As mentioned, there are a ton of topical treatments that can help: hair-strengthening shampoo and conditioner, leave-in products that reinforce fragile hair, prescription medications, natural hair oils, hair growth serums that target the scalp and improve the texture and thickness of the hair strands, and in-office procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.
Keep in mind that topical products will act on hair follicle and growth phases in different ways—some will stimulate, while others will regulate. Nutritional supplements like hair growth vitamins work internally to support hair cell production, says trichologist Anabel Kingsley.
Here are some ingredients to look out for:
- Minoxidil: This is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter drug shown to promote hair growth by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle. Rogaine is the brand name for minoxidil.
- Biotin: This B-Vitamin is in many hair loss supplements and topical treatments that can promote hair, skin, and nail health.
- Saw palmetto: This supplement works as a blocker to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss.
- Natural oils: Including rosemary oil and castor oil. Natural oils can promote hair health, moisturize the scalp, increase circulation, and support hair growth.
- Collagen and keratin: Proteins that are crucial to hair’s elasticity and strength
- Vitamins A, B, C: Proprietary and essential vitamins that are proven to thicken hair and increase growth
