We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (2024)

If your hair seems thinner than it used to be, you're not alone: 50 percent of women and 80 percent of men experience hair loss in their lifetime. But thanks to impressive hair loss treatments designed to thicken up your ‘do while also shielding against hair-thinning hormones, you can put an end to excessive hair fall and even help your hair grow back.

The More You Know

Since there are so many causes of hair loss, treatment results can differ person to person. And while they might not solve the issue altogether, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman says individuals experiencing hair loss caused by factors like genetics, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle choices can still benefit from hair loss treatments.

With so many different hair care products that claim to make your hair thicker and longer, finding one that actually does the trick takes time, research, and resources. Our PEOPLE Tested team dedicated nearly 1,000 hours to testing 20 formulas and uncovered which treatments were effective and worth the money.

Our Top Picks

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Star Qualities

  • Easy to apply

  • Quick-drying and not greasy

  • Saw hair growth after one month

  • Excellent value

Red Flags

  • Has a strong scent

After testing 20 hair loss treatments, this serum received top marks and was a clear winner. The dropper makes application super easy (you can apply it directly to the scalp) and the quick-drying formula isn't greasy so it doesn’t mess up your hairstyle or require extra washing. It absorbed easily and never caused irritation.

When testing this hair loss treatment, we noticed results within just one month of use. At the end of the testing period, our hair looked and felt a lot thicker, with new growth in some of the thinner areas as well as along the hairline.

Ingredients: Melatonin, minoxidil | Size: 2 ounces | Supply: 90 days

Star Qualities

  • Comes in 2-, 4-, and 6-month supplies

  • Costs around $15 per month

  • A little goes a long way

  • Saw results in 1 month

Red Flags

  • Hard to clean the cap after using

For another quick-acting hair loss treatment, we also loved the Minoxidil Foam from hers. This treatment comes in two-, four-, and six-month supplies and costs around $15 per month (the four- and six-month plans are even cheaper). It has a mousse-like consistency that is easy to work into the scalp and doesn’t interfere with styling, though there is a little bit of a sheen upon application.

After just one month of testing, we began to see a difference in our root growth. At the end of the testing period, our hair looked and felt a lot thicker and healthier. The foam also has a soothing and cooling touch that feels nice on irritated scalps. It's also scent-free, which is great for sensitive noses.

Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 2.11 ounces | Supply: 2-6 months

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (7)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (8)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (9)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (10)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (11)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (12)

Star Qualities

  • Easy to target specific areas

  • Not greasy

  • Saw results after 2 months

Red Flags

  • Took longer to absorb and dry than others we tested

As much as we love the Advanced Trichology NutraM DHT Blocking Hair Serum for its application process, we found that this solution from Keranique was even easier to use. The serum features applicator caps with long nozzles that apply directly to the scalp, making it less messy and easier to target specific areas versus the entire head. It takes a little longer to absorb and dry than others we tested — around five minutes — but it doesn't dry greasy.

While we didn’t see results as quickly as some of the other formulas on our list, we still noticed improvements before the end of the testing period. After around eight weeks, our hair looked and felt a lot thicker and we noticed new growth in some of the sparser areas of our scalp.

Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 2 ounces | Supply: 60 days

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (14)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (15)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (16)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (17)

Star Qualities

  • Quick to absorb and dry

  • Noticeable results after nine weeks

  • Improved bald spot hair growth

Red Flags

  • Messy application process

  • Not ideal for sensitive scalps

We tested this men's hair loss treatment on a bald spot, and some baby hairs started to sprout after nine weeks of twice-daily use. The scalp serum features a dropper that is relatively easy to use but can get a bit awkward when targeting a specific area, especially on the back of the head.

While it absorbs quickly, the serum is a bit runny which can make for a messy application process (this formula in spray form would have been much more ideal). Nonetheless, we were impressed by the regrowth and think it’s worth using over a longer period of time to maximize the benefits.

Coming Soon

This product is so popular that it sold out everywhere online — but, while we wait for the Nioxin treatment to come back in stock, we also found it hiding in this Hair Regrowth Kit for Men, which also comes with a fortifying cleanser and hydrating conditioner.

Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 2 ounces | Supply: 30 days

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (19)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (20)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (21)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (22)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (23)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (24)

Star Qualities

  • Comes with shampoo, conditioner, and treatment

  • Available in 30- and 90-day supplies

  • A little goes a long way

  • Less hair fall

Red Flags

  • None!

If want a hair loss treatment that won’t interfere with your color-treated hair, try this regimen from Virtue. The kit comes with hair loss shampoo, conditioner, and a minoxidil treatment designed to support hair growth. Despite using the product just every two weeks, we still experienced growth along the hairline and our strands felt a lot thicker with less fall, too.

Ingredients: Minoxidil, gamma keratin, alpha keratin | Size: Varies, depending on product | Supply: 30-90 days

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (26)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (27)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (28)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (29)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (30)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (31)

Star Qualities

  • Only takes seconds to absorb

  • Hair looked thicker and longer after 6 weeks

  • No greasy residue

Red Flags

  • Messier application process

Whether you have experienced some hair fall or just want to thicken up your strands, this treatment from Rogaine is worth considering for its thickening benefits. The minoxidil-infused formula absorbs into the scalp within seconds and won't leave the roots feeling greasy or fade color-treated hair. It’s also one of the more efficient formulas we tried, as we noticed thicker and longer hair after just six weeks of use.

Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 2 ounces | Supply: 60 days

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (33)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (34)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (35)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (36)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (37)

  • We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (38)

Add to Cart

While you're adding a hair loss treatment to your shopping cart, consider including one of these PEOPLE editor-approved hair products. Each one has been thoroughly tested and deemed the best in its category.

What to Know About Hair Loss Treatments

Ingredients

Dr. Engelman says to look for hair growth promoters like minoxidil, biotin, and keratin, as these can promote regeneration and strengthen hair. “Scalp treatments containing ingredients like caffeine or palmetto can also block the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair thinning,” she says.

All six treatments on our list contain minoxidil for growth, including our top pick for the best hair loss treatment, the Advanced Trichology NutraM DHT-Blocking Hair Serum (90-Day Supply). If you want something with extra oomph, the Virtue Hair Growth Treatment also has gamma and alpha keratin to strengthen strands and improve growth efforts.

Long-Term Use

While there are some styling products that can create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, there is no such thing as an overnight solution for hair loss. When adding hair loss treatments to your regimen, Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist, says to use them consistently and long-term for best results.

With that said, if you are hoping to achieve some noticeable improvements in a shorter amount of time, we found that the Advanced Trichology NutraM DHT-Blocking Hair Serum made our hair thicker after just one month of regular application (though results were more noticeable after a longer testing period).

Underlying Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss treatments can help improve thickness and length with regular use. However, Jacobs and Engelman both stress the importance of knowing the underlying cause of your loss and working with a medical professional to help address the concern.

“Hair loss can be the result of various factors, including hormonal fluctuations (such as pregnancy and postpartum), genetic predispositions, aging, stress, and seasonal changes,” says Jacobs.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also lead to hair loss, especially if you have lower levels of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and biotin. “Lack of these nutrients might cause hair thinning or shedding because they are essential for sustaining healthy hair growth,” says Engelman.

The More You Know

“Vitamin D affects the hair growth cycle by inhibiting the proliferation of hair follicle cells, and iron deficiencies can lead to anemia causing reduced oxygen delivery to the hair follicles and subsequent hair loss," Dr. Dendy Engelman says. Biotin is also important because it is essential for the production of keratin, which is the protein that makes up the hair shaft.

Additionally, Dr. Engelman says environmental factors “like exposure to pollutants or harsh chemicals in hair care products can damage the hair follicles,” which can result in hair loss over time.

By addressing the underlying causes of hair loss and using a treatment regularly in your regimen, you can begin to reverse the side effects and achieve desired results.

Behind The Scenes

We researched dozens of formulas before trying out 20 products in real-world conditions. We spent 12 weeks and 960 hours testing each treatment, carefully considering the application process, effectiveness, and overall results.

  • Application: During the testing period, we considered the packaging and application process to get a general idea of convenience. We carefully looked at the applicator itself, plus the required treatment time, usage, and amount required to achieve desired results. We also noted the ease-of-use, consistency, and if the process was messy or not.
  • Effectiveness: We marked down which formulas gave us the best results, how long it took to experience said results, and if the products lived up to their marketing claims. We also considered which ones worked best for thickening and which ones promoted growth.
  • Overall Results: After considering the application process and effectiveness, we compared our notes and looked at the overall results of all 20 formulas. In addition to the hair growth outcomes, we also considered which formulas had the best absorption, were quick-drying, and didn’t leave any greasy residue.

Once our results were in, we compared and rated each product before narrowing down our selection to these six best hair loss treatments on the market.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. Jessie has spent years trying to improve her hair health and promote growth. While she might have long and healthy strands today, she’s gone through phases of hair loss and has tried everything from supplements to serums to achieve her current ‘do.

She considered her own experiences as well as those of our PEOPLE Tested team to highlight the formulas that are worth spending your energy and money on. Jessie also reached out to board-certified dermatologists Dr. Michael I. Jacobs and Dr. Dendy Engelman to learn more about what causes hair loss and what to look for in effective treatments.

Our Expert Panel

  • Dr. Michael I. Jacobs is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
  • Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Shafer Clinic in New York City.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

We Spent Nearly 1,000 Hours Testing 20 Hair Loss Treatments — These 6 Actually Work and Start at Just $13 a Month (2024)
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