The best products for thinning hair of 2023, according to experts

Product type: Serum | Key ingredients: Proprietary blend for individual needs | Best for: All hair types experiencing thinning and loss

Pros: Doctor-recommended, formulated to individual needs, award-winning, incredible results

Cons: Expensive, requires a consultation before purchase

Harklinikken's award-winning Hair Gain Extract is a targeted scalp treatment developed by Lars Skjøth, a globally recognized expert in hair growth who has spent more than three decades researching and developing products that care for the scalp’s unique ecosystem (with a focus on enhancing overall scalp and follicle health to restore an individual’s hair growth cycle). The Hair Gain Extract works by restoring the condition of the scalp, strengthening the hair at the roots, re-engaging the hairs’ follicles and stimulating regrowth. In short, it creates the ideal environment for high-quality, sustainable hair growth. Every Extract is individually formulated for each client’s unique scalp profile.

Even one of our experts loves it and recommends it by name to his patients. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Vallecillos told 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." 

Product type: oil | Key ingredients: Plant-based phyto-actives, cumin, curcuma longa (turmeric), bergamia (bergamot) peel oil, mung bean, trifolium pratense (red clover) | Best for: thinning hair

Pros: Clinically proven results, vegan, loaded with hair growth powerhouse ingredients

Cons: Expensive

This Vegamour GRO Hair Serum is the best serum for thinning hair and is quickly becoming a favorite amongst those looking to reduce signs of shedding for thicker and fuller hair. Available at $49 per month, the gender-neutral formula is 100% vegan, color-safe and cruelty-safe. It's also formulated without parabens, silicones, phthalates, harmful sulfates and artificial fragrances. The shinning star in this serum is the turmeric, which has been clinically shown to block DHT production, a naturally occurring hormone that inhibits hair growth.

Mandy Moore, Bella Hadid and Nicole Kidman swear by this serum and so do thousands of happy users. "This works," said one user. "I’m constantly looking for products for my hair to grow. At age 60 this works for me!!! Thankful I found this product!! I have new hair growth around my hairline. My hair is growing and strong!!"

Product type: shampoo, conditioner, serum | Key ingredients: Proprietary blend of proven hair growth helpers, as well as peppermint and tea tree oils, saw palmetto | Best for: Thinning hair

Pros: All-in-one kit, clinically proven key ingredients that promote growth and scalp health 

Cons: Contains dyes, parabens and synthetic preservatives

Nioxin offers a three-hit combo approach to thinning hair and loss with its haircare "system kits." 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 is formulated for fine to normal hair with progressed thinning, and is a great choice for someone wanting to take an aggressive approach to hair restoration. The first step in the kit is the shampoo, which is especially great for removing environmental and product build-up, as well as sebum, which is linked to increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a naturally occurring hormone that also stifles hair growth and follicle health. The second step is the conditioner, which moisturizes the scalp and strands, strengthing hair and preventing breakage. The final step is the all-important serum that stimulates the scalp, promoting blood flow and new growth.

One fan shared that the kit greatly improved their hair's texture and manageability. "After 35 days of use, I see obvious improvement. The short, fine hairs at my hairline (particularly at the temples) never seemed to grow until I started using Nioxin. Now it’s nearly filled in."

Product type: Foam | Key ingredients: Minoxidil, botanical extracts, alpha-hydroxy acid | Best for: Men with thinning hair and loss

Pros: Three-month supply, clinically proven to work, mess-free foam

Cons: Can be irritating for sensitive skin, not safe for female use

Rogaine has been an industry leader for more than three decades. And for good reason: it works. The Minoxidil Foam for men features a 5% minoxidil topical solution that has been approved by the FDA to treat pattern hair loss, and has numerous clinical trial results to prove its worth. The product works by boosting hair follicle activity and hair protein production. This doctor-recommended product also contains botanical extracts and emollients to help maintain a healthy, conditioned scalp, while the alpha-hydroxy acid promotes natural skin exfoliation to help keep follicles open. 

One happy customer said, "Be patient, it works! After just four months, I'm seeing noticeable improvement. The results are worth the 2x daily applications and I've noticed I feel better about myself and restored confidence."

Product type: Foam | Key ingredients: Minoxidil | Best for: Women with thinning hair and loss

Pros: FDA-approved minoxidil hair growth treatment, mess-free foam, clinically proven to work

Cons: Expensive

When it comes to medical-grade hair growth products for women, it's going to be hard to top Minoxidil, which is one of three FDA-approved hair growth treatments, and the only one safe enough for women. If you want to break out the big guns, the experts say that minoxidil is the way to go. Dr. Taub told us, "The oldest established remedy and still one that is used quite a bit is topical minoxidil." Obviously, though, it is a major medication and has potential side effects that need to be evaluated with each person, she added. This topical solution and medication is the key active ingredient in Women's Rogaine. (So, if natural methods are more your thing, be sure to select something else from our list.) 

When used daily, Rogaine is clinically proven to boost hair follicle activity and hair growth for improved hair density. One user claimed that it's life changing: "I have been using this product for three months and I’m genuinely thrilled with my results! My scalp has so much new hair growing in, for the first time in years I can part my hair however I want without fear. All my thin spots are filling in. Even my husband keeps commenting on how much thicker my hair is. This product is 100% worth the money!!"

Product type: Tablet | Key ingredients: Biotin, iron, vitamin C, zinc, AminoMarTM | Best for: Those with thinning and loss who also have sensitive skin or are not responding well to topical treatments

Pros: Clinically proven to promote reduce shedding and increase hair thickness, suitable for all hair types

Cons: Must take twice daily, results take more than six months

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements offer a clinically proven formula that helps nourish hair from within to promote healthy and strong hair growth. Its unique blend of ingredient — including biotin, iron, vitamin C, zinc and AminoMarTM — promote hair growth and nourish the scalp from within. With more than 11,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, many users praise their results. One reviewer shared, "I am in [my] 10th week of using [the] product and everyone I know comments on how [much] longer my hair is and how healthy it looks."

People truly swear by its growth cycle to help new hair appear full and strong. "When I started to notice major hair loss, I went to my derm and asked her to tell me what works vs. junk that just takes your $$$. She gave me a list of proven products to grow hair. Viviscal was on the list," one happy shopper said. "I am happy to report I have baby hairs everywhere!!!! I’m so happy!!! It can be so devastating for a person to lose their hair, but I’m here to report we have options and hope. We don’t have to lie down and take it! We can proactively fight and do everything in our power to look the way we want to look."

Product type: Shampoo and conditioner | Key ingredients: Nettle extract, biotin, pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil | Best for: Those with thinning hair and hair loss

Pros: Organic, proprietary blend of 17 herbal ingredients

Cons: Smell may be overpowering for some

If the chemical compounds and preservatives in the Nioxin kit are too much for you, Pura D'Or is the shampoo and conditioner combo for you. It's an all-natural biotin-rich combo that's cruelty- and paraben-free. The products are formulated with a proprietary blend of 17 herbal ingredients proven to promote a healthy scalp, follicles and growth, such as nettle extract, pumpkin seed oil, tea tree and black cumin seed oil, green tea and rosemary (which alone has been clinically proven to be as effective as a 2% solution of minoxidil). 

More than 13,000 people on Amazon gave this set a five-star review. One said: "My hair has been thinning over the last several years. It got so bad that my hair was shedding in clumps when I shampooed. After trying several hair treatments that never worked for me, I tried Pura D'Or and am blown away!! My hair has filled in and the hair follicles are thick, soft and healthy!"

Product type: Leave-in conditioner spray | Key ingredients: Caffeine, ginseng, biotin and vitamin E | Best for: Those with long hair who will also benefit from a detangling conditioner

Pros: Strengthens hair, packed with hair growth ingredients

Cons: Spray may be messy for some

Marc Anthony's Grow Long Super Fast Strength Leave-in Conditioner helps strengthen hair, and reduce split ends and breakage so you can grow your hair longer than ever, thanks to clinically proven ingredients that help strengthen and grow hair, such as caffeine, ginseng and vitamin E. The extra help with detangling long hair is a serious bonus for those who deal with breakage when combing after washing. The Benefits: This daily leave-in conditioner helps to restore moisture, strengthen and repair split ends and breakage, control frizz and detangle even the toughest lengths of hair. It's also cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

More than 26,000 five-star reviewers depend on this magic in a bottle to keep their hair looking stronger and longer. One loyal user said this stuff works: "This detangler is a miracle. I’ve noticed around the crown of my head, new growth. I haven’t been using it that long and I see results! I will continue using this product."

Type: Oil | Key ingredients: Rosemary and mint essential oils, biotin | Best for: Thinning hair

Pros: All-natural, clinically proven ingredients, can be found at just about every retail store

Cons: Srtong rosemary mint smell may be too much for some

Don't let the inexpensive price tag fool you, Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Hair Strengthening Oil really works! Thanks to the mint and rosemary, which is clinically proven to promote hair growth. The endless before and after photos are truly inspiring. Not only is it a cult favorite, including 44,000 5-star reviews, but it's loved by many Yahoo staffers, including our health editor, April McCormick who insists, "This oil really works! The shining star is the rosemary oil that is clinically proven to help promote hair growth. The consistency of the oil is also divine - not too thick or thin." This oil promotes blood flow, nourishes the scalp and follicles, fixes splint ends and even tames flyaways after styling. One reviewer said, "5 stars because this has REVOLUTIONIZED my life!"

Pro tip: If you find this is too oily for your fine hair, add a few drops to conditioner, leave it in for a few extra minutes then rinse.

Product type: oil | Key ingredients: Bhringraj, hibiscus and neem | Best for: coarse, curly, thick hair

Pros: Organic, promotes a healthy scalp and environment for hair growth, infused with Ayurvedic herbs

Cons: May be too heavy for fine hair

Life & Pursuits Bhringraj Hair Oil features cold-pressed organic oils infused with authentic Ayurvedic herbs that are clinically proven to promote a healthy scalp, growth and can prevent scalp irritation and dryness. This oil is free from harmful chemicals and features a trifecta of Ayurvedic herbs, including bhringraj, hibiscus and neem oil. Bhringraj is used in many parts of the world to promote hair growth, with multiple lab studies showing it can increase hair thickness. Clinical studies show the leaves and flowers of the hibiscus plant promote hair growth and offer anti-greying and aging properties. Last but not least, multiple studies show neem oil has antimicrobial properties that help fight dandruff and scalp infections, increase blood circulation to the scalp and stimulate hair growth.

"I love this oil," raved one reviewer, adding, "My hair has a tendency to get dry and break off, but I have noticed much less of that happening since using this product."

Product type: Scalp scrub | Key ingredients: Coconut oil and sugar | Best for: Those who use lots of products or are regularly outside in environmental elements that also cause buildup

Pros: Cleanses and exfoliates the scalp, can be used on the body as well

Cons: May be too messy for some

Some products that are great for hair growth are more about creating a healthy scalp environment for hair to grow. Since buildup can clog your hair follicles and create a dry scalp, it's important to clarify the scalp on a regular basis. And the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub from celebrity stylist Jen Atkin's brand is a great choice to do just that. This luxurious hair care product is not only for scalp health but works double duty as body scrub. Reviewers rave about everything from the scent to its wonderful scrubbing powers. "This by far the nicest, most luxurious scrub I’ve used to deep clean my scalp and get rid of buildup," one user said. "I do also love to use it on my arms and legs to keep them nice and soft. Just try it, the scent is heavenly!"

Product type: Spray | Key ingredients: Aloe, ginger, vitamin B5, Amino acid complex | Best for: Fine, flat hair

Pros: Instant volume, heat protectant

Cons: Designed for volume more than hair growth

One way to fight hair loss is to make your existing strands look even fuller while you're working to encourage new growth. A great product for the job is R+Co's Dallas Thickening Spray. Aloe leaf and ginger root extracts lock in moisture while smoothing and conditioning the hair, and vitamin B5 thickens hair and boosts volume. The product is free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum and glute. One of over 2500 five star reviewers called this product her, "Go To." She added that it, "Works great for adding fullness to thin hair. Use this every day. Makes a noticeable difference."

Product type: Conditioner | Key ingredients: Patented OLAPLEX Bond Building technology | Best for: Curly, coarse hair

Pros: Cult favorite, patented Olaplex Bond Building technology

Cons: Pre-shampoo treatment can be time consuming

If you deal with hair loss from chemical damage then Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 is for you! Easily repair damaged hair and broken bonds with Olaplex's patented Bond Building technology. Professional stylists and nearly 95,000 five-star Amazon reviewers are smitten with this treatment. Similar to its in-salon counterparts, the Olaplex Hair Perfector treatment goes beyond a traditional conditioning treatment and works to repair the broken bonds in your natural hair. "It really is a miracle," shared one reviewer. "It's worth every penny."