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The 13 best hair products for thinning hair of 2024, according to experts

Promote new hair growth with these top-rated products

These hair growth products have been tested and approved by experts.
These hair growth products have been tested and approved by experts.

If you’re experiencing thinning hair, you know it can be an embarrassing and scary process. So much of our confidence is linked to our hair. When we lose it, it can be difficult to handle. One way to stay on top of things is with a hair growth product that helps to promote new growth while improving hair health and reducing breakage. But which to choose? With so many ingredients on the market, you might wonder whether biotin will do the trick or if you need to go with something more serious like topical minoxidil. Before you pull the trigger, you’ll want a firm understanding of what’s causing your hair loss in the first place; is it genetics or simply stress?

Quick overview
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Thankfully, there are plenty of great products out there that work; the trick is finding something that works with not only your daily hair care routine and budget, but also your skin type. Those with sensitive skin should "opt for natural and nourishing products that are suitable for your hair type," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jose Diego Mier told us. Or maybe your skin is as tough as nails, in which case you want to opt for a powerful medicated solution like the FDA-approved hair growth treatment minoxidil. "The oldest established remedy and still one that is used quite a bit is topical minoxidil," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Forman Taub. Obviously, though, it is a major medication and has potential side effects that need to be evaluated for each person, she added. Above all, consistency is going to be key in hair regrowth — most potent products will take a couple of months to fully produce the results you want.

To help you decipher which product is best for your needs, we consulted with six board-certified dermatologists and trichologists to learn what key ingredients to look for in hair growth products, what products work best and which ones don't. We then researched a multitude of products based on our experts' feedback to find the best hair growth products for thinning hair based on key ingredients, clinically proven results, cost, user success and reviews, as well as testing quite a few products in-house.

Read more:

The best product for thinning hair overall

Cost: $59 | Product type: Foam | Key ingredients: Minoxidil, botanical extracts, alpha-hydroxy acid | Best for: Men with thinning hair and loss

Rogaine has been an industry leader for more than three decades. And for good reason: it works. The Minoxidil Foam for men features a 5% minoxidil topical solution that has been approved by the FDA to treat pattern hair loss, and has numerous clinical trial results to prove its worth. The product works by boosting hair follicle activity and hair protein production. This doctor-recommended product also contains botanical extracts and emollients to help maintain a healthy, conditioned scalp, while the alpha-hydroxy acid promotes natural skin exfoliation to help keep follicles open. 

One happy customer said, "Be patient, it works! After just four months, I'm seeing noticeable improvement. The results are worth the 2x daily applications and I've noticed I feel better about myself and restored confidence."

Pros
  • Three-month supply
  • Clinically proven to work
  • Mess-free foam
Cons
  • Can be irritating for sensitive skin
  • Not safe for female use
$48 at Amazon
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$61 at Target$71 at CVS Pharmacy

Cost: $57 | Product type: Foam | Key ingredients: Minoxidil | Best for: Women with thinning hair and loss

When it comes to medical-grade hair growth products for women, it's going to be hard to top Minoxidil, which is one of three FDA-approved hair growth treatments, and the only one safe enough for women. If you want to break out the big guns, the experts say that minoxidil is the way to go. Dr. Taub told us, "The oldest established remedy and still one that is used quite a bit is topical minoxidil." Obviously, though, it is a major medication and has potential side effects that need to be evaluated with each person, she added. This topical solution and medication is the key active ingredient in Women's Rogaine. (So, if natural methods are more your thing, be sure to select something else from our list.) 

When used daily, Rogaine is clinically proven to boost hair follicle activity and hair growth for improved hair density. One user claimed that it's life changing: "I have been using this product for three months and I’m genuinely thrilled with my results! My scalp has so much new hair growing in, for the first time in years I can part my hair however I want without fear. All my thin spots are filling in. Even my husband keeps commenting on how much thicker my hair is. This product is 100% worth the money!!"

Pros
  • FDA-approved minoxidil hair growth treatment
  • Mess-free foam
  • Clinically proven to work
Cons
  • Expensive
$45 at Amazon
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$53 at Walmart$59 at Target

Cost: $38 | Product type: shampoo, conditioner, serum | Key ingredients: Proprietary blend of proven hair growth helpers, as well as peppermint and tea tree oils, saw palmetto | Best for: Thinning hair

Nioxin offers a three-hit combo approach to thinning hair and loss with its haircare "system kits." The company offers six different system kits, each tailored for specialized needs, including products to help with natural hair, bleached hair and color-treated hair, as well as thinning or severe hair loss. This bundle of products is formulated for fine to normal hair with progressed thinning, and is a great choice for someone wanting to take an aggressive approach to hair restoration. The first step in the kit is the shampoo, which is especially great for removing environmental and product build-up, as well as sebum, which is linked to increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a naturally occurring hormone that also stifles hair growth and follicle health. The second step is the conditioner, which moisturizes the scalp and strands, strengthing hair and preventing breakage. The final step is the all-important serum that stimulates the scalp, promoting blood flow and new growth.

One fan shared that the kit greatly improved their hair's texture and manageability. "After 35 days of use, I see obvious improvement. The short, fine hairs at my hairline (particularly at the temples) never seemed to grow until I started using Nioxin. Now it’s nearly filled in."

Pros
  • All-in-one kit
  • Clinically proven key ingredients that promote growth and scalp health
Cons
  • Contains dyes, parabens and synthetic preservatives
$27 at Walmart
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$30 at Groupon$47 at Amazon

Cost: $10 | Product type: Oil | Key ingredients: Rosemary and mint essential oils, biotin | Best for: Thinning hair

Don't let the inexpensive price tag fool you, Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Hair Strengthening Oil really works! Thanks to the mint and rosemary, which is clinically proven to promote hair growth. The endless before and after photos are truly inspiring. Not only is it a cult favorite, including 44,000 5-star reviews, but it's loved by many Yahoo staffers, including our Senior Health Editor, April McCormick who insists, "This oil really works! The shining star is the rosemary oil that is clinically proven to help promote hair growth. The consistency of the oil is also divine - not too thick or thin." This oil promotes blood flow, nourishes the scalp and follicles, fixes splint ends and even tames flyaways after styling. One reviewer said, "5 stars because this has REVOLUTIONIZED my life!"

Pro tip: If you find this is too oily for your fine hair, add a few drops to conditioner, leave it in for a few extra minutes then rinse.

Pros
  • All-natural
  • Clinically proven ingredients
  • Can be found at just about every retail store
Cons
  • Strong rosemary mint smell may be too much for some
$9 at Amazon
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$10 at Walmart$11 at Ulta Beauty

Cost: $12 | Product type: Shampoo | Key ingredients: Saw palmetto, Hims' proprietary blend of DHT blockers | Best for: Male pattern baldness and thinning

According to Dr. Vallencillos, men are more likely to experience hair loss due to hormonal-driven differences between men and women. A leader in the men's health and wellness industry, Hims designed its Thick Fix Thickening Shampoo to cleanse away excess sebum to allow new follicles to grow strong and healthy; that, in combination with DHT-blocking saw palmetto, immediately increases hair volume.

Thick Fix features a refreshing eucalyptus scent and easily lathers to permeate the scalp for a seriously deep clean. One reviewer said, "For years, I have fought hair loss and thinning hair. Within a week of using this product, I felt like I was finally winning that fight." 

There's also a Power Pack ($60) if you want to go extra hard at your thinning/loss issues.

Looking for more information on men's hair health? Read our full review on hair growth products for men.

Pros
  • Explicitly formulated for men
  • Hims is a leader in the men's health and hair loss industry
  • Clinically proven ingredients
Cons
  • Some did not like the eucalyptus scent
$11 at Walmart
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$13 at CVS$19 at Hims

Cost: $14 | Product type: Thickening shampoo | Key ingredients: Biotin, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil | Best for: All hair types experiencing shedding and thinning 

Hers is the sister company of the above-mentioned Hims and also stands as a well-respected leader focused on women's health and wellness by offering over-the-counter and prescription medication for various conditions from sexual health to mental health to hair loss. The Triple Treat Shampoo from Hers is clinically proven to boost hair and scalp health and promote hair growth. Yahoo's senior health editor, April McCormick, personally tested this shampoo and said she loved it, "After the first wash, my scalp felt clean and invigorated." By the end of the testing period, she was a believer and bought a second bottle. 

What makes this product work is the combination of biotin, saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil working in tandem to cleanse the scalp, gently exfoliate away sebum build-up and promote blood flow and oxygen to the hair follicles.

For more products that help with hair and scalp health, read our article on the best hair growth products for women

Pros
  • Formulated for women's skin to reduce irritation
  • A favorite of Yahoo's health editor
  • Clinically proven
Cons
  • The rose scene can be overpowering for some
$14 at Amazon
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$19 at Hers$13 at CVS

Cost: $88 | Product type: Serum | Key ingredients: Proprietary blend for individual needs | Best for: All hair types experiencing thinning and loss

Harklinikken's award-winning Hair Gain Extract is a targeted scalp treatment developed by Lars Skjøth, a globally recognized expert in hair growth who has spent more than three decades researching and developing products that care for the scalp’s unique ecosystem (with a focus on enhancing overall scalp and follicle health to restore an individual’s hair growth cycle). The Hair Gain Extract works by restoring the condition of the scalp, strengthening the hair at the roots, re-engaging the hairs’ follicles and stimulating regrowth. In short, it creates the ideal environment for high-quality, sustainable hair growth. Every Extract is individually formulated for each client’s unique scalp profile.

Even one of our experts loves it and recommends it by name to his patients. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Vallecillos told us, "In our practice, we have seen great success with the Harklinikken line, which addresses specific types of hair loss by offering customized, targeted, and responsive treatments, based on the patient's unique history, scalp profile and hair loss circumstances." 

Pros
  • Doctor-recommended
  • Formulated to individual needs
  • Award-winning
  • Incredible results
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Requires a consultation before purchase
$88 at Harklinikken

Cost: $88 | Product type: Supplement | Key ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, biotin, iodine, zinc, selenium, marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, botanicals, amino acids | Best for: thinning and hair loss

A favorite of A-list celebrity Alyssa Milano, Nutrafol Women's Balance is a little pill that delivers mighty results thanks to a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, plus botanicals like horsetail, marine collagen, and solubilized keratin. Nutrafol's extensive line of hair growth products are formulated to address seven root causes of hair thinning and loss: hormones, stress, lifestyle, metabolism, nutrition and aging. As a bonus, many of its nutrients will support your overall health, including lowering stress and helping you sleep better. (Nutrafol for Men is available through Amazon or directly through the Nutrafol website, where you can save money by subscribing for monthly deliveries.)

Besides beneficial vitamins and minerals, It contains two patented formulas: Synergen Complex and Nutrafol Blend, both of which contain bioavailable nutrients like hydrolyzed marine collagen (a known hair health booster), Ashwagandha root extract (a supreme stress buster), and L-cysteine (a locks building block). “Nutrafol restored my faith in restoring my hair loss,” says one positive review of many.

Pros
  • Formulated for women 45+
  • Targets six root causes of hair thinning/loss
  • Clinically proven to work
Cons
  • Expensive compared to competitors
  • Can take up to six months to see results
$88 at Amazon
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$88 at Sephora

Cost: $88 | Product type: Supplement | Key ingredients: Saw Palmetto, biotin, vitamins A, C, D; ashwagandha exomes, Irish moss peptides, pea sprout extract | Best for: Pattern loss and thinning

While minoxidil is considered a gold standard in hair growth products, it's not for everyone. A safer yet still effective option is Nutrafol's all-natural approach to hair regrowth: supplements and a topical serum. The supplements work from the inside out to promote cell turnover and healthy cell production, while the serum nourishes the scalp and hair follicles to create an optimal environment for hair regrowth. The ingredients in both products are all-natural yet proven effective for improving hair density and growth, including some ingredients like the hard-to-pronounce ashwagandha exosomes, Irish moss peptides, pea sprout extract, biotin, and the real star here for men: saw-palmetto, which in addition to being effective for hair growth, it has also been found in clinical studies to be beneficial for men's prostate and urinary tract health. 

Pros
  • Clinically proven to be effective
  • Industry leading brand
  • All-natural ingredients
Cons
  • Need to take four supplements a day
  • Expensive
$88 at Amazon
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$88 at Sephora

Cost: $28 | Product type: Tablet | Key ingredients: Biotin, iron, vitamin C, zinc, AminoMarTM | Best for: Those with thinning and loss who also have sensitive skin or are not responding well to topical treatments

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements offer a clinically proven formula that helps nourish hair from within to promote healthy and strong hair growth. Its unique blend of ingredient — including biotin, iron, vitamin C, zinc and AminoMarTM — promote hair growth and nourish the scalp from within. With more than 11,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, many users praise their results. One reviewer shared, "I am in [my] 10th week of using [the] product and everyone I know comments on how [much] longer my hair is and how healthy it looks."

People truly swear by its growth cycle to help new hair appear full and strong. "When I started to notice major hair loss, I went to my derm and asked her to tell me what works vs. junk that just takes your $$$. She gave me a list of proven products to grow hair. Viviscal was on the list," one happy shopper said. "I am happy to report I have baby hairs everywhere!!!! I’m so happy!!! It can be so devastating for a person to lose their hair, but I’m here to report we have options and hope. We don’t have to lie down and take it! We can proactively fight and do everything in our power to look the way we want to look."

Pros
  • Clinically proven to promote reduce shedding and increase hair thickness
  • Suitable for all hair types
Cons
  • Must take twice daily
  • Results take more than six months
$40 at Amazon

Cost: $9 | Product type: Leave-in conditioner spray | Key ingredients: Caffeine, ginseng, biotin and vitamin E | Best for: Those with long hair who will also benefit from a detangling conditioner

Marc Anthony's Grow Long Super Fast Strength Leave-in Conditioner helps strengthen hair, and reduce split ends and breakage so you can grow your hair longer than ever, thanks to clinically proven ingredients that help strengthen and grow hair, such as caffeine, ginseng and vitamin E. The extra help with detangling long hair is a serious bonus for those who deal with breakage when combing after washing. The Benefits: This daily leave-in conditioner helps to restore moisture, strengthen and repair split ends and breakage, control frizz and detangle even the toughest lengths of hair. It's also cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

More than 26,000 five-star reviewers depend on this magic in a bottle to keep their hair looking stronger and longer. One loyal user said this stuff works: "This detangler is a miracle. I’ve noticed around the crown of my head, new growth. I haven’t been using it that long and I see results! I will continue using this product."

Pros
  • Strengthens hair
  • Packed with hair growth ingredients
Cons
  • Spray may be messy for some
$8 at Amazon
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$8 at Walmart$8 at Target

Cost: $38 | Product type: Scalp scrub | Key ingredients: Coconut oil and sugar | Best for: Those who use lots of products or are regularly outside in environmental elements that also cause buildup

Some products that are great for hair growth are more about creating a healthy scalp environment for hair to grow. Since buildup can clog your hair follicles and create a dry scalp, it's important to clarify the scalp on a regular basis. And the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub from celebrity stylist Jen Atkin's brand is a great choice to do just that. This luxurious hair care product is not only for scalp health but works double duty as body scrub. Reviewers rave about everything from the scent to its wonderful scrubbing powers. "This by far the nicest, most luxurious scrub I’ve used to deep clean my scalp and get rid of buildup," one user said. "I do also love to use it on my arms and legs to keep them nice and soft. Just try it, the scent is heavenly!"

Pros
  • Cleanses and exfoliates the scalp
  • Can be used on the body as well
Cons
  • May be too messy for some
$40 at Amazon
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$40 at Sephora$40 at Ulta Beauty

Cost: $30 | Product type: Conditioner | Key ingredients: Patented OLAPLEX Bond Building technology | Best for: Curly, coarse hair

If you deal with hair loss from chemical damage then Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 is for you! Easily repair damaged hair and broken bonds with Olaplex's patented Bond Building technology. Professional stylists and nearly 95,000 five-star Amazon reviewers are smitten with this treatment. Similar to its in-salon counterparts, the Olaplex Hair Perfector treatment goes beyond a traditional conditioning treatment and works to repair the broken bonds in your natural hair. "It really is a miracle," shared one reviewer. "It's worth every penny."

Pros
  • Cult favorite
  • Patented Olaplex Bond building technology
Cons
  • Pre-shampoo treatment can be time consuming
$26 at Walmart
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$30 at Amazon$30 at Kohl's

Factors to consider when choosing products for thinning hair

Selecting the best products to address thinning hair involves a thoughtful approach to finding solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Since hair loss and thinning can be directly related to an underlying health condition, it's always best to share your hair loss and thinning concerns with a dermatologist, trichologist or your general practitioner before starting any new hair care regime.

  • Key ingredients: Look for products containing proven ingredients like finasteride, minoxidil, rosemary oil and proprietary blends from leading hair loss brands. At this time, the FDA has approved only three things for hair growth (depending on the solution, you may need a prescription): finasteride, minoxidil and baricitinib (the first systemic prescription-only treatment). Our experts recommend looking for products that contain amino acids, rosemary, peppermint, biotin, vitamins A, B5, B12, C and D, tea tree and argan oils, probiotics and proprietary blends by leading brands in the hair growth space.

  • Type of product: Consider which type of product will fit best with your lifestyle and needs, such as a shampoo, foam, serum, oil, vitamin or supplement.

  • Budget: Since even the very best hair growth products can take three months to show full results, make sure the product you use is something you can afford to keep up for at least three months.

  • Gendered formulations: Many hair growth products, especially prescription-strength products, are formulated according to genetics and what a person's skin can withstand without irritation. It's important to take note of the formulation and look for products labled to meet your genetic makeup, such as best hair growth products for men.

How we chose

To find the best hair growth products for thinning hair, we spoke with six top dermatologists and trichologists (hair loss experts) for their input on what key ingredients to look for in hair regrowth products. We then scoured the retail shelves and online stores, looking for the most popular options, and assessed each based on the quality of ingredients, brand reputation, clinical tests, proven results, user reviews, ease of use and value.

Other hair growth products to consider

There truly are hundreds of hair growth products available. Over the years, Yahoo has covered many of them. A few we have to mention are Bellisso Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Botanic Hearth Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner, and of course Helen Mirren's favorite, Kate Blanc castor oil. There's also Jennifer Garner's favorite, Virtue Labs Healing Oil. For men, we also love Hims hair growth serum. For women, Hers Triple Threat shampoo for thinning hair is a great choice as well!

Products for thinning hair FAQs

What is the most common cause of hair loss?

While hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in the U.S., there are many factors that can contribute to hair loss, right down to COVID-induced hair loss.

"There are several common causes of hair loss, like alopecia, high cortisol levels, stress, postpartum, hair shedding and more, but genetic predisposition happens to be the most common, specifically hormonal and genetic mediated alopecia," Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist and trichologist, told us.

Does hereditary hair loss affect men and women equally?

Genetic hair loss does not distinguish between men and women. "This hereditary condition affects both men and women, leading to gradual hair thinning predominantly at the crown and temples for men, and diffuse thinning for women," explains Goren.

Can you fix thinning hair with a diet?

Yes! Focus on eating foods that include lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins and iron. Examples include salmon, eggs, nuts, avocado, plain Greek yogurt, chickpeas, lentils and beans. Foods high in vitamin E like green leafy veggies, spinach and broccoli are also helpful. (While we fully support evaluating your overall health and not just relying on hair products, remember to talk to your doctor or board-certified dermatologist about topics such as hair loss, hair thinning and the best diet and wellness plan for you.)

Can you stop or reverse hereditary hair loss?

Taub told us, "Yes, you can effectively stop genetic hair loss to a large degree." The main caveat is that this is temporary and you must remain on medication or treatments indefinitely, otherwise your hair loss will resume at the point where it would be without treatment, she explains.

What are the most effective hair growth treatments?

Aside from the products mentioned here, there are prescription-only hair medications such as finasteride and baricitinib, but each comes with its own subset of side effects that should be discussed with your primary care physician or dermatologist. "For those who prefer more 'natural' or nonmedication approaches, newer treatments such as platelet-rich plasma and growth factor solutions with or without laser have become more popular and are also effective, although they can be very expensive," says Taub. You could also try a shampoo for thinning hair.

Meet our experts

Dr. Jose Diego Mier, board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Amy Forman Taub, board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist and trichologist

Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, board-certified plastic surgeon

Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon

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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.