We Spent 1000 Hours Testing Hair Loss Treatments—These 11 Actually Worked (2025)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: Melatonin | Dosage: 1–2 mL up to twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not only did this product deliver impressive results, but it was also incredibly easy—dare we say pleasant—to use. The serum-like consistency dried remarkably fast, swiftly absorbing into the scalp without leaving behind any unwanted residue. (We like that it's meant to be left on overnight, so you can just apply it and forget it.)

After three months, our tester noticed more hair growth around her temples and noticeably improved fullness, particularly while sporting a ponytail. The key ingredient is melatonin, which has been shown to support regrowth and thicker strands after hair loss. We found the scent a little strong, but only upon initial application—it dissipates quickly.

Taylor, tester with fine hair: "This was actually one of my favorite hair product applications. It's a dropper, which means I can put it right on my scalp, but the thing is, the product itself is almost dry, so it feels like it soaks into your scalp. Other products are more on the greasy side, so it feels like it sits on top of my hair … This [one] actually feels like it is penetrating my scalp."

Type: Leave-on serum | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: 1 mL twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Hair loss treatments aren't typically cheap, but this was the least expensive of all our winners. Despite the accessible price tag, it delivered noteworthy results. Our tester noticed a clear difference when looking at before-and-after pictures, particularly along her part.

The dropper applicator was fairly easy to use, but the liquid formula does tend to run. While it dried quickly on the scalp, it took longer to dry on the hair, leaving it looking a bit wet and greasy before setting. In the end, we think this is a stellar deal for an effective hair loss treatment.

Shauna, tester with fine, wavy hair: "My hair definitely filled out more, and my part is more dense than it was. I have also noticed some new growth, which is great to see!"

Type: Spray | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pick is ideal for men dealing with balding. After 12 weeks of use, our tester noticed a layer of thinner hair covering balding areas (where there had previously been nothing). It also helped with thickness and fullness.

The leave-on liquid is meant to be sprayed on twice daily—this wasn't a problem, largely because of how easy it is to use. It absorbs into the scalp within a few minutes without causing irritation. It also didn't weigh the hair down. The only minor drawback was that the liquid consistency tends to run a bit, so you may want to keep a tissue handy to wipe off any drips.

Matt, tester with wavy hair, balding on top: "I was pleased with the hair growth I saw. It was fairly thick and uniform and not wispy or weird. My hair did appear thicker and fuller after the testing period."

Type: Leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Half-capful once daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Patience is a virtue when treating hair loss—one big reason these products were tested over 12 weeks. With that in mind, we were pleasantly surprised when our tester saw results just one month after starting this minoxidil foam. It helped fill in sparse spots on the scalp while improving the overall length, fullness, and general look and feel of the hair.

The foam is only used once a day. However, it has to be measured into the product cap, a step our tester found inconvenient. And, while the foam didn't weigh down her strands, it left an unwanted sheen and greasy feel on the scalp. All that said, if you're looking for fast results, this product will deliver.

Alexa, tester with very fine, wavy hair: "My hair looks overall longer, fuller, and healthier, and my scalp has definitely filled in."

Type: Leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Half-capful twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Skin irritation is a common side effect of hair growth treatments, but using this foam twice daily for 12 weeks didn't cause any. It did, however, result in new hair growth with twice-daily use. Our tester said it didn't cause any scalp tingling, either, nor did it have a scent (ideal for reactive skin).

It did take a while for results to kick in, but the product worked so well that it convinced our tester to keep using it. He didn't love that it had to be applied two times a day, but for some, this is a small price to pay for visible improvement. Plus, the quick-drying foam was barely noticeable after applying.

Robert, tester with coarse hair: "I've used Rogaine for years, and this seemed just as effective but less irritating to my scalp."

Type: Leave-on spray | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: 6 sprays twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sometimes, hair loss or thinning is only noticeable in small areas, such as along the hairline or on the top of the head. This formula is perfect for addressing those spots. For starters, the targeted nozzle makes precise application a breeze, something our tester greatly appreciated.

She used it to address hair loss along the hairline and temples, and about nine weeks into the testing period, she saw new baby hairs cropping up. Our tester wasn't thrilled about having to use six sprays of the product each time (and you have to apply twice a day to see results). But the treatment dried quickly without weighing down the hair.

Allison, tester with fine, straight hair: "I have more baby hairs in the formerly sparse areas along my hairline and temples. They look like flyaways in photos, but it's new growth."

Type: Leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Half-capful twice daily | Cruelty-Free: No

If you're not into fragrances or have a sensitive scalp, this unscented option from Rogaine might be the one. Beyond being scent-free, the fast-drying foam absorbed quickly and never interfered with the look or feel of our tester's hair. He didn't see a ton of new hair growth but reported that the treatment made his existing hair thicker and fuller. It also slowed hair shedding (he saw way fewer hairs falling out in the sink).

Just a couple of things threw us about the application process. The foam can melt quickly (which is why the instructions say to apply with cold hands). And it requires some planning since your hair is supposed to be dry before each use. Still, this product seems to work—and with minoxidil, noticeable results often aren't visible until 24 or even 48 weeks.

Peter, tester with coarse, straight hair: "My hairline never got worse, and I had dramatically fewer hairs falling out."

Type: Shampoo, conditioner, leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Once daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Consider this your one-stop shop for hair loss. The Virtue Flourish Kit comes with shampoo, conditioner, and leave-on minoxidil foam. The latter is easy to use and effortlessly soaks into the skin—it was truly undetectable on the scalp. And it delivered real results. Not only was our tester's hair thicker and fuller, but she could also see improved growth, particularly along the edges.

There was no irritation or unwanted scent (great for our sensitive-skinned friends). Just keep in mind that if you don't wash your hair daily or even every other day, purchasing this set may not be the best use of funds.

Chantia, tester with thick, kinky hair: "I have been avoiding doing ponytails for over a year now because my hair was heat-damaged, and my edges kept decreasing. However, I was able to get a ponytail two weeks ago, and even my stylist complimented the way I've been taking care of my hair—my edges are growing back thicker."

Type: Leave-on liquid | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: 1 mL twice daily | Cruelty-Free: No

Loss of hair volume and fullness can be frustrating—no one wants to have to pile on the texturizing sprays all the time. Thankfully, this product brings back fullness without product buildup. Our tester saw a change in her hair about six weeks after starting the minoxidil-based leave-on serum. Some sparse patches began filling in, and she noticed more fullness and length.

Though it did cause slight tingling upon application, there was never any irritation. One caveat, though: It's not ideal for color-treated hair. Our tester noticed her color fading and grays starting to re-emerge within a week.

Alisa, tester with thick, curly hair: "You have to be diligent in applying twice a day, but the results for me were worth it. My hair is fuller in the areas it was receding."

Type: Leave-on foam | Key Ingredients: Minoxidil | Dosage: Half-capful once daily | Cruelty-Free: No

While our tester saw some new hair growth with this product, she was more impressed by how it curtailed her existing hair loss and shedding during the testing period. The foam only has to be used once a day, at night—another attribute she appreciated—and it's fragrance-free.

However, as with many other winning foam formulas, it works best when applied with cold hands to avoid melting the mousse-like consistency. Also, it has a propensity to get stuck in the hair before you can really work it into the scalp. But after a few uses, you'll get the hang of it.

Brenda, tester with fine, straight hair: "I liked that this is a once-a-day application, and I'm not losing as much hair daily as I was prior to using this product."

Type: Shampoo | Key Ingredients: Cannabidiol | Dosage: Once daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Vegamour Gro+ Advanced is the best hair-growth shampoo we've tested. After six weeks of consistent use, our tester's hair grew about a half-inch more than it typically would in a month and a half, and her baby hairs looked thicker. You'll want to let it sit for a minute before rinsing to let the active ingredient, cannabidiol (CBD), get to work. (CBD may help with hair loss by minimizing inflammation and regulating oil production on the scalp.)

This shampoo cleaned our tester's hair well without stripping it or causing irritation. We're also fans of the subtle citrusy-herbal scent. Since it's formulated without sulfates, it doesn't suds up into a rich later. But it still does its job and rinses out easily.

FAQ

• What are the most common causes of hair loss?

  Inflammatory hair loss—the kind caused by stress, medications, and lifestyle factors—is common. It's also the most challenging to remedy because the exact cause varies. "This type of hair loss can be patchy, unpredictable, and associated with itching and burning," says trichologist William Gaunitz.

  A nutritional deficiency could also be an under-the-radar cause of hair loss—though this is rare in the United States. "Nutritional hair loss, in my opinion, is the most prominent form of hair loss worldwide and is also the most easily correctable," he says. "Nutritional hair loss causes general thinning throughout the entire scalp and can exacerbate other types of hair loss."
  

• How can you prevent further hair loss?

  "Hair is very sensitive to inflammation, so it's important to avoid anything that irritates the scalp, such as certain hair dyes," says Dr. Pierre, adding that hot hair tools can also cause breakage. "You should condition your hair and moisturize your scalp regularly to minimize your chances of hair loss."

  You might consider an FDA-approved medication, like over-the-counter topical minoxidil or oral finasteride, that's been shown to slow hair loss and promote new growth. As for nutrition, you can request a full blood panel from your healthcare provider to see if you're lacking in any essential nutrients. Gaunitz says the most critical for hair are iron, zinc, ferritin, folate, and vitamin D3.

• What are the best hair loss treatments you can buy over the counter?

  The best hair loss treatments you can buy over the counter without a prescription are usually topical products containing minoxidil. This FDA-approved active ingredient has been clinically shown to promote new hair growth by encouraging blood flow to the scalp and extending the growth phase of the hair growth cycle.