If you’re here, chances are you’ve experienced hair loss or thinning at some point. For some, it may be genetic, while others may come with age. Whichever the case, introducing hair growth products into your routine is an excellent strategy to reduce the impact of hair loss.
That said, one thing more scary than losing hair is realizing how difficult it can be to identify the ideal hair growth solutions. Several products claim to support growth in one form or another, but how can you confirm their effectiveness? Furthermore, while the best hair growth products are good investments, they certainly add up and can be expensive.
This comprehensive guide delves into hair growth solutions, offering insights and product recommendations to help unlock your hair’s potential. But first, let’s explore the basics.
What are Hair Growth Products?
Hair growth products encompass treatments, supplements, and topical solutions designed to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, or improve overall health. These products target various causes of hair loss or inadequate hair growth, including, but not limited to, genetics, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, and scalp conditions.
Today, several formulations focus on hair growth, from shampoos to leave-in conditioners, serums, sprays, and oils, each emphasizing specific growth processes. For instance, most topical products address critical stages of the hair growth cycle by acting directly on the hair follicles. On the other hand, nutritional supplements work internally to improve hair cell production. Here are some key product categorizations.
- Oils
Oils promote hair growth by moisturizing, nourishing, and improving hair elasticity, all of which reduce the possibility of hair breakage. Massaging oils into the scalp can improve blood circulation to the hair follicles and reduce inflammatory conditions that can restrict healthy hair growth.
- Serums
Hair growth serums contain active ingredients that target hair growth and improve overall health. Serums are typically applied directly to the scalp, with these active ingredients helping to stimulate hair follicles, deliver nutrients, and improve hair strength and thickness.
- Shampoos
Unlike oils and serums, shampoos help to cleanse the scalp and provide ingredients that promote hair growth. These products effectively remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp and hair follicles, creating a healthy foundation for hair growth. Shampoos are typically applied to wet hair, massaged into the scalp, and rinsed out thoroughly. Ideal results are achieved when you use them consistently as part of your hair care routine.
- Conditioners
Conditioners complement shampoos by providing additional nourishment, hydration, and strengthening properties to the hair and scalp. You should apply the conditioner after shampooing, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This process can help improve hair volume and thickness and reduce tangling.
- Scalp Massagers
These handheld devices help to stimulate the scalp through gentle massage. They increase blood circulation, relax scalp muscles, and promote hair growth. Scalp massagers are also very effective but more expensive than other products.
Some Ingredients to Look Out for in These Products
As with every other beauty product, hair growth solutions feature several components. However, experts have identified some prevalent ingredients you may want to look for when selecting an effective hair-growth product:
- Collagen
Collagen is crucial for maintaining and repairing hair follicles mainly because it is the primary protein found in the dermis of the scalp. Collagen also helps build keratin, the primary protein in hair, making it particularly helpful for addressing any age-related changes in hair growth.
- Vitamin A
Vitamin A also plays an essential role in improving hair health. It supports sebum production, which in turn prevents breakage.
- Iron
Typically, iron deficiency results in a decrease in hemoglobin, making it more difficult for cells to repair themselves or proliferate. This condition could also result in hair loss, as hair growth also depends on cell production.
- Rosemary Oil
This anti-inflammatory ingredient is a natural hair growth oil capable of aiding in circulation around the scalp and increasing hair growth.
- Ginseng
Extracted from ginsenosides. An active anti-inflammatory ingredient, ginseng effectively improves your hair’s thickness, volume, and density.
- Biotin
Finally, Biotin, or B-vitamin, has proven effective in promoting hair, skin, and nail health, justifying its inclusion in various hair growth products and supplements.
Aside from these ingredients, some formulations also contain other ingredients that may be best to avoid. Ingredients like sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and other harsh chemicals can cause more damage to the scalp’s health, making thinning or hair loss even worse.
That said, all our recommendations feature the best natural hair growth products, capable of improving hair health without any adverse reaction. Here are the ten best hair growth products of 2024.
Act + Acre Scalp Detox
The Act + Acre Scalp Detox is a detoxing serum ideal for those experiencing buildup, dandruff, or itchiness. Typically, these buildups limit your hair growth, but detoxing with this product creates a healthier foundation for developing new hair follicles.
This moisturizing hair growth serum is infused with natural plant-based ingredients and natural hair growth oil like antibacterial aloe, basil leaf, baobab oil, and nourishing sunflower seed oil that supports scalp health and rehydrates split ends. Furthermore, the formulation is free of silicone, phthalate, gluten, and synthetic fragrance.
Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Supplement
Supplements have become popular options for hair growth, helping to improve hair health by impacting cell production. Among the numerous options, Nutrafol offers a range of supplements enriched with essential minerals and vitamins, including vitamins A, D, collagen, and biotin. This supplement reduces hair shedding and improves thickness in about three months.
Specifically tailored for women aged 18-44, the Nutrafol Woman Hair Growth Supplement tackles six fundamental causes of hair loss, from stress and nutritional deficiencies to lifestyle and hormonal imbalances. You should take four capsules once daily for visible results in three to six months.
Revivv Hair Growth Serum
Introducing the Revivv Hair Growth Serum: a safe, natural, topical hair rejuvenation serum that effectively fosters healthy, thicker, and fuller hair. This serum features all-natural ingredients, including ginseng, lactic acid, and DHT blockers that promote stronger hair for women looking to improve their hair health and volume.
Crafted in a convenient rollerball format, Revivv ensures effortless application without any mess, making it an ideal addition to any beauty routine. Simply apply the serum liberally to the scalp and roots twice daily to maximize its effectiveness and promote optimal hair growth.
Ranavat Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum
This pre-shampoo Ayurvedic hair serum is part of the rich line of Ranavat’s hair care range and is designed to help nourish scalp health and improve hair shine. This unique formulation effectively addresses hair damage while leaving your strands lustrous and vibrant.
Enriched with antioxidants and natural ingredients, the Ranavat Mighty Majestic Fortifying Hair Serum combats hair breakage, nourishes the scalp, and protects your hair against heat damage. You can also include this product to tame frizz for effortlessly gorgeous hair.
Nioxin Ultimate Power Serum
Hair shedding is a normal and natural part of the growth cycle; however, its frequency can vary significantly among individuals. If you’re experiencing noticeable thinning or baldness due to excessive shedding, consider introducing Nioxin’s Ultimate Power Serum into your routine. This serum offers an ideal first step to tackle thinning hair at every stage, from scalp to root to strand.
With the Nioxin Ultimate Power Serum, you can expect significant improvement in your hair’s thickness within about eight weeks of consistent use. The lightweight formula is meant to be applied and left in, featuring a convenient nozzle spray that lets you target specific areas on your head.
Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil
Moroccanoil is renowned for its hydrating hair care products, but this treatment oil elevates the hair care game by nourishing and revitalizing thinning hair. This natural hair growth oil provides essential nutrients for promoting hair shine, managing frizz, and improving the overall health of the hair.
This treatment softens your hair, improves hydration, detangles strands, smooths frizz, and boosts hair by up to 118%. We recommend applying a small amount from mid-length to ends and either blow-dry or allow your hair to dry naturally. The product also works on dry hair.
Bask & Lather Scalp Stimulator Growth Oil
Typically, growth oils address the cells of hair follicles, stimulate their activities, and promote thicker hair. Utilizing a scalp stimulator like the Bask and Lather Growth Oil can further enhance this process by dilating blood vessels beneath the skin and inducing new hair growth.
This formula combines major active compounds like mint, rosemary, and fatty acids, which help keep hair follicles active and prevent them from hair loss and damage. Applying the oil 3-4 times weekly for healthy hair growth is recommended for optimal results. Furthermore, it’s suitable for all hair types and works for those suffering from hair loss, bald spots, and thinning.
Vegamour Gro Hair Serum
The Vegamour Gro Hair Serum does precisely as the name suggests: it grows your hair out in a quick time. This serum is formulated with curcumin stem cell extract, red clover, and mung bean, active ingredients known for their effectiveness in protecting the scalp against hair loss factors, minimizing hair thinning, and strengthening strands.
Thanks to its lightweight nature, the serum swiftly absorbs into the scalp in under a minute, leaving no residue or weighing down roots. If you apply this product consistently for about six months, your roots will look thicker, and new hair growth will occur, particularly around the hairline.
Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Kit
Another product from the Vegamour GRO line, this Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner Kit, is our best kit recommendation for thickening hair and enhancing its length. This kit features natural hair growth products, including the GRO revitalizing shampoo and conditioner, designed to support fuller, thicker-looking hair.
The Kit addresses thinning hair by cleansing, conditioning, and balancing the scalp and hair while reducing signs of shedding. Consistently using this kit produces visible changes in just a few weeks, and after about six weeks, your hair will have grown about 1.5 to 2 inches, with some regrowth around your hairline.
Redken Extreme Length Conditioner
This nourishing conditioner is formulated with amino acids, arginine, and citric acid, all designed to provide hair with the nutrients needed to grow long and strong without impacting the hair’s health. The formula is perfect for distressed, brittle hair, helping to reduce breakage, repair hair, and provide internal strength.
The Redken Extreme Length Conditioner features a thick consistency that significantly hydrates your hair strands without leaving a greasy residue. You also only need a little quantity to get the desired result. Furthermore, based on tests, this conditioner grows the hair by 0.5 inches in about three weeks, further improving hair volume and health the longer you apply it.
Selecting the Best Option
Having highlighted a list of the best recommendations, a common question arises: which is the best product for hair growth?
Pinpointing the perfect product isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. The effectiveness of hair growth products depends on individual needs and how natural ingredients perfectly address these needs.
As such, it might be a good idea to consult a professional before selecting a hair growth product. Dermatologists, trichologists, and other qualified professionals can provide personalized guidance, ensure safety, and maximize the chances of achieving your desired results.