If you’re struggling with hair loss, you might find it reassuring to know you’re definitely not alone. In fact, an estimated 80 million Americans — that’s one in four people in the U.S. — are affected by this common issue.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of hair loss treatment options today, from prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements to topical shampoos and serums and high-tech lasers. Unfortunately, though, it can be hard to advise whether these products actually live up to their often lofty promises. Do hair loss treatments actually work? According to experts, they’re not all created equal.
So, which treatments are backed by solid evidence, and which ones are simply overhyped? We spoke with several board-certified dermatologists and certified trichologists to find out.
Minoxidil: The Gold Standard
Minoxidil is widely considered the gold-standard hair loss treatment, explains Dr. Kimberly Salkey, MD, Associate Professor and Residency Program Director for the VCU Health System Department of Dermatology. She explains that’s because it often works regardless of the cause.
The topical version of minoxidil is available over the counter (primarily under the brand name Rogaine) at concentrations of 2-5%, and by prescription at stronger concentrations of 10-15%. In more severe cases of hair loss, a doctor might prescribe oral minoxidil, which is generally absorbed better by the body but also typically comes with more side effects.
According to Dr. Andrea Austin, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology, minoxidil promotes hair growth by increasing oxygen, nutrient, and blood supply to the follicles.
One 2025 review of 27 studies found that 35% of people who apply oral minoxidil saw a significant improvement in hair loss and 47% saw some improvement. Another meta-analysis showed that people who used topical minoxidil for several months grew significantly more fresh hairs than people who didn’t.
Note that topical minoxidil is one of the only FDA-approved treatments for hair loss. Even though oral minoxidil is considered effective for hair loss, it’s technically only FDA-approved for high blood pressure, and prescribed “off-label” for hair loss. Some studies have suggested that topical minoxidil is just as effective, too.
It’s common to experience some shedding in the first 2-6 weeks of using minoxidil, according to Salkey. “This is a good sign of response because it stimulates new hairs to grow in, pushing out the ancient ones,” she explains.
Finasteride: A Prescription Option
Also known by the brand names Propecia and Proscar, this prescription-only medication is FDA-approved specifically for male pattern hair loss. It works by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink.
King has seen much success with this treatment — but Salkey notes that the earlier you start it, the better your results will likely be. The largest systematic review of research on finasteride for hair loss revealed impressive findings. Finasteride users were around 1.8 times more likely to report an improvement in hair growth. After around 12 months of use, people who took finasteride had about 9.4% more hair, and a whopping 24.3% after closer to 24 months of use.
Combining finasteride with minoxidil may yield better results than minoxidil alone. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that men who used a topical combo of both medications saw greater improvements in hair count and thickness than men who only took minoxidil.
Emerging Treatments: Low Level Light Therapy and Beyond
Studies suggest that exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light can extend the growth phase of hair, reduce inflammation, and improve hair density. This is known as low level light therapy.
“It’s always better to use devices that are FDA cleared,” says Jessica Weiser, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Weiser Skin MD. “It implies safety and efficacy.”
A 2022 review found that using a low-level light therapy device alongside minoxidil can be more powerful than only using minoxidil.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are another option. This treatment uses a concentrated version of your own blood to stimulate hair follicles. Austin says PRP is a good fit for those with male or female pattern baldness.
Supplements like Nutrafol and Viviscal may benefit some people with hair loss, but more research is needed. A 2022 systematic review acknowledged that these supplements may be helpful, but larger studies are needed.
Topical scalp serums — especially exosome-based and peptide-based formulas — may help with hair loss by improving scalp health. A 2025 trial showed that people who used the (Plated) Skin Science Hair Serum for six months saw a significant improvement in hair density and fullness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grow your hair back after thinning?
Hair thinning usually isn’t permanent. It’s possible for your hair to grow back, depending on the cause.
Can B12 stop hair loss?
A vitamin B12 deficiency is a risk factor for hair loss, but there isn’t enough science to back up taking a supplement to stop hair loss unless you have a deficiency.
What shampoo is best for thinning hair?
Celebrity hairstylist Sami Knight recommends the Epres Healthy Hair Shampoo.
What is better for thinning hair: biotin or collagen?
Biotin may be helpful if you have a deficiency. The jury is still out on collagen.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider concerning questions you have before starting, stopping or modifying any treatment or medication.
