Best Hair Loss Treatments for Women in 2025, Researched and Tested
We tested all the best hair loss treatments for women to help you find the right one for your hair.
- The Hers Triple Threat Shampoo is our top pick for the best hair loss treatment for women. We like that it lathers well, is easy to use, and offers multiple subscription options.
- Female hair loss is common, and 37% of women over age 65 experience balding.
- Several factors contribute to hair loss in women, including hormonal changes, menopause, genetics, and even tight hairstyles that can pull on the scalp.
- There are many types of hair loss treatments for women available, so it’s important to find the treatment that works best for you.
Our mission at NCOA is to connect people with the tools and resources they need to live a healthy life. We put products under the microscope before we can recommend them to you. To review hair loss products, we researched and tested for over 200 hours before making our first recommendation. To find the best hair loss treatments, we:
- Consulted with dermatologists, trichologists, psychologists, and primary care physicians
- Ordered a product and tested it for 2-4 weeks before moving it into the next round for consideration—with testing ongoing for 1 calendar year
- Interviewed long-time users of these brands
- Used the products as directed on an ongoing basis—they’re now staples in our testers’ showers and medicine cabinets
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new hair loss treatments to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our hair loss treatment methodology.
If you’re noticing hair loss as you age, you’re not alone. After age 65, 37% of women experience noticeable hair loss.
Although hair loss in women is common, that doesn’t make losing your hair any less distressing. Hair is a central part of identity for many women, and losing your hair can affect your mental health. The American Hair Loss Association reports that women who lose their hair can also lose their confidence and self-esteem.1 They may struggle with their overall sense of self, avoid social situations, and be afraid of judgment and ridicule. A 2022 study found that Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) was a source of chronic stress. Women in the study with FPHL were at a high risk of developing anxiety and depression.2
Hair loss treatments promote new hair growth for fuller-looking hair. These treatments are available as oral capsules, topical serums, shampoos, supplements, and more. We tested popular treatments and included our top picks for the best hair loss treatments for women in 2025. We’ve included details about our testing process, how each product performed, and advice from medical experts to help you find the treatment that’s best for you.
- Free medical assessment
- Wide range of hair loss solutions available
- Provides 24/7 support
Our picks for the best hair loss treatments for women in 2025
Hers: Best Overall
Nutrafol: Best Supplement
Happy Head: Best Shampoo
Ro: Best Topical Treatment
Compare the best hair loss treatments for women in 2025
| Comparison Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.9 |
9.6 |
9.8 |
9.7 |
| Billing cycles | 2, 4, or 6 months |
1, 3, or 6 months |
Monthly |
1 or 3 months |
| Product offerings | Chewable tablets, serum, spray, gummies |
Oral supplements |
Shampoos, conditioners, supplements, oral medications |
Serum, oral tablets |
| Prescription required? | Both prescription and OTC products are available |
No |
Both prescription and OTC products are available |
Both prescription and OTC products are available |
| Cruelty-free? | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Our reviews of the best hair loss treatments for women
Hers: Best Overall
The Hers Triple Threat Shampoo is our top pick for the best hair loss treatment for women because of its ease of use and the company’s overall quality. Hers has been in business for seven years. It offers cruelty-free, vegan topical and oral treatments. Subscribers get free unlimited messaging with Hers medical professionals. This feature makes it easy to ask questions and make sure your treatment choice is right for you.
- Active Ingredients: Biotin, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil
- Treatment type: Topical
- Billing cycle: Two, four, or six months
- Prescription treatments: serum, chewable, and oral pills
- Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos, conditioners, serum, foam and supplements available
- Free delivery and 24/7 support for subscribers
Nutrafol: Best Supplement
The Nutrafol Hair Growth Nutraceutical is a drug-free vitamin and mineral supplement. Its formula is designed to support thicker, stronger hair growth and less shedding. These capsules are meant to be taken just once a day, so it’s easy to keep up with the schedule. Nutrafol also offers flexibility, with subscription options available for one, three, and six months. We found it easy to reach Nutrafol’s customer service team with any questions.
- Active Ingredients: A blend unique to Nutrafol, composed of ashwagandha, saw palmetto, vitamin E, marine collagen peptides, curcumin, and more
- Treatment type: Capsule
- Billing cycle: One, three, or six months
- Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos, conditioners, serum, scalp mask, and supplements available
- Free shipping, wellness coaching with a naturopathic doctor, and 24/7 support for subscribers
- No prescription required
Happy Head: Best Shampoo
Formulated by dermatologists, the Happy Head Hair Thickening Shampoo helps promote hair growth for thicker, healthier-looking hair. It’s our top pick for the best shampoo due to its pleasant scent, ease of use, and excellent lather. This shampoo is also safe for use on colored hair and is free of harmful sulfates and parabens.
- Active Ingredients: Argan oil, biotin, collagen, keratin, saw palmetto
- Treatment type: Topical
- Billing cycle: Monthly
- Prescription treatments: serum, gel, and oral pills
- Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos, conditioners, supplements, and scalp rollers available
- Free delivery and ongoing support for subscribers
Ro Hair Solution Rx: Best Topical Treatment
The Ro Hair Solution Rx is a topical prescription medication to promote increased blood flow, increased hair follicle size, and hair regrowth. It’s our top pick for the best topical treatment because it’s easy to use, and we found that just a small amount of the serum goes a long way. Ro subscribers get unlimited access to their medical professionals, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask any questions or tailor your treatment.
- Active Ingredients: Minoxidil 5%, tretinoin 0.025%, melatonin 0.1%
- Treatment type: Topical Serum
- Billing cycle: Monthly, or every three months
- Prescription treatments: serum, gel, and oral pills
- Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos, conditioners, supplements, and scalp rollers available
- Free delivery and ongoing support for subscribers
What causes hair loss in women?
There are several common causes of hair loss in women. Madeleine Herman, MD, of Ascent Hair Houston, explained that androgenetic alopecia, also called female pattern hair loss, may cause hair to slowly thin all over the scalp, especially at the part line. “Unlike male pattern hair loss, the hairline doesn’t usually recede,” said Dr. Herman. This type of hair loss may be inherited, and some women experience it as a natural part of aging, especially during menopause.
According to Dr. Herman, low thyroid hormone levels may cause thinner, more brittle hair. Nutritional deficiencies, like low iron, zinc, vitamin D, and protein levels, can also impact hair growth. Medical conditions, like diabetes, cancer, or medication, may contribute to hair loss. Stress can also play a role.
Most common types of hair loss for women
Board-Certified New York City Cosmetic Dermatologist Michele Green, MD, explained that androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in both women and men. Men with the condition experience hair loss as a receding hairline and balding at the crown. While women typically experience a widening part, followed by hair loss from the top of the head, or an overall thinning of the hair.
“Like male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness is also thought to result from imbalances in androgen hormones,” Dr. Green explained. “There may also be a genetic component to this type of hair loss.”
Women can also experience alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition. According to Dr. Green, the body’s immune system attacks healthy hair follicles and causes patchy hair loss, appearing as circular bald patches on the scalp.
“Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that occurs when many of the hairs in the growing phase enter the resting phase before entering the shedding phase all at the same time, leading to increased, diffuse shedding,” Dr. Green said. “Telogen effluvium is often temporary and can be caused by factors like emotional or psychological stress, diet, pregnancy, illness, surgery, hormone changes, and even some medications. The condition will resolve without treatment.”
According to Dr. Herman, women may experience traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by hairstyles that pull on the scalp. For example, tight braids or heavy extensions can create prolonged or repetitive tension. The stress on the hair follicles can cause hair breakage, thinning, and even permanent hair loss. This condition is more common in women than in men, likely because of the differences in men’s and women’s hairstyles.
How to choose a treatment option
Many hair loss treatments are available for women. We’ve highlighted some of the most common and best hair loss products for women.
- Minoxidil: Minoxidil is available in oral and topical form. The oral form is used off-label to treat hair loss, helping to fortify hair follicles, explained Dr. Green. “Topical minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment available in both foam and solution forms,” she said. “Minoxidil shortens the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle, pushing it into the anagen (active) phase.”
- Finasteride: Oral finasteride helps reduce the impact of hormones on hair follicles. “However, finasteride should not be used by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it may cause congenital disabilities,” said Dr. Green.
- PRP: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses stem cell technology to stop thinning and promote regrowth. PRP is suitable for men and women. “The treatment is autologous, meaning it harnesses the patient's own blood to rejuvenate the hair,” said Dr. Green. “The platelets in the PRP contain the proteins needed to accelerate the tissue healing and regeneration rate within inactive hair follicles.”
- Spironolactone: Spironolactone is an oral treatment. It’s often prescribed for women dealing with adult acne and hair loss. “It helps regulate hormones and is particularly beneficial for female patients experiencing hair loss related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),” Dr. Green explained.
- Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives can help regulate hormones that may cause hair thinning and loss. “Low-androgen birth control pills can help stabilize hormones and promote a longer anagen phase of hair growth, resulting in increased hair production and a reduction in hair loss and thinning overall,” said Dr. Green.
Dr. Herman explained that most medical professionals will want to determine the cause of your hair loss to tailor the treatment to your specific needs. “Some patients need additional tests, such as their thyroid hormone levels tested, or treatments such as hormone replacement therapy,” she said.
She recommends looking for a hair loss product with clinically proven ingredients, FDA approval, and transparency about the ingredients and how the product works. She recommends avoiding products without scientific backing or those making claims that seem too good to be true, such as promising instant hair growth. It’s also best to avoid any products containing unlabeled ingredients or mystery blends of ingredients.
“Some hair products may contain irritating ingredients, such as alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and fragrances,” said Dr. Green. These ingredients are irritants and can cause dryness and inflammation. They can even potentially make hair loss worse. “It is always advisable to conduct a patch test on a small area of your scalp to ensure you do not have any adverse reactions to the product,” she said.
Table 2 Comparison of popular women’s hair loss treatments
| Treatment type | How it works | Best for | Time to see results | Key considerations |
| Minoxidil (2% or 5%) | Stimulates hair growth by improving blood flow to the follicles | Female pattern hair loss, or overall thinning | 3-6 months | FDA-approved, available in topical foam or liquid, daily use required |
| Spironolactone | Blocks hormones like DHT, which is linked to hair loss | Hormonal hair loss, PCOS-related hair thinning | 3-6 months | Prescription only |
| Hormone therapy | Regulates the balance between estrogen and testosterone | Menopausal or hormonal hair loss | Varies | Requires a full medical evaluation and not suitable for all women |
| Hair growth supplements | Supports hair health with vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, iron, zinc, and adaptogens | Stress-related or nutritional hair loss | 1-3 months | Not a good option as a primary treatment, but it can support other hair loss treatments |
| Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) | Stimulates follicular growth using light energy | Mild to moderate hair thinning, postpartum hair loss | 4-6 months | Non-invasive, ongoing use is necessary, with options for both at-home and in-clinic treatment. |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy | Uses growth factors from your blood to stimulate hair growth | Overall hair thinning, postpartum, or menopausal hair loss, maintenance | 3-6 months, after 3 sessions or more | In-office procedure only, can be costly, and results are not guaranteed. |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best hair loss treatments for women?
Hair loss treatments work differently, so there’s no one treatment suitable for everyone. Instead, it’s important to find the hair loss treatment that works best for your needs. You may need to try several treatments before you find the right one.
How long does it take to see results from hair loss treatments?
Hair loss treatments typically take several months to show results. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it usually takes six to 12 months to see hair regrowth when using minoxidil.6 Finasteride usually takes about four months to start improving hair growth.
How much do hair loss treatments cost?
Hair loss treatments can vary significantly in cost. The best hair loss products for women on our list range from $21 to $79 per month, with a subscription. You may be able to save more money by purchasing several months’ worth of products at a time.
Does menopause cause hair loss?
Menopause can cause hair loss in women. According to a study, hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause can lead to hair thinning, volume loss, and texture changes.7 Changes in estrogen levels often cause these changes. But other factors, like genetics, stress, and diet, can affect how each person experiences hair loss during menopause.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
