The 6 Best Hair Loss Treatments, Tested by People with Thinning Hair

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind The ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind The Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Taylor Calta

People / Taylor Calta

If your hair seems thinner than it used to be, you’re not alone:50 percent of womenand80 percent of menexperience hair loss in their lifetime. But thanks to impressive hair loss treatments designed to thicken up your ‘do while also shielding against hair-thinning hormones, you can put an end to excessive hair fall and evenhelp your hair grow back.

The More You Know

With so many differenthair care productsthat claim to make your hair thicker and longer, finding one thatactuallydoes the trick takes time, research, and resources. Our PEOPLE Tested team dedicated nearly 1,000 hours to testing 20 formulas and uncovered which treatments were effective and worth the money.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Advanced Trichology NutraM Hair Growth Serum at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Cheaper):hers Minoxidil Foam for Women at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewEasiest Application:SALEKeranique Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$30$19Jump to ReviewBest for Men:Nioxin 5% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment For Men at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Color-Treated Hair:SALEVirtue Minoxidil Hair Growth Treatment at Amazon$134$65Jump to ReviewBest Thickening:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60Jump to ReviewBest Hair Product :Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Temporary Hair Color:Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Hair Growth Oil:Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil at Amazon$10Jump to Review

Best Overall:Advanced Trichology NutraM Hair Growth Serum at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Cheaper):hers Minoxidil Foam for Women at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewEasiest Application:SALEKeranique Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$30$19Jump to ReviewBest for Men:Nioxin 5% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment For Men at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Color-Treated Hair:SALEVirtue Minoxidil Hair Growth Treatment at Amazon$134$65Jump to ReviewBest Thickening:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60Jump to ReviewBest Hair Product :Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Temporary Hair Color:Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Hair Growth Oil:Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil at Amazon$10Jump to Review

Best Overall:Advanced Trichology NutraM Hair Growth Serum at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Overall:Advanced Trichology NutraM Hair Growth Serum at Amazon$40

Best Overall:

Best Overall (Cheaper):hers Minoxidil Foam for Women at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Overall (Cheaper):hers Minoxidil Foam for Women at Amazon$40

Best Overall (Cheaper):

Easiest Application:SALEKeranique Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$30$19Jump to Review

Easiest Application:SALEKeranique Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$30$19

Easiest Application:

SALE

Best for Men:Nioxin 5% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment For Men at AmazonJump to Review

Best for Men:Nioxin 5% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment For Men at Amazon

Best for Men:

Best for Color-Treated Hair:SALEVirtue Minoxidil Hair Growth Treatment at Amazon$134$65Jump to Review

Best for Color-Treated Hair:SALEVirtue Minoxidil Hair Growth Treatment at Amazon$134$65

Best for Color-Treated Hair:

Best Thickening:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60Jump to Review

Best Thickening:SALERogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment at Amazon$79$60

Best Thickening:

Best Hair Product :Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to Review

Best Hair Product :Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32

Best Hair Product :

Best Temporary Hair Color:Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye at AmazonJump to Review

Best Temporary Hair Color:Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye at Amazon

Best Temporary Hair Color:

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32Jump to Review

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair:Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo at Amazon$32

Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair:

Best Hair Growth Oil:Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil at Amazon$10Jump to Review

Best Hair Growth Oil:Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil at Amazon$10

Best Hair Growth Oil:

Best OverallAdvanced Trichology NutraM Hair Growth SerumPHOTO: Advanced Trichology$40 at AmazonView on Advancedtrichology.comStar QualitiesEasy to applyQuick-drying and not greasySaw hair growth after one monthExcellent valueRed FlagsHas a strong scentAfter testing 20 hair loss treatments, this serum received top marks and was a clear winner. The dropper makes application super easy (you can apply it directly to the scalp) and the quick-drying formula isn’t greasy so it doesn’t mess up your hairstyle or require extra washing. It absorbed easily and never caused irritation.When testing this hair loss treatment, we noticedresults within just one month of use. At the end of the testing period, our hair looked and felt a lot thicker, with new growth in some of the thinner areas as well as along the hairline.Ingredients:Melatonin, minoxidil |Size:2 ounces |Supply:90 daysPHOTO: People / Taylor CaltaPHOTO: People / Taylor Calta

Best OverallAdvanced Trichology NutraM Hair Growth SerumPHOTO: Advanced Trichology$40 at AmazonView on Advancedtrichology.com

Best OverallAdvanced Trichology NutraM Hair Growth Serum

Best Overall

Advanced Trichology NutraM Hair Growth Serum

PHOTO: Advanced Trichology

$40 at AmazonView on Advancedtrichology.com

Star QualitiesEasy to applyQuick-drying and not greasySaw hair growth after one monthExcellent valueRed FlagsHas a strong scent

Star QualitiesEasy to applyQuick-drying and not greasySaw hair growth after one monthExcellent value

Easy to apply

Quick-drying and not greasy

Saw hair growth after one month

Excellent value

Red FlagsHas a strong scent

Has a strong scent

After testing 20 hair loss treatments, this serum received top marks and was a clear winner. The dropper makes application super easy (you can apply it directly to the scalp) and the quick-drying formula isn’t greasy so it doesn’t mess up your hairstyle or require extra washing. It absorbed easily and never caused irritation.

When testing this hair loss treatment, we noticedresults within just one month of use. At the end of the testing period, our hair looked and felt a lot thicker, with new growth in some of the thinner areas as well as along the hairline.

Ingredients:Melatonin, minoxidil |Size:2 ounces |Supply:90 days

PHOTO: People / Taylor CaltaPHOTO: People / Taylor Calta

Best Overall (Cheaper)hers Minoxidil Foam for WomenPHOTO: hers$40 at Amazon$27 at TargetView on Forhers.comStar QualitiesComes in 2-, 4-, and 6-month suppliesCosts around $15 per monthA little goes a long waySaw results in 1 monthRed FlagsHard to clean the cap after usingFor another quick-acting hair loss treatment, we also loved the Minoxidil Foam from hers. This treatment comes in two-, four-, and six-month supplies and costs around $15 per month (the four- and six-month plans are even cheaper). It has a mousse-like consistency that is easy to work into the scalp and doesn’t interfere with styling, though there is a little bit of a sheen upon application.After just one month of testing, we began to see a difference in our root growth. At the end of the testing period, ourhair looked and felt a lot thicker and healthier. The foam also has a soothing and cooling touch that feels nice on irritated scalps. It’s also scent-free, which is great for sensitive noses.Ingredients:Minoxidil |Size:2.11 ounces |Supply:2-6 monthsPHOTO: People / Alexa Jade FrankelisPHOTO: People / Alexa Jade FrankelisPHOTO: People / Alexa Jade Frankelis

Best Overall (Cheaper)hers Minoxidil Foam for WomenPHOTO: hers$40 at Amazon$27 at TargetView on Forhers.com

Best Overall (Cheaper)hers Minoxidil Foam for Women

Best Overall (Cheaper)

hers Minoxidil Foam for Women

PHOTO: hers

$40 at Amazon$27 at TargetView on Forhers.com

Star QualitiesComes in 2-, 4-, and 6-month suppliesCosts around $15 per monthA little goes a long waySaw results in 1 monthRed FlagsHard to clean the cap after using

Star QualitiesComes in 2-, 4-, and 6-month suppliesCosts around $15 per monthA little goes a long waySaw results in 1 month

Comes in 2-, 4-, and 6-month supplies

Costs around $15 per month

A little goes a long way

Saw results in 1 month

Red FlagsHard to clean the cap after using

Hard to clean the cap after using

For another quick-acting hair loss treatment, we also loved the Minoxidil Foam from hers. This treatment comes in two-, four-, and six-month supplies and costs around $15 per month (the four- and six-month plans are even cheaper). It has a mousse-like consistency that is easy to work into the scalp and doesn’t interfere with styling, though there is a little bit of a sheen upon application.

After just one month of testing, we began to see a difference in our root growth. At the end of the testing period, ourhair looked and felt a lot thicker and healthier. The foam also has a soothing and cooling touch that feels nice on irritated scalps. It’s also scent-free, which is great for sensitive noses.

Ingredients:Minoxidil |Size:2.11 ounces |Supply:2-6 months

PHOTO: People / Alexa Jade FrankelisPHOTO: People / Alexa Jade FrankelisPHOTO: People / Alexa Jade Frankelis

Easiest ApplicationKeranique Hair Regrowth TreatmentPHOTO: Ulta$30$19 at Amazon$19 at Target$58 at UltaStar QualitiesEasy to target specific areasNot greasySaw results after 2 monthsRed FlagsTook longer to absorb and dry than others we testedAs much as we love theAdvanced Trichology NutraM DHT Blocking Hair Serumfor its application process, we found that this solution from Keranique was even easier to use. The serum features applicator caps with long nozzles that apply directly to the scalp, making it less messy and easier to target specific areas versus the entire head. It takes a little longer to absorb and dry than others we tested — around five minutes — but it doesn’t dry greasy.While we didn’t see results as quickly as some of the other formulas on our list, we still noticed improvements before the end of the testing period. After around eight weeks, our hair looked and felt a lot thicker and we noticednew growth in some of the sparser areas of our scalp.Ingredients:Minoxidil |Size:2 ounces |Supply:60 daysPHOTO: People / Allison VancuraPHOTO: People / Allison Vancura

Easiest ApplicationKeranique Hair Regrowth TreatmentPHOTO: Ulta$30$19 at Amazon$19 at Target$58 at Ulta

Easiest ApplicationKeranique Hair Regrowth Treatment

Easiest Application

Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment

PHOTO: Ulta

$30$19 at Amazon$19 at Target$58 at Ulta

Star QualitiesEasy to target specific areasNot greasySaw results after 2 monthsRed FlagsTook longer to absorb and dry than others we tested

Star QualitiesEasy to target specific areasNot greasySaw results after 2 months

Easy to target specific areas

Not greasy

Saw results after 2 months

Red FlagsTook longer to absorb and dry than others we tested

Took longer to absorb and dry than others we tested

As much as we love theAdvanced Trichology NutraM DHT Blocking Hair Serumfor its application process, we found that this solution from Keranique was even easier to use. The serum features applicator caps with long nozzles that apply directly to the scalp, making it less messy and easier to target specific areas versus the entire head. It takes a little longer to absorb and dry than others we tested — around five minutes — but it doesn’t dry greasy.

While we didn’t see results as quickly as some of the other formulas on our list, we still noticed improvements before the end of the testing period. After around eight weeks, our hair looked and felt a lot thicker and we noticednew growth in some of the sparser areas of our scalp.

Ingredients:Minoxidil |Size:2 ounces |Supply:60 days

PHOTO: People / Allison VancuraPHOTO: People / Allison Vancura

Best for MenNioxin 5% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment For MenPHOTO: UltaView on Amazon

Best for MenNioxin 5% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment For Men

Best for Men

Nioxin 5% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment For Men

View on Amazon

Star QualitiesQuick to absorb and dryNoticeable results after nine weeksImproved bald spot hair growthRed FlagsMessy application processNot ideal for sensitive scalps

Star QualitiesQuick to absorb and dryNoticeable results after nine weeksImproved bald spot hair growth

Quick to absorb and dry

Noticeable results after nine weeks

Improved bald spot hair growth

Red FlagsMessy application processNot ideal for sensitive scalps

Messy application process

Not ideal for sensitive scalps

Coming SoonThis product is so popular that it sold out everywhere online — but, while we wait for the Nioxin treatment to come back in stock, we also found it hiding inthis Hair Regrowth Kit for Men, which also comes with a fortifying cleanser and hydrating conditioner.

Coming Soon

This product is so popular that it sold out everywhere online — but, while we wait for the Nioxin treatment to come back in stock, we also found it hiding inthis Hair Regrowth Kit for Men, which also comes with a fortifying cleanser and hydrating conditioner.

Ingredients:Minoxidil |Size:2 ounces |Supply:30 days

PHOTO: People / Allison VancuraPHOTO: People / Allison VancuraPHOTO: People / Allison Vancura

Best for Color-Treated HairVirtue Minoxidil Hair Growth TreatmentPHOTO: Virtue Labs$134$65 at Amazon$134 at Nordstrom$65 at SephoraStar QualitiesComes with shampoo, conditioner, and treatmentAvailable in 30- and 90-day suppliesA little goes a long wayLess hair fallRed FlagsNone!If want a hair loss treatment that won’t interfere with yourcolor-treated hair, try this regimen from Virtue. The kit comes withhair loss shampoo, conditioner, and a minoxidil treatment designed to support hair growth. Despite using the product just every two weeks, we still experiencedgrowth along the hairlineand our strands felt a lot thicker with less fall, too.Ingredients:Minoxidil, gamma keratin, alpha keratin |Size:Varies, depending on product |Supply:30-90 daysPHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy

Best for Color-Treated HairVirtue Minoxidil Hair Growth TreatmentPHOTO: Virtue Labs$134$65 at Amazon$134 at Nordstrom$65 at Sephora

Best for Color-Treated HairVirtue Minoxidil Hair Growth Treatment

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Virtue Minoxidil Hair Growth Treatment

PHOTO: Virtue Labs

$134$65 at Amazon$134 at Nordstrom$65 at Sephora

Star QualitiesComes with shampoo, conditioner, and treatmentAvailable in 30- and 90-day suppliesA little goes a long wayLess hair fallRed FlagsNone!

Star QualitiesComes with shampoo, conditioner, and treatmentAvailable in 30- and 90-day suppliesA little goes a long wayLess hair fall

Comes with shampoo, conditioner, and treatment

Available in 30- and 90-day supplies

Less hair fall

Red FlagsNone!

None!

If want a hair loss treatment that won’t interfere with yourcolor-treated hair, try this regimen from Virtue. The kit comes withhair loss shampoo, conditioner, and a minoxidil treatment designed to support hair growth. Despite using the product just every two weeks, we still experiencedgrowth along the hairlineand our strands felt a lot thicker with less fall, too.

Ingredients:Minoxidil, gamma keratin, alpha keratin |Size:Varies, depending on product |Supply:30-90 days

PHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia MurphyPHOTO: People / Chantia Murphy

Best ThickeningRogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth TreatmentPHOTO: Amazon$79$60 at AmazonView on Rogaine.com$60 at WalgreensStar QualitiesOnly takes seconds to absorbHair looked thicker and longer after 6 weeksNo greasy residueRed FlagsMessier application processWhether you have experienced some hair fall or just want to thicken up your strands, this treatment from Rogaine is worth considering for its thickening benefits. The minoxidil-infused formula absorbs into the scalp within seconds and won’t leave the roots feeling greasy or fade color-treated hair. It’s alsoone of the more efficient formulaswe tried, as we noticed thickerandlonger hair after just six weeks of use.Ingredients:Minoxidil |Size:2 ounces |Supply:60 daysPHOTO: People / Alisa HalePHOTO: People / Alisa HalePHOTO: People / Alisa Hale

Best ThickeningRogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth TreatmentPHOTO: Amazon$79$60 at AmazonView on Rogaine.com$60 at Walgreens

Best ThickeningRogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment

Best Thickening

Rogaine Women’s 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution Hair Regrowth Treatment

PHOTO: Amazon

$79$60 at AmazonView on Rogaine.com$60 at Walgreens

Star QualitiesOnly takes seconds to absorbHair looked thicker and longer after 6 weeksNo greasy residueRed FlagsMessier application process

Star QualitiesOnly takes seconds to absorbHair looked thicker and longer after 6 weeksNo greasy residue

Only takes seconds to absorb

Hair looked thicker and longer after 6 weeks

No greasy residue

Red FlagsMessier application process

Messier application process

Whether you have experienced some hair fall or just want to thicken up your strands, this treatment from Rogaine is worth considering for its thickening benefits. The minoxidil-infused formula absorbs into the scalp within seconds and won’t leave the roots feeling greasy or fade color-treated hair. It’s alsoone of the more efficient formulaswe tried, as we noticed thickerandlonger hair after just six weeks of use.

PHOTO: People / Alisa HalePHOTO: People / Alisa HalePHOTO: People / Alisa Hale

While you’re adding a hair loss treatment to your shopping cart, consider including one of these PEOPLE editor-approved hair products. Each one has been thoroughly tested and deemed the best in its category.

Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo$32 at Amazon$32 at Nordstrom$32 at SephoraLime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Hair Color DyeView on AmazonView on Limecrime.com$17 at Sallybeauty.comBriogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo$32 at Amazon$32 at Nordstrom$32 at SephoraMielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil$10 at Amazon$10 at Target$10 at Walmart

Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo$32 at Amazon$32 at Nordstrom$32 at Sephora

Briogeo Destined For Density Caffeine + Biotin Density Shampoo

$32 at Amazon$32 at Nordstrom$32 at Sephora

Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Hair Color DyeView on AmazonView on Limecrime.com$17 at Sallybeauty.com

Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye

View on AmazonView on Limecrime.com$17 at Sallybeauty.com

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil$10 at Amazon$10 at Target$10 at Walmart

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Oil

$10 at Amazon$10 at Target$10 at Walmart

What to Know About Hair Loss Treatments

Ingredients

Dr. Engelman says to look for hair growth promoters likeminoxidil,biotin, andkeratin, as these can promote regeneration and strengthen hair. “Scalp treatments containing ingredients like caffeine or palmetto can also block the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair thinning,” she says.

All six treatments on our list contain minoxidil for growth, including our top pick for the best hair loss treatment, theAdvanced Trichology NutraM DHT-Blocking Hair Serum (90-Day Supply). If you want something with extra oomph, theVirtue Hair Growth Treatmentalso has gamma and alpha keratin to strengthen strands and improve growth efforts.

Long-Term Use

While there are some styling products that can create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, there is no such thing as an overnight solution for hair loss. When adding hair loss treatments to your regimen,Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist, says to use them consistently and long-term for best results.

With that said, if you are hoping to achieve some noticeable improvements in a shorter amount of time, we found that theAdvanced Trichology NutraM DHT-Blocking Hair Serummade our hair thicker after just one month of regular application (though results were more noticeable after a longer testing period).

Underlying Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss treatments can help improve thickness and length with regular use. However, Jacobs and Engelman both stress the importance of knowing the underlying cause of your loss and working with a medical professional to help address the concern.

“Hair loss can be the result of various factors, including hormonal fluctuations (such as pregnancy and postpartum), genetic predispositions, aging, stress, and seasonal changes,” says Jacobs.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also lead to hair loss, especially if you have lower levels of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and biotin. “Lack of these nutrients might cause hair thinning or shedding because they are essential for sustaining healthy hair growth,” says Engelman.

Additionally, Dr. Engelman says environmental factors “like exposure to pollutants or harsh chemicals in hair care products can damage the hair follicles,” which can result in hair loss over time.

By addressing the underlying causes of hair loss and using a treatment regularly in your regimen, you can begin to reverse the side effects and achieve desired results.

We researched dozens of formulas before trying out 20 products in real-world conditions. We spent 12 weeks and 960 hours testing each treatment, carefully considering the application process, effectiveness, and overall results.

Once our results were in, we compared and rated each product before narrowing down our selection to these six best hair loss treatments on the market.

Jessie Quinnis a contributing writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. Jessie has spentyearstrying to improve her hair health and promote growth. While she might have long and healthy strands today, she’s gone through phases of hair loss and has tried everything from supplements to serums to achieve her current ‘do.

She considered her own experiences as well as those of our PEOPLE Tested team to highlight the formulas that are worth spending your energy and money on. Jessie also reached out to board-certified dermatologists Dr. Michael I. Jacobs and Dr. Dendy Engelman to learn more about what causes hair loss and what to look for in effective treatments.

Our Expert PanelDr. Michael I. Jacobsis a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.Dr. Dendy Engelmanis a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Shafer Clinic in New York City.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Michael I. Jacobsis a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.Dr. Dendy Engelmanis a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Shafer Clinic in New York City.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com