Is hair thinning and shedding a major concern? Many products can help with hair growth and make your strands noticeably stronger. Let’s be real — hair thinning happens to many of us, with an estimated 80 million Americans experiencing hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
There are numerous causes of hair loss, some of which are temporary, such as childbirth, disease, or shampooing with the wrong product. But if your hair is aging, there are numerous ways to improve its overall health. From serums to award-winning hair-loss fixes, our dermatologists break down the right ingredients for hair thickening.
We also included several tried-and-true products tested by our editors.
Expert-approved$undefined$16.49
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Best hair growth products under $50, approved by editors and experts
This is one of my favorite products to wear at the beach for its lightweight feel and pleasant fragrance. While my hair is slowly thinning, I have thicker strands that allow me to wear this formula freely. It’s nourishing, water-resistant and won’t weigh your hair down. Protection on your scalp is key, especially if you’re getting direct sun throughout the day — this will deliver a nourishing effect for all day under the sun.
This hair oil is effective at treating hair thinning thanks to the blend of natural ingredients. “This is great for postpartum patients who are still breastfeeding or want a more holistic approach to hair loss,” recommends Dr. Dendy Engelman. Stimulate the scalp with a gentle massage to help the formula penetrate your strands.
This hair scalp treatment contains minoxidil, which is a helpful ingredient if you have severe hair loss, complete baldness and/or scarring, says Dr. Blair Murphy-Ross.“The 2% minoxidil in this solution actively promotes hair growth by shedding old hairs and replacing them with new, stronger ones,” shares hairstylist and founder of Salon DeZEN, Maria Elizabeth.
Caffeine is known to promote hair growth and is a favorite of Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry for its stimulating ingredient, known as redensyl. Henry previously told us that it is “similar to Minoxidil, without the irritation, without the excess hair growth.”
Henry recommends this product for those experiencing dandruff or a flaky scalp. “The scalp is an extension of the skin and maintaining a healthy scalp is critical to hair growth and maintenance,” says Henry. This product is formulated with a soothing ingredient that helps soothe the scalp and charcoal to help remove buildup from hair follicles.
Nioxin is known for its lineup of hair growth treatments and products and editor Julie Ricevuto gives her thumbs up to this specific shampoo. After using this for 12 weeks as part of her anti-thinning hair routine, she noticed less shedding with consistent use. This hair loss treatment product “utilizes niacinamide, caffeine and lauric acid to help stimulate the hair follicles and support stronger hair growth from the root. It also deeply cleanses the scalp to remove buildup and create the optimal environment for hair to grow.”
This dermatologist-recommended product has been a longtime player in the hair regrowth space. It’s easily available over the counter and contains 2% minoxidil, which is clinically proven to help boost growth on the hair follicle.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand recommends Rogaine’s topical treatment for people looking for an over-the-counter solution. According to the brand, you can see results in around four months if applied daily. “We have numerous studies that show this works on the scalp and eyebrows for hair thinning and loss,” Houshmand adds.
Bosley Minoxidil Spray
Editor Vivien Moon recommends this product for its fast results and ease of use. “I used this a few years ago for three months and definitely saw an improvement in baby hair growth and felt like it was working pretty quickly,” she says. However, she recommends only using it if you have dry hair, as it can make your hair greasy if you tend to be on the oily side. “It’s easy to apply, and I especially loved that it only took a minute to apply it once a day (that’s what I was doing at least).”
After having tested this product, editor Shannon Garlin says this product has repaired years of hair abuse. “My hairline looks fuller and there’s new growth starting to appear. I even have family and friends commenting on how long my locks have gotten.”
“The serum is also a winner of Shop TODAY’s Beauty Awards — it earned a spot as the best hair serum for thinning hair, targeting hair loss,” she adds.
This award-winning hair product is ideal for everyday use. I try to use it daily on my hairline and other targeted areas to improve hair growth. The roll-on application is easy to dispense and it contains biotin, which helps to improve hair and nails.
Mandy Buechner, a certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center, recommends this product because it deeply moisturizes and repairs split ends without clogging the hair follicle. This “natural blend of oils that hydrates, smooths and protects hair without heavy silicones,” she explains.
Nuele Hair Serum
This serum is intended for use after washing your hair, but I prefer to use it as a heat protectant before I straighten it. All you need is a small amount for added protection, and my strands don’t feel greasy if I add a bit more. The formula features natural oil ingredients like argan, rosemary, jojoba, clary sage and moringa. Thanks to its lightweight texture, this product is designed to prevent your hair from breakage while styling it.
“I love the Nutrafol Hair Serum for its impressive blend of active ingredients, especially its use of exosomes,” shares board-certified aesthetic injector, Natia Rufolo. “Exosomes deliver powerful growth factors directly to the hair follicles, aiding in regeneration, reducing inflammation, and helping you achieve an overall healthier scalp. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to support both scalp health and stronger, fuller hair growth.”
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Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist, MOHS surgeon and media expert.
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a cosmetic and medical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation at Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery and clinical instructor of dermatology at Cornell.
- Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, New York.
- Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. She specializes in cutaneous laser surgery and has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology, laser medicine, acne, hair loss and melasma.
- Mandy (Mandy B. Beauty) Buechner is a certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center in Crescent City, California.
