You don’t want to think about it until you can’t think about anything else: Every time you look in the mirror, the two parking spaces at your temples appear, and your forehead appears a little taller. Many men’s hairlines remain unchanged, but they are beginning to develop a bald patch on top. Your first instinct may be to put on a baseball cap and think about it afterward. Your second inclination is to ponder what, if anything, you can do to stop the thinning and, if possible, help your hair grow back.
Fortunately, the answer is yes. In addition to items that make your hair look fuller, there are treatments and products specifically meant to halt the process of hair thinning, and men can sometimes fill in the gaps.
Our top picks:
1
BEST MEDICATED HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo With 1% Ketoconazole
5
BEST SERUM AND SUPPLEMENT COMBO FOR HAIR GROWTH
Nutrafol Men's Hair Growth Supplement and Hair Serum (One-Month Supply)
6
BEST HAIR GROWTH SUPPLEMENT FOR MEN
Viviscal Men's Hair Growth Supplements (3-Month Supply)
7
BEST MINOXIDIL COMBO HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Hims Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Spray (One Month Supply)
8
BEST VALUE HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Pura D'Or Scalp Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum Revitalizer
9
BEST OVERALL HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Men's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam (Three-Month Supply)
According to Michele Green, M.D., a board-certified cosmetologist, depending on the cause or causes of your hair loss, your doctor may suggest or prescribe a product designed to address your specific problem, advise you to make lifestyle or dietary changes if they believe that is contributing to your issue; or suggest an in-office treatment such as platelet-rich plasma injections, in which a patient’s plasma is injected into the scalp, enriching the follicles. Give it time, no matter what you try: Hair grows in three- to six-month cycles, so even if a product is effective, it will likely take months to see a noticeable difference.
The top hair growth products for men, according to specialists who specialize in hair loss, are listed below. We’re also answering your burning questions, such as what causes male hair loss and what you should think about before purchasing a product.
1
BEST MEDICATED HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo With 1% Ketoconazole
NOW 47% OFF
PROS
- Works for dandruff
- Affordable
CONS
- Isn't specifically for hair growth
According to Dr. Marmon, ketoconazole is a substance that not only heals dandruff but also has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal characteristics. Suppose your dermatologist determines that your hair loss is caused in part by scalp irritation caused by a fungal infection. In that case, ketoconazole can help clear it up (they may even prescribe you a shampoo or topical treatment containing a higher dosage of ketoconazole).
2
PROS
- Can be used along with other products
CONS
- Expensive
- Some say using it alone won't yeild a lot of results
Yes, it is an investment, but when used frequently, red-light treatment has been shown to boost hair growth. “Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy, involves the application of a visible red-light laser to the scalp.” The light is absorbed by the body and converted into cellular energy, which stimulates the natural healing process and may promote hair regrowth. “Red light also promotes blood circulation, which is beneficial to scalp and follicle health,” explains Dr. Green. “Additionally, red light therapy can promote the formation of new capillaries, assisting in the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to cells and hair follicles.”
We prefer this helmet to a comb or brush since you can put it on and watch TV while it works, and there’s a 6-month money-back guarantee if you don’t see any progress in that time. It can also be used in conjunction with minoxidil or other hair growth treatments.
3
PROS
- Lightweight
CONS
- Expensive
- Some reviewers say they noticed less hair loss, but not growth
Many people (including Nicole Kidman) swear by this vegan hair product, which guarantees results in four months. It contains Curcumin stem cell extract and red clover, both of which are thought to be DHT inhibitors and does not contain minoxidil, finasteride, or other substances that some people choose to avoid. The company claims on its website that consumers see up to 76% less shedding and up to 52% more density. Still, the company, through a representative, declined to provide any research to Good Housekeeping.
Regardless, the before-and-after photographs are remarkable, so if you want to see what all the fuss is about, give it a try, but keep in mind that the best results with any hair growth therapy take a few months.
4
BEST HERBAL OIL HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Weleda Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil
NOW 14% OFF
PROS
- Smells good
- A little goes a long way
CONS
- Isn't specifically for hair growth
Although this treatment is not expressly advertised to combat hair loss, “rosemary is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as improve circulation,” according to Dr. Green. “For hundreds of years, Mediterranean cultures have used rosemary to promote hair growth.” The assumption is that by increasing circulation, hair follicles will receive a sufficient blood supply rich in oxygen and nutrients, preventing damaged hair follicles that cause hair loss.”
According to Dr. Green, there is also some evidence that rosemary may inhibit DHT. When you apply a few drops to your scalp, this oil has a fresh, clean aroma.
5
BEST SERUM AND SUPPLEMENT COMBO FOR HAIR GROWTH
Nutrafol Men's Hair Growth Supplement and Hair Serum (One-Month Supply)
NOW 26% OFF
PROS
- No minoxidil
CONS
- Not strongly FDA regulated
- Expensive
Suppose minoxidil isn’t for you (it causes scalp irritation in some individuals). In that case, this approach — oral supplements plus a plant-based serum — claims to target both the fundamental causes of hair thinning and restore scalp health. Dr. Green believes the serum’s components, which include Ashwagandha Exomes, Irish moss peptides, and pea sprout extract, help support hair thickness, prevent breakage, and nourish the scalp.
There isn’t much data on men’s supplements, but one tiny open-label study (meaning participants knew what they were taking) of men and women from various racial and ethnic backgrounds showed considerable improvement in all metrics (thickness, reduced shedding, etc.) after six months. Some of the supplement’s components assist in lowering DHT, the androgen that shrinks follicles (saw palmetto), balance stress hormones (ashwagandha), and reduce inflammation (curcumin).
6
BEST HAIR GROWTH SUPPLEMENT FOR MEN
Viviscal Men's Hair Growth Supplements (3-Month Supply)
NOW 10% OFF
PROS
- Many reviewers on Amazon say they've used it "for years"
CONS
- Not strongly FDA regulated
As any Good Housekeeping reader is aware, supplements are not highly controlled by the FDA and do not require clinical trials to be lawfully sold, as pharmaceuticals do. They are also not typically advised by dermatologists as the primary treatment for hair loss. “Oral nutraceuticals… are frequently recommended as adjunctive interventions for hair loss,” Dr. Marmon explains. “More data is needed to truly support their efficacy in treating hair loss.”
Nonetheless, Viviscal, which has been on the market for over 25 years, has a large number of satisfied customers, and there have been a few tiny placebo-controlled trials that demonstrate it can benefit, including one on men. “After 180 days, significant increases were observed for total hair count, total hair density, and terminal hair density,” the researchers reported (terminal hair is a dark and dense form of hair). The oral supplement contains a combination of shark and mollusk powders, iron, zinc, and a long number of other minerals and substances; the study authors hypothesize that it benefits the user’s overall health and corrects nutritional deficiencies.
7
BEST MINOXIDIL COMBO HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Hims Extra Strength Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men
NOW 10% OFF
PROS
- Easy to use
- Smells nice
CONS
- Prescription only
- Can be greasy
Minoxidil is minoxidil, regardless of brand, and the FDA-approved concentration is 2% or 5%, which is why you’ll find it on drugstore shelves. And more isn’t always better – according to one 2021 study, a 5% concentration worked better than a 10% concentration, while the larger concentration caused more scalp discomfort.
Nonetheless, some hair loss specialists are developing solutions with slightly higher dosages of minoxidil and mixing it with additional chemicals known to aid in a double-whammy restart for your follicles. This one has a minoxidil concentration of 6%. Another FDA-approved FDA-backed hair loss remedy is 3% finasteride. Finasteride, which is commonly given as a tablet, is a DHT blocker. Men’s Health ranks it first and recommends applying it on clean hair after a shower because it can be a little oily.
Please keep in mind that finasteride is only available with a prescription, which you can receive after an online consultation with a specialist through Hims.
8
BEST VALUE HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Pura D'Or Scalp Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum Revitalizer
PROS
- Affordable
- Ideal for frontal baldness
CONS
- Has to be used daily
This popular Amazon cart item “is an affordable, minoxidil-free hair serum that contains niacin, biotin, Argan oil, antioxidants, and other natural ingredients that aim to detoxify and nourish the scalp to promote healthy hair growth,” according to Dr. Green. “It also contains DHT blockers and coffee extract, which help to reduce hair loss and thinning.”
What exactly is DHT, and why would you wish to prevent it? DHT, an androgen responsible for male sex characteristics, is formed from some of your testosterone. Unfortunately, excessive DHT levels also miniaturize (or shrink) follicles, causing them to retire and lose their ability to generate strands. Block DHT, and you stop that process, albeit evidence of topical DHT blockers decreasing hair loss is encouraging but preliminary, and the research was done on the drug finasteride, which this serum lacks.
People do like this product, according to Green, if you want to try it without spending a lot of money. “Clinical studies are insufficient to support the efficacy of its active ingredients, but anecdotal evidence is promising.”
9
BEST OVERALL HAIR GROWTH PRODUCT FOR MEN
Men's Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam (Three-Month Supply)
NOW 32% OFF
PROS
- Over 15,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Easy to apply
CONS
- Has to be used consistently
- Some reviewers say they experienced "shedding" at first
“Topical minoxidil is a dermatologist’s go-to OTC ingredient in combating hair loss in men (and women),” explains Shoshanna Marmon, M.D., Ph.D., FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College. Rogaine is the brand name. “It works by shortening the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, during which hair falls out and pushes follicles to enter the growth phase,” she explains. As a result, more hairs are growing at the same time, making your hair appear thicker. “It also slows down hair loss by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles,” she adds. It is commonly used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) and telogen effluvium.
Because it is less drippy, many individuals prefer the foam formulation over the liquid version. Warning: You must continue to use Rogaine (or any minoxidil medication) to see and sustain results, which will appear in three to six months as you complete the hair growth cycle. “Minoxidil is effective at hair growth and hair loss prevention, but only when used actively,” explains Dr. Green. “Stopping minoxidil use will result in a gradual loss of hair that grew as a result of the minoxidil.”
How we chose the best hair growth products for men
To understand the numerous reasons men lose their hair, we consulted famous doctors who specialize in hair loss. We then asked them to recommend things that they have observed work in their clinical practices.
Some of these products are FDA-approved to treat hair loss and have decades of peer-reviewed research behind them, which we vetted and linked to; others have only company-funded research, which Good Housekeeping does not consider reliable on its own but has plenty of anecdotal evidence of efficacy and are good options according to our medical sources. We also stated where there was limited or preliminary independent evidence to back up the product claims.
What causes hair loss in men?
It’s not as simple as you might think, which is why, as soon as you notice your hair thinning (and assuming it bothers you), you should see a dermatologist to find out why. Male pattern baldness (or androgenic alopecia) is by far the most common form of hair loss in men, according to Shoshanna Marmon, M.D., Ph.D., FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College. But heredity isn’t the only reason a guy’s hair is falling out. “Diagnosing and treating hair loss in men is a multi-step process,” explains Dr. Marmon. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, perform an exam (typically looking for scalp issues that may be limiting development), and possibly run some lab tests to check for blood levels of minerals necessary for hair growth, such as iron, as well as hormone levels. There are also medical issues and drugs that might contribute to hair loss, which your doctor will discuss with you.
The following are some of the most common reasons:
- Genetics: Male pattern baldness, which is inherited, often manifests as a receding hairline and a bald area on top.
- Telogen effluvium (TE): When your body experiences stress (for example, after an illness or surgery, or even a death in the family or divorce), it may respond by shedding more hair than usual. If you have telogen effluvium, you will notice additional strands on your pillow or keyboard three months after a stressful incident or period.
- Drug side effects include: Certain medications, such as lithium and beta blockers, have been linked to hair loss.
- Thyroid problems, vitamin shortages, and autoimmune diseases can all lead to hair loss.
- Scalp problems: Dry, itchy, flaky scalp and bald patches can be caused by a variety of fungal infections or inflammation of the hair follicles.
- Styling issues: More frequent in women, some heavy or very tight buns worn on a daily basis may cause hair loss.
Can men regrow hair naturally?
Sometimes. Whatever is causing your hair loss is likely a temporary condition, and your hair will regrow – this is what happens with telogen effluvium. Three to six months after the stressor that caused you to lose your hair unexpectedly, your strands will regrow with the event without intervention.
Similarly, if your hair loss is caused by a lack of specific vitamins or minerals, correcting that deficiency may prevent further loss. “The diet should include whole foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, and zinc,” she advises. If that’s the case, a blood test can reveal it. Changing or discontinuing any medicine that is causing hair loss may also help.
Dr. Marmon recommends the following strategies for hair loss:
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
- Avoid tight hairstyles and harsh treatments.
- Stop smoking.
- Manage stress.
- Engage in regular exercise.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Stay hydrated.
- Visit your dermatologist to determine the etiology of the hair loss and discuss treatment options.
Consult with your dermatologist to discover the cause of your hair loss and to discuss treatment options.
Dr. Green emphasizes that, among other things, smoking and drinking are terrible for your hair. “They stress the body and restrict blood vessels, reducing scalp circulation and blood flow to hair follicles,” she explains.
Do hair growth serums and supplements really work?
According to Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab, it’s difficult to give a definitive answer because not only does nothing work for every single person experiencing hair loss, but also because the research behind many of these products isn’t up to the standards required for scientists to answer that definitively.
Furthermore, while nutritional supplements are not as strictly regulated by the FDA as prescription or over-the-counter drugs, brands that make structure/function claims (such as that their supplement can make hair grow) must be able to substantiate those claims with high-quality research. Indeed, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent out warning letters to nearly 700 companies, advising them to justify their product efficacy claims or risk fines. This list included many “hair growth” supplement producers.
That’s why we’ve been very explicit about which items appear to have research behind them and how good the research is, and we’ve left it up to you to decide whether or not to test them.
Also, before taking any supplement, consult your doctor since many can interfere with other medications you may be taking and cause unwanted effects.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
