Let’s face it, hair loss isn’t something anyone wants to deal with — but many of us are bound to experience it at one point or another in our lives.
When you look down in the shower and see one too many strands in the drain or notice some thinning spots on your scalp, it can certainly cause unwanted stress or mild panic. Of course, you should consult your doctor to determine any possible underlying causes, but there are ways you can tackle the problem on your own, too.
Luckily, there are many over-the-counter products on the market that can nourish your hair follicles and help revive hair thickness and growth.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman previously stopped by TODAY to share some of her favorite products to address this concern. Plus, shop award-winning products from Shop TODAY's inaugural Hair Awards. Editors tested products for over six months to bring you picks that will aid in less shedding, lengthened strands and give more voluminous hair.
Keep reading to see the best dermatologist-recommended products for anyone experiencing hair thinning and hair loss. We also included a few tried-and-true favorites tested by our editors as well to help round out the list.
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Award-winning hair loss fixes
For silkier, strengthened strands, reach for this hair loss solution from Dr. Groot. It includes key ingredients like caffeine to stimulate growth and salicylic acid to hydrate and nourish your scalp.
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto utilized this shampoo as the first step in an anti-thinning hair routine, noticing less shedding after 12 weeks of consistent use.
The foam appliqué this product comes in makes it easy to incorporate into any morning or nighttime routine, especially if he likes to keep it no-fuss. It's made with ingredients that both promote hair growth and a healthier scalp, multitasking to bring him a fuller, thicker hairline.
Nicole Collazo Santana, social media video producer for TODAY, says this product is perfect for the summertime, as it "made my hair feel more full without weighing down my curls."
It also leaves her hair with a "polished and bright" look without any of the oils or grease that typically comes with serums.
Another product employed by Ricevuto to combat hair loss was this serum, that has a futuristic look and promises modern-day results.
"The liquid-serum texture was easy to apply and, when massaged into damp hair, didn’t leave a residue," she says, also noting that she used this product up to three times a week and noticed results after consistent use.
Completing the trifecta of Ricevuto's three-pronged approach to combatting hair loss, this red light hat helped give a noticeable improvement in her hairline after just a few weeks.
“It looks like a regular baseball hat but has 120 diodes of red light bulbs that use FDA-cleared technology to stimulate hair growth,” Ricevuto explained.
The best hair loss fixes seen on TODAY
"This is great for postpartum patients who are still breast feeding or want a more holistic approach to hair loss," recommends Engelman. Just massage it into your hair to stimulate the scalp, or you can pair it with the hair brush below.
The Hims Minoxidil Serum comes in a serum form that promises hair growth and thicker strands with consistent use. Just apply morning and night to see results overtime.
Women can take advantage of Minoxidil, too. This version was specifically made for women, containing 2% Minoxidil to help with hair growth.
“By far the most common treatment option is topical Minoxidil, which is available over-the-counter,” explains Engelman. “[It’s] great for stimulating hair growth and slowing thinning in men and women,” she adds.
This Minoxidil treatment for men contains 5% of the active ingredient to stimulate hair growth. According to the brand, the extra-strength formula is unscented and comes in a six pack for months of use.
It's no secret that light therapy is beneficial for the skin, but it can also aid with hair growth, too. "LED and hair tools help stimulate vasodilation to the scalp which increases blood flow and nutrient to the base of the follicle," Engelman says. "LED lights are also anti-inflammatory for those who have an inflamed/irritated scalp."
It starts at the scalp when it comes to combatting hair loss, so Engelman recommends this powerful duo when you’re in the shower.
“Washing too often with harsh shampoos can leave your scalp dry, while not washing enough can lead to build-up that impacts hair growth,” she notes. “[The] Nutrafol Root Purifier [Shampoo] helps balance oil, hydrate your scalp and support a healthy scalp pH. It’s designed to boost hair volume, strength, and texture in as little as two weeks.” The Nutrafol Strand Defender Conditioner, on the other hand, “uses a lightweight, silicone-free formula to strengthen hair and defend it against damage while adding moisture and elasticity,” Engelman adds, so hair stays healthy beyond the wash.
“Both of these products are gentle enough for sensitive skin, color-treated hair, and even extensions,” the dermatologist suggests. You can purchase the bundle above, or buy the shampoo and conditioner separately ($44 each).
“I love this product from Nulastin that increases the amount of elastin around hair follicles to firmly anchor hair and reduce premature shedding,” raves Engelman, who claims that the brand’s products use “the world’s first ethically-sourced, bio-designed elastin renewal protein and proprietary antioxidant blend: Elastaplex.” All of which supports the natural hair growth cycle by anchoring the hair follicles at the root.
You can also buy a single pack of the treatment here.
The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors
Associate editor Shannon Garlin tested this multi-peptide serum that is also a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner. "I started using the hair serum consistently in June 2022. Within that time, I’ve noticed vast improvements to my scalp and hair," said Garlin. "I no longer find myself scratching my head throughout the day (unless I’ve gone too long without washing my hair), and the flaking is completely gone. Plus, my skin and strands went from feeling dry to hydrated and moisturized."
Rogaine has been in the hair regrowth market for a very long time and now the dermatologist-recommended company offers the product for women. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, who previously stopped by TODAY, says you can easily buy it over the counter and online. According to the brand, it contains 2% minoxidil, which is clinically proven to boost activity in the hair follicle. To use, the brand says you apply one milliliter of the dropper to the targeted area, twice a day.
Commerce editor Vivien Moon tested this product over three months and was pleased with the baby hair growth she saw. “I didn’t feel any side effects or had anything concerning happen so I would recommend it to others looking for a solution," said Moon. "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)."
Henry says this sulfate-free Awakening Mist stimulates hair growth and contains redensyl, which has similar effects to minoxidil. By using twice a day, the brand says the product is meant to decrease scalp build-up and naturally nourish and encourage healthy hair follicles.
Henry says this serum is an all-natural option that doesn’t contain minoxidil. According to the brand, it contains tripeptides to help stimulate the hair follicles and contains herbal ingredients, which helps sooth scalp inflammation. To use, the brand says this serum is meant to leave-in with one-to-two pumps that are directly applied to the affected areas.
Henry likes this lotion, which contains diaminopyrimidine oxide, ginkgo biloba and biotin, as another option without minoxidil. According to the brand, the light-weight formula is meant to increase the thickness of your strands and strengthen hair follicles without leaving it feeling greasy.
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Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Nail Treatment & Strengthener
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Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
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L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
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Mielle Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
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The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors
If you’re looking to splurge, Henry says red light therapy, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a great option to stimulate hair growth.
“It has been proposed that LLLT on the scalp increases the number of hair follicles and hair tensile strength through improved microvascular circulation, reduced inflammation and increased cell energy,” said Henry.
Another non-invasive and hands-free red light therapy option is this device from iRestore. According to the company, this FDA-cleared treatment is great for those with alopecia and experiencing a receding hairline and balding. Featuring in-helmet padding, the brand says for the best results you can wear this for up to 25 minutes, every other day. Like other red light therapy treatments, Henry says to expect results within three to six months.
Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist, previously spoke with Shop TODAY and recommended this CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet. This innovative gadget is easy to use and only requires a 10-minute daily treatment. Camp said Incorporating this hat into your routine can “improve scalp blood flow."
The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors
Next time you’re out in the sun, you’ll want to make sure you give your scalp a spritz of SPF, too. Henry says this is an important step that protects the scalp, especially for women who often part their hair on the same side. The company claims this fast-drying SPF 30 mist is light-weight and won’t leave your scalp and hair feeling overly greasy.
“I started using this serum recently and it’s really helped calm any itchiness,” notes Garlin. “The dropper applicator makes it easy to target certain areas, so you don’t have to apply it to your whole scalp if you don’t want to.”
Henry says scalp care is a new and growing part of hair care. “The scalp is an extension of the skin and maintaining a healthy scalp is critical to hair growth and maintenance,” said Henry.
If you’re experiencing dandruff or a dry and flaky scalp, Henry likes this serum as a scalp soother. The brand says the charcoal ingredients will remove scalp impurities and buildup from the hair follicles, and 98% of users experienced a less dry scalp after one use.
How we chose
Shop TODAY’s first ever Hair Awards had our team of editors and staffers across the entire TODAY team try and review more than 140 products to find the best products on the market. From growth products to masks and more, this list is everything that has earned the Shop TODAY stamp of approval.
We sorted through over 350 new launches, editor recommendations, trending and tried-and-true products to come up with 52 winners. We incorporated products into our everyday, regular beauty routines over the course of over six months to see if they meet requirements when it comes to value, satisfaction and quality for hair products and tools. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners to give their sign-off based on ingredients and other factors.
The Shop TODAY team also rounded up the best products for hair growth by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists. We also asked our editors to share a few of their go-to products for hair growth, loss and thinning as well.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist.
- Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, New York.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
