We have some good news and bad news. If we start with the bad, hair loss affects around 30 percent of the worldwide population, but everyone, on average still sheds about 100 strands of hair daily. Add to this the negative effect on the hair of genetics, illness, and skin disorders, and hair loss becomes a real concern. The good news, you can improve or prevent hair loss by choosing the best hair loss treatment for men.
Bald may be beautiful for some guys but, for many men, the first time they notice their hairline beginning to recede, is no cause for celebration. A good hair loss treatment for men can make a world of difference by slowing down the rate of loss. It may even help some guys grow new hair.
We know that a bad hair day not only messes with your head but can also negatively impact self-esteem and confidence. To get ahead of the game to bring you the 101 on the best hair loss treatments for men.
There’s a good chance you’ll be ‘full of beans’ once you see the difference the best hair loss treatment for men can make to your crowning glory. Read on to stop hair loss in its tracks.
Our Top Picks
One of the best hair loss treatments for men is minoxidil. This powerhouse, over-the-counter, non-prescription drug is one of the most effective hair loss heroes on the market.
Rogaine Hair Regrowth Treatment contains the maximum dosage of minoxidil in a foam form. It also includes a blend of botanicals and AHAs to maintain a conditioned, healthy scalp. Minoxidil breaks the hair loss cycle by boosting hair follicle activity and protein production.
Foam is one of the easiest formulas to apply. It is suitable for use on dry or damp hair. Start by parting the hair into 3-4 sections to expose the scalp. Squeeze half a capful of foam onto clean hands and massage into the scalp focusing on thinning areas. Make sure to let the foam completely dry before styling.
If you tend to have a sensitive scalp, we recommend performing a small patch test first and checking for irritation or flaking before continuing use.
Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 3 x 2.11oz | Type: Foam | Best use: All Over
- Quick-absorbing, drip-free formula
- FDA-approved formula with clinically-proven results
- Minoxidil may irritate sensitive scalps
Many topical hair loss treatments for men contain drugs like minoxidil or nanoxidil. If your scalp tends to be sensitive or you have a skin condition, these drug types can cause further irritation and dryness. Luckily, there are natural alternatives available that are still effective in the fight against hair loss.
Viviscal is a 100% drug-free hair growth supplement for men. The supplement is clinically-tested, with 75% of men who took the supplement experiencing a significant decrease in hair loss.
The formula is a collection of natural ingredients such as the brand’s signature AminoMar collagen complex. Plus, zinc, Vitamin-C, horsetail stem extract, and flax seed extract. Together these ingredients promote hair growth and decrease thinning.
Topical foams and lotions must dry completely before you can style your hair or rest your head on a pillow. For this reason, a daily supplement can be a simple, fuss-free alternative. Take just two pills a day, one in the morning and one at night after food.
Ingredients: AminoMar, Vitamin C, Zinc, Horsetail Extract, Flax Seed Extract | Size: 180 tablets | Type: Foam | Best use: All Over
- 100% drug-free, natural formula
- Simple and easy to use alternative to topical products
- Natural supplements mightn’t be as effective as clinical drugs
Did you know, according to the NYU Langone medical institution, over 80% of men will deal with a form of hair loss during their lifetime? It’s no wonder then that so much research has been invested into developing effective hair loss treatments for men.
Minoxidil is clinically proven to stop hair loss in two-thirds of men, making Keeps foam treatment is a great place to start, especially if you are experiencing thinning hair on the crown.
Twice a day, apply the foam directly to the scalp, focusing on the top of the head. The Keeps formula is gentle enough to apply with bare hands with no need for gloves. Foam is a great option since it is drip-free and (fairly) mess-free to apply.
When using minoxidil, it is normal to experience some initial shedding. Don’t panic; this is, in fact, a positive sign the treatment is taking effect.
Keeps strikes the perfect balance between effective ingredients and affordability. So this makes it the ideal at-home alternative to costly, invasive treatments.
Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 3 x 2.11oz | Type: Foam | Best use: Crown
- Good balance of affordability and quality
- Easy to apply formula
- Minoxidil treatments may cause initial shedding
If you’re looking for something gentler on the scalp than minoxidil but with the same impressive results, we may have something for you. DS Laboratories Leave-In Serum spray is the one of best hair loss treatments for men containing nanoxidil.
Nanoxidil is an effective alternative to minoxidil and has a smaller molecular weight. This fact is important because it means nanoxidil can penetrate the scalp faster. The result is a better absorption rate which means the active ingredients are continuously released. Over time, hair growth will improve, and strands will feel thicker and stronger.
As well as nanoxidil, the formula contains azelaic acid and caffeine. Both ingredients are natural DHT blockers. When found in excess, DHT is a hormone that can contribute to hair loss in men. The leave-in serum is water-based, so it won’t leave hair feeling or looking greasy.
DS Laboratories Leave-In Serum comes in the form of a spray, so it is straightforward to use. Spritz the hair 6 times, concentrating on affected areas. Then massage the product into the scalp. Do this twice a day to start seeing an improvement within 90 days.
Ingredients: Nanoxidil | Size: 2oz | Type: Spray | Best use: All Over
- Contains nanoxidil, which is more suitable for sensitive scalps
- Double-action formula contains DHT blockers to minimize hair loss
- Fewer clinical studies undertaken on nanoxidil than minoxidil
Adding an organic hair loss treatment for men into your hair care routine is a great idea. Combine it with another hair loss treatment or use it alone. Dr. Hempster Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo is a cruelty-free, organic shampoo that delivers excellent results.
A follicle-friendly blend of argan oil, hemp oil, biotin, saw palmetto, and wheat protein help to fight hair loss and intensify hair growth. Working as natural DHT blockers, these ingredients help hair grow back faster and become more fortified. Meanwhile, Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids thicken strands.
Free from toxins, sulfates, parabens, and GMOs, this product is ideal for the environmentally conscious. This gentle shampoo is suitable for daily use without irritating the scalp. What’s more, you should start to feel a positive change in hair texture after several washes.
To maximize results, we recommend working the product into wet hair to create a lather and letting it soak for 3-5 minutes before rinsing out.
Ingredients: Argan Oil, Hemp Oil, Biotin, Saw Palmetto, Wheat Protein | Size: 18oz | Type: Shampoo | Best use: All Over
- Organic, cruelty-free formula suitable for sensitive skin
- Natural ingredient blend helps improve hair texture
- Shampoo must be used for a longer period to see hair growth results
Hair loss treatment foams and lotions must be used twice daily over a typically long period. It’s crucial never to skip an application if you want to achieve the brand’s promised results. This means applying lotion or foam to the hair and waiting for it to dry before styling or sleeping. If you’re the guy who struggles to keep to a religious self-care routine, consider going down a different route.
And here, we present to you, the fork in the road – Propidren Hair Growth Supplement (in capsule form) with a DHT-blocking formula. The supplement contains saw palmetto, which blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Studies show high levels of DHT can lead to increased hair loss and a shorter hair growth cycle.
Biotin, also in the formula, aids in keratin production. It’s a popular ingredient in the world of hair loss treatments for men because it can minimize breakage, improve elasticity, and fortify brittle lengths.
Take 2 capsules once per day, and that’s it. Don’t judge hair loss treatments too quickly. It may take 3-4 months for the positive changes to become visible.
Ingredients: Saw Palmetto, Iron, Biotin, Zinc, Horsetail Extract, Fo-Ti, Green Tea Extract, Pygeum Bark | Size: 60 capsules | Type: Supplement | Best use: All Over
- Saw palmetto is an effective natural DHT blocker
- Once a day pill is a less time-consuming solution
- May not be effective for men whose hair loss isn’t due to excess DHT
When it comes to the best hair loss treatment for men, you will often hear about two key players; minoxidil and finasteride.
Finasteride is stronger than minoxidil and prescription-only. As with most drugs, the higher the strength, the more intense the side effects. For that reason, we prefer the convenience of less intense yet still highly effective minoxidil treatments.
Hims Hair Growth Treatment is a topical hair loss treatment for men that improves blood flow to the scalp. Increasing blood flow means more nutrients and oxygen flood the hair follicles, this action should help kick start the hair growth phase. Not only that, but it should also extend the hair growth phase to sustain that beneficial growing activity.
Hims is a topical solution, meaning it is a liquid to apply with a dropper. Many men prefer this liquid to foam as it’s more invisible in the hair. Plus, it won’t affect your hairstyle as much as some foams.
It’s important to know that minoxidil is a “forever” treatment. It will offer amazing results over time, but to maintain those results, you must continue treatment. Stopping use will mean losing hard-earned regrowth.
Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 2 x 2oz | Type: Liquid | Best use: All Over
- Liquid formula is more invisible in the hair
- Formula is unscented
- Must continue use to maintain results
If you’re looking to tackle hair loss head-on, you need a hair loss treatment for men that is scientifically proven to work. If you haven’t noticed by now we’re fans of Minoxidil route. A German study, carried out over a year, found that 97.1% of balding men who used minoxidil noticed improved hair growth.
You may wonder why, if minoxidil is so effective, why isn’t everyone experiencing hair loss using it? Well, treatments containing minoxidil and finasteride are effective with long-term use. Cease using them, and the hair growth progress will also stop in its tracks. Depending on your budget, you may not be able to maintain the regime in the future.
That’s why Kirkland Minoxidil Hair Regrowth is the best hair loss treatment for men who aren’t looking to invest so heavily in their grooming routine. The brand balances effectiveness and price. It contains a maximum strength of 5% minoxidil, so you can expect to see progress without busting the bank.
Ingredients: Minoxidil | Size: 6 x 2oz | Type: Liquid | Best use: All Over
- Great value for money
- Established, trusted brand
- Side effects of minoxidil can include scalp irritation and facial swelling in some cases
What to Look For When Looking For The Best Hair Loss Treatment for Men
Types
When choosing the best hair loss treatment for men, remember there are many different options, from shampoos and supplements to lotions and foams. When you first notice your hair is visibly thinner, you may have already lost quite a lot of hair. The first step to recovery is to nourish the hair with a good shampoo and take a supplement to promote growth.
A shampoo may not be enough to do the trick for moderate hair loss. But, all is not lost, hair regrowth may be slow, but a targeted hair loss treatment for men that can work wonders is a lotion or foam. You can use this as well as shampoo or supplement or as a stand-alone treatment. As hair loss gets worse, combining hair loss products can be a good targeted measure.
Treatments containing drugs like minoxidil and nanoxidil must be taken regularly and continuously to not only to get positive hair growth results but to maintain them.
If you’re dealing with the stress of male hair loss, then seeing regrowth is an amazing, confidence-boosting feeling. You’ll surely not want results to start slipping if you stop treatment. For this reason, make sure you can commit to long-term investing in a minoxidil or nanoxidil treatment long-term before starting down the path.
Results
Depending on the cause and rate of hair loss or thinning, results can be as quick as 16-32 weeks. So, the sooner you nip the problem in the bud, the better.
If you’re after dramatic results in later stages of loss, opt for a clinical hair loss treatment for men containing minoxidil or nanoxidil. Organic and natural shampoos or supplements are excellent eco-conscious choices for a slow and steady result during the early stages of loss or thinning.
The key to success when using a hair loss treatment for men is perseverance. NYC dermatologist Dr. Michele Green explains that it will take approximately four months for new hair to actually grow. So, to judge a treatment before this time is premature. You may even risk giving up too soon on a great product.
Hair Loss Area
Male pattern baldness starts in three areas, the temples, front of the scalp, and crown. Over time, sometimes weeks or even years, the scalp’s bald area meets and joins to create a laurel crown shape. If the Roman emperor look isn’t the vibe you are going for, the good news is there are hair loss treatments for men that will come to the rescue.
First of all, pharmaceutical products containing minoxidil for regrowth and natural treatments help hydrate the scalp and halt thinning. Minoxidil is a non-prescription treatment that comes as a foam, liquid, or lotion in 2 or 5 percent strength. Natural paraben-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping the hair of its natural oil often contain ingredients. These may include ingredients such as saw palmetto, biotin, argan oil, and wheat protein.
FAQ
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Thinning hair can be down to stress, genetics, nutrient deficiencies, and more. Whether it can grow back is dependent on the root cause of the loss. If the hair follicle has scarring or is closed and no new hairs have sprung to life for a while, then even the best hair loss treatment for men won’t work. Yet, if the follicle remains intact, then yes, hair regrowth is possible. Using a hair loss treatment for men can also improve the quality of existing thin hair.
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According to a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, Dr. Dawn Davis, there is a reason why many men suffer from hair loss as they age. She says, though, that in some cases, there are solutions.
“There are over-the-counter pills, liquids, foams, and shampoos that can promote hair growth or slow the rate of that receding hairline.”
She explains, “it’s not a one-size-fits-all model. But for some common disorders, there are some over-the-counter things you can do.”
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Minoxidil is the best-known hair loss treatment for men and is available in shampoo, foam, and liquid forms. A report carried out by the National Library of Medicine on Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders revealed that patients using the drug showed “a remarkable increase in hair growth and decrease in hair loss.”
The downside is that it can potentially cause scaling, flaking, and dryness to the scalp for some men. For guys with sensitive skin, nanoxidil is a good clinical alternative as it minimizes these uncomfortable side effects. If you prefer to go chemical-free, check out some more natural products. In a nutshell, the best hair loss treatment for men is the one that works for you.
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The secret to halting hair loss is to get together an action plan when you begin to see the first signs of thinning. Step one is a much-needed lifestyle overhaul, so reduce stress, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.
Then, after taking care of both body and soul, it’s time to give your hair some love and attention. Begin by washing with a mild shampoo to keep your hair and scalp healthy and clean. Follow this with a suitable conditioner to protect it from dryness and breakage. Then, air dry and avoid any heated styling products. Finally, invest in the best hair loss treatment for men and use daily or as directed.
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