Best Prescription
Happy Head TopicalRx Solution + SuperCapsule
Pros
- Combines multiple treatments into one bundle
- Shipped directly to your door
- Free consultation and ongoing support with a dermatologist
Cons
- Adjustment period may result in side effects
- An expensive option that may not be necessary for all
Key Specs
- Available without a prescription? No
- Price: $158 per month (first six months discounted to $118)
- Appropriate for just men, just women, or both? Men and women over 50
Despite the amount of over-the-counter hair loss treatments, it is still possible that you may not see the results you’re looking for if the root causes of your hair loss isn’t being addressed. If this is the case for you, it may be time to seek out the advice of a medical professional who can discuss your wider prescription options. So if you’re ready to throw everything you’ve got at unwanted hair loss, we recommend the Happy Head TopicalRx Solution and SuperCapsule bundle — our top pick for a prescription-strength treatment. This bundle offers the strongest FDA-approved prescription options available to address hair loss. And by incorporating oral and topical medications in the bundle, it can help address a number of potential hair loss causes both internally and at the scalp.
The Happy Head bundle includes both a topical solution containing finasteride (which halts hair loss and prompts regrowth), minoxidil, and hydrocortisone (which helps prevent any redness or irritation). The bundle also includes an oral capsule medication that includes finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamin D, an essential vitamin for healthy skin and hair.
After signing up, users will have a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss medication options and learn which bundle might be best for them.
The Happy Head TopicalRx Solution and SuperCapsule bundle is definitely a more expensive option compared to many other treatments, but keep in mind that the price includes a consultation and a treatment plan more suited to your specific type of hair loss. The first six months (including the dermatology consultation) are offered at a reduced cost of $118 per month. After the initial six-month period, the bundle (including continued dermatological support) will cost you $158 per month.
Best Nonprescription for Women
Hers Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women
Pros
- Available without a prescription
- Can be purchased at multiple retail outlets
- Leaves no trace when used appropriately
Cons
- Can’t go to bed immediately after use
- Inconsistent use may render it ineffective
Key Specs
- Available without a prescription? Yes
- Price: $24.99 to $26.49 (prices vary by retailer)
- Appropriate for just men, just women, or both? Just for women
Minoxidil 5-percent foam is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been widely shown to be effective at treating hair loss. With its evidence-based effectiveness, an affordable price point, and a simple application process that doesn’t leave hair feeling or looking greasy, Hers Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women was an obvious choice for the best nonprescription hair loss treatment for women.
Hers Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women is a topical treatment, which means it’s applied directly to the scalp. The quick absorption and drying of Hers minoxidil may make it an ideal treatment option for women who want to be able to run out the door looking good without any lingering scent or other evidence of use.
While there’s a lot to love about Hers Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women, one drawback is that users will need to wait at least 30 minutes after application before hitting the sack. This means you’ll need to plan it around your nighttime routine so you aren’t going to bed later than usual.
Hers Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women is available over the counter and is easy to find online or in person at a range of retailers, including CVS, Walgreens, and Target. It costs between $24.99 and $26.49, depending on where you purchase it, and users can expect to see results after three to six months of consistent use.
Overall, the effectiveness, anytime application (other than bedtime), reasonable price, and ability to purchase without a prescription make it a great choice for women seeking hair loss treatment.
Best Nonprescription for Men
Hims Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men
Pros
- Available without a prescription
- Can be purchased at multiple retail outlets
- Doesn’t make hair look bad after application
- Affordable when compared to similar products
Cons
- Can’t go to bed immediately after use
- Inconsistent use may render it ineffective
- More frequent application increases cost
Key Specs
- Available without a prescription? Yes
- Price: $24.99
- Appropriate for just men, just women, or both? Just for men
When it comes to affordability, effectiveness, ease of purchase, and simplicity of use, Hims Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men is the top option for men looking for a nonprescription hair loss treatment they can order online or pick up at most major retailers.
Hims Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men contains the same formula as the Hers extra-strength foam, with the only difference being the frequency of application, which requires applying twice a day versus once daily. Despite the more frequent application (and resulting higher cost), Hims Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men shares all the best qualities of the hers formula. It’s also more affordable compared with other similar products, it doesn’t leave your hair feeling, looking, or smelling bad, and it’s easy to find online or in person from a wide range of retailers, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Target.
Minoxidil foam is also known to be effective and is regularly prescribed by doctors. “Minoxidil is FDA-approved for pattern hair loss, but I use it in many other forms of hair shedding, too,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya. “It helps stimulate the follicles and encourages growth. I’m a strong supporter of minoxidil and recommend it frequently.”
Best All-Natural
Nutrafol Women Hair Growth Nutraceutical
Pros
- Available without a prescription
- All-natural ingredients
- Can help address other issues caused by nutritional deficiencies
- Subscription options prevent accidentally running out
Cons
- May be less effective than prescription options
- Capsules may feel large to those who have difficulty swallowing
- Pricey compared to some other options
Key Specs
- Available without a prescription? Yes
- Price: $88 for a one-month supply; subscribe to save up to 20 percent
- Appropriate for just men, just women, or both? Options for both
Nutrafol Women Hair Grown Nutraceutical offers an all-natural option for those looking to address hair thinning or hair loss from a holistic perspective. Nutrafol is specially formulated to address the root causes of hair loss, including stress, lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies. With several specialized options tailored for men and women at different ages and life stages, this proven formula includes only natural ingredients that are both safe and effective.
Nutrafol includes ingredients like ashwagandha, saw palmetto, concentrated vitamin E, marine collagen peptides, and curcumin. Beyond just improving hair quality, because many of the same stresses and deficiencies that cause hair loss often underlie other issues, consistent Nutrafol use may help promote better sleep and mood, clearer skin, and less stress overall.
“I recommend all patients that are suffering from hair loss to take such supplements,” says Dr. Nazarian, “Zinc, biotin, folic acid, selenium, B-complex vitamins, and iron are important for hair growth,” noting that natural supplements can be effective in providing the right nutrients and vitamins to produce healthy hair.
Nutrafol is pricey when compared with some other treatments, whether purchasing directly from the company or via other online retailers like Amazon. However, because hair loss treatment takes several months of consistent use to see results, Nutrafol does offers subscription plans that help reduce the per-month cost by up to 20 percent if you commit to a six-month plan.
Best Subscription Service
Nurx
Pros
- 24/7 access to care
- Free shipping and automatic refills shipped right to your door
- Unlimited messaging with providers
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Limited treatment options
Key Specs
- Available without a prescription? Some treatments available OTC; some require a prescription
- Price: $80 fee for initial consultation, then monthly cost of treatment (estimated at approximately $20 for most patients)
- Appropriate for just men, just women, or both? Just for women
Staying on top of your hair treatment supply — especially if your prescription needs refilling — can sometimes require a lot of planning. With Nurx, you’ll always have your treatment right at hand, thanks to its monthly subscription model. Nurx is a company that provides online healthcare and treatment for women for a range of conditions, not just hair loss.
When it comes to treating hair loss, after requesting a consultation you’ll complete a health history form and share images of your hair and hair loss. A healthcare provider licensed in your state will review your images as well as your health history to create a customized treatment plan that may include prescription medication, nonprescription treatments, or a combination of both. Nurx will then ship everything you need right to your door, with free shipping and automatic renewal always included. Some common treatments Nurx offers include minoxidil foam and selenium sulfide shampoo, though other medications may be prescribed when appropriate.
Unfortunately, insurance won’t cover the cost of your consultation or hair loss treatment, but Nurx does accept most HSA and FSA cards. The initial consultation fee is $80. Of course, this is separate from any monthly medications or treatment costs. While exact prices can vary by your specific treatment plan, most hair loss patients generally pay around $20 per month.
Best Shampoo
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- No prescription needed
- Starts working on first use, with more significant results over time
- Prescription options available to boost effectiveness
Cons
- Won’t address all causes of hair loss
- Must replace regular shampoo with Nizoral
Key Specs
- Available without a prescription? Yes
- Price: $13 to $16 (pricing varies by retailer)
- Appropriate for just men, just women, or both? Both
So far we have primarily discussed various supplements, serums, and foams, but what if you’re looking for something that fits more easily into your daily hygiene routine? That’s why we recommend Nizoral, an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo that starts working from the first use. With 1-percent ketoconazole (a topical antifungal treatment) as the active ingredient, users can expect to see less flaking and experience less scalp itching and dryness. Over time, regular use can lead to improved scalp health overall and potentially encourage new hair growth and reduce the chances of continuing hair loss.
Nizoral is designed to replace your everyday shampoo, so you won’t be able to keep using your current favorite, a definite downside for anyone attached to their specific brand or scent. Fortunately, it’s readily available in several health and wellness stores as well as online at CVS, Walmart, and Target. Prices range from around $13.00 to $16.00 for a one-month supply.
For those who respond well to ketoconazole but aren’t seeing fast results, there are higher-strength options with greater concentrations of ketoconazole available by prescription.
It is worth pointing out that Nizoral shampoo won’t address some underlying causes of hair loss, such as hormonal issues, but it is effective in boosting scalp health. So if scalp issues are the sole cause of hair loss, it may be effective on its own. But if a combination of issues are resulting in hair loss, Nizoral should be used in tandem with another hair loss treatment, ideally on the advice of a medical professional
Best for Adding Growth and Strength
Keranique Women’s Hair Regrowth Treatment
Pros
- Multiple retail purchase options
- Pairs well with Keranique shampoo and conditioner for a more complete treatment
- Contains 2-percent minoxidil
- See results in just three to four months
Cons
- Likely to be less effective than 5-percent minoxidil products
- Inconsistent pricing across retailers
Key Specs
- Available without a prescription? Yes
- Price: $18.69 to $30.99 for a one-month supply (prices vary by retailer)
- Appropriate for just men, just women, or both? Just for women
For women who struggle with thinning, breakable hair follicles and limpness, Keranique Women’s Hair Regrowth Treatment offers an ideal solution that can also help boost volume. By delivering minoxidil at a lower dose — 2 percent instead of 5 percent — hair follicles are given the boost they need to stay long and strong. Keranique is designed to be applied directly to the scalp twice daily via a patented sprayer. Users can expect to see results in three to four months with consistent use.
Like other minoxidil products, Keranique acts as a vasodilator, which promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle. This boost of nutrients and oxygen not only helps foster regrowth, but it also addresses the strength of the actual hair follicle. Hair follicles break easily when they lack strength, leading to the appearance of thinning hair even when hair grows in normally.
Keranique Women’s Hair Regrowth Treatment can be purchased from a variety of retailers both online and in person.
Why Trust Everyday Health
Julia Pelly, MPH
Author
Julia Pelly began her freelance writing career covering health and parenting topics over 10 years ago after a decade of working with nonprofits focused on children's health. Pelly is a certified lactation counselor (CLC), childbirth educator (The Bradley Method), La Leche League leader, and a doula. She has a master's degree in public health from Tulane University.
Her writing has covered pregnancy and childbirth, early childhood development, lactation, postpartum healthcare, and mental health. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Time, Vox, Parents, Glamour, InStyle, and Today's Parent, among others.
When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her four young children, hiking, swimming, and reading.
Ross Radusky, MD
Medical Reviewer
Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum laude from the City University of New York and then received his MD from the New York University School of Medicine. There, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and served as chapter president for two years. He completed his residency in dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center, and at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Dr. Radusky practices general and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on the early detection of skin cancer, and provides patients with a personalized approach to looking their best at any age. He has authored articles and textbook chapters on the clues that our finger- and toenails may provide us about internal disease, as well as on comprehensive therapies for cosmetic dermatology and reversing the signs of skin aging.
Complementing his medical practice, Radusky has a strong passion for the cultural arts, particularly in expanding access to youths and seniors. He previously served as an artist instructor for the Rockaway Artists Alliance, a New York City nonprofit arts and education organization, and then served as both a board director and treasurer of the organization throughout his medical school training.
Radusky enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Robyn, son Oliver, and poodle Lucy, where he can usually be found preventing photoaging and reducing the risk of skin cancer beneath an umbrella in a wide-brimmed hat. He is also the proud inventor of Sunshotz, the world’s only sunscreen measuring cup, designed to help patients of all ages apply the proper amount of sunscreen needed to enjoy all the sun without the burn.
Daniel Oakley
Fact-Checker
Daniel Oakley is a journalist, editor, and fact-checker. He has written, edited, taught, and produced media for Dow Jones, S&P Global, IHS Markit, Third Coast Studios Magazine, and 826 National.
Oakley's path has always been a health-and-wellness-focused one. A competitive triathlete and racing fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, he also spends summer weekends as an ISA-certified surf instructor and Red Cross professional water rescuer with Laru Beya Collective in Rockaway Beach, which helps kids master and delight in their own backyard — the ocean. It has taught Oakley that “optimizing body and mind” flourishes precisely at the wellspring of community.
Steven Rowe
Editor
Steven Rowe is a New York City–based writer and editor with over six years of experience writing about mental health, men's health, parenting, and products.
His work has been published by Healthline, Psych Central, Health, Verywell, Parents, InStyle, Greatist, Romper, Inverse, Bustle, Mic, and RetailMeNot. He also worked as an editor at Healthline and a constant strategist and update writer at Verywell. Prior to becoming a writer, he also worked at Pace University in continuing education.
He has a degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and a master’s from Columbia School of the Arts. When he's not writing, you can find him hiking in the woods with his family and rescue beagle.