Hair loss and a lack of volume or thickness can be a real struggle for many women, but it’s hard to tell which products can really make a difference and which are all talk and no substance.
While many hair products claim to promote hair growth, there are a few key ingredients that you should be looking out for that are actually used to treat hair loss. Check reviews and scientific research that supports the claims a product is making.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at what is truly important when you’re choosing the best hair growth products for women.
What Helps Female Hair Growth?
When you’re shopping around for any kind of products that claim to have an impact on your body, like supporting hair growth, then you should always know what is recommended by healthcare professionals first and foremost.
Currently, only two ingredients are approved by the FDA for hair regrowth: minoxidil and finasteride. They are both dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers, which limit the production of DHT (the molecule responsible for hair loss). Of the two, minoxidil is the only recommended for women.
Minoxidil
Hair lotion containing minoxidil is a proven treatment for hair loss, so this is one of the most important ingredients you should look out for. Many women who use minoxidil-based treatments see improvements such as the slowing or stopping of hair loss and increased thickness.
Of course, that’s not the only thing that can help. Some other approved treatments for hair loss in women include:
- Steroid injections
- Steroid creams
- Immunotherapy
- UV treatment
- Transplants
Finasteride
You might also see products aimed at women that contain finasteride, which is used to treat male pattern baldness. Although finasteride can support hair growth, it’s not recommended for women – especially if pregnant.
Finasteride has not been approved for use by women. It can have adverse side effects like decreased libido, headaches, breast swelling and tenderness, irregular menstruation, dizziness, and increased body hair. It can also change your hormone levels, which can be particularly problematic for pregnant women as it can affect your baby’s development.
Choosing The Best Hair Growth Products For Women
So, besides looking out for minoxidil, how do you decide which will be the best product for promoting your hair growth? The best things to do are read the full list of ingredients, check the reviews, and look at the research.
Read The Ingredients List
There are a number of other ingredients besides minoxidil that might not have full FDA approval, but evidence shows that they can help with hair health, growth, thickness, and fullness.
You might spot any of these ingredients listed on the packaging, so it’s worth knowing why they might be there and whether they will benefit you.
- Saw palmetto. This can block the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT – acting like a DHT blocker.
- Collagen. This protein supports healthy hair in general, although it has not been proven to encourage hair growth.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). MSM is a chemical compound that has been shown to improve the appearance and condition of hair.
- Niacin. Helps with hair fullness.
- Caffeine. Stimulates the hair follicles when applied directly, which can encourage growth.
- Biotin. Reduces hair loss, particularly in those suffering from alopecia.
- Zinc. Also reduces hair loss associated with alopecia.
- Ginseng. Contains saponins (which have been shown to encourage hair growth in mice) and gintonin, which may help with alopecia-related hair loss.
- Horsetail. Contains silicon and antioxidants that can benefit hair growth.
Check The Reviews
Of course, there are other things to consider besides the ingredients. Price is important, and spending more only sometimes means a better product. Genuine customer reviews say a lot more than a price tag ever could.
Look carefully at real customer accounts and responses to know what people have experienced with the product rather than just what the company wants to tell you.
Look At The Research
Scientific evidence is crucial for a product like this – to ensure you know exactly what you are getting.
Some products will be very vague about how they were formulated, while others will come with receipts – showing studies that prove the efficacy of what they are selling. If it works, then the brand should have no problem finding evidence to show that off.
Do Hair Growth Products For Women Work?
It is important to note that hair growth products are not a magic cure.
Even the most scientifically-supported, FDA-approved, and well-researched treatments only sometimes work for everybody and can require constant use for them to keep making a difference.
You should have realistic expectations and speak to a medical professional if you do not see the desired results.
Summary: How To Pick The Best Hair Growth Products For Women
So, how do you pick the best hair growth products for women? Make sure to look for minoxidil in the ingredients list and a number of other beneficial things that might be included.
You should also read the reviews carefully and try to find a product that proudly supports their claims with studies and research.
No hair growth product is a guarantee, but there are certainly many options out there that are carefully formulated, with scientifically-tested ingredients, to be as effective as possible.