands on this product from Amazon, but you really might want to consult your doctor first.

  • Active Ingredients: 5% Minoxidil – yes, yes, yes! Not only is it FDA approved, but it also works!
  • How it works: This is a topical application of Minoxidil. You get small bottles and droppers. We’d tell you how to use it, but it’s far better to read the information provided within.
  • Who can use it? Sorry ladies, this is for guys only! Really, don’t chance it.
  • Frequency of use: You’ll use your Minoxidil dropper one in the morning and once at night. Just so you know, it doesn’t dry immediately, but it works, so you can probably live with that. You should know that cessation will lead to thinning, so you probably will need to plan on continuing this product until you no longer care about your hair loss.
  • Will it break the bank? It’s about $50 for a year’s supply. That’s a little more than $4 a month and a little less than 15 cents a day. So no, it’s not going to bleed you dry.

We love that this product actually works for men. Sadly, there are some forms of alopecia that cannot be treated no matter what you do; it won’t matter what product you use. That’s why we suggest seeing your doctor first. Then again, this isn’t going to do any additional damage, so you could just give it a go. Considering the price, why not?

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#2 Best Hair Loss Shampoo for Men and Women

Lipogaine Big 3 Premium Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo

  • Pleasant smell
  • Noticeable difference from just a small amount 
  • Relieves itchy scalps
Pros Cons

This has been a top-rated shampoo since 2012. It could be that it was designed for both men and women, but more likely because it works. 

It's a little on the pricey side and you will want to use a conditioner with it as it can be a little drying. 

Product Ratings

8.8/10

If you’re absolutely serious about stopping hair loss and developing the environment for new hair growth, you will need a multi-fold approach. You can’t rely on a single product to do the job. Minoxidil is great, but you need something more if you really want to ensure success. Your best bet involves a proven shampoo and lasers, in addition to Minoxidil. And, this shampoo is perhaps the best to add to your regime.

Inside this bottle, you’ll find the most advanced combination of ingredients. Not only does it work, it works well. It’s easy to work into a lather and leaves your scalp feeling a little tingly, as if you can sense new hairs growing as you clean your scalp. We think it’s brilliant.

  • Active Ingredients: You’ll find Ketoconazole (a scientifically-proven ingredient for hair loss shampoo), Biotin, and Emu oil. Basically, this does everything but regrow your hair for you. Cool, right? (Incidentally, that’s the Big 3 in the name.)
  • How it works: It’s a shampoo, which we assume you’ve figured out how to use by now. The Biotin, Ketoconazole, and Vitamin E work together to inspire your hair follicles to produce new growth.
  • Who can use it? Men and woman! Hooray! And it smells a little minty, so no one needs to feel that it’s not for them.
  • Frequency of use: You can use it daily. However, the recommended usage is actually closer to three or four times a week. That should tell you something about the number of times you should shampoo your hair in any given week
  • Will it break the bank? No, not for the product you get. But, it’s not cheap. You’ll get eight ounces for $25. So, not the cheapest, but it won’t hurt terribly.
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#3 Best Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness

Rogaine for Men Hair Regrowth Foam Treatment

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  • Expect a noticeable difference
  • Most guys experience a fuller head of hair quickly
  • Easy to use product
Pros Cons

This product is designed for men experiencing hereditary hair loss. Rogaine Foam Treatment goes on easily, dries quickly, and has been clinically proven to assist with hair regrowth. 

You may experience a little itchiness that you'll need to avoid scratching. 

Product Ratings

7.6/10

Of course this an Amazon #1 Bestseller. You’d hardly expect anything less from the brand that first brought hope to millions of men. And, this foam product is a giant leap forward from the products your dad used. This improved formula hit the market in 2008 and has an 85% success rate.

Rogaine is only part of the solution to your hair loss problem. It doesn’t block those DHTs, but it is the best product you can get for stimulating growth. This Rogaine foam dries quickly, doesn’t cause irritation (in most men), and only costs about $10-15 a month (give or take). You’ll want to use this if you’re serious, but don’t make the mistake of ignoring the directions – this product isn’t mild.

  • Active Ingredients: 5% Minoxidil. No matter how you dice it, this FDA-approved drug works.
  • How it works: This is a foam that you apply to your hair (or scalp) twice a day. It’s unscented and super easy to use.
  • Who can use it? This is a men’s only product. The FDA does not want women getting close to it. Be aware (and make sure everyone in the house knows as well).
  • Frequency of use: You’ll need to apply this twice daily – and if you stop you may experience hair loss again. Sorry. That’s just the way it goes.
  • Will it break the bank? Not really. It’s not the cheapest Minoxidil product on the market, but it works brilliantly. But, you’ll need to bank on spending money on this for the rest of your life if you truly want results. That’s not terrible, but it is a commitment.

If you’re a guy with thinning hair, you’re probably going to give this a try at some point in your life. We suggest doing so sooner rather than later – and only after comparing it to other Minoxidil products.

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#4 Best Styling Product for Hair Loss

MiN New York Form Styling Cream

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  • Easy application
  • A small amount goes a long way
  • Pleasing, light scent
Pros Cons

This medium-hold styling cream separates hair for a thicker, fuller appearance. It has zero side effects and can be used alongside prescription hair loss treatments.

MiN New York Form Styling Cream is going to weigh your hair slightly; it is, after all, a styling aid. You should also know it contains parabens and phenoxyethanol.

Product Ratings

7.2/10

Your hair may be thinning, but that doesn’t mean that you’re going to stop styling it, right? But, if you do need to use styling products, then don’t choose standard grooming products that will do more harm than good. All of the MiN New York styling products are a good bet, starting with this styling cream.

It’s not as if your grooming products are going to fix your hair loss problems on their own. They won’t. But, they can help, rather than harm your cause. This styling cream offers a natural shine and plenty of hold. More importantly, it works to separate your hair, clear out the DHT, and make your hair look thicker too. Now that’s cool.

  • Active Ingredients: Biotin is the biggie here – and you know you need that. You also get some zinc sulfate and saw palmetto in the mix. And, there are some peptides in there too which help to rejuvenate skin and hair cells.
  • How it works: This is a styling cream, and you use it like that. Because, let’s face it, even when your hair is thinning, you want to look your best without losing any more hair. This actively promotes healthy hair growth while giving you the style you want. It’s not going to help you regrow your hair so much as offering a healthy environment. If you feel the need to regrow your hair, guys should check out products with minoxidil, and ladies should consult their doctor.
  • Who can use it? Men, women, anyone with thinning hair. Okay, we don’t recommend it for pets or kids, but if your vet or pediatrician recommends it, then by all means, go ahead.
  • Frequency of use: As good as this is for your hair, you probably only want to use it when you need a little extra lift and style. If that’s every day, then do it. But, if you’re just kicking around the house on your own, then skip it.
  • Will it break the bank? At $20 it’s not the most expensive styling cream on the market, but it’s almost $6 per fluid ounce which isn’t cheap either. If you need a styling aid and have thinning hair, you’re going to pay it.
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#5 Best Budget Hair Loss Treatment
American Crew Hair Recovery and Thickening Shampoo

American Crew Hair Recovery and Thickening Shampoo

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  • Adds volume and gives the appearance of thicker hair
  • Most guys report a noticeable difference
  • Great smell (as you would expect)
Pros Cons

This shampoo from American Crew doesn't actually thicken hair (as you can imagine), but it does make hair appear thicker while leaving it soft and touchable. 

Some guys experience adverse reactions which may be attributable to the parabens inside... or the pH level it imparts.

Product Ratings

Why It's a Great Gift

9.1/10

For All Hair Types: This neo-classic men’s line carries everything a man needs to look, feel, and smell his best. This shampoo has the added benefit of increasing hair thickness (and even if you’re not worried about that yet, someday you will be). Not only is this shampoo reasonably priced, most women flip when they smell anything by American Crew. The “male-scented” shampoo eliminates excess build-up as it cleanses hair and provides a rejuvenated feeling.

  • Active Ingredients: There are some good things in the mix here, including pro-vitamin B5, seed extract, keratin amino acids, and peppermint oil. None of these are qualified to regrow hair, but they do create a terrific environment for that to happen. And, it’s not as if you can stop washing your hair just because you’re losing your hair or using hair regrowth treatments.
  • How it works: It’s a shampoo and you should know how to work with that by now.
  • Who can use it? It’s designed for men and certainly has a manly scent to it, but it doesn’t contain anything that prohibits women from using it. Younger men (and women) can use it for healthy scalps, even if they’re not yet thinning.
  • Frequency of use: As often as you wash your hair – which doesn’t need to be every day. And, you may want to cut down on the hair washing if you have thinning hair. Also be careful not to use too many styling products.
  • Will it break the bank? Not even a little. You should be able to pick up this 8.4 fluid ounce bottle for about $10. That puts the price per fluid ounce at about $1.20. That’s not bad at all – and it will probably last you months.

Overall Editor Score

9.1/10
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#6 Best Daily Use Treatment for Hair Loss

MenScience Androceuticals Daily Shampoo

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  • Nurtures and promotes a healthy scalp
  • Cleans well
  • You only need a small amount to do the job
Pros Cons

This shampoo from MenScience dissolves buildup which actually invigorates hair follicles. Rather than actively regrowing hair, it supports the process. 

There is a fairly strong smell associated with this shampoo. It may be a little expensive for some but is one of the best for guys using another, prescription treatment. 

Product Ratings

7.8/10

We know you don’t want to admit it, but thinning hair is something many men battle. While this shampoo isn’t the cheapest (by a long shot), it will certainly help your hair loss battle. Look at it that way and this bottle could be priceless.

This gentle shampoo dissolves dull buildup and nurtures and invigorates hairs and follicles to support healthy hair regrowth. It’s gentle enough for everyday use and unscented so it won’t clash with your styling products. Healthy hair growth starts with a healthy scalp. Daily Shampoo for men contains natural ingredients such as Vitamin E and Panthenol, which moisturize your scalp and helps prevent dandruff.

  • Active Ingredients: There’s no shortage of brilliance on the ingredients list. You’ll get some glycerin and wheat proteins in addition to the Vitamin E. It’s a perfect combination to use with stronger, FDA-approved formulas.
  • How it works: It’s a shampoo that offers a prime environment for hair to regrow. Lather, rinse, though you probably don’t need to repeat.
  • Who can use it? Men and women; no worries here – even though it was designed for men. Ladies are more likely to find the lack of scent in this shampoo a little more to their liking (for use on their own heads) than other shampoos designed for men.
  • Frequency of use: If you wash your hair every day, use this shampoo every day.
  • Will it break the bank? The 12 fluid ounces in this bottle should last you about three months and at a cost of just over $2 per ounce. Now, that does work out to a little less than $9 per month, so it’s not the absolute cheapest anti-hair loss product, but it certainly does the job and could be worth it for some users.
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Hair Growth Tips & Advice

Of course if you’re looking to regrow hair fast, hair growth products are a great place to start; however, there a number of other ways to increase hair growth as well. In order to help you on your journey to the luscious locks of your dreams, we have created a comprehensive guide of the best tips and secrets to grow hair fast.

Establishing a Daily Regimen Conducive to Hair Growth

Scalp health and how you care for you hair both play a large role in hair growth and retention. The shampoo and conditioner you use, how frequently you wash your hair, how often you color your hair, and frequency of heat treatment may all affect hair growth.

  • Shampoo / Conditioners – In general, to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, look for shampoos and conditioners that contain glycerin, silicone, red palm oil, camu camu, or Keratin—while avoiding anything with sulfates at all costs. Another good rule of thumb is, don’t shampoo without conditioning, but don’t feel the need to shampoo daily. Which leads us to…
  • Frequency of Washing – For most people, washing your hair daily is not necessary. In fact, over washing is a big no-no when trying to grow hair because over washing can remove natural oils needed to promote hair health. So rather than washing daily try to do so every other day or every few days. However, if you’re someone who prefers to wash your hair daily, that’s fine too as long as you are using a quality shampoo and conditioner. Hair masks also do a great job replacing natural oil removed by washing, keeping hair well lubricated and less likely to break. Additionally, anytime you do shampoo, only lather the scalp and let the shampoo slide down the strands naturally as it’s rinsed out. This is much gentler and better for hair growth.
  • Color Treatment – Well not great for hair, color treatment will not actively lead to hair loss. However, color treatment (especially if you go lighter) will reduce hair’s integrity and lead to breakage. So if you’re going to opt for a lighter look, be okay with the fact you’ll have to style it short for a while. Additionally, while extensions may seem like the quick way to achieve long, luscious locks; extensions (even clip ins) can rip hair out at the root and slow down the growth process.
  • Heat Treatment – A good rule of thumb here is try to never blow dry and heat style on the same day. With how fast life moves we totally understand this is a really tough one for anyone who cannot simply step out of the shower and walk out the door (errr… most people). However, as much as possible, try to let your hair air dry or avoid straightening and curling. And for those days when you simply cannot beat the heat, you should always (always, always, ALWAYS) use a heat protectant. Paul Mitchell Heat Seal and Tresemmé Keratin Smooth are two of our favorites!

How to Speed up Hair Growth

In the interest of managing expectations, hair growth is (unfortunately) biologically different for everyone. While, in general, hair generally grows about half an inch per month, that isn’t always true for everyone. Growth that some individuals spend months working towards, others are able to achieve in weeks. So while you may not be able to do much about the fact that you’re just not genetically prone to fast hair growth, there are a number of ways to speed up the growth of your hair.

  • Massage your scalp – It may sound silly, but massaging promotes blood flow to the scalp and in turn stimulates hair follicles. Combining a scalp massage with a deep conditioning hair mask or hot oil treatment once per week will work wonders on speeding up hair growth.
  • Flip your hair upside down – Okay, so even if you didn’t think the last one sounded silly, this tip takes things to a-whole-nother level. Simply flipping your head over and letting your hair hang upside down for just two to four minutes per day is said to promote circulation and, in turn, make hair grow faster. It may sound crazy, but this is one of the most popular and longstanding tricks to speed up hair growth.
  • Try an egg mask – Below we’ll go into more detail about everyday ingredients that make great hair treatments, but an egg mask (as disgusting as that sounds) once per month will significantly speed up hair growth by infusing follicles with a host of beneficial vitamins and minerals, including: protein, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Visit our friends at Quora to learn more about how to whip up an egg mask with ingredients you’ve got laying around at home.

Hair Growth Vitamins and Supplements

Hair growth vitamins are one of the newest beauty trends to hit the scene, but with so many to choose from how do you know which actually work? First and foremost, don’t buy into a product just because a celebrity endorses it. Appearing all over Instagram does not necessarily a good product make.

So then how do you know what is worth trying? Well, let us tell you, we have tested a number of hair growth vitamins and Nature’s Bounty Hair Skin and Nails has by far proven to be the most effective. Within a week we noticed hair looking and feeling thicker, shinier, and overall, healthier. Well we highly recommend the tablets, as they seem to produce just slightly better results; the gummies are a great (and tasty) option as well! Both can be purchased on Amazon or at any local pharmacy.

And, if you’re still not sold, you can’t go wrong with plain old Biotin!

10 Ways to Grow Hair with Little to No Effort

Like we mentioned previously, if you didn’t win the hair lottery there isn’t really a magic solution to growing long, thick locks overnight. However, below we have a created a list of the top 10 ways to achieve beautiful, healthy hair with little to no effort.

  • Maintain good scalp health. Since this is the second time we have mentioned this hair growth tip you can probably guess it’s a big one. Hair tends to shed in the shower whether you wash your hair daily or weekly. In order to maintain scalp health we recommend a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner that will keep the scalp healthy without making heir too oily. A good weekly moisturizing treatment may be good option as well (we recommend Dove Nutritive Solutions Intensive Repair Deep Treatment Mask or It’s a 10 Miracle Hair Mask). And like we mentioned previously, a scalp massage is never a bad idea either!
  • Get haircuts regularly. Sounds counterintuitive, but regular trims will prevent split ends and in turn prevent further breakage. Additionally, regular trims will make the ends of your hair appear fuller and less wispy. However, if you simply cannot bring yourself to get trims every eight to ten weeks, try a reparative shampoo and conditioner combo such as Tresemmé Repair and Protect 7.
  • Try a boar bristle brush. Remember when you were a little kid and your grandmother told you to make sure you brushed your hair 100 strokes every night before bed? Well that’s the idea here. Okay, so 100 strokes may be a little excessive (and actually not recommended to promote hair growth), brushing your hair redistributes sebum (natural hair oils that help prevent breakage) to keep hair lubricated and healthy. And boar bristle brushes do an outstanding job of making sure your locks are perfectly oiled from root to tip. Okay, these brushes aren’t cheap, but a good one will last you for years to come. (As an added tip, make sure that you only brush hair when dry. Water actually weakens the elasticity of hair, so brushing when wet will cause more breakage at the root or middle of hair.)
  • Maintain a healthy diet. Now, we know what you’re thinking, “yeah, yeah, yeah—one more of life’s problems that’s magically cured by eating right.” But seriously, fueling your body with healthy proteins and vitamins is a great way to increase hair growth—we highly recommend fatty acids such as flaxseed or avocado, anything rich in vitamin C or vitamin B complex, and iron. Additionally, sugar destroys collagen and keratin, which are both needed for hair growth. So (while it seems nearly impossible since sugar is in literally everything) try to avoid foods with sugar if you’re trying to promote hair growth.

  • Rinse cold. As silly (and uncomfortable) as it sounds, always rinse out conditioner with cool rather than warm water. Doing so will close up the cuticles and leave hair silky and shiny all day long (beauty is pain, remember?)! Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a little apple cider vinegar to your cold water rinse routine. Trust us, you will experience shine for DAYS!
  • Try castor oil. Even if you’re not a big fan of DIY remedies, castor oil is a very simple way to condition hair with vitamin E and fatty acids. Simply massage equal parts castor oil and coconut, olive, or almond oil into scalp and leave on for 30-45 minutes before shampooing hair. Using this homemade mask, even just once per week, will promote hair growth and increase silkiness and shine. But, if homemade just isn’t your thing, an oil based hair treatment will also do the trick (we love Ouai Treatment Masque!).
  • Do not towel wrap your hair. This is an EASY one, but something not many people think about. Wrapping your hair in a towel causes serious breakage as hair gets caught in the woven fibers. Instead, let your hair air dry, or try a really thin hair turban made just for wrapping wet hair.
  • Avoid stress. Easier said than done, right? But in all seriousness, stress can speed up hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle. So while stress in inevitable, try to focus on breathing exercises, mediation, and other relaxation techniques in order to avoid premature hair loss.
  • Say no to cotton. Pillow cases that is! Okay, okay, we know this one seems a little high maintenance, but truthfully, trading in your cotton pillow cases for something sateen or silk will reduce friction and decrease hair breakage as you sleep.
  • Ditch the pony. Pony tails are another common hindrance to hair growth that not many people know about. Why, you may ask? Well, hair ties will snag and rip hair out at the follicle, which can lead to serious breakage. But since pony tails are just a fact of life for most, we recommend keeping ponies low and loose, switching up pony tail placement regularly, and never sleeping with your hair in a pony.

Hair Growth Medications

Now, if you’ve truly tried everything and nothing seems to work, it may be time to explore other hair growth options.

  • Over-the-counter: Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine and comes in the form of a liquid or foam that can be rubbed into the scalp twice a day to grow hair and prevent further hairloss. Minoxidil may result in hair growth, a slower rate of hair loss, or both. It takes about 16 weeks to see optimal results and even after that you must continue use to retain the benefits of this medication.
  • Prescription: Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription drug (available only to men) that is taken daily in pill form. Again, this medication may slow hair loss or result in new hair growth, but you will need to continue taking, even after you begin to see results, in order to retain the benefits.

Do be aware that both of the above medications may cause unwanted side effects, so to determine if either option is right for you we recommend you consult with your doctor or dermatologist prior to use.

Got a hair growth tip, favorite product, or at home remedy? Please share it in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!

Katie Schenk

Expert Author

Katie’s Cleveland proud; but she’s also lived in Australia, Switzerland and now stays in South Africa. That’s a roundabout way of saying she can’t sit still; she’s always moving, always busy. She has a BA in International Relations from Kent State University and work towards a Masters in Human Rights. She speaks French, is learning German and used to dream in Spanish. For years, Katie worked as a producer on fashion and advertising shoots before she realized her passion was the written word. Katie’s far more interested in guy’s gear than women’s, except she has a wardrobe brimming with little black dresses. She drinks her beer out of the bottle and is raising her two boys to be better men.

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