Maybe you’ve started to notice a few more strands than usual falling out in the shower. Maybe you’ve been struggling with hair loss for years now. Whatever the case, we’re willing to bet you want some of that old bounce and volume back on top. (We would know; we’re in the same thin-haired boat.) We researched the most effective ingredients and narrowed our list down to the 16 best products for thinning hair that has not only been proven scientifically to work, but also have stellar reviews from women who’ve tried and tested them, too. Read on to see which one might be the best solution to your particular hair woes.
The 16 Best Products for Thinning Hair
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1. Women’s Rogaine Once-a-day Minoxidil Foam
Best Overall
With over 6,000+ 5-star reviews, this foam reportedly promotes healthy hair growth, boosting thin, fragile strands. The active ingredient, minoxidil, not only encourages new hair production, but actually causes your hair to grow in thicker and stronger as well. According to one reviewer, its all about staying patient: "Hair is already filling in after 2.5 months! Definitely a noticeable difference. The foam is really easy to apply before I go to bed each night and I can usually go 3-4 days between washes. Trust the process and you’ll see results within a few months."
2. The Ordinary Multi-peptide Serum For Hair Density
Best Serum
The Ordinary is already a fan favorite in the skincare world and recently, they've dipped their toes into the haircare space (where they're already garnering buzz). This standout serum is formulated to make hair look fuller and feel healthier by way of three key ingredients: redensyl, procapil and baicapil. When combined, they increase blood flow to your scalp, improve hair density and promote thickness. "I have bad postpartum hair loss and was going bald and it seems to have helped regrowth around my hairline," shares one reviewer.
3. Nioxin System 2 Starter Kit
Best Kit
A three-step set designed to be used daily, Nioxin’s kit purports to build denser-looking hair with the help of cysteine amino acids. The first two products are designed to replace your normal shampoo and conditioner while the third is a leave-in that also contains SPF15 sunscreen for added scalp protection. Note: Some reviewers with sensitive skin recommended alternating between Nioxin and your usual shower products each day to avoid irritation.
4. Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment
Best Spray
If you're targeting specific areas of thinning, this concentrated spray can help. Within three to six months of using it, users have reported new hair growth. Again, minoxidil is a key player here, and it works by activating the follicles and improving the overall thickness and strength in strands. "After undergoing 2 years of chemotherapy, radioembolization and immunotherapy treatments to treat cancer, my hair was brittle, extremely thin and I had several bald patches. Once I was well, I immediately started the complete Keranique system. I used it religiously, never missing an application. After two months, I noticed subtle changes to the texture of my hair, and after six months, I had noticeably thicker and healthier hair," says one reviewer.
5. Vegamour Gro Serum
Best Vegan Pick
Vegamour has a whole GRO collection dedicated to strengthening strands, but it's the hair serum that has a cult following. The plant-based serum is crafted with vegan phyto-actives (like curcumin, red clover and mung bean) to naturally restore growth, soothe the scalp and improve fullness. Apply a few drops directly onto the scalp and massage it in before going about your day. As one skeptic shares, "Three months in and those bald spots are covered with baby hairs! The product is easy to apply and don’t leave a greasy residue, which is so important to me since I have oily hair."
6. Viviscal Women's Hair Growth Supplements
Best Supplements
These hair growth supplements are dermatologist approved. They're “scientifically formulated with AminoMar, an exclusive marine complex that helps to nourish thinning hair from within and promote existing hair growth. Along with AminoMar, it also contains a few key nutrients that are essential for healthy hair growth, including biotin and vitamin C," explains Tess Mauricio, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills. It's recommended to take them twice a day for the next three to six months. "I’ve always had thin hair but struggled with hair growth because of medicine I have to take. [After] using this, [my] hair grew in much thicker than ever before. My hair [also] broke easily but the strands are so much stronger [now]" says one reviewer.
7. Miss Jessie's Grow Strong Mafura Hair Oil
Best Hair Oil
This natural hair oil encourages new growth, while nourishing dry strands and your scalp. In doing so, it also reduces split ends and improves shine on curls and coils. The super hydrating formula includes nine different oils including avocado, argan, castor and jojoba, to name a few. "[It] keeps my hair hydrated and smells amazing to boot. And a little goes a long way, even with my super thick hair," shares one user.
8. Manta Hairbrush
Best Tool
While there's not a lot of evidence that a scalp massager causes hair growth, the hair tool isn't without its benefits. For starters, it can give a deeper clean and improve blood circulation on your scalp (which in turn, can encourage growth). For context, this hairbrush was created by hairdresser Tim Binnington when his wife had trouble brushing her fragile strands after completing chemotherapy. The brush has 360-degree bristles that gently rotate while you run it through your hair to seamlessly detangle knots without snagging. "It is very gentle on my delicate hair. It's easy to hold and I love the little cover it comes in. Easily untangles my hair as well," one commenter expresses.
9. Bondi Boost Hair Growth Shampoo
Best Shampoo
If you're looking for a shampoo, this one from Bondi Boost is packed with vitamins and minerals to clarify and revitalize the scalp. The vegan pick includes peppermint oil, rosemary oil and saw palmetto (and skips the parabens, silicones and sulfates). "After using the shampoo [for] about six months I see fantastic progress," says one commenter. "Not only [has] my hair grown a lot, it's also very very healthy. I love to touch my hair now," she adds.
10. Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask
Best Hair Mask
Whether you have fine, color-treated or damaged hair, this hair mask claims to strengthen and restore hair. The formula features monoi and coconut oils, as well as bamboo water, which improves moisture, while preventing any breakage in the future. Leave the mask on for about five to seven minutes before rinsing. For a deeper treatment, twist your hair up and go under the dryer for about ten minutes. As one fan raves: "I absolutely love this hair mask. My two sons have thick curly hair, and this adds so much moisture. It also makes their hair more manageable, making the detangling process so much easier. I also use it in my hair, which is also thick and curly."
11. The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-vitamin Scalp Growth Oil
Best for Scalp Health
The last thing you need is for your scalp to be covered in build-up (which can prohibit hair growth and cause flakes). Show some love up top with The Mane Choice's scalp growth oil; the formula is lightweight, gentle and non-greasy on the scalp. Once applied, you may start to notice your scalp is more refreshed and conditioned. It can be used after a wash or daily as a styling oil—with no rinse needed. For one skeptic, the growth oil became a staple in their routine, "This oil has made my hair grow tremendously. I question growth oils since not many of them work, but this one does wonders. Put it on your scalp, and a little bit on your ends, and your hair will grow quite a bit."
12. Aveda Invati Advanced Thickening Conditioner
Best Conditioner
This nutrient-rich conditioner has been lauded for strengthening thin strands and improving volume over time. It includes organic alma, plant oils and naturally derived amino acids, which have been shown to thicken and strengthen hair. Many commenters assure the steep price tag is worth it: "I have been looking at the Invati line for years and just couldn't justify the price. About a month ago I finally purchased the scalp revitalizer and this conditioner."
She adds, "I use this conditioner after each washing and I do not rinse it out. (My hair will take a ton more product with co-washing, than it did with shampoo.) I love this line. I am super happy that I finally tried it. My hair looks entirely different. Even as I run my hands through it I can feel the texture change. I really recommend the scalp revitalizer and the conditioner with a co-wash routine. I believe this line is worth the cost and I will continue to buy it."
13. Alterna Caviar Anti-aging Clinical Densifying Leave-in Scalp Treatment
Best Leave-In
After a good wash, careful styling is equally as important to the health of your hair. Enter the daily leave-in, which boasts the brand's signature formula (featuring caviar extract). Spray it over damp strands to restore elasticity and moisture, while boosting shine and fullness. "So I'm a college student who for some reason has thinning hair for the past couple years. I apply this once everyday when my hair is damp (after showering) and massage it in well to my scalp. After 3 months, my scalp is showing less. My boyfriend compliments me on my hair all the time now. It feels so much fuller now!" expresses one reviewer.
14. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub
Best Scrub
Whether you have a sensitive or an oily scalp, this detoxifying treatment will thoroughly cleanse and remove any product buildup and excess oil from the surface. Its formulated with sweet almond oil and sea salt to give you a refreshing experience, while restoring your scalp's health. "After I got my hair balayaged, my hair just had this oily, stringy texture no matter what I tried. [This scrub] saved me!! [I've only used it] one time so far and my hair is soft and clean. No more oily texture!" exclaims one reviewer.
15. Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Treatment Serum
Best Clarifying Treatment
This clarifying treatment wants to make sure you're putting scalp care first. The serum is formulated with vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that clear away buildup, while encouraging healthy hair growth through ingredients like niacinamide, zinc and glycolic acid. Massage the product in for a few minutes before rinsing and follow it up with shampoo. One commenter shares, "With the change of season I really needed a product that would help with dry scalp and product buildup, and Sunday Riley's Scalp Treatment did just that! It left my hair feeling soft and having a lot more volume. I would definitely recommend if needing a deep clean on the scalp!"
16. Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment
Best Hair Growth Treatment
If you want a more intense treatment, this $28 pick will deliver. Using its signature bond-building technology, Olaplex's treatment restores strands that have been depleted by chemical or environmental damage, so it feels smoother and looks fuller. "I love this product. I used it in combination with their Olaplex No.3 and it instantly detangled the hair. It made it look shinier and definitely silkier. I use it once a week and I already see results," said one user.