Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
While it may be tempting to immediately reach for a hair regrowth formula at the first sign of trouble, most people only really need to improve their scalp health in order to help hair growth.
In order to choose a treatment that can effectively promote hair growth, you should keep in mind some ingredients that can stop hair loss and foster hair cell generation. Read on for some ingredients that can do wonders for your thinning hair!
There are a huge variety of minoxidil treatments, but most are meant to be used specifically on affected areas. However, for people with thinning hair, that could mean most of the scalp.
You’ll also notice that many minoxidil treatments specify whether they’re for men or women. The primary difference is that the men’s formula usually has a higher concentration of minoxidil and sometimes needs to be applied more frequently due to differences in balding patterns.
Specifically, the FDA suggests two percent minoxidil for women and five percent minoxidil for men. So be sure to read the label before buying if you’re looking for hair regrowth.
Minoxidil is the gold standard for topical hair growth. Many studies have shown significant hair regrowth with the use of topical minoxidil. It's so effective that I always warn my patients to avoid getting the product on the sides of the face or forehead as unwanted hair growth can occur. It comes in a solution or foam and should be applied directly to the scalp on clean hair.
When you start using minoxidil, you may notice some hair loss or shedding as the hairs shift from the resting to the growing phase. This is normal, and you should not stop using the product. Results start to occur in about three months of consistent use, so don't expect results with a few uses.
If you are not getting results with the OTC products, you can see your dermatologist who can compound higher strength minoxidil. Also, do not use minoxidil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Instead, stick to treatments with antifungals (like zinc), clay and charcoal.
Pyrithione zinc is an active ingredient that has strong anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. They help hinder yeast production on the scalp, slow down the growth of bacteria, and drive away dandruff.
Also, it can repair your hair tissues and promote hair growth. Compared to other active ingredients, pyrithione zinc is quite gentle on the scalp and is less likely to cause any irritation. So those with a sensitive scalp can surely make use of this ingredient!
Dandruff is a common problem that can result in an itchy scalp, and zinc pyrithione is found in many over-the-counter dandruff shampoos. It can reduce the amount of fungus on the scalp that causes dandruff and also mildly exfoliate the scalp.
There are some studies that show zinc pyrithione can help with patterned hair loss and promote hair growth. The suggested mechanism is altering the follicle microbiome to promote healthy hair growth.
Niacin (vitamin B3) and biotin (vitamin B7) are effective in fostering hair growth as well. Specifically, niacin can stimulate blood circulation and help nutrients flow better to your hair follicles. Using products with niacin not only helps with hair growth but also gives your hair more volume and thickness.
On the other hand, biotin encourages the production of keratin, a protein that makes up your hair strands. Therefore, supplying your hair with extra biotin can help strengthen your hair, improve its thickness and elasticity, and prevent hair shedding. It can also bring shine to your hair strands and make them look healthier.
Niacin and biotin not only promote hair growth, but they are also nourishing to the hair. They are very gentle and can be used by all hair types. You probably will notice an immediate softening to the hair after using products with these ingredients.
Aloe vera is another great moisturizer that can do wonders for your scalp. It is not only moisturizing to your scalp but also has strong soothing properties to alleviate any irritation.
Clarifying ingredients like salicylic acid and apple cider vinegar can also help clear up your pores and give your hair more room to sprout.
Also, avoid comedogenic oils like coconut oil, castor oil, and hempseed oil. They are heavy and might leave your scalp and hair feeling greasy. The oils might even remain on your hair strands and eventually cause product build-up.
Clay- or charcoal-based products are recommended for oily and fine hair. They may even allow you to miss a day of hair washing because of their powerful absorptive properties that can have long-lasting effects.
Salicylic acid treatments are great if you have scalp psoriasis or dandruff that produces a lot of flaking or scale. It can significantly reduce the amount of flaking and scale and can be used daily to several times a week depending on severity. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist!
Keep in mind that essential oils might cause allergic contact dermatitis to those with sensitive skin, so do a patch test beforehand to make sure the product works for you.
For all scalp types though, you can’t go wrong with peptides and antioxidants like niacinamide, which can help to address general inflammation.
Scalp itch can be caused by a lot of things including dandruff, fungus, a dry scalp, certain inflammatory conditions like lichen planopilaris, or even neurological conditions.
I recommend first seeking out a consultation to find out the cause of your scalp itch. This will give you the best treatment plan. While you wait for your consultation, you can use antifungal treatments or products that remove oil and dirt, like scalp exfoliators or charcoal-based products.
Ingredients such as sulfates, as well as artificial dyes and fragrances are generally safe to use. But they have been proven to trigger allergic reactions such as redness and itching on those with sensitive skin. So take caution!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | OGX Tea Tree Mint Scalp Treatment | $8.99 Low Mid | Peppermint and Tea Tree Oils to Keep Your Scalp Clean | ||
2 | Head & Shoulders Scalp Elixir Treatment | $7.89 Low Mid | Great Treatment for Dandruff-Prone Scalps | ||
3 | cel Microstem Hair Stimulation Formula | $49.95 High | Asparagus Stem Cells and Keratin to Fortify Hair Strands | ||
4 | L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask | $7.95 Low Mid | Pre-Shampoo Mask for Oily Roots | ||
5 | Botanical Green Care Saw Palmetto and Cayenne Hair Loss Scalp Treatment | $34.99 High Mid | Cayenne to Stimulate Blood Vessels for Healthier Scalp | ||
6 | Fantasia Naturals Scalp Serum | $9.99 Low Mid | A Soothing Serum for Itchy, Flaky Scalps | ||
7 | Pura D’or Hair Thinning Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum Revitalizer | $19.99 Mid | An Effective Scalp Treatment to Reduce Hair Thinning | ||
8 | Dermasolve Psoriasis Scalp Oil |2 pack | $27.95 High Mid | Effective for Psoriasis and Chronic Dry Skin | ||
9 | Design Essentials Anti-Itch & Tension Relief | $11.55 Low Mid | Tea Tree and Aloe Vera for Soothing Flaky, Itchy Scalps | ||
10 | Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women | $25.00 High Mid | 2% Minoxidil to Effectively Promote Hair Growth |
On the other hand, the majority of reviewers are happy that this scalp treatment is effective at relieving itching and easing overly dry skin. As it's hydrating without making hair greasy, it is pretty helpful for those with oily and itchy skin as well.
Still, various reviewers note that this product is particularly helpful for those who wear their hair in protective styles, as it allows them to keep styles comfortably for a long time and helps to stretch the time between washings.
After using this serum, many buyers are amazed that their hair is actually growing back. They find that their hair looks fuller and healthier as well. However, a few buyers mention that the results happen slowly. So if you haven't seen any improvement yet, be patient!
Nonetheless, this product was a go-to for those with oily hair as it soaked up all the oil in their hairline. Many mention that their hair now has more body and find the product soothing on the scalp. Another plus point for buyers is that it helps prolong the time between washes, even for those with normally very oily hair.
Meanwhile, various reviewers vouched for this product's effectiveness in promoting hair growth. It also improves hair volume and texture and leaves roots feeling extremely clean.
On the other hand, various reviewers write that this scalp treatment provides noticeable reductions in hair loss and improvements in scalp condition. They also notice a lot of new growth after using the product. Plus, it's color-safe, easy to use, doesn’t leave any greasy residue, and has a pleasant light scent.
Other buyers write that, depending on your hair type, you can choose to leave it in or wash it out after leaving it overnight. It’s recommended that you use it frequently for the first two weeks then taper off to once or twice a week after.
Still, various reviewers notice significant changes after about two months with consistent use. Their hair looked thicker. They also found the spray nozzle easy and convenient to use on both localized and larger areas.
No. 1: OGX|Tea Tree Mint Scalp Treatment
No. 2: Head & Shoulders|Scalp Elixir Treatment
No. 3: cel|Microstem Hair Stimulation Formula
No. 4: L’Oréal Paris |Elvive Extraordinary Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask
No. 5: Botanical Green Care|Saw Palmetto and Cayenne Hair Loss Scalp Treatment
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices