Shedding hair is completely normal. In fact, we lose about 100 strands of hair a day. Until recently, this stat never crossed my mind-let alone products for thinning hair. Thankfully, I’d always been blessed with great hair genes, inheriting long, exceptionally thick hair from both of my parents. In fact, it’s historically been the first thing people notice about all of us. That was, until stress finally caught up with me and started to take its toll.
There’s no way around it: I’ve had a particularly difficult year, and my body has certainly kept score. The shedding crept in slowly, like a haunting in a horror movie. I started noticing more strands in my brush, collecting in the shower drain, and eventually, scattered across the floor after styling. Even my regular hairstylist gently alerted me that my hair felt different, pointing to changes in both its texture and density.
After many tears and ongoing doctor’s appointments to rule out an underlying cause, scalp care and a handful of thinning hair products have become a nonnegotiable part of my routine. And I’m far from alone. While hair loss is often associated with male pattern baldness, it affects millions of women too-and navigating it can be just as emotionally overwhelming as it is difficult to treat.
Hair loss can be hard to treat because multiple factors influence it, says board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko. Thinning hair can be caused by anything from genetics and hormonal changes (including pregnancy and menopause) to medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. Not to mention the physical damage caused by chemical processing or tight hairstyles. A quick trip to the dermatologist for me confirmed my diagnosis: telogen effluvium (a.k.a. stress hair loss).
“Telogen effluvium is a type of hair shedding that may be noticed a few months after the body experiences some type of change or stress,” board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick explains. In fact, hair shedding was also common in the months post-COVID-19 as a combination of emotional stress and illness. Interestingly, there’s a new common cause making hair loss a common issue in hairstylist and dermatologist chairs-with the rise of GLP-1 drugs. Dr. Garshick explained that hair loss can be an indirect result of rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Otherwise, the most common cause of hair thinning is male- and female-pattern baldness, a form of androgenetic alopecia. It’s both hereditary and hormone-related, and most frequently occurs with age.
When it comes to slowing hair loss, there are two main approaches: reducing shedding and encouraging new growth. While they’re often grouped together, they work in different ways. Take minoxidil, for example-it increases blood flow to the scalp to help stimulate new hair growth. Meanwhile, products like Nutrafol contain natural ingredients that help inhibit DHT levels. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp explains, excess dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is closely linked to hair loss, so ingredients that naturally help lower DHT may also help reduce thinning over time. A well-rounded regimen features both shedding-reduction and growth-stimulating ingredients.
If you’re like me, that’s a lot of information to digest; but as complex as hair loss may be, treating it is not a lost cause. Below are some of the products that have worked to halt the shedding in my hair growth journey so far-with expert insights and recommendations from MDs along the way.
What to consider in hair-loss treatments
What causes thinning hair? What are the best ingredients for thinning hair? Can thinning hair grow back thicker? How can you tell if your hair is thinning? What vitamin is lacking if your hair is thinning? How can you prevent further hair thinning? These questions guide a practical approach to selecting serums that suit your scalp and hair type.
We tested and selected top picks
Best Shampoo and Conditioner: Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner Set helps combat shedding and restore scalp balance with plant extracts, peptides, and amino acids, including turmeric and mung bean extracts that block DHT. Niacinamide soothes and strengthens the scalp barrier, supporting hair health.
Best Red-Light Device: HigherDOSE Red Light Hat-red-light therapy is helpful for early thinning and pattern baldness, promoting follicle activity, prolonging the growth phase, and increasing scalp microcirculation.
Best Hair Growth Supplement: Nutrafol Women’s Hair Growth Supplements address poor circulation and nutrient deficiencies with vitamins, marine collagen peptides, ashwagandha, and saw palmetto to combat thinning by reducing the hair-thinning hormone DHT.
Best Budget Serum: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density offers a blend of peptides, caffeine, and plant extracts to stimulate follicles, support scalp health, and promote thicker hair over time.
Best Dermaroller: Act+Acre Scalp Dermastamp-microneedle stamping improves product absorption and increases blood flow and collagen production; use with caution and proper cleaning to avoid infection.
Best Hair Growth Serum: Cécred Restoring Edge Drops contain a blend of bioactive keratin ferment, fermented rice powder, biotin, rose extract, ginger extract, and peptides to target thinning areas and support hair regrowth.
Best Drugstore Shampoo: Pantene Abundant & Strong Shampoo provides hydrators and oil-control ingredients to support scalp health at a great price point, though it doesn’t include explicit DHT blockers.
Best for Instant Volume: K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray uses a patented peptide along with pea peptides and seaweed-derived ingredients to lift roots and add fullness without stiffness.
Best Minoxidil: Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam Hair Regrowth Treatment remains the most cited OTC option for stimulating new growth, though many prefer drug-free botanical options for fewer side effects.
What are hair growth oils and serums? They are topical treatments applied to the scalp to slow shedding and encourage regrowth, with ingredients that promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and modulate DHT at the scalp level. Rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, and biotin are frequently highlighted, with minoxidil as the FDA-approved OTC standard for hair loss. Natural alternatives like rosemary may be as effective for some users.
How to use a hair growth serum
How to use a hair growth serum varies by brand, but a typical approach includes applying directly to the scalp and massaging for 1-3 minutes to improve absorption and circulation. Do not rinse out unless the product specifies. Consistency is key: many see results within 3-6 months, with shedding reduction first and visible regrowth later. If you’re evaluating progress, consult a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist for objective measurements.
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical treatment for stimulating hair growth. For those seeking a drug-free option, Nutrafol offers botanically-based ingredients to stimulate growth while addressing underlying circulation and nutrient concerns. Most hair serums aim to block DHT production or activity at the scalp, support scalp health, and create a favorable environment for existing follicles.
What to look for in a hair serum or oil
- Active ingredients: Saw palmetto, caffeine, green tea extract, peptides (like biotinoyl tripeptide-1 or GHK-Cu), apigenin, niacinamide.
- Drug-free vs. prescription options: OTC serums often rely on plant-based actives; minoxidil is the main FDA-approved non-prescription pharmacologic option.
- Skin and hair compatibility: choose lightweight formulas for fine hair; richer oils suit thick or curly hair.
- Third-party testing and safety: look for products free of parabens and phthalates; patch test before full application.
- Usage modality: determine if the product is leave-in or rinse-out and follow label directions.
What the experts say
The best hair serum for you depends on your unique needs and hair concerns. Many dermatologists emphasize a comprehensive approach that combines shedding-reduction and growth-stimulation ingredients. For example, natural blockers of DHT at the scalp, coupled with growth-supporting peptides, can be effective in reducing shedding while promoting thicker, fuller-looking hair over time.
Practical regimen example
Apply a growth serum in the morning and an anti-shed serum at night, focusing on thinning areas. Divide hair into sections and massage into the scalp after application to enhance absorption. Maintain consistency-two to three times per week or as directed by the product label. Consider pairing a scalp-supporting shampoo with a targeted serum for best results.
For those considering more intensive methods, dermarollers or dermastamps can be used to boost absorption and stimulate collagen, but they require meticulous hygiene and proper technique to minimize risk.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to see results from a hair serum? Typically several months; many people notice reduced shedding within 3 months and visible regrowth by 6 months.
- Are there safety concerns with hair serums? Most OTC serums are safe for color-treated hair when used as directed; always patch-test and review ingredients.
- Can rosemary oil be as effective as minoxidil? Some studies suggest rosemary oil may be beneficial, but results vary by individual and further research is needed.
In summary, the best serum for hair fall blends scientifically supported actives with a personalized routine. For many, a combination of DHT-modulating ingredients, growth-promoting peptides, and scalp-supporting nutrients offers the most reliable path to thicker, healthier-looking hair. Always consider your own hair type, underlying causes, and dermatologist recommendations when building a regimen.