Best Hair Loss Treatments for Women

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

But you’re not alone.

Less than 45 percent of women make it through life without experiencing at least some hair loss. It can happen for various reasons, from genetics 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, including:

• Minoxidil 

• Finasteride

• Low-level light therapy

• Hair growth shampoos 

• Hair supplements

• Platelet-rich plasma therapy

• Hair transplant surgery

Ahead, we’ll tell you what you need to know about each hair growth treatment for women.

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

“Once we have the diagnosis, then we have a discussion about the potential causes of their hair loss and what treatment option would work best to stop and potentially reverse the hair loss,“ says Knox Beasley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss.

In general, the 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

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

Questions to ask your healthcare provider about hair loss and hair loss treatments for women:

• Could my hair thinning be a sign of an underlying health condition?

• What kind of tests do I need to figure out the cause?

• Is my hair loss permanent or temporary?

• How does XYZ treatment work, and when can I expect to see results?

• I’m pregnant or breastfeeding. Are there any side effects I need to worry about?

We’ll go over a few options your provider might recommend for promoting new growth, improving hair density, and treating hair loss.

1. Minoxidil

Let’s start this list off with a super common hair growth treatment for women, minoxidil (generic for Rogaine^®).

Topical minoxidil is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a hair loss treatment for women and men. It’s 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 topical minoxidil works. 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 growth cycle.

Topical minoxidil is — at least for now — the only FDA-approved treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as androgenic alopecia.

In a placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that both 5% and 2% minoxidil produced improvements in women with FPHL. But patience is key — it can take three to six months before you see noticeable results.

“It takes [up to] six months to see results from any hair loss medication, so I will follow up with the patient at that time to re-evaluate and then adjust the regimen if necessary, depending on results,“ says Dr. Beasley.

The most common side effect of topical minoxidil is scalp irritation, which can lead to itching and flaking. This is less common with the 2% formulation than the 5% one.

Oral minoxidil can potentially cause a variety of side effects, including:

• Fluid retention

• Headache

• Breast tenderness

• Rash

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

Hers also offers combo hair treatments, like our biotin + minoxidil gummies. This daily gummy combines prescription minoxidil and the hair-loving supplement biotin into one easy, chewable step.

2. Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Spray

At this time, oral finasteride (generic for Propecia^®) is only FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss. But medical providers sometimes prescribe it off-label for postmenopausal women with FPHL.

Finasteride has an anti-androgen effect, targeting the body’s production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a key role in male pattern baldness. Research suggests that, in addition to genetic and environmental factors, DHT may also contribute to female pattern hair loss.

Topical finasteride is a targeted treatment that acts on DHT at the scalp while minimizing systemic exposure (meaning you won’t grow hair all over your body).

Some research in men with male pattern hair loss found that topical finasteride improved hair count over a 24-week period when compared to a placebo. Potential side effects included itching and rash.

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

3. Spironolactone

Another hair loss treatment for women that targets androgens and DHT is oral spironolactone.

Research suggests spironolactone is both effective and safe for treating hair loss in women, especially when combined with other hair loss treatments like minoxidil.

One study of women using spironolactone for hair loss found that the most commonly reported side effect was dizziness or lightheadedness. Other side effects included menstrual spotting, rash, nausea, and increased urination.

As with finasteride, healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe spironolactone off-label to treat FPHL or hair loss that occurs due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

4. Low-Level Light Therapy

Looking to regrow hair without medication? Low-level light therapy (LLLT) might work.

LLLT is a type of red light therapy. It uses low-powered lasers or LEDs to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth. You may also see LLLT referred to as laser therapy.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this type of hair loss treatment may be beneficial for:

• Treating pattern hair loss in men and women

• Managing alopecia areata

• Addressing hair loss due to chemotherapy

• Encouraging hair growth following a hair transplant

Many LLLT devices can be used at home and come in the form of caps, helmets, combs, or headbands.

Research suggests red light therapy is effective in treating hair loss. For example, a 2021 meta-analysis found that men and women treated with an LLLT device had a significant boost in hair density when compared to a sham device.

However, LLLT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. Long-term studies into its effectiveness are needed.

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.

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 is behind your hair loss. Key vitamins and minerals that play a role in hair health and growth are:

• Biotin (vitamin B7)

• Vitamin B12

• Folate

• Vitamin D

• Iron

• Zinc

Our biotin gummies are packed with vitamins critical for hair growth, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folic acid. We also offer a blend of hair vitamins + minoxidil in one daily pill.

Concerned you may have a nutritional deficiency that’s contributing to thinning hair? A medical professional can do blood tests to check for nutrient deficiencies.

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.

A 2023 meta-analysis found that PRP therapy boosted hair density in both males and females with pattern hair loss. But the authors noted that the effects of PRP appeared stronger in males, which calls for further investigation.

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 aren’t affected by thinning and moving them to areas affected by hair loss.

The bad news? Surgical hair restoration can be extremely expensive — often costing thousands of dollars. Additionally, repeat transplants may be necessary for FPHL since this type of hair loss is progressive.

Nevertheless, hair transplants remain a great solution for the long-term management of hair loss. They can even improve quality of life, reduce stress, and elevate self-esteem.

If you’re experiencing hair loss due to stress or lack of nutrients, a few lifestyle tweaks could make a big difference. They can help support healthy hair growth while preventing further hair loss.

Here’s what we recommend.

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.

Nutrients that can help ensure your hair grows in happy and healthy include:

• Protein

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Iron

• Zinc

• B vitamins like biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12

• Vitamin D

Aim to eat lots of fruits, veggies, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains to help your hair live its best life.

Limit Stress

Severe emotional stress can 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 cigarettes is also a good idea for your overall health, not just how your locks look.

Avoid Tight Hairstyles and Damaging Hair Treatments

Tight ponytails, buns, and braids can cause traction alopecia, a condition where constant tension or tugging on the scalp damages hair follicles, potentially leading to hair loss.

Opt for looser hairstyles when you can. You should also 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-related shedding and menopause hair loss, for example, require different approaches. 

The first step is figuring out what’s behind your hair loss. Some of the most common causes of hair loss in women include:

• Female pattern hair loss

• Telogen effluvium

• Alopecia areata 

• Traction alopecia 

Read on for details about what to look out for.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Also known as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern baldness, FPHL is the most common cause of hair loss in women. It’s caused by a complex combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

FPHL typically starts in a woman’s 40s, 50s, or 60s and often after menopause, though it can happen earlier in life. It’s characterized by thinning hair at the top of the head, leading to a widening part. Hair thinning around the temples or a receding hairline may also occur.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of excess hair shedding that can happen due to a variety of factors.

Things that can trigger telogen effluvium include:

• Extreme emotional stress

• Illness accompanied by fever

• Surgery

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Rapid weight loss

• Thyroid disorders

• Postpartum hormonal changes

• Certain medications

This type of hair loss usually starts two to four months after an inciting trigger and resolves in six to nine months.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. This type of hair loss most often shows as one or more bald patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.

In addition to some of the hair loss treatments we’ve discussed above, alopecia areata may also be treated with topical or injected corticosteroids.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia happens when certain hairstyles or headwear put prolonged pressure on hair roots, damaging hair follicles and eventually causing hair loss. Hair loss due to traction alopecia can be permanent.

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.

It can be tricky to figure out the root cause alone. But a healthcare professional can help you find out what’s behind your hair loss, and the best treatments to help you regrow your hair.

What’s the best hair loss treatment for women? Let’s recap what we know about hair loss and treatments for women:

• Before treating hair loss, you have to determine the root cause. A healthcare professional, like a board-certified dermatologist, can help pinpoint the underlying cause of your hair loss.

• The only FDA-approved medication for hair regrowth for women is topical minoxidil. It’s available as minoxidil drops or minoxidil foam.

• Healthcare providers can also recommend prescription medications. These include oral minoxidil or oral spironolactone off-label for hair loss. Supplements can also help promote hair health. Our minoxidil + biotin gummy packs a one-two punch, combining both treatments.

• Healthy hair care habits matter, 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 and hair loss.

Our blog also has tips for how to get thick hair.

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