So you’ve noticed that the hair on your temples is thinning and there’s a little more hair in your brush. And while hair loss is a common phenomenon and can have a whole host of mostly harmless causes, it’s still OK to want the same luscious locks you may have once had. After speaking with a few dermatologists, we’ve learned that it’s entirely possible thanks to products that don’t require you to leave your home to use.
But before you find the right over-the-counter treatment for you and your specific type of hair loss, board-certified New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose says it’s best to treat the underlying cause (if there is one) for the best results.
According to her, hormonal hair loss and telogen effluvium – a type of excessive hair loss that can be caused by metabolic stress or medication changes – are two of the most common causes of hair loss. She said other causes can include nutritional deficiencies, genetics or underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disease.
“It’s important to have your hair and scalp health assessed (by a doctor) and discuss any underlying conditions,” Murphy-Rose said, adding that a dermatologist might be an option.
In the case of a vitamin deficiency, Murphy-Rose says you may need to supplement your diet with extra iron or vitamin D3. Hormonal hair loss and telogen effluvium, on the other hand, can be improved with topical treatments, shampoos and more.
To find out exactly which products dermatologists recommend, check out the list below. But first, New York City-based and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp reminds us: “Hair loss treatments should be used for at least three to four months before determining whether they are effective or not.”
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A classic Minoxidil treatment
“Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine and it is believed that minoxidil helps keep hair in the growth phase of its growth cycle,” explains Camp of this popular treatment, which is available in formulas for men and women.
It contains a 5% concentration of this active ingredient, as well as a range of plant extracts and humectants that can draw moisture into the hair. The once-daily treatment also comes in the form of a foam, which Camp says is an important requirement to prevent the product from dripping onto other areas of the face and risking unwanted hair growth.
Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators, so be sure to read the list of side effects and talk to your doctor before using it.
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A widely recommended ketoconazole shampoo
“The active ingredient in this dandruff shampoo is (1%) ketoconazole, which has antifungal properties,” Camp explained. And while he admits the evidence is limited, ketoconazole may help reduce inflammation and the hormonal influences that can contribute to hair loss, as well as relieve dandruff.
And if you’ve been traumatized by other medicated anti-dandruff shampoos in the past, testers assure us that Nizoral leaves hair soft and smelling clean, unlike other market products that smell unpleasant, weigh down hair, and can make it dry and sticky.
Kierr
A medical-grade red light cap
“The frequency and duration of wearing these products vary depending on the manufacturer,” he says, giving general information about this type of light therapy.
Soultanicals
A natural hair oil with various herbal infusions
He suggested this natural and herbal treatment with a nourishing blend of different oils, from olive oil to rosemary and castor oil, and uses green tea, an ingredient that contains the antioxidant EGCG, which some research suggests can improve hair growth and follicle lengthening.
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A hair-strengthening rosemary oil
Advanced Trichology
A DHT-blocking shampoo
Recommended by the American Hair Loss Association, this clinically developed shampoo is designed to target three different areas of hair loss, including inflammatory and nutritional causes.
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Another DHT blocking shampoo with biotin and pumpkin seed oil
We found another DHT-blocking shampoo similar to Camp’s suggestion above. It’s an aloe vera-based formula that contains saw palmetto, nourishing argan oil, and tons of other hair-friendly ingredients. It also contains pumpkin seed oil, an ingredient that Murphy-Rose says may be helpful for some people.
