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Hair loss can be emotionally and physically distressing, especially for women. And it’s more common than you may think, occurring in up to 38% of healthy women.
When searching for the best hair loss treatments for women, we recommend first visiting a health care provider who will review your personal history, examine your scalp, and make personalized treatment recommendations tailored to you. Once you have a better understanding of the causes of your hair loss and your treatment options, you might consider getting your hair loss medications or treatment online.
Our Reviews Team researched and compared dozens of the best hair loss treatments for women available today, evaluating their effectiveness, pricing, and safety. In addition, we spoke with Christopher Chu, MD, dermatologist and co-founder of Pure Dermatology in Austin, Texas, to gather his thoughts on the best hair growth products and hair loss treatments for women.
We found several important factors when testing hair loss products specifically for women.
Hair loss treatments can be expensive, so we included a range of options to suit different budgets. We also included brands that allow financing and generic treatment options to make it easier to find an affordable solution.
Dr. Chu recommends starting with pharmaceutical medications like minoxidil and finasteride, saying, “There’s nothing that really compares to those when it comes to treating hair loss.”
We included hair loss treatments with minoxidil and finasteride, plus those made with 100% natural ingredients for people looking for natural approaches to hair loss.
Our goal is to recommend hair loss treatments that are not only effective but safe. We carefully evaluated all products on our list for potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications, and made sure to explain who should not use certain treatments.
Most hair loss treatments require a long-term commitment. We considered the daily dose, ease of application, and whether the product left behind any scalp buildup.
Launched in 2018, Hers is an online health and wellness provider that offers prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss treatments for women, including topical solutions and oral medications and supplements.
Minoxidil (sold under the brand name Rogaine) is a treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men and women. It works for hair growth by boosting blood flow to the scalp, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Also, minoxidil keeps hairs in the growth phase. Minoxidil is also approved by the FDA for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. Anyone being treated for high blood pressure or heart disease should consult with their doctor before using minoxidil.
Women seeking a prescription-strength hair loss treatment may choose to complete the medical questionnaire offered by Hers to receive recommendations from a licensed health professional. But it isn’t possible to speak with them in real time, and they cannot provide the thorough physical examination often required for an accurate diagnosis. Talk with your primary care provider about your hair loss and any other medications you take before starting oral minoxidil.
We like that Hers offers a low-dose, once-daily oral prescription of minoxidil for those who know it is safe to take after consulting with a doctor. This could be an easier treatment to follow for users who prefer taking a pill to applying topical products to their hair and scalp. For users who do prefer a topical treatment, Hers also offers an OTC 5% minoxidil foam.
Our Reviews Team did not test the oral prescription of minoxidil, but did test the Hers Minoxidil 5% Foam. After using the foam for three months, our testers saw an improvement in hair growth, especially along their hairline.
“I’ve had experience with hair thinning due to menopause, which drew me to test this product. It has been easy to apply and incorporate into my routine. It tingles a little bit on the scalp. I see a small improvement in hairline hair thickness, I think.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
Hers prescription oral minoxidil does not have any customer reviews online. Hers 5% Minoxidil Foam has overall positive feedback, earning 4.2 stars on its website with more than 60 reviews and four stars on Amazon with more than 1,800 ratings.
Many reviewers are pleased with their results, saying their hair is growing back thicker. They say it has increased their confidence. Others report experiencing scalp itching and irritation, which are relatively common side effects of topical hair loss treatments.
“I was not sure how this would turn out, but I really regret not taking pictures before I started this because I can tell it’s working for sure! When I brush my hair every day, I am noticing that I’m not shedding like I used to, and new hair is coming along … baby fuzz ”
– Annie, verified buyer on July 26, 2024
“I would first buy one or a trial because I barely used these. It gave me headaches and made my scalp itchy. I now go to a dermatologist for my hair loss, and we are avoiding this product.”
– Michelle W., verified buyer on July 12, 2024
Launched in 2016, Nutrafol has become popular among women looking for a 100% drug-free hair loss solution.
“I usually recommend supplements like Nutrafol after my patients have declined pharmaceutical treatments,” said Dr. Chu. “Nutrafol is more expensive and comes in bigger pills, but it works. There are definitely some supplements that are better than others, and in my practice, if patients want to go that route, I usually recommend Nutrafol.”
Nutrafol products are formulated to work at the level of your hair follicles and throughout the body to promote hair growth. They target the underlying causes of hair loss, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors, to support healthier, stronger hair.
Our Reviews Team tested Nutrafol’s Women Hair Growth Nutraceutical for three weeks. Similar to the Women’s Balance formula, this supplement is formulated with 21 ingredients, including Synergen Complex, a unique blend with marine collagen and plant-based ingredients like curcumin and ashwagandha. These ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory, stress-relieving, antioxidant, and dihydrotestosteroneⓘ A hormone that binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and produce thinner, finer hair strands (DHT)-inhibiting properties, according to a six-month, randomized trial published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 40 women with thinning hair reported significant improvements in hair growth, volume, and quality at 90 and 180 days. Many participants also reported improvements in stress and anxiety, with 73% of women saying they would recommend Nutrafol to a friend.
During testing, we noticed the intake quiz didn’t ask about past medical history. One of our testers with kidney disease and diabetes couldn’t use the product after their doctor advised against it. This could be due to the fact that the formulation contains large doses of biotin, which isn’t suitable for everyone. Nutrafol does offer a vegan formulation that’s biotin-free. It is best to talk to your doctor before starting any new dietary supplement to make sure that it is safe to use with other medications or health conditions.
As a dietary supplement, Nutrafol is not regulated or approved by the FDA. But it is produced in an FDA-regulated facility and tested in-house and by a third party for purity and potency.
You can purchase a single bottle or choose recurring deliveries. All subscriptions include a phone consultation with one of Nutrafol’s naturopathic doctors, a hair-mineral analysis test, and a free Headspace subscription.
“Nutrafol capsules are extremely large and have an unpleasant flavor. People who have trouble swallowing pills may want to choose another hair loss treatment.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nutrafol Women’s Balance Hair Growth Nutraceutical gets 4.2 stars on Amazon with more than 12,000 reviews. Many reviewers are highly satisfied with their results but mention that it takes time to see a difference. Some people complain about the large pill size and say the cost is too high to use the product indefinitely.
“First, I have to say the taste of these capsules is nasty. I had a hard time getting used to this. I figured out after a while the best way to take them is swallow all four at once followed by eating something immediately. Mixing the powder into food is NOT a good idea, at least for me! I could not handle the taste. Another thing to say is that these require patience, which I’m not good at. I started taking them at the end of April and I feel like I’m starting to see real results recently, so it took four months. My hair is growing, is thicker, and the texture just looks different. I’m SO glad I stuck with them! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who is noticing negative hair changes.”
– Christine L., verified buyer on Sept. 2, 2024
“It’s been a few months since starting this supplement, and I actually see new growth. It’s not an outrageous amount, but still there. I have little baby hairs sticking on my scalp. My hair was not very thin overall, but getting thinner around the facial/ hairline areas due to age. I am 48. I take two a day instead of the 4 they recommend, so maybe I would see even more if doubled. Kind of pricey, so I’ll stick to two for now. It does appear to work!”
– Veronica, verified buyer on Sept. 13, 2024
Founded in 2021 by two dermatologists, Happy Head offers fully customized prescription-strength hair loss formulas tailored to your specific needs. For this review, we’re focusing on Happy Head Rx, the company’s most popular topical solution for women age 50 and older.
Happy Head TopicalRx Solution is made of 0.3% finasteride, 6% minoxidil, retinoic acid, and hydrocortisone.
Minoxidil works to stimulate hair growth, and finasteride works by reducing the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Retinoic acid is included to help minoxidil penetrate the scalp, and hydrocortisone is used to reduce irritation.
Evidence suggests the combination of topical finasteride and minoxidil may be more effective than minoxidil alone in treating female pattern baldness.
Dr. Chu emphasizes caution when prescribing finasteride, especially in the oral form, to women who haven’t reached menopause due to safety concerns during pregnancy.
“I definitely am very hesitant to prescribe oral finasteride in anyone who’s still childbearing. So I usually don’t. The people I prescribe to are usually done having children. They have taken steps to make sure they’re not going to get pregnant or are postmenopausal,” he said.
We appreciate Happy Head’s high level of personalization, which includes an initial consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who reviews your medical history and any customization requests before prescribing a custom medication. This type of medication is known as a compounded drug, meaning that ingredients are mixed or combined. You can also message your dermatologist anytime to ask questions or request formula adjustments.
If you’re unhappy with your product, you have six months to return your most recent order for a full refund.
“The solution smells like rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. It is more of a liquid than a serum, and might leave a slight grease because I could feel the residue on my hands. But it is not super thick and it seems lightweight. ”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
Happy Head has 4.3 stars on Trustpilot, with more than 900 reviews. Many reviewers mention that the compounded formula is easy to apply. They are impressed with Happy Head’s customer service. Others have noticed skin irritation from the formula and mention frustrations with the cancellation process.
“The formula is easy to apply and fits seamlessly into my daily routine. I particularly appreciate the customized approach, allowing for adjustments based on individual needs. Within just a few months, I’ve noticed significant improvements in hair density and thickness, far surpassing my expectations.”
– Hernando C., verified buyer on June 25, 2024
“Topical product left my hair dry and crusty after each use. Went to cancel my subscription, and after making me fill out a bunch of information on their website, I received a message that said, ‘If you decide to proceed with the cancellation, please call us at 844-962-4247, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.’ I hate companies that make it extremely difficult to stop a subscription.”
– Arin B., verified buyer on June 29, 2024
Founded in 2016, Nurx is a telehealth company that offers access to prescription medications to treat more than 21 different health conditions, including anxiety and hair loss as well as common symptoms associated with menopause.
Nurx’s Ketoconazole 2% Cream, a generic form of Nizoral, is a topical antifungal cream used to treat dandruff and fungal infections on the skin.
“Ketoconazole is used to treat a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which is not a hair loss condition but rather chronic inflammation of the scalp. In my mind, reducing scalp inflammation leads to a healthier scalp and, ultimately, healthier hair,” Dr. Chu points out.
Early studies suggest that ketoconazole may be helpful in people with female pattern hair loss by blocking DHT. But more studies are needed, and it’s generally not used as a first-line treatment for hair loss.
To get started, request treatment by selecting a medication or by asking Nurx’s medical team for guidance. Next, you’ll answer questions about your medication history, and a Nurx provider in your state will review your request. If medically appropriate, they’ll write a prescription for you.
The initial consultation fee of $80 is relatively expensive, but it includes one year of unlimited messaging and virtual consultations with Nurx’s hair loss experts.
Unfortunately, Nurx is not available to be shipped in 14 states (Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.).
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
Nurx has 4.8 stars on its website, with more than 26,000 reviews. Many reviewers appreciate the service’s convenience. Others mention receiving the wrong shipment.
“I find using Nurx so convenient in a day and age when there is so much to do and so little time. I can make an appointment from the comfort of my home and not have to worry about skipping out of work to drive to a dermatologist.”
– Dawn, verified buyer on Dec. 6, 2023
“Didn’t get the product I requested, and instead got prescribed some other ointment that I had no interest in using and was charged without my permission.”
– Allen, verified buyer on Feb. 8, 2022
Vegamour GRO Hair Serum is a vegan hair serum made with all-natural ingredients. It’s not FDA-approved for hair loss, but limited evidence suggests that some of its ingredients may help promote hair growth.
For example, one recent study notes that red clover blend is among the herbs with the strongest evidence to support its effectiveness in treating hair loss by stimulating the hair follicle.
Also, there is evidence that Vegamour ingredients, including caffeine and turmeric (the active ingredient in curcumin), may increase the effectiveness of traditional hair loss treatments like minoxidil.
Despite being promoted as a hair growth vitamin, there isn’t any evidence to show that biotin can boost hair growth when there isn’t a deficiency. “I think some supplements are better than others. I don’t think they’re all the same. I think biotin is probably not that great,” Dr. Chu added.
During testing, we found the ordering process straightforward and liked that—unlike most brands we’ve reviewed—Vegamour offers interest-free financing through Klarna.
Also, if you’re unhappy with your purchase, you can initiate a return on any new or gently used products up to 30 days after purchase for a full refund (minus a $6.95 handling fee).
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Vegamour GRO Hair Serum gets 4.4 stars on its website with more than 4,800 reviews. Many reviewers mention noticing less shedding an improved hair growth and scalp health. Others report no improvement and that they experienced difficulties canceling their subscriptions.
“I have to admit I haven’t noticed a difference yet, but time will tell. It’s easy to use, unscented (which I love), and lasts quite a while”
– Cristine B., verified buyer on Aug. 19, 2024
“10/10 would recommend to a friend! I saw results within 30 days”
– Kristen B., verified buyer on Aug. 19, 2024
Our Reviews Team bases our recommendations on the best clinical guidelines and research on hair loss treatments. We talked with dermatologists and trichologists to get their expert recommendations for both prescription and over-the-counter products. We also surveyed hair loss treatment users and interviewed focus groups of users to better understand the experience of hair loss and hair loss treatment.
Our testers signed up for some of the most popular online hair loss treatment platforms for women, paying special attention to:
All of our reviews are medically reviewed by a licensed and practicing medical expert to ensure the information is accurate and up to date.
Female pattern hair loss can’t be prevented, but early evaluation and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and help regrow hair.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you can also take the following steps to promote hair growth.
Avoid wearing your hair pulled back tightly in a bun, ponytail, or braids to reduce traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by the constant pulling of the hair. Instead, wear your hair down more often, try loose braids, and frequently change hairstyles to give your hair a chance to recover.
Limit the use of hot tools like curling irons and allow your hair to naturally air-dry when possible. Brush or comb your hair gently, and avoid chemical treatments, which can further damage fragile hair.
High levels of physical or emotional stress can cause a temporary form of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. It can be treated or reversed by reducing the source of stress.
Consider trying relaxation techniques like meditation, exercise, or talking to a therapist to manage stress.
Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is vital for healthy hair. Deficiencies in protein, iron, vitamin D, and zinc have all been linked to hair loss, a reason why Dr. Chu says he often recommends a nutrition panel to rule out nutrient deficiencies.
Smoking is thought to contribute to hair loss in several ways. It disrupts blood flow to hair follicles and creates free radicals that can damage the DNA of your hair follicle. Also, the American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that smoking increases inflammation throughout the body, which can worsen hair loss.
Hair loss can impact your self-esteem. There are healthy ways to cope, including joining local support groups, trying out new hairstyles, and seeking professional help. Also, wigs or hair toppers can provide instant results while you wait for your natural hair to grow.
| Starting price | $29 per month | $88 for one bottle or subscription plans starting at $79 per month | $79 per month | $11 per month, plus an initial consultation fee of $80 | $64 for a single order or $49 per month |
| Active ingredients | Minoxidil | Ashwagandha, saw palmetto, vitamin E, marine collagen peptides, curcumin | Finasteride, minoxidil | Ketoconazole | Turmeric, caffeine, mung bean and red clover blend, biotin |
| Type of medication | Pill | Capsule | Topical solution | Topical cream | Topical serum |
The best hair loss treatments for women will depend on each person’s needs and hair loss. Dermatologists most commonly recommend FDA-approved medications like minoxidil, but herbal supplements like Nutrafol are popular among those seeking all-natural hair loss treatments. If you are experiencing hair loss, it’s important to visit a health care provider or dermatologist as soon as you notice shedding to get an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Some female hair loss can grow back with proper treatment, though it’s important to set realistic expectations and seek early intervention for the best results.
Following a healthy diet, avoiding chemical hair treatments, and reducing stress can help maintain hair thickness. Receiving an evaluation and treatment from a health care provider as soon as you notice thinning can help prevent further hair loss.
Unfortunately, avoiding hair loss from medication may not always be possible. If you’re experiencing hair loss from medications, talk with your health care provider to explore whether a different medication or dosage may be more appropriate for you or if any additional treatments are available to counteract the hair loss.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
