Hair loss and thinning are caused by a variety of factors, so there's no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone experiencing unwanted shedding.
But there is good news — in the form of recent advancements in ingredient technology that target specific hair-loss factors.
This new technology makes it possible for more and more products to do what few have achieved in the past: stop shedding and grow hair back.
Two key points to remember when using any hair-loss product are: a) Consistency is key; no product will work if not used exactly as directed; and b) It won’t happen overnight. Most products require at least a full month of consistent application before results are seen.
American Salon is no clinic or research lab, but we did have some testers willing to sample some promising over-the-counter hair-growth products. Here are the ones that, in our totally unscientific opinion, lived up to their hype.
Cécred Restoring Hair & Edge Drops
Hero Ingredient:
Biopeptide–5—a bioactive technology that uses 5 key growth factor peptides.
How to Use:
Massage daily into hairline, edges, and scalp.
Minimum Duration:
4 months.
Comments:
“I noticed significant strengthening and regrowth in my edges and hairline.”
DefenAge 150K Hair Follicle Serum For Women & Men
Hero Ingredient:
The brand’s proprietary Age-Repair Defensins molecules, which stimulate a regenerative response in the skin’s latent master cells.
How to Use:
Massage into hair roots twice daily in morning and evening, concentrating on problem areas.
Minimum Duration:
1-2 months.
Comments:
“My hair began to grow back within a month and continued even after I stopped using the serum.”
PHYTO Phytocyane Densifying Treatment for Women & Men; Phytocyane Anti-Hair Thinning Dietary Supplement
Hero Ingredient:
- Treatment - Concentrate of natural actives including lupin hydrolysates and lepidium meyenii root extract.
- Supplement - Pine phytosterols + zinc gluconate, taurine, and grape polyphenols.
How to Use:
- Treatment - Apply entire vial after shampooing, 3 times per week.
- Supplement - Take 1 capsule per day.
Duration:
Both - 12 weeks.
Comments:
“This has really filled in my thin spots and makes my hair look thicker overall. The treatment worked on its own, but I saw better results when I added the supplements. “
DS Labs Revita High-Performance Hair Density Shampoo & Conditioner for Women & Men; Spectral.DNC-N Hair Density Serum with Nanoxidil 5% or 7%
Hero Ingredients:
- Shampoo & Conditioner - DHT blocker caffeine, niacinamide, biotin.
- Serum - Nanoxidil Complex, with “monoxodil alternative” Nanoxidil, which reportedly has fewer side effects than its counterpart.
- Both - the brand’s proprietary nanosome technology for continuous release of product.
How to Use:
- Shampoo and Conditioner - not specified; can be used daily.
- Serum - Apply six sprays directly to scalp daily.
Minimum Duration:
- Shampoo and Conditioner - 90-120 days.
- Serum - 90-180 days.
Comments:
“My hair looked thicker and healthier after the first use, and very soon I noticed my hair almost completely stopped falling out. A couple of months later, the new growth started to show up. Win.”
IGK Sponsored Hair Density Scalp Treatment for Thinning Hair
Hero Ingredients:
Biotin + hair-boosting peptides.
How to Use:
Spray daily onto problem areas; massage into scalp.
Minimum Duration:
Not specified; tester saw results after 1 month.
Comments:
“Very easy to use and I am starting to see regrowth after a month even in the baldest areas of my scalp. My hair looks and feels thicker.”
(plated) Skin Science Hair Serum
Hero Ingredient:
Renewosome technology — platelet-derived exosomes that support follicle proliferation.
How to Use:
Apply 1-3 droppers daily to scalp. Avoid washing or heat styling for 1 hour afterward.
Minimum Duration:
3-6 months.
Comments:
“I started seeing new growth about three weeks in, before I was even done with the bottle.”