Hair Loss Treatments for Women: Medications, Shampoos, and More

Table Of Content

• Best for Oily Scalps: Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops
• BONUS! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness
• Best with Peptides: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
• Causes of hair loss in women
• Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Naturally regrowing your hair often requires a multidirectional approach. This means you may have to combine different approaches for the best results. Speak with a healthcare professional before combining different regrowth methods to make sure there are no concerns or possible contraindications. If your hair is dry, you can also use it as a leave-in treatment. Stretching during the massage could encourage hair growth and thickness in the dermal papilla cells, which are located at the bottom of the hair follicle.

Best for Oily Scalps: Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops

It’s also free of sulfates, which are important to avoid as they can dry out your hair, leading to a brittle feeling and more breakage, says certified trichologist Tiffany Young. If you’re looking to upgrade your shower experience, this pick is for you. This thick, creamy shampoo lathers well and is easy to wash out. Our hair and scalp felt clean and moisturized after every use, and it even healed some dry patches.

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Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Minoxidil and finasteride have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat androgenetic alopecia. In chronic cases, shedding may continue, but a person will usually retain a reasonable head of hair.

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The 12 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair of 2024, Tested and Reviewed.

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Best with Peptides: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

But, as with multivitamins, there isn’t enough evidence that folic acid is guaranteed to help make your hair thicker. You can also ask your doctor about a prescription-strength shampoo. Some companies like Keeps and Happy Head offer these prescriptions online.

However, as you age, some follicles may stop growing hair and you may experience hair loss (also called anagen effluvium). It may be a little distressing to notice, possibly for the first time, that you have thinning hair. For many of us, it’s a natural part of aging that doesn’t necessarily need to be treated.

Causes of hair loss in women

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Unwanted changes to your appearance can influence your self-esteem and social life. Some people find comfort in talking with a mental health professional if their hair loss causes discomfort. Others may find relief in changing their hairstyle or wearing a wig. With minoxidil, you might also see hair growing in places other than your scalp (cheeks and forehead, for example).

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

The most common type of hair loss in women is a condition called female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia. It affects up to 30 million women in the U.S. — most of them in their 40s, 50s or 60s. That’s because factors like genetics, your nutrition, stress and anxiety, and changes in your hormones, metabolism, or medications can all contribute to thinning hair. And the cause of your hair loss can help you determine the right ingredients for you—and, with that, the best hair growth serum.

If you have scarring alopecia or alopecia areata, your doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory medication such as the JAK inhibitor Olumiant (baricitinib) to help tamp down your immune system. Hormonal shifts may also explain why women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often experience female pattern hair loss at younger ages. Women with PCOS experience an overproduction of androgens — male hormones, such as testosterone. "This will help prevent a type of hair loss called traction alopecia, which can happen from repetitive tight hairstyles." While many products do provide applicator nozzles that reach through the hair, some droppers aren’t as precise.

Renee Furterer Triphasic Progressive Serum

Keratin treatments for hair generally include the application of extra keratin extracted from animal products like wool and chicken feathers. This treatment results in hair that may appear healthier and smoother. Keep in mind that keratin treatments can be toxic or cause other health conditions, so use caution with this treatment. Hair stylists and product manufacturers generally recommend keratin treatments for coarse, thick, frizzy, or curly hair. If you have thin hair that is course or curly, you may want to try a keratin treatment. If your thin hair is fine or straight, keratin treatments may not be the best styling choice for you.

If a person is concerned about hair loss or if it affects their mental well-being, they may wish to consult a doctor. Hair growth may take 6–12 months to improve, but if a person stops using the treatment, hair loss will recur. Treatment can often help manage hair loss that occurs with aging by boosting hair health, thickness, and strength.

A review study published in 2022 found that it significantly increases hair diameter and hair count in patients with several types of alopecia. It typically isn’t covered by insurance, and it can be expensive, Mirmirani says. She recommends Kérastase's Genesis Strengthening Shampoo ($42) for anyone experiencing breakage, thinning, or damage to their hair.