If we’ve learned anything from our abundant coverage on managing hair thinning and maximizing growth, it’s that no one product or regimen is completely foolproof. But if we were going to get as close as possible to solving the problem of hair loss, what would be the one ingredient (or ingredients) to look for?
“When it comes to hair growth products, the key clinically proven ingredient that people should look for is topical minoxidil,” said New York City-based trichologist Sophia Emmanuel.
You’ve likely heard of this FDA-approved ingredient that is used to treat common conditions like pattern hair loss, and that is the active component in over-the-counter products like Rogaine.
Emmanuel explained that minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, which extends the hair growth phase.
“It [also] helps to enlarge hair follicles that miniturize, which can produce longer and thicker hair strands,” she said.
