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 growth. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry stopped by TODAY earlier this year to share some of her favorite products to address this concern. Whether you're looking for a topical treatment, nourishing hair oil or are curious about red light therapy, her picks are both easy-to-use and easily accessible, she says.
Keep reading to see all 11 dermatologist-recommended products for anyone experiencing hair thinning and hair loss.
Products for hair growth, according to a dermatologist
Topical treatments
Women's Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution
Rogaine has been in the hair regrowth market for a very long time and now the dermatologist-recommended company offers the product for women. Henry 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.
Men's Rogaine Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution
For men looking to give their hair growth a boost, you may have already considered this extra strength topical solution, which contains 5% minoxidil. This product has over 12,000 Amazon reviews with one reviewer writing, "after 3 months of using Rogaine, I have significant hair growth where I was going bald. My hairline does not seem to be receding any further, and there is some regrowth in the front as well."
ReTress Serum
Henry says this serum is an all-natural option that doesn't contain minoxidil. According 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.
Kintsugi Awakening Mist
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.
Isdin Lambdapil Hair Loss Lotion
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.
Scalp care
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum
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.
Sun Bum Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30
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.
Hair Retention
Dove Hair Therapy Rescue & Protect Shampoo
If your hair is experiencing breakage, whether it's from hair dye, heat products or pollution, you might want to try a shampoo that focuses on giving your strands the nourishment it needs. Henry picked this sulfate-free option from Dove, which is formulated with peptides and ceramides.
Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask
Give your mane some much-needed hydration with a deep conditioning mask. According to the brand, this 10 minute leave-in mask contains biotin, which is extracted from algae that is both growth-stimulating and moisturizing.
Red Light Therapy
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.
Capillius One Hair Regrowth Laser Cap
"A cap, you put it on, it looks like a cap, it is all the same," says Henry. According to the brand, this easy-to-use device is perfect for those experiencing hereditary hair loss and clinically-proven to restore thinning hair and regenerate new hair-growth. Additionally, the brand says it can be worn for just six minutes a day and is safe to use in tandem with other hair growth products. Should you choose to try it, Henry says to exercise patience, as visible results may take three to six months.
iRestore Essential Laser Hair Regrowth System
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.
