Best Hair Loss Treatments for Women

Looking for the best hair regrowth solutions for women, but feeling overwhelmed by everything out there? We get it. Sifting through hair loss products can be daunting, especially when dealing with the emotional impact of hair thinning.

Here’s the thing: You’re not alone. 

Less than 45 percent of women make it through life without experiencing at least some hair loss. And it can happen for various reasons — from genetics (AKA female pattern hair loss) to underlying medical conditions. So there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment that can target all forms of hair loss. 

But you do have plenty of hair loss treatment options!

Below, we dive into your options for the best hair loss treatment for females.

Since hair loss can happen for a few reasons, there’s no single treatment that can address every type of hair thinning.

But, in general, most effective treatments for hair loss aim to: 

• Shield hair from certain types of damage and hair loss

• Protect hair follicles to maintain healthy growth

• Promote regrowth after thinning or excessive shedding

And targeting hair loss isn’t just about treating it once it happens. Prevention strategies can help you preserve the hair you have. 

Below, we cover your options for promoting new growth, improving hair density, and treating hair loss.

1. Minoxidil

Let’s start this list off with one of the best hair regrowth for women product: Minoxidil (AKA Rogaine®)

Topical minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment available over the counter as a liquid or foam. While oral minoxidil (originally approved for high blood pressure) isn’t FDA-approved for hair loss, healthcare providers often prescribe it off-label for this purpose. 

Experts don’t fully understand how minoxidil works. But it’s believed to increase blood flow to the scalp by promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Minoxidil may also act directly on hair follicles, encouraging them to enter the anagen (AKA growth) phase of the hair cycle.

Topical minoxidil is (at least for now) the only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in women. 

In a placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that both 5% and 2% minoxidil  produced improvements in women with female pattern hair loss (FPHL).  

But patience is key — most users need to apply minoxidil for several months before seeing noticeable results.

If you’re ready to get started, we offer minoxidil 2% topical solution and minoxidil 5% foam online and oral minoxidil by prescription. 

2. Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Spray

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for FPHL. While oral finasteride is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss, doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss.

Finasteride targets the body’s production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a key role in male pattern hair loss. Research suggests that, in addition to genetic and environmental factors, DHT may also contribute to FPHL. 

Topical finasteride is a targeted treatment that acts on DHT at the scalp while minimizing systemic exposure. 

We recommend using finasteride alongside minoxidil for optimal results, like with our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

3. Spironolactone

Another hair loss treatment for women targeting androgens and DHT is spironolactone. 

Healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe it off-label to treat hair loss that occurs due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

4. Low-Level Light Therapy

Want hair regrowth without medication? You might get it using something you encounter daily: light. 

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) uses low-powered lasers or LEDs to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth. Research suggests it’s effective in treating hair loss in both men and women, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its effectiveness can vary from person to person.

5. Hair Growth Shampoos

Products like our hair loss shampoo for women are formulated to reduce hair shedding, stimulate hair growth, and strengthen your hair.

While the science behind some ingredients may be limited, a quality hair loss shampoo can be a valuable part of your hair care routine by supporting scalp health, improving hair strength, and enhancing the effects of other treatments. 

For added volume, check out our volumizing shampoo and conditioner.

6. Hair Supplements

Hair vitamins and supplements can be beneficial if a nutritional deficiency contributes to your hair loss. Key nutrients that play a role in hair health and growth are: 

• Biotin

• Vitamin B12

• Folate

• Vitamin D

• Iron

• Zinc

Our biotin gummies are packed with vitamins important for hair growth, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folic acid.

7. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a promising treatment for hair loss that may help stimulate hair regrowth.

Here’s how it works: A healthcare professional takes a small blood sample, processes it to concentrate the platelets — rich in growth factors that can stimulate hair growth —  and injects the resulting platelet-rich plasma into areas of your scalp where you’re experiencing hair loss. 

8. Hair Transplant Surgery

If you’re seeking a long-term solution for hair loss, hair transplant surgery is an option. It involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from areas of your scalp that are typically not affected by thinning to areas affected by hair loss.. 

The bad news? Surgical hair restoration can be extremely expensive — often costing thousands of dollars.

If you’re experiencing hair loss due to stress or lack of nutrients, a few lifestyle tweaks could make a big difference.

Consider these changes to support and maintain healthy hair growth:

• Eat a balanced diet. Think of food as fuel for the hair growth cycle. Your hair follicles need vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to produce new, healthy hairs.  

• Limit stress. Severe emotional stress can also trigger a form of hair shedding known as telogen effluvium. Tackle stress by practicing mindfulness, staying active, and getting enough sleep.

• Quit smoking. There’s a link between smoking and an increased risk of hair loss (and premature graying, by the way). Quitting is also a good idea for your overall health, not just how your locks look. 

• Avoid certain hairstyles and hair treatments. Tight ponytails, buns, and braids can cause traction alopecia, a condition where constant tension damages hair follicles, potentially leading to hair loss. Opt for looser hairstyles when you can. You should also try to avoid overnight curlers, hair extensions, and chemical relaxers, since these can damage and weaken hair, leading to hair breakage.

When addressing hair loss, it’s important to identify the root cause. Stress- and menopause-related hair loss for example, require different approaches. 

Some of the most common causes of hair loss in women include:

• Female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Also known as androgenetic alopecia, FPHL is the most common cause of hair loss in women. It typically starts in a woman’s 40s, 50s or 60s, and often after menopause, though it can happen earlier in life. Women with PCOS are at higher risk for this type of hair loss.

• Telogen effluvium. This form of excess hair shedding can happen due to extreme emotional stress, illness accompanied by fever, surgery, nutritional deficiencies, or other conditions such as thyroid disorders, postpartum hormonal changes, or certain medications.

• Alopecia areata. This type of hair loss results from immune system issues — when your immune system attacks your hair follicles, causing hair to fall out, typically leaving one or more patches of hair loss.

• Traction alopecia. Traction alopecia happens when certain hairstyles or headwear put prolonged pressure on hair roots, damaging hair follicles and eventually causing hair loss.

Losing your hair can feel unfair and leave you feeling helpless. But don’t worry — there are effective treatments and strategies to protect your hair and even promote regrowth.

Let’s recap what we know about hair regrowth options for women:

• A healthcare professional can help. A healthcare professional like a board-certified dermatologist can help pinpoint the underlying cause of your hair loss and discuss treatment options. 

• The only FDA-approved medication for hair regrowth for women is topical minoxidil. It’s available as minoxidil drops or minoxidil foam. Doctors can also prescribe oral minoxidil off-label for hair loss.

• Healthy hair care habits can help too. While they can’t trigger hair regrowth, good hair care and lifestyle habits are essential for supporting healthy hair growth. 

Does Hers work for hair growth? Yes! View our full selection of hair care products for women to see what’s available for preventing and treating hair thinning.

You can also learn more about hair loss treatments on our blog, including tips for how to get thick hair.

Ready to kick start hair growth? Take our short quiz and start your healthy hair journey today.