Yikes! It's scary when your hair falls starts to thin. But hair-growth shampoos, anti-thinning oils and thickening suppliments can help. (Getty Images)
There are approximately a million reasons why losing your hair can be destabilizing, but a big one is because thick, bouncy hair has become such a symbol of health, youth and virility that when yours sheds or thins, you feel something akin to shame, especially when it seems like you're the only one going through it. Truth is, hair thinning is actually much more common than you'd think: 40 million men and 20 million women (thanks, menopause!) in the U.S. experience it. If you're one of them, now's the time to check out some trusted, tried-and-true solutions to help build your strands — especially with the President's Day deals on hair-loss products I've found this week.
I'm 51, and I've had thinning hair since my mid-40s. And I've spoken to multiple doctors and experts over the years to uncover the best remedies to keep my mane healthy and full. I take supplements (Nutrafol, every day — it works) and manage the appearance of what hair I have left with high-quality styling products (like the best dry shampoos).
The following are a few of the best, expert-recommended treatments for fine and thinning hair — many are currently on sale.
Nizoral is one of the most powerful at-home dandruff remedies you can buy, especially at this price. It's among the few over-the-counter formulas with ketoconazole, a potent anti-fungal that kills the yeast and bacteria that primarily cause dandruff.
Clinical studies have found Nizoral with 1% ketoconazole to be 10 times more effective at treating dandruff than the next closest rival shampoos (the 2% Nizoral shampoo was 100 times better than any of the other products). It's safe for chemically processed and color-treated hair, and it has a fresh, nonmedicinal scent.
Nutrafol is not a new discovery for me, but it's one I find myself recommending again and again to anyone who asks about thinning hair. I've been using it myself for years. If your mop is starting to look less robust, if you find you're shedding strands or the girth of your mane amounts to little more than a doll's ponytail, Nutrafol is the supplement for you.
Yes, it's too expensive. No, I don't like swallowing four horse pills every morning. BUT — and this is a big "but" — when taken consistently, Nutrafol really works for thinning hair, it stopped my shedding and, after four months, I even saw new hair growth.
File this silicone brush under "things you don't think you need until you try them." Regular scalp massages are one of the best and first steps you can take if you want to stimulate hair growth.
This brush makes it easy — just apply your shampoo or hair oil and go to town in circular motions for a minute or two. Not only will you be helping unclog pores on your scalp and improve circulation, but the whole process feels amazing.
Grab the doodad while it's nearly 50% off.
It might seem like hooey, but it's actually true: Topically applied rosemary oil has been clinically proven to initiate new hair growth and help prevent further loss. In fact, a 2015 study suggests that rosemary essential oil is as effective as minoxidil at growing new hair in mice.
This is an excellent, highly-rated rosemary oil should you want to try it out — it's also an Amazon No. 1 best seller too with more than 70,000 5-star reviews.
Speaking of minoxidil, Rogaine is quite possibly the most recognizable and well-known brand when it comes to hair loss products — and it's often recommended by doctors, including by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Taub.
This 5% minoxidil foam penetrates the scalp to revive hair follicles and increase protein production in the cells to help regrow stronger, thicker hair. Even though Rogaine is often thought of as only having the best hair growth products for men, the company also makes great minoxidil-based products for women. Clinical studies showed the product helped regrow hair in over 80% of women in as little as 12 weeks, with visible results after continuous daily use after 24 weeks.
If you're in panic mode over your hair loss, this might just be the best product for you. That said, since it is a "medicated" solution, it's best to consult with your doctor before use to ensure it's a good fit. Right now it's on sale for nearly 40% — as is Rogaine for Men.
"In our practice, we have seen great success with the Harklinikken line, which addresses specific types of hair loss by offering customized, targeted and responsive treatments, based on the patient's unique history, scalp profile and hair loss circumstances," says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Vallecillos
Vallecillos isn't the only one singing Harklinkken's praises: the entire line of "hair gain" products is multi-award-winning. The shampoo is effective in removing oil, product buildup and surface pollution without disrupting the scalp's barrier. Best of all, experts say it reinvigorates and strengthens the hair, helping to restore its natural thickness and vibrancy.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.