You can achieve hair growth at home — experts explain how

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The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

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Let’s face it, hair loss isn’t something anyone wants to deal with — but many of us are bound to experience it at one point or another in our lives.

When you look down in the shower and see one too many strands in the drain or notice some thinning spots on your scalp, it can certainly cause unwanted stress or mild panic. Of course, you should consult your doctor to determine any possible underlying causes, but there are ways you can tackle the problem on your own, too.

Luckily, there are many over-the-counter products on the market that can nourish your hair follicles and help revive hair growth. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry previously stopped by TODAY to share some of her favorite products to address this concern. Whether you’re looking for a topical treatment, a nourishing hair oil or are curious about red light therapy, her picks are both easy-to-use and easily accessible, she says.

Keep reading to see the best dermatologist-recommended products for anyone experiencing hair thinning and hair loss. We also included a few tried-and-true favorites tested by our editors as well to help round out the list.

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors

Award winner: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts
  • Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density $22.80 at Sephora
  • Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density $22.80 at Amazon
  • Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density $22.80 at The Ordinary

Product Specs

Associate editor Shannon Garlin tested this multi-peptide serum that is also a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner. "I started using the hair serum consistently in June 2022. Within that time, I’ve noticed vast improvements to my scalp and hair," said Garlin. "I no longer find myself itching my head throughout the day (unless I’ve gone too long without washing my hair), and the flaking is completely gone. Plus, my skin and strands went from feeling dry to hydrated and moisturized."

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

Courtesy Shannon Garlin / TODAY

Easy to use: Women’s Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution

2% Minoxidil Topical Solution

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts
  • 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution $34.81 at Amazon
  • 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution $39.06 at Walmart
  • 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution $44.99 at Walgreens

Product Specs

Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Minoxidil

Rogaine has been in the hair regrowth market for a very long time and now the dermatologist-recommended company offers the product for women. Henry says you can easily buy it over the counter and online. According to the brand, it contains 2% minoxidil, which is clinically proven to boost activity in the hair follicle. To use, the brand says you apply one milliliter of the dropper to the targeted area, twice a day.

Helps with balding: Men’s Rogaine Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution

Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts
  • Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution $35.06 at Amazon
  • Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution $71.49 at CVS

Product Specs

Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Minoxidil

For men looking to give their hair growth a boost, you may have already considered this extra strength topical solution, which contains 5% minoxidil. This product has over 13,400 Amazon reviews with one reviewer writing, “After 3 months of using Rogaine, I have significant hair growth where I was going bald. My hairline does not seem to be receding any further, and there is some regrowth in the front as well.”

Say hello to baby hairs: BosleyMD Minoxidil Spray

Minoxidil Spray

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

AMAZON

Product Specs

Size: 2 oz., 2 count | Key ingredients: Minoxdil 2%

Commerce editor Vivien Moon tested this product over three months and was pleased with the baby hair growth she saw. “I didn’t feel any side effects or had anything concerning happen so I would recommend it to others looking for a solution," said Moon. "It’s easy to apply and I especially loved that it only took a minute to apply it once a day (that’s what I was doing at least)."

Lightweight and not greasy: Isdin Lambdapil Hair Loss Lotion

Lambdapil Hair Loss Lotion

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

Isdin Lambdapil Hair Loss Lotion

  • Lambdapil Hair Loss Lotion $52.50 at Amazon
  • Lambdapil Hair Loss Lotion $70.00 at LovelySkin
  • Lambdapil Hair Loss Lotion $70.00 at ISDIN

Product Specs

Size: 4.2 oz. | Key ingredients: diaminopyrimidine oxide, ginkgo biloba, biotin

Henry likes this lotion, which contains diaminopyrimidine oxide, ginkgo biloba and biotin, as another option without minoxidil. According to the brand, the light-weight formula is meant to increase the thickness of your strands and strengthen hair follicles without leaving it feeling greasy.

Leaves hair shiny: Kintsugi Awakening Mist

Awakening Mist

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

Product Specs

Size: 4.6 oz. | Key ingredients: Redensyl, hydrolyzed keratin, chamomile flower extract

Henry says this sulfate-free Awakening Mist stimulates hair growth and contains redensyl, which has similar effects to minoxidil. By using twice a day, the brand says the product is meant to decrease scalp build-up and naturally nourish and encourage healthy hair follicles.

Soothes scalp: ReTress Serum

ReTress Serum

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts
  • ReTress Serum $64.00 at LovelySkin
  • ReTress Serum $64.00 at ReTress

Product Specs

Henry says this serum is an all-natural option that doesn’t contain minoxidil. According to the brand, it contains tripeptides to help stimulate the hair follicles and contains herbal ingredients, which helps sooth scalp inflammation. To use, the brand says this serum is meant to leave-in with one-to-two pumps that are directly applied to the affected areas.

The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors

If you’re looking to splurge, Henry says red light therapy, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a great option to stimulate hair growth.

“It has been proposed that LLLT on the scalp increases the number of hair follicles and hair tensile strength through improved microvascular circulation, reduced inflammation and increased cell energy,” said Henry.

10-minute process: Higher Dose Red Light Hat

Higher Dose Red Light Hat

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

DIFFBOT

  • Higher Dose Red Light Hat $449.00 at Amazon
  • Higher Dose Red Light Hat $449.00 at HigherDOSE
  • Higher Dose Red Light Hat $449.00 at Nordstrom

Product Specs

Features: Cordless, 10-minute process | Hair type: All

Ricevuto tested this Higher Dose Red Light Hat in conjunction with the SickScience PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum and Nioxin's Hair Fall Defense Shampoo. "Since it’s cordless, it’s super easy to use while watching TV, cleaning or even while cooking each night," she noted.

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

Courtesy Julie Ricevuto

"It looks like a regular baseball hat but has 120 diodes of red light bulbs that use FDA-cleared technology to stimulate hair growth," Ricevuto explained.

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

Courtesy of Julie Ricevuto

May help with alopecia: iRestore Essential Laser Hair Regrowth System

iRestore Essential

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

DIFFBOT

Product Specs

Features: 25-minute process | Hair type: All

Another non-invasive and hands-free red light therapy option is this device from iRestore. According to the company, this FDA-cleared treatment is great for those with alopecia and experiencing a receding hairline and balding. Featuring in-helmet padding, the brand says for the best results you can wear this for up to 25 minutes, every other day. Like other red light therapy treatments, Henry says to expect results within three to six months.

Splurge option: CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet

CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

Product Specs

Features: 10-minute process, comes in multiple sizes | Hair type: All

The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors

Most budget-friendly: Straand The Crown Fix Scalp Serum

The Crown Fix Scalp Serum

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

The Crown Fix Scalp Serum by straand

  • The Crown Fix Scalp Serum $19.00 at Free People
  • The Crown Fix Scalp Serum $18.20 at Amazon

Product Specs

Size: 1.76 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, lactic acid

“I started using this serum recently and it’s really helped calm any itchiness,” notes Garlin. “The dropper applicator makes it easy to target certain areas, so you don’t have to apply it to your whole scalp if you don’t want to.”

Tropical vacation vibes: Sun Bum Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30

Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts
  • Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30 $19.49 at Target
  • Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30 $17.49 at CVS
  • Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30 $17.49 at Ulta

Product Specs

Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Butyloctyl, sunflower seed extract

Next time you’re out in the sun, you’ll want to make sure you give your scalp a spritz of SPF, too. Henry says this is an important step that protects the scalp, especially for women who often part their hair on the same side. The company claims this fast-drying SPF 30 mist is light-weight and won’t leave your scalp and hair feeling overly greasy.

Good for color-treated hair: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum

Scalp Revival Charcoal and Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts
  • Scalp Revival Charcoal and Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum $32.00 at Sephora
  • Scalp Revival Charcoal and Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum $32.00 at Ulta
  • Scalp Revival Charcoal and Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum $22.50 at Briogeo

Product Specs

Henry says scalp care is a new and growing part of hair care. “The scalp is an extension of the skin and maintaining a healthy scalp is critical to hair growth and maintenance,” said Henry.

If you’re experiencing dandruff or a dry and flaky scalp, Henry likes this serum as a scalp soother. The brand says the charcoal ingredients will remove scalp impurities and buildup from the hair follicles, and 98% of users experienced a less dry scalp after one use.

Editor favorite: SickScience PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum

PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum

The best hair growth products, according to experts and tested by editors, The best red-light therapy devices, according to experts and tested by editors, The best scalp care products, according to experts and tested by editors, How we chose, Meet the experts

DIFFBOT

  • PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum $58.00 at SickScience
  • PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum $58.00 at Amazon

Product Specs

Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract, biotin

Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto recently tested this SickScience PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum. “Admittedly, I wasn’t as rigid in my usage of this serum, only using it about two to three times per week,” noted Ricevuto. “The liquid-serum texture was easy to apply and, when massaged into damp hair, didn’t leave a residue.”

Ricevuto also mentioned that this serum is hypoallergenic, which she appreciated since it didn’t make her scalp itchy.

How we chose

The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best products for hair growth by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists. We also asked our editors to share a few of their go-to products for hair growth, loss and thinning as well.

Meet the experts

  • Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, New York.
  • Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.

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