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Best hair growth products for men in 2024, according to dermatologists and trichologists
If you’re one of the many men dealing with a receding hairline, you might be starting to feel like fighting against genetics or the aging process is a fruitless endeavor. But dermatologists say there is hope. Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, tells AOL, "Determining the most effective hair regrowth treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause of hair loss. For cases related to genetic hair loss, two commonly prescribed and FDA-approved treatments are minoxidil (a topical solution) and finasteride (an oral medication for men). These treatments have demonstrated positive results in stimulating hair regrowth, although individual responses may vary." She adds that, there are usually both hereditary and environmental factors at play with hair loss, but once you figure out why you’re losing hair, you should be able to find a product to help you hold onto those strands longer, and even promote new, thicker hair growth. That said, the best hair growth products for one man, may not be the same for the next. It all comes down to the cause of the hair loss.
Dr. Alan J. Bauman, a hair restoration and transplant surgeon says, "It is important to protect the hair you still have with hair restoration treatments because once the follicle is dead and gone the only option will be for a hair transplantation." He also adds there are plenty of over-the-counter topical medication, shampoos, serums, supplements, oral prescription medications, hair laser therapy, and even scalp injections of platelet-rich plasma that can help support hair follicles that are still active but in a dormant stage. Once you’ve identified the root cause – pun intended – of your hair loss, the next step is to seek out a treatment specifically tailored to your condition.
Dr. Amy Forman Taub, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Northwestern University Medical School, tells us, "In the last few years, low-dose oral minoxidil has become increasingly popular as well and is very effective for men and women as well as being economical." However, Taub also stressed that minoxidil is a major medication with potential side effects that need to be evaluated with each person, so it is best to discuss any potential medicated treatments and supplements with your healthcare provider. To help you make sense of the hundreds of products on the market today designed for thinning hair and hair regrowth, we worked with our panel of dermatologist hair growth experts to find the best hair growth products for men according to various conditions and needs.
Best overall hair growth product for men
Cost: $32.50 | Product Type: Topical solution | Key ingredient: 5% Minoxidil, botanical extracts, alpha-hydroxy acid | Best for: Pattern baldness, all-over regrowth
Rogaine has been an industry leader in producing effective hair growth products for more than three decades. In fact, it was the first company to gain FDA approval for its products due to numerous clinical trials showing successful hair regrowth. The Rogaine Men's 5% minoxidil treatment is the number one dermatologist-recommended brand, and endless reviews singing Rogaine's praises are definitely a testament to the product. Of course, being a medicated minoxidil treatment, side effects such as skin irritation, rash and headaches should be considered before use.
You will need to consistently apply a full dropper of the product twice a day to the affected area to see results — if treating for hereditary hair loss you'll need to use the product indefinitely to prevent hair from returning to shedding and thinning. That all said, if fast, effective hair regrowth is your goal, this is one of the best OTC products out there.
"My hairline began slowly growing back upon using this product for two months," shared one reviewer, adding, "Incredible results and a lot of growth, definitely recommend."
- FDA approved to be safe and effective
- Results in as little as two months
- Number one dermatologist recommended brand
- Must consistently use twice a day for a minimum of three months
- Will need to use for life if treating for hereditary hair loss
Cost: $88 or $75 with the subscribe and save discount | Product Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: Proprietary blend | Best for: Hair thinning and shedding
Even though Harklinikken's award-winning Hair Gain Extract is pricey, each bottle is customized specifically for you. In order to get your hands on a bottle of this serum, you'll start by filling out a brief questionnaire on the Harklinikken website that covers your hair type, hair thinning and shedding concerns, current and past medical conditions, diet and exercise, and any past procedures, illnesses or stressful life events that could have lead to your thinning or loss. After completing the survey, a tailored hair treatment regime is created that includes product recommendations for the serum, shampoo and conditioner (optional) that will improve the condition of your scalp, strengthen the hair at the roots, re-engage hair follicles, stimulate regrowth, and prevent future hair loss.
Harklinikken comes highly recommended by one of our experts, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, who tells us, "In our practice, we have seen great success with the Harklinikken line, which addresses specific types of hair loss by offering customized, targeted and responsive treatments, based on the patient's unique history, scalp profile and hair loss circumstances."
You can purchase one bottle at a time for $88 or opt into auto-replenish and save 15% off the retail price ($74.80).
- Doctor recommended
- Custom-formulated for your needs
- Clinically proven results
- Requires a questionnaire and/or consultation to obtain the product
Other top hair growth products for men we recommend in 2024
Cost: $88 | Product type: Supplements | Key ingredients: Saw Palmetto, biotin, vitamins A, C, D; ashwagandha exomes, Irish moss peptides, pea sprout extract | Best for: Thinning and hair loss
While minoxidil is considered a gold standard in hair growth products, it's not for everyone. A safer yet still effective option is Nutrafol's all-natural approach to hair regrowth: supplements and a topical serum. The supplements work from the inside out to promote cell turnover and healthy cell production, while the serum nourishes the scalp and hair follicles to create an optimal environment for hair regrowth. The ingredients in both products are all-natural yet proven effective for improving hair density and growth, including some ingredients like the hard-to-pronounce ashwagandha exosomes, Irish moss peptides, pea sprout extract, biotin, and the real star here for men: saw-palmetto, which in addition to being effective for hair growth, it has also been found in clinical studies to be beneficial for men's prostate and urinary tract health.
- Clinically proven to be effective
- Industry leading brand
- All-natural ingredients
- Need to take four supplements a day
- Expensive
Cost: $49 | Product type: Shampoo and conditioner combo | Key ingredients: KeraFactor's 7 Polypeptides Peptide Complex (KFP™), | Best for: All hair types
What sets KeraFactor apart from every product on this list is that it is sold exclusively at dermatologist offices across the country, so to say it's recommended by dermatologists is an understatement! You can, however, also get this non-medicated, safe-for-sensitive skin shampoo and conditioner combo directly through KeraFactor's website. (The hair growth serum also won high marks!)
KeraFactor's proprietary Peptide Complex, which features 7 Polypeptides promotes hair, follicle and scalp health. The patent-pending shampoo and conditioner combo formula helps to “turn on” weak or resting hair follicles, improve scalp circulation, and fortify your scalp and follicles with nutrients that help produce thicker, longer, healthier-looking hair.
Our in-house tester raved about the product and said of all the products he used, this one not only made his hair feel and look thicker after just two weeks, but noticed growth both at the scalp and overall length: "I love how the shampoo lathers and feels when I'm working it into my scalp. I'm also incredibly impressed by how soft my hair feels once dry. I've never encountered a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that cleanses my hair and leaves it soft without buildup. My hair feels fuller, clean and reinvigorated. I see actual growth and my hair is noticeably thicker. A total winner in my book!"
- Dermatologist recomended
- Shampoo and conditioner in one
- Features 7 Polypeptides
- Expensive
- Small bottle compared to others on this list
Other top shampoos for thinning hair we recommend for 2024
Cost: $25.50 | Product type: Shampoo | Key ingredients: Biotin, caffeine, saw palmetto | Best for: All-over regrowth
If you are looking for a less expensive shampoo for hair growth, Keeps is a company similar to Rogaine, with 100% of its efforts devoted to restoring men's hair health. They offer free consultations with hair experts as well as super-strength prescriptions for fast and effective hair growth. Keeps thickening shampoo is designed to prevent hair from thinning, and if a non-medicated product is important to you, this shampoo is a great all-natural option. It uses nature's hair helpers — biotin, caffeine, green tea and saw palmetto — to help stimulate blood flow to your scalp and gently cleanse away excess sebum. Sebum is linked to increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a naturally occurring hormone that, if allowed to build up on the scalp, will stifle hair growth and follicle health.
There's also a coordinating thickening conditioner for those who like that second step after shampooing. For those that opt into a subscription plan at Keeps, you will get one month free in products and huge savings on regular deliveries, which make these products less expensive than drugstore brands! Subscribe and save here.
- All-natural ingredients
- Promotes thicker, fuller hair from the first wash
- Coordinating thickening conditioner available
- Not as effective as Minoxidil
Cost: $29 | Product type: Topical solution | Key ingredient: 5% minoxidil | Best for: Pattern baldness
Hims is a company devoted to men's health from the inside out. Its Hair Regrowth Treatment topical solution contains the ever-important 5% minoxidil dose that promises to produce fast and thick hair regrowth in a matter of months. What sets Hims apart from Rogaine is its all-encompassing approach to men's health. Hims' health care providers can help you address hair loss, mental health concerns, erectile dysfunction, skincare, and more. While you will need to pay out of pocket and then apply for reimbursement from your insurance provider if you have insurance for services and any necessary prescriptions, for those who are underinsured, Hims is a great, affordable option.
- Extra-strength FDA-approved 5% minoxidil solution
- Easy auto-subscription ordering
- Access to medical support and consultations at Hims
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Must apply twice a day
Cost: $35 | Product type: shampoo, conditioner, serum | Key ingredients: Proprietary blend with added saw-palmetto and peppermint and tea tree oils | Best for: Thinning hair
Nioxin is likely a familiar brand to you, as it's been around for nearly three decades. It has a three-step haircare system and is even used by celebrities like Alyssa Milano. The company offers six different system kits, each tailored for specialized needs, including products to help with natural hair, bleached hair and color-treated hair, as well as thinning or severe hair loss.
This bundle of products called the "System Kit 2" is formulated for fine to normal hair with progressed thinning. It's a great choice for someone wanting to take an aggressive approach to their hair health. First up, the shampoo. It's specially formulated to remove environmental and product build-up and excess sebum, which blocks hair production. Conditioner is the second step, moisturizing the scalp, strengthening hair and preventing breakage. The final step, the serum, stimulates the scalp, promoting blood flow and new growth. This is a particularly great option if you are looking for a tailored, all-in-one solution. If your hair care routine is relatively fast, this system may be too much or take some getting used to.
- All-in-one kit
- Clinically proven key ingredients
- Promote overall scalp health
- Three daily steps may be too time-consuming for some
Cost: $9 | Product type: Oil | Key ingredients: 30 organic essential oils and biotin | Best for: Thinning hair
Don't let the inexpensive price tag fool you; Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Hair Strengthening Oil works incredibly well. It's also great for those with sensitive skin looking for an all-natural organic solution. Both my husband and I use this oil for scalp massages and to maintain full, healthy hair, and at a fraction of the cost of other leading hair growth products. For those who wish they could try a minoxidil treatment but have reservations about side effects, there's good news: rosemary essential oil has been clinically proven to work as well as minoxidil. I highly recommend this product.
Formulated with more than 30 organic essential oils, biotin, and natural ingredients, the peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary oils trigger vasodilation, which widens blood vessels to increase blood flow and circulation, ultimately promoting growth and a healthy scalp.
Here's a pro tip for those with fine hair: rub one or two drops between just the fingertips and massage straight into the scalp for two minutes. This will minimize excess oil application on the palms of your hands and leave your hair with extra volume and your scalp feeling fully invigorated. If you want to learn about other hair growth oils, check out our round-up on the best hair growth oils.
- All-natural
- Great for sensitive skin
- Inexpensive yet very effective
- May be too heavy for ultra-fine hair
Cost: $600 (with a full money back guarantee) | Product type: Laser cap | Best for: Thinning and growth from the hairline to the crown
The iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System works by stimulating blood flow and new cell growth by stimulating mitochondria and promoting protein synthesis. Red light therapy for hair growth is FDA-approved and comes with very few side effects; and has been found in clinical studies to help encourage hair growth over time with regular use — every other day for six months. In an iRestore independent lab study, 100% of male and female patients experienced growth - which is likely why the company offers a full money-back guarantee.
Light therapy is ideal for those who prefer non‐invasive hair growth options and want to avoid the ongoing expense of hair growth products; the laser cap requires a one-time purchase only. All you need to do is wear the laser cap for 25-minute intervals every other day. You can use it with other hair growth treatments, and the best part is the company will give you your money back if you don't notice results within six months.
- Easy to use
- Money-back guarantee
- Clinically proven to work
- Does not cover the whole head
- Must wear cap for 25 minutes every other day
Factors to consider when choosing hair loss products for men
Type of hair loss: Hair loss in men is often due to genetics, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), including male-pattern hair loss and androgenic alopecia, which causes hair follicles to shrink and die. Other types of hair loss, such as stress, anxiety, poor diet, lack of sleep, medications and even illnesses like COVID can be temporary. Consult with a dermatologist before trying any new products.
Type of hair loss products: Hair growth products for men are available in many different forms, such as serums, hair-thickening shampoos and conditioners, oils, foams, prescription medications, light therapy, micro-needling and hair growth supplements and vitamins. Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon, tells us there are also plenty of alternative therapies for hair regrowth, such as herbal oral or topical treatments, nutraceuticals, exosomes, low-light therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and hair transplantation.
Budget: While there is a range of price points on the market with these products, doctors say spending more isn't necessarily better. Instead, it's important to choose the right product for you with the key ingredients that will address your condition.
Prescription vs. nonprescription hair growth treatment: Your doctor can help you decide on the best treatment according to your hair loss, current health and any medication conflicts that could arise with a more medicated hair growth option, which may include prescription oral medications like finasteride (Propecia), spironolactone (CaroSpir, Aldactone) and dutasteride (Avodart).
Ingredients: Dermatologist Dr. Rekha Singh says over-the-counter products can be highly effective as long as they use the right ingredients.Minoxidil, biotin and keratin are all known to stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair. Certified trichologist Meerika Khanna also suggests ingredients like rosemary, nettle extract, caffeine and peppermint, which can help stimulate scalp circulation.
How we chose
In order to bring you the best hair growth products, we consulted with dermatologists, hair loss experts and trichologists to discuss the active ingredients clinically shown to combat hair loss and promote new hair growth (keratin, minoxidil and biotin for example), what to avoid and if one therapy or treatment was better than the next.
You'll also want to choose a hair loss product you know you can continue to use. "If your loss is due to genetics, you must remain on medication or treatments indefinitely. Otherwise, your hair loss will revert to the point where it would be without treatment," Taub says.
From there, we looked for products that came from trusted brands and took a deep dive into customer reviews to ensure those who had purchased and used the products were seeing good results. We researched over 40 hair regrowth products for men, rating each based on ingredients, efficacy, easy application methods, safety, success rate and reviews from firsthand users.
Finally, we only included hair growth products that are specially formulated for men (check out the best hair growth products for women, too). Many of the products on this list can be obtained over the counter while others will require a prescription. Some are considered all natural while others come with FDA-approved ingredients that are clinically shown to be safe and effective.
Other hair growth products for men we considered
Two FDA-approved medications are regularly used to target hereditary hair loss: minoxidil and finasteride. "These treatments have demonstrated positive results in stimulating hair regrowth," says Henry. While minoxidil is cleared for OTC use in men and women, finasteride can only be obtained through a prescribing physician. The online provider mentioned above, Hims, offers a hair regrowth topical and a supplement containing both minoxidil and finasteride. However, finasteride has side effects that should be weighed with your prescribing doctor prior to use. We also saw promising results with KeraFactor's scalp-stimulating 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner and the scalp-stimulating serum. This product can only be obtained through the KeraFactor website or at your dermatologist's office.
FAQs
Do hair growth products really work?
Hair growth products absolutely work, both medicated and all-natural products. But the best way to ensure the product you choose will work for you is first to understand the source of your hair loss. Is your loss due to genetics? Minoxidil or rosemary-based products will be best for you. Is your hair thinning due to illness or stress? Try a thickening shampoo first to see if that gives you back the density you've lost. Is your loss due to medication or environmental factors? If so, you will need to address those factors before turning to hair growth products. It's always a good idea to discuss getting to the root of the problem with your healthcare provider. The good news is that our experts say that these products typically will deliver good results — and they're constantly getting better. "We can expect hair loss to one day be a thing of the past," says Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, a board-certified plastic surgeon focusing on hair loss.
How can I promote hair growth?
It's important to address hair loss and thinning as soon as you notice it. It's far easier to prevent loss than to grow it back; after all, hair can only grow so fast. At the same time, Dr. Jose Diego Mie, a board-certified dermatologist, stresses that "you can promote good hair from the inside out. That means eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and proteins to give your body the nutrients it needs to support hair health and growth." It's also a good idea to stay hydrated and do your best to manage your stress levels, he tells us.
How long does it take to see results from hair growth products?
Every person — and every product — is different. However, most hair growth and hair thinning products show results in about two to four months. The key is to stay consistent with use and focus on managing your diet and stress levels so you can ensure you are not working against the products.
What is the best treatment for hair regrowth?
All our experts agree it's hard to give a blanket recommendation for the very best hair growth product or type of product, given that every person's needs are different. However, a product with minoxidil, or prescription finsterade or baricitinib, or light therapy are the only FDA-approved treatments for hair loss with loads of clinical trials to back up efficacy. That said, I am personally a huge believer in the power of rosemary oil-based products if a more natural route is your goal. Above all, it's best to consult a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. They should be able to help steer you toward the best treatment for your hair loss and thinning needs.
Meet our experts
Dr. Amy Taub, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist and trichologist
Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
Dr. Alan J. Bauman, hair transplant surgeon
Dr. Rekha Singh, board-certified dermatologist
Meerika Khanna, certified trichologist
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
