Best topical solutions and serums for hair growth

According to Green, saw palmetto is another potential natural solution, thanks to its anti-androgenic, or testosterone-blocking, properties. “Saw palmetto is thought to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT),” explains Green. “DHT is an androgen hormone that causes follicle miniaturization, or the shrinking of hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and short hair formation.” Similar to biotin, it can be found in a variety of different hair growth products on the market.

Biotin, by the way, is an oft-cited ingredient that can support nail and hair health, but there’s still a lack of conclusive evidence as to whether or not biotin helps hair loss and/or growth. “Although it is a popular choice for those with hair loss, at this time there are no clinical trials that show the efficacy of biotin supplementation on hair loss, so there is minimal clinical evidence supporting its benefits,” explains Garshick. “A meta-analysis performed in May 2017 showed no scientific evidence to support the use of biotin for hair loss; however, given many people seem to tolerate it and individuals do experience some benefits, it is still being used for this purpose.”

Hers Hair Blends Solution

According to Garshick, “minoxidil is thought to increase blood flow to the scalp, which can help facilitate hair regrowth, though the mechanism is not fully understood.” Furthermore, it is believed to lengthen the anagen, or “growing,” phase of the hair cycle and slow down the rate at which hair sheds, both of which contribute to a reduction in overall hair loss. In addition to 7% minoxidil, which is not available in stores, this under-$40 topical treatment from Hers also includes biotin, moisturizing panthenol (also known as vitamin B5), and ketoconazole to maintain a healthy, flake-free scalp.

The Typical Multi-Peptide Serum for Density of Hair

Because it is brimming with peptides, antioxidants, vitamins, and humectants—all of which support skin and hair health—Garshick suggests this incredibly reasonably priced product from The Ordinary. According to Garshick, “this serum also contains castor oil, which uses ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid, to boost circulation in the scalp, which may help to promote healthier and stronger hair.” In experimental conditions, caffeine has also been demonstrated to aid in hair development; however, it is most likely contributing by providing antioxidant effects that maintain healthy hair.

Nutrafol Women’s Hair Serum

Speaking of Nutrafol’s vegan hair serum, Green explains, “This serum contains natural ingredients that can potentially stimulate hair growth.” “It has Irish moss peptides to grow thicker hair, pea sprout extract to reduce hair breakage, and ashwagandha exosomes to promote healthy-looking hair.” Its natural scent, ultralight weight, and nongreasy texture are other advantages.

Vegamour GRO Hair Serum for Thinning Hair

Green is in favor of the highly regarded hair serum from Vegamour. According to Green, the product’s composition includes biotin to fortify hair strands, a mung bean and red clover mixture to nourish the scalp, caffeine to stimulate the scalp, and turmeric to make hair appear denser.

Nécessaire The Scalp Serum

Speaking of Nécessaire’s featherlight scalp elixir, Green says, “This weightless serum contains seven different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration to the scalp, niacinamide to maintain the scalp’s natural moisture barrier and a 5% biomimetic peptide blend to support the growth of thicker, healthier hair.” Additionally, it has no scent, is kind to all skin types, and doesn’t leave your hair or scalp feeling sticky.

Musely The Hair Topical Solution

This prescription solution from Musely, which comes highly recommended by Green, comprises minoxidil in addition to dutasteride and spironolactone, two more widely used drugs that are known to stop hair loss and promote growth. “Spironolactone slows the production of androgens or male sex hormones, while dutasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that works to decrease DHT levels and is used off-label to treat hair loss,” says Green.

Hairtamin Scalp Serum

The creator of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City, Dr. Sejal Shah, is a board-certified dermatologist. “This serum combines rosemary oil with tea tree and peppermint oil, as well as saw palmetto, procapil, and caffeine, all of which have been shown to stimulate hair growth.” Additionally, it works wonders on all hair types and is incredibly lightweight, nongreasy, and quick to absorb.

Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo

This shampoo, which is a part of a three-step method to help improve hair density, is another recommendation from Garshick. According to Garshick, “this shampoo helps to prepare the hair and scalp for a complete hair-thickening treatment.” “It strengthens the hair with antioxidants, proteins, and amino acids, among other technologies to help thicken the hair.”

Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Garshick describes Virtue’s silicone- and sulfate-free composition as “boosting volume while it effectively eliminates excess oil and buildup, making it a great option for those with thinning hair.” “This shampoo helps to strengthen and support hairs with alpha and gamma keratin proteins, while plant extracts and rice-based humectants nourish and soothe the hair and scalp.”

Isdin Lambdapil Hair Density Shampoo

This shampoo is a favorite of Green’s and is “great for promoting denser-looking hair and revitalizing thinning hair.” Zinc, biotin, and other B vitamins are included to help strengthen and nourish hair. According to Green, “Serenoa serrulate fruit extract is another ingredient in this shampoo. It is a botanical that lowers DHT levels to promote hair growth.”

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Shampoo

According to Green, “this shampoo is fantastic for anyone experiencing hair thinning.” “Biotin supports hair thickness, while maltodextrin, a naturally occurring starch, creates a volumized look. Ginseng stimulates blood flow, allowing oxygen and nutrients necessary for hair growth to be delivered to the scalp and hair follicles.”