Table 1 Compare Best Hair Loss Treatments for Men
| Type(s) of treatment | Oral, topical | Oral, topical | Oral | Topical | Oral, topical |
| Subscription plan | 3 months | 3 months | Pay-as-you-go | 1 month | 1 month |
| Money back guarantee | No money back guarantee | > 30 days | 30 days | No money back guarantee | No money back guarantee |
| Shipping cost | Free for subscribers | Free with every purchase | Free for subscribers | Free for subscribers | Free for subscribers |
Hair loss is a common concern for many men. Multiple hair loss treatment options are available online, like hair loss medications, shampoos, and supplements. We researched and reviewed the best hair loss treatments available online, comparing them based on expert guidance, published research, and our tester insights.
Common causes of hair loss in men
Male pattern hair loss
Male pattern hair loss, also known as hereditary hair loss or androgenetic hair loss, is the most common cause of hair loss in men, affecting 30 to 50% of men by age 50. Hair loss happens when hair follicles respond to hormones differently. If treated early, hair regrowth can be possible. “For anyone dealing with hair loss, starting treatment sooner rather than later is always best. The earlier we intervene, the better the chances are of preserving existing hair and stimulating new growth,” said Ross Kopelman, MD, hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration in Paramus, New Jersey.
Stress
Stress to the body or a period of mental stress can cause stress-related hair loss. Telogen effluvium is hair loss that happens in response to changes in the body, stressful events, nutritional deficiencies, or medications, such as:
- Severe diseases
- Major surgery
- Thyroid disease
- Malnutrition
- Rapid weight loss
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Starting certain medications such as lithium, warfarin, or retinoids
Compared to male pattern hair loss, this type of hair loss affects the whole scalp, rather than just specific areas of the scalp like the hairline and crown of the head. Treating the cause of hair loss can support regrowth.
Autoimmune disorder
For some cases of hair loss, the immune system can prevent hair growth in certain areas, resulting in patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, or body. This type of hair loss is called alopecia areata. When the immune system prevents hair from growing anywhere on the body, it’s called alopecia universalis, a less common type of hair loss. Depending on the treatment and the person, hair may regrow again.
When to consult a doctor about hair loss
Hair loss can have many causes, including underlying health conditions, medications you’re taking, or something in your environment. If you’re concerned about your hair loss, Dr. Chu recommends talking to your doctor as soon as you start noticing hair thinning or hair loss before purchasing a product from an online platform.
“Getting the right diagnosis is very important,” said Dr. Chu. “There are a lot of people I see who come in with suspected pattern hair loss, and they have something else.” Dermatologists can order lab tests and perform examinations to find the cause of hair loss. From there, they can offer individualized guidance on the treatment options that are available and most appropriate. Hims and Happy Head providers do not order lab tests to determine the cause of hair loss prior to treatment, but they do review photographs of your scalp as part of the intake process. Nutrafol offers a hair mineral analysis lab test to help determine the cause of hair loss, and Ro providers can order at-home tests you can mail back to a lab for analysis.
How we test hair loss products for men
We base 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, paying special attention to:
- Treatments available, including prescription and over-the-counter options
- Ways to contact a prescriber, for example through messaging or video sessions
- The medical assessment and intake process, if prescribed a medication
- Shipping times
- Costs of subscriptions, products, and consultations
- How easy it is to use the app or website
- Treatment experience
- Customer service
All of our reviews are medically reviewed by a licensed and practicing medical expert to ensure the information is accurate and up to date.
Key Takeaways
- We looked for treatments with research-backed ingredients to support male pattern hair loss.
- The cost of the products we reviewed ranges from $8–$149 per month, with prescription-strength products costing more than over-the-counter options.
- There can be many factors that affect hair loss, and it’s best to consult with a medical professional to find out which treatments are safe for you.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment. Dec. 13, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
- MedlinePlus. Minoxidil. Jan. 15, 2018. Found on the internet at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682608.html#side-effects
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin. Jan. 10, 2022. Found on the internet at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/