Shedding hair is completely normal. In fact, we lose about 100 strands of hair a day. But if large clumps are rinsing out with your shampoo on wash day and you’re seeing more of your scalp than you once did, you may want to start using the best products for thinning hair. Though most people think of hair loss as a male issue, women are also frequently affected by it, and it can be challenging to navigate—not just emotionally, but tactically.
Vogue’s Favorite Products For Thinning Hair
Hair loss can be hard to treat because it’s influenced by multiple different factors, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko. Thinning hair can be caused by anything from genetics and hormonal changes (including pregnancy and menopause) to medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and even stress. That includes both emotional turmoil you’re dealing with and physical damage caused by chemical processing or tight hairstyles.
In This Article
The most common cause of hair thinning is male- and female-pattern baldness, a form of androgenetic alopecia. It’s both hereditary and hormone-related, and most frequently occurs with age. But as complex as hair loss may be, treating it is not a lost cause. Here, we share some of our favorite products for thinning hair, as well as more insights from top MDs to help slow the shedding and start getting growth back on track.
Vegamour
GRO+ Advanced Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner Kit
- Why We Love It: Designed for fragile, thinning strands, this duo from Vegamour helps to combat shedding and restore balance to the scalp with a science-backed blend of plant extracts, peptides, and amino acids. “In addition, niacinamide soothes and strengthens the scalp barrier, reducing irritation and supporting hair health,” says Dr. Reszko. Anecdotally, we found that using these products in tandem noticeably reduced hair fall and provided natural volume.
- Key Ingredients: Spanish microalgae, niacinamide, marula oil
- Dosage: A quarter-sized amount, left on for at least a minute before rinsing
- Type: Shampoo and conditioner
- Why We Love It: This affordable and accessible pick is a bestseller for a reason. “Powered by a mix of clinically supported peptides, caffeine, and plant-based extracts, this serum stimulates hair follicles, supports scalp health, and promotes thicker, denser, fuller-looking hair over time,” says Dr. Reszko.
- Key Ingredients: Caffeine, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3
- Dosage: A few drops/as needed massaged into the scalp nightly
- Type: Serum
Solaris Laboratories NY
Cloud Nine Scalp Massager
- Why We Love It: There’s evidence showing that daily scalp massage can promote thicker hair growth, likely due to increased blood flow to the hair follicles; this massaging tool ups the ante with sonic vibration and red LED light. “It boosts circulation, removes scalp buildup, and enhances product absorption while offering a relaxing, spa-like experience,” adds Dr. Reszko. While scalp massage alone may not be the most effective option to address thinning hair, it can decrease stress and increase feelings of wellbeing, These are helpful for creating the optimal environment for hair growth, says Dr. Evan Rieder, double-board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist.
- Specs: Sonic vibration, red LED light, silicone bristles
- Usage: 15 to 20 minutes, at least three to five times a week on a clean, dry scalp
- Type: Device
Rogaine
5% Minoxidil Foam Hair Regrowth Treatment
- Why We Love It: Of all the products on this list, this is “the only therapy with consistent data proving its efficacy,” says Dr. Rieder. That’s because minoxidil is technically a drug, and topical formulas were previously only available via prescription—the FDA approved over-the-counter sale of this ingredient in 1996. It works by reversing the miniaturization of the hair follicle, which leads to thinning and loss. Unlike many other minoxidil-based topicals, this formula doesn’t leave hair sticky or crispy, plus it helps hydrate hair with glycerin. While it’s effective, we recommend being careful with topical minoxidil if you have pets—a little-known unfortunate truth is that it is extremely toxic to cats and dogs even in trace amounts.
- Key Ingredients: 5% minoxidil, glycerin
- Dosage: Half a capful of foam massaged into the affected area daily
- Type: Foam
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- Why We Love It: According to board-certified internist and longevity expert Dr. Amanda Kahn, these popular capsules “address poor circulation and nutrient deficiencies, which are essential to address for healthier hair,” doing so with a host of vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts. In addition to vitamin B7 (biotin), the supplements include marine collagen peptides to help strengthen and hydrate, adaptogenic ashwagandha to calm stress hormones’ effects on hair growth, and saw palmetto, which combats thinning by reducing the hair-thinning hormone DHT.
- Key Ingredients: Biotin, saw palmetto extract, ashwagandha
- Dosage: Four capsules once daily with food
- Type: Supplement
- Why We Love It: According to Dr. Reszko, red light therapy is especially helpful for those with early-stage thinning as well as male- and female-pattern baldness. “It helps promote hair regrowth by stimulating follicle activity, prolonging the growth phase, providing anti-inflammatory effects and increasing microcirculation to the scalp,” she explains. Dr. Kahn recommends this hat for those going through hormonal changes like menopause, andropause, and the postpartum period—moments when your hair needs extra support for healthy growth. While it’s a little stiffer and more structured than a normal baseball hat due to the 120 bulbs inside, it’s comfortable and the most convenient red light device we own (it’s easy to wear at home or running errands and treatment only takes 10 minutes). Just note that it’s not really compatible with a ponytail if that’s your preferred hat/hairstyle combo: the magnetic battery pack sits right where you’d typically pull through a pony.
- Specs: 120 red LED lights, 650nm wavelength
- Usage: 10-minute treatment once daily for 16 weeks, then three or four times weekly for maintenance
- Type: Device
Virtue
Flourish Mask for Thinning Hair
- Why We Love It: Even thin hair needs intensive nourishment, and we often reach for this one as it delivers without weighing down strands. “This is great for people who style their hair frequently with heat, as it repairs and strengthens weakened hair,” says Dr. Kahn. It gets its lightweight moisture from a blend of fructooligosaccharides, beet root extract, and shea butter; reparative qualities from keratin and biotin; and helps promote healthier growth with peptides and red clover extract.
- Key Ingredients: Biotin, red clover extract, beet root extract
- Dosage: In lieu of conditioner in the amount you’d usually use, once or twice weekly, rinsing out after three minutes
- Type: Mask
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil
- Why We Love It: A stripped scalp can lead to thinning hair, says Dr. Kahn, and she points to this formula from Briogeo as an ideal formula for dry, irritated scalps. This is in part due to the formula’s inclusion of rosemary oil. “Rosemary oil helps address hair thinning through a combination of reducing inflammation and boosting circulation,” she explains. It also features anti-inflammatories bisabolol and tea tree oil, both of which also have antimicrobial properties that can help soothe dandruff. Castor oil and biotin provide added nourishment for stronger strands. Beyond the ingredient list, we appreciate the simplified application courtesy of the nozzle cap.
- Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, biotin, castor oil
- Dosage: As much as needed for full scalp coverage, massaged in and left on for 10 to 15 minutes or overnight as desired
- Type: Oil
WeThrivv
REVIVV for Her Hair Rejuvenation Serum
- Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a clean product—in both its ingredient list and how it leaves your hair after use—give this serum a go. “This natural product has botanical-based ingredients in a roll-on bottle, making it hassle free and easy to use,” says Dr. Reszko. Simply part your hair and glide it along your scalp to let the treatment’s blend of growth-boosting peptides, circulation-enhancing caffeine, and phytoestrogens like genistein get to work. Because the water-based formula feels like pure H2O, it dries quickly and leaves zero residue behind. No need to sacrifice your blowout for hair growth!
- Key Ingredients: Copper tripeptide-1, horse chestnut extract, genistein, amino acids, caffeine
- Dosage: Liberal application to the scalp and roots twice daily
- Type: Serum
SickScience
PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum
- Why We Love It: “Using exosomes topically, particularly for hair growth, is a very promising modality because it can regenerate follicles, stimulate hair follicle stem cells, and instruct the cells to prolong their growth phase,” says Dr. Kahn. Though not as potent as an in-office treatment, topical exosome formulas like this one from SickScience are worth a try. In addition to being pleasant to use (read: not greasy at all), its bottle features a large dropper that simplifies targeted application to the scalp, even if you have very dense hair.
- Key Ingredients: Plant-derived exosomes, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, rosemary extract
- Dosage: One milliliter massaged into the scalp once daily
- Type: Serum
Mielle
Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
- Why We Love It: Per Dr. Reszko, this treatment gets its efficacy from its comprehensive blend of oils. “The formula contains 30 oils, including rosemary, peppermint, castor, jojoba, tea tree, and coconut, offering excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal benefits,” she explains. The headliners, rosemary and peppermint, stimulate circulation to facilitate healthier hair growth. (They also provide a refreshing scent.) With consistent use, the product helps promote new baby hairs, reduce shedding, and increase shine—and it’s got a very budget-friendly price tag.
- Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, jojoba oil
- Dosage: Enough to coat the scalp, massaged in with fingertips and combed through lengths
- Type: Oil
Everything You Need To Know
How can you prevent further hair thinning?
Hair loss is a very complex issue that can have many different causes, so preventing future thinning isn’t always straightforward. “Unfortunately, it’s not just as simple as saying, ‘use this shampoo and you can reverse your hair thinning,’” explains Dr. Rieder. Addressing this concern as soon as you notice changes to your hair density is key to a more successful outcome. Our experts recommend seeing your doctor for bloodwork to ensure you’re getting sufficient proteins and vitamins, and/or determine if there are other causes—such as hormonal issues—at play.
From there, you can consider treatments, ranging from over-the-counter options like the ones above as well as prescription medications (more on these shortly) and in-office procedures. For early to moderate thinning, regardless of patient gender, Dr. Reszko likes platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. “This treatment involves drawing your blood, isolating growth-factor-rich platelets, and injecting them into the scalp to stimulate follicles and healing,” she explains.
There’s also exosome therapy, another in-office treatment that’s loaded with growth factors. Beyond that, though, you should consider your daily habits. “Thinning can be slowed, managed, or even partially reversed depending on the underlying issue by optimizing your nutrition, managing stress, addressing cellular aging with a longevity doctor, or even something as simple as being gentle with your hair,” says Dr. Kahn.
What to Consider in Hair Loss Treatments
Ingredients
- Minoxidil: This is the only over-the-counter topical with meaningful clinical data proving its efficacy in treating hair loss, says Dr. Rieder. It’s a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels. “This improves blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating growth as well as improving delivery of key nutrients to the scalp,” Dr. Kahn explains. It also helps enlarge the follicle and extend the growth phase of hair, resulting in thicker, longer strands. (Caffeine is another common vasodilator found in hair products, though it’s not as proven as minoxidil.) Best for genetic hair loss, minoxidil is also available as an oral prescription. Both men and women can benefit from using it, but it’s best to avoid minoxidil during pregnancy as it could cause potential risk to a growing fetus.
- Finasteride and dutasteride: These oral prescriptions work by suppressing dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles, explains Dr. Reszko. (Note that there are naturally-derived topicals that can also reduce DHT, like saw palmetto extract.) These medications are best for men with genetic hair loss; dutasteride is often recommended for more severe thinning. They are only prescribed to women under medical supervision who are either postmenopausal or have undergone a hysterectomy as they are classified as Category X drugs by the FDA, meaning they are incompatible with pregnancy as there is a proven risk of serious birth defects.
- Anti-dandruff actives (such as ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and selenium sulfide): “There is some data that anti-dandruff shampoos have anti-inflammatory effects that can help to promote new hair growth,” says Dr. Rieder. These three antifungal ingredients also have other important merits that can help address thinning: Ketoconazole shows anti-DHT properties that can help reduce androgen sensitivity, says Dr. Reszko, while the other two help exfoliate the scalp. Removing excess buildup on the scalp provides a healthier foundation for hair growth.
- Peptides: Both Drs. Kahn and Reszko recommend peptides, especially copper peptides (also known as GHK-Cu). In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, it activates hair follicle stem cells, extending the growth phase and upregulating genes involved with growth and the delivery of copper to the follicles. You can treat yourself with this active using topical formulas, or get even more targeted treatment with copper peptide scalp injections from a provider. Other peptides for hair growth include acetyl tetrapeptide, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, and oligopeptide-41. Often found in trademarked ingredient complexes like Procapil or Capixyl, these can help strengthen the follicle, making hair more resistant to shedding.
- Rosemary oil: This all-natural option works by improving circulation and reducing inflammation, says Dr. Reszko. “In some studies, it performs similarly to minoxidil over time,” she adds. She recommends it as a plant-based alternative treatment for those who have mild thinning, including postpartum hair loss, or are sensitive to stronger treatments.
- Marine collagen: Dr. Rieder likes the data on marine collagen when taken as an oral supplement, noting that it’s consumed in high quantities in societies with fish-heavy diets and in certain populations with thick hair. One study of marine collagen’s effect on hair showed that marine collagen achieved hair growth comparable to that of finasteride, enhancing hair regrowth and increasing the expression of hair growth factors, making it a nice addition to the wellness routine of someone with male- or female-pattern baldness.
Product Type
- Topical (such as foams, serums, shampoos, and masks): Any product applied to the scalp can address the source of the issue—the hair follicles. Beyond the importance of selecting effective actives, however, you need to consider the ease of applying a treatment and your dedication to it. “The key is getting the treatments into the scalp, not the hair itself,” points out Dr. Rieder. If you struggle to get the formula to the root of your hair and don’t enjoy using it enough to apply it daily, you’re not going to see results.
- Oral: Prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements treat hair loss systemically, addressing internal imbalances, says Dr. Kahn. They’re often easier to fit into a routine than a topical, but not all oral treatments are for everyone, and it’s best to consult with a doctor ahead of taking one—even if you don’t need a prescription for it—to determine if it’s right for you.
- Devices: Red light therapy-based devices, also known as low-level laser therapy, are often used in-office by providers to treat male- and female-pattern baldness and other early-stage thinning. There are now numerous red light devices available, including hats, helmets (like the Currentbody one, which one Vogue contributor reviewed, combs, and dermarollers, to treat thinning hair at home. “The theoretical underpinnings of red light are sound and people might benefit if they use it consistently for months on end,” says Dr. Rieder.
Hair Type
According to Dr. Rieder, this is one of the most important factors to consider when treating thinning hair. “Density and texture of hair make a huge impact on what products people can or will use on their hair or scalp,” he points out. Different hair textures have different structural needs, tolerances, and styling changes, and using the wrong product for your texture could weigh it down, dry it out, or irritate your scalp—all of which could worsen the appearance of thinning. For example, those with fine, straight hair may need a lightweight formula, but likely won’t have an issue targeting the scalp as more of it is exposed, helping products absorb more quickly and evenly, says Dr. Kahn. In contrast, people with dense, curly hair may require rich creams and nourishing oils as well as careful parting and sectioning in order to effectively apply a scalp treatment, adds Dr. Reszko.
Cause of Hair Thinning
Above all, you need to understand what’s causing your hair loss in order to treat it properly. “Matching the treatment to the cause ensures better results and avoids wasting time on ineffective options,” says Dr. Reszko. For example, the chronic inflammatory condition psoriasis can cause hair loss, as healthy hair growth can be hindered by inflamed follicles. If you simply try to address thinning with minoxidil without trying to control the inflammation, you’re only treating the symptom, not the cause. To see real improvement with thinning hair, visit your internist or dermatologist, who can help you treat the root of your hair loss—literally and figuratively.
- Dr. Anetta Reszko is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.
- Dr. Evan Rieder is a double-board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York, NY.
- Dr. Amanda Kahn is a board-certified internist and longevity expert in New York, NY.
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