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If you’re experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, you’re not alone. It can be frustrating, especially when you’re struggling to pinpoint the cause. The good news is there is plenty of haircare out there that can help target and treat the issue. However, not all hair growth products are created equal, which is why E! News spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang to discover the cause of hair loss and hair thinning plus the best products for hair growth.
What is the cause of hair thinning and hair loss?
In order to properly address your hair concerns at the root (pun intended), it’s essential to first answer the question: is there a difference between hair thinning and hair loss? According to Dr. Farhang, "hair thinning is technically a decrease in the actual strand width causing breakage" while hair loss refers to a "decrease in density of hair on the scalp."
The cause of hair thinning and hair loss is multifactorial, says Dr. Farhang. That means there are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing these symptoms.
When it comes to hair loss, the most common is genetics. However, it can also be caused by other factors, including "hormonal changes (i.e. giving birth or changing birth control pills], age, stress, vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, medical conditions, [or] medications that cause an excess of hair loss."
While hair thinning can also be caused by these factors, Dr. Farhang notes that "I often see it caused by certain hairstyling practices." This might include products containing harsh chemicals and irritants or poor hair practices like tight buns, hair dye and bleach, and hair extensions.
What are the best ingredients for hair growth?
There are tons of hair growth products out there, but as you shop, it’s important to look for specific ingredients that target the cause of hair thinning or hair loss. Dr. Farhang recommends seeking topical products containing peptides, keratin, saw palmetto, rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, and FDA-approved minoxidil. Additionally, she suggests including products in your routine that help rebalance the scalp’s microbiome, as a healthy scalp is crucial to hair growth.
Each of these ingredients help to target the specific causes of hair loss, which is why understanding why you’re experiencing hair loss is so critical to seeing results.
If there’s one thing that Dr. Farhang stresses, it’s that consistency and patience are key. "It takes time to see results. I would give any recommendations at least 6 months to start seeing a difference although some may see results sooner."
Expert Pick: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
This serum contains peptides, an ingredient Dr. Farhang recommends. The leave-in formula improves hair density by thickening hair strands.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
This TikTok viral rosemary oil is popular for a reason. It has anti-inflammatory properties, improves circulation, and inhibits DHT, a testosterone-derived hormone that can contribute to hair loss. This best-selling oil has 53,300+ 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Expert Pick: Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam for Women
The always popular Rogaine contains FDA-approved minoxidil and is one of Dr. Farhang's top recommendations, saying this ingredient "dilates the blood vessel to the hair follicle increasing blood flow, extends the duration of the hair follicle growth phase, stimulates new hair follicles and thickens the hair strands." She says to use it 1-2 times per day to help with hair growth.
Expert Pick: Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo for Thinning Hair
According to Dr. Farhang, a buildup of oil and product in your scalp can contribute to hair loss, which is why this shampoo by Nutrafol is so effective. It helps rebalance the microbiome and provides a deep cleanse without stripping your hair.
Expert Pick: Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
"A scalp that is full of sebum/oil, tons of dry shampoo, etc. causes inflammation," says Dr. Farhang, which can contribute to hair loss. For a clean scalp, use this shampoo that gently removes buildup and clears hair follicles to stimulate growth.
Virtue Flourish Conditioner for Thinning Hair
Pair the shampoo with this conditioner, which strengthens, hydrates, and detangles hair to prevent breakage. It smells like a delicious blend of florals, citrus, and herbs as an added bonus.
Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil
Similarly to rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil is anti-inflammatory, improves circulation, and inhibits DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss, promoting a healthy scalp and stimulating hair growth.
Act+Acre 3% Stem Cell Peptide H3-Grow+ Complex™ Scalp Treatment
"Topical products formulated with peptides are helpful for those experiencing hair thinning/breakage," says Dr. Farhang. This treatment fortifies hair follicles to improve hair density.
Grow Gorgeous Hair Density Serum Intense
Infused with peptides, this serum stimulates your roots and increases the thickness of each strand to improve thinning hair for fuller, thicker looking locks.
Saw Palmetto Oil For Hair Growth
If you're experiencing hormone-related hair loss, Dr. Farhang recommends topical saw palmetto, as it inhibits DHT, "a hormone derived from testosterone that plays a role in both male and female pattern hair loss." This oil contains saw palmetto in addition to pumpkin seed and rosemary oil.
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin
While sleeping on satin pillowcases won't help with hair growth, Dr. Farhang says it will help decrease breakage to give an overall healthier appearance to hair.
HEETA Hair Scalp Massager
"Anything that decreases stress to the hair/scalp is ideal for hair regrowth," says Dr. Farhang. She likes scalp brushes and massagers like this one "because they stimulate circulation" which helps promote hair growth.
Expert Pick: iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System
According to Dr. Farhang, "a good red light therapy cap for hair loss as it is proven to help on a cellular level." This one is her top pick.
Looking for more hair growth tips? Paige DeSorbo credits this TikTok-famous hack for thicker, fuller hair.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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