It's giving...healthy hair
Stock your bathroom vanity with the essentials to grow thicker, luscious locks
Many hair growth efforts fail because they only address one piece of the puzzle. This curated supply closet helps you build a comprehensive hair growth routine. Choose at least one product from each category to cover your bases.
1. Pick a Shower Head Filter
This is a foundational must. Tap water throughout the country has chlorine byproducts, heavy metals, & mineral build up that can easily lead to scalp microbiome disruption which can trash the hair strands & scalp causing moisture blockage, brittleness & build up. Trust me: you don't want the unnecessary scalp inflammation and strand suffocation. It's an easy 60 second fix to attach a filter - just make sure you change it every 1 to 3 months max.
The Filter Baby
A powerhouse filter removes chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and microplastics—not just chlorine alone like many other brands. It is just a filter and has a universal fit with most shower heads. Dermatologists generally recommend this.
AquaTru Shower Head
The AquaTru is a showerhead but with a filter inside and has a universal fit. This filter is considered better than many mainstream shower filters because it combines a more advanced filter media mix, stronger engineering, and better real-world testing than the typical low-cost “15-stage” filters online
2. Pick Growth Shampoo & Scalp Detoxifiers
Washing 3 to 5x per week is the sweet spot for most to keep the follicles clean and to prevent DHT building up if you only wash 1-2x/week. There are so many options on the market so my advice would be to pick a cleanser (assuming you don't have a damaged scalp barrier) that 1) can fight malassezia overgrowth 2) has DHT blocking ingredients 3) helps better anchor the hair strands 4) promote follicles staying in the anagen phase, and 5) reduce scalp inflammation. Not many brands do all of this, and the ones that do often have harsh, endocrine disrupting ingredients.
*Gentle Shampoo
*IF you have a sensitive scalp or damaged scalp barrier (burning, tight scalp, painful scalp, bumps), now is not the time to use growth focused shampoos. It is best to see your dermatologist for evaluation. CeraVe is infused with ceramides so it cleanses without disrupting scalp's moisture barrier leaving scalp feeling calm. NOT everyone needs this but IF you over-do antimicrobial based shampoos, you may need this to calm the scalp first as a damaged barrier can also promote hair loss.
Anti-Thinning Shampoo
CLINICALLY TESTED BOTANICAL CARE FOR THINNING HAIR: it is a meticulously crafted blend of biotin, argan oil, pumpkin seed, and black cumin seed delivers a refined, lightweight cleanse that elevates the appearance of thinning, fragile strands and supports a fuller-looking head of hair for men and women. Is very popular on Amazon.
Hair Growth Shampoo
If you want a professional product, Monat is a professional line (with a Stylist back bar program) & the Monat IR Clinical supports growth by reducing shedding, improving scalp health, strengthening follicles with peptides + botanical ingredients & help control malassezia by cleansing excess scalp oil & using mildly antimicrobial ingredients like rosemary oil, peppermint oil & benzoic acid which can create a less yeast-friendly environment.
Scalp Clarifier
Only for occasional use: Apply this to the scalp to allow the Apple cider vinegar extract combined with REJUVENIQE S™ and other healthy hair actives in a water-like rinse to deeply cleanse hair and scalp while retaining moisture, preserving color, and enhancing shine. The scalp typically has a pH of 4.5–5.5, but many shampoos are alkaline, disrupting this balance. ACV, which is acidic, helps restore the natural pH, promoting a healthier environment for hair follicles.
Ketoconazole
If you do have "dandruff" - it is best to see a dermatologist. However, excess malassezia is common and it reasonable to try a strong over the counter shampoos for 8 weeks or so to see if resolution can occur. Make sure to also explore root causes that led to it overgrowing in the first place so it doesn't keep coming back if/when preventable. (Gut issues, moldy home, tap water, etc.) You can "over-do" antimicrobial shampoos so be careful you don't damage your scalp barrier.
Remove Tap Water Build Up
If you are showering in hard water, you need this 2-4x/month. It's a 4 dollar detoxifying, hard water hair treatment to deeply chair from the inside out while defending against harsh minerals and mineral build up with a boost of shine & hydration. Get rid of the brassiness and crunchiness in your hair and back to a clean slate so it's no longer suffocating from the garbage in tap water.
3. Pick a Hair Growth Scalp Serum
Scalp serums get much more contact time on the follicles compared to shampoo so some argue a scalp serum is way more important. There are so many on the market it can be hard to choose. I would recommend considering one that has lots of benefits in one bottle so you don't have to layer 7 serums on to get all the ingredients you want. Now, Minoxidil is what any dermatologist is going to tell you to use; granted, it is FDA approved if that matters to you, and it is "the strongest." But you will lose it fast after you stop, can't use safely with pets and can't use when pregnant. Consider Many non-drug serums focus on improving the scalp environment or using plant-based extracts. When you stop a botanical serum, the hair typically returns to its baseline state more slowly because there wasn't a large group of hairs being held in a "growth hold" by a drug like Minoxidil (Rogaine).
Overnight Scalp Serum
This packs multiple clinically targeted actives into one formula instead of relying on just one “hero ingredient” like most over-the-counter serums. Key ingredients include Capixyl™ for follicle support, caffeine for scalp stimulation, melatonin for antioxidant scalp protection, bakuchiol for anti-inflammatory effects, resveratrol and vitamin C/E for oxidative stress reduction, hyaluronic acid & peptide technology. Use on wet or dry scalp.
4. Pick a Red Light Therapy Device
Studies on low-level laser/red light therapy show it can improve hair density and thickness in both men and women with pattern hair loss, especially when used consistently over several months, with multiple systematic reviews finding statistically significant benefits versus placebo devices.The biggest tip is consistency with a good brand (no a dupe LED light that does nothing): most dermatologists recommend using it at least 3–5 times weekly (or daily depending on the device) for 6+ months, and results are usually better when combined with fixing underlying issues like low ferritin, inflammation, hormones, etc.
Pre Shower Scalp Serum
I've used Monat for 9 years, but if I had to pick another brand to give more ideas, I would pick Rhute as it has similar ingredients and it's also Physician designed like Monat. Monat though you can wear any time but ideally on a wet clean scalp as it's not greasy (water based) so you won't undo your clean hair; Rhute is an oiler pre shower scalp serum meant to leave on for 30 minutes before and then wash off.
Red Light Therapy Cap
Meet the HIGHERDOSE RED LIGHT HAT. Harnessing the power of 650nm red light, this device increases blood circulation to the scalp which may lead to decreased hair loss, optimized hair follicle function, and increased growth. Hands-free home use, making it easier to stay consistent long enough to see results. Many users like that it uses medical-grade LEDs/lasers, has FDA-cleared devices for androgenetic hair loss, and is a one-time purchase versus ongoing in-office treatments.
Lumebox Red Light Therapy
LUMEBOX is considered one of the best red light therapy devices because it combines medical-grade red and near-infrared wavelengths in a portable, high-powered device that can be used for skin health, recovery, inflammation support, energy, and hair/scalp wellness in just minutes daily.
Another major benefit is that LUMEBOX purchases can often be made using FSA/HSA funds! It uses the proper studied wavelength too.
5. Pick a Quality Conditioner - Length Retention
So you obviously want things growing well from the root, but you don't want to counteract all that hard work by treating your hair strands poorly; they need proper moisture and protein. Preserving the hair you do have is key! Ideally you are using a brand that is free from heavy silicones - they can weigh the hair down, lead to a waxy coating, and "suffocate" the hair strand so it's harder for moisture to get in. You don't really need scalp stimulating ingredients in a good conditioner, just strand integrity.
Daily Use Growth Conditioner
IR clinical conditioner is a silicone-free formula, strengthening ingredients, lightweight conditioning, and breakage-reduction focus. It’s designed to hydrate and detangle without heavily coating the hair shaft, which can appeal to people wanting softness and retention without buildup or suffocating-feeling residue
Occasional Use Bond Conditioner
THIS GOES VIRAL as it delivers deep, bond-focused repair that strengthens from within, leaving hair noticeably softer, smoother, and more resilient—even after coloring, bleaching, or heat styling. You’ll love how manageable your hair is and how healthy it looks and feels after every use. It is a BOND conditioner that can be used after every wash and won't over proteinize the hair. Rotate with a daily use conditioner.
Prefer a Leave-In Conditioner?
This leave in spray goes viral because it works and does so many things beyond conditioning. It's a Lightweight, Non-Greasy Formula that works on all hair types and textures without buildup or residue.100% Vegan & Salon-Quality – Free from sulfates, parabens & mineral oils. Remember, moisture is the point here to maintain health and length of the strands. Can be used daily.
Occasional Hair Masque
This bad boy has won 14 international awards. ULTIMATE DEEP HAIR RESTORATION SOLUTION. Say goodbye to dry and damaged hair caused by styling, heat, color, and pollution. This 5-in-1 miracle treatment transforms tired locks into shiny, glossy, and smooth hair with just one use.
6. Pick Your Post Shower Care
Are you lazy like me and want something all in one? What if I told there is a leave in moisturizer, a bond builder, a 450 degree heat protection, and split end mender? Say what?! Yes it can be used daily and won't overproteinize the hair. Whether you heat-style, color, or simply want stronger, healthier-looking hair, this lightweight formula works to fortify each strand from the inside out, leaving your hair silky, resilient, and radiant every day.
Bond IQ Leave In
Once out of the shower and while hair is still damp and vulnerable, use this premium, ultra-nourishing hair treatment designed to strengthen, repair, and protect damaged, brittle, or color-treated hair, offering 3x less breakage. It features bond-repair technology, peptides, and botanical extracts to detangle, smooth, and provide heat protection. Offers more bond repair than the spray in pureology option above.
"Glass Hair" Spray
Dream Coat Anti-Humidity Treatment Spray – Anti-Frizz Hair Smoothing Spray with Built-in Heat Protectant, Award-Winning Leave In Treatment for Glassy Smooth, Shiny Styles up to 3-4 Washes. Not gonna lie; as much as I love Monat, this product works insanely well. You only use this s couple times a month so you don't overcoat your strands. Is only for those that heat style their hair.
Hair Growth Hairspray
After styling your hair, Hold 8–12 inches away from hair and spray as needed. This hairspray is a two in one as it helps hold style AND has growth ingredients including CAPIXYL™ and Pea Extract so if spraying near or over the scalp, your scalp will benefit from the extra capixyl and pea extract which PubMed Medical Database has studies on these ingredients for growth. There is also a texturizing spray from Monat if you prefer that for holding a style.
Blow Dryer
To prevent damage, the best blow dryers combine fast airflow, intelligent heat control, and ceramic/ionic or infrared technology so your hair dries quickly without prolonged high heat exposure. Dermatologists and stylists consistently recommend dryers with adjustable heat, cool-shot settings, and diffusers because lower heat + shorter drying time causes less breakage & cuticle damage
Moisture Heat Curling Iron
This innovative tool combines our proprietary NanoIonic MX and Moisturizing Heat Technology to lock in moisture and seal the cuticle, ensuring your curls stay vibrant and bouncy all day. Get rid of dull, limp hair and welcome silky smooth locks, even with continuous use.
Healing Hair Oil
Monat Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive feels so “watery” & lightweight instead of thick/greasy is mostly the type of oils they use and the absence of heavy silicones/mineral oil. It's shiny but not oily, silky & absorbs quickly makes hair softer without flattening it. Lighter oils have smaller +more compatible fatty-acid structures, so they penetrate better than thick oils that mostly sit on top of the strand. Use as a preshower treatment or as a finisher.
7. Keep Your Hair Clean & Protected
When you lay your head down at night, you want to protect your scalp and hair strands from excess friction (that can lead to breakage), and protect it from bacteria, fungus and junk that can live on your pillow case and pillows if you are not washing enough. At a minimum, you should be washing your pillow case weekly, and your pillows monthly if possible. If they are memory foam, then they need replaced about every 6 to 12 months as they will begin to harbor excess actinobacteria. You just went to all that work to wash, mend and style your hair. Do what you can while you sleep to no un-do all your daytime efforts.
Protective Pillow Cases
Wake up to smoother hair and glowing skin with a silky satin pillowcase, a luxe alternative to silk pillowcases. They are designed to reduce frizz, tangles, and breakage by creating less friction than cotton pillow cases, this silk pillow case–inspired fabric also helps prevent sleep lines and facial creases.
Laundry Detergent
Washing your pillow cases (and pillows too) often is a non-negotiable. Dirty pillowcases promote dirty scalps and excess malassezia to grow - which you don't want. Make sure you wash in HOT water and do the laundry minimum of weekly to protect your scalp and strands.
8. Pick Internal DHT Blockers
DHT (the hair loss hormone) can be high for a variety of reasons. "Blocking" this hormone not just topically but internally blocking it can be helpful too! There are prescription DHT blockers (finasteride, spironolactone, etc.) but have risks, side effects and of course you must be a candidate. There are over the counter options however! I must say they are "not as strong," however they do block some DHT. Best case scenario is your are working with a healthcare practitioner who is ordering labs and helping you individualize it, but below are some products that can be utilized assuming you don't have a contraindication to using it. You can self order a DUTCH Complete Urine Test HERE and see if you have high alpha reductase activity. The results come with a practitioner's commentary.
DHT Blocking Ingredient Stack
Honestly, this is a great product because there are multiple DHT blockers in one capsule! Fabulous idea and I am loving the efficiency here! Talk to your MD before starting to be safe.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Can't tolerate or take saw palmetto? Pumpkin seed oil in the dose of 400 to 1000mg per day is another option if you don't want the ingredient stack. These may mildly inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. So it’s kind of a gentle natural finasteride-lite effect. Talk to your MD before starting.
9. Pick Hormone Optimizers
Hormones are messengers. If they are going haywire, there is usually a root cause for this that is best explored with your healthcare team. Two common hormones (when in abnormal amounts) that can impact hair growth are insulin and progesterone. Insulin (when stubborn or resistant) in the body and cascade to high DHT. So to combat this, sensitizing your body's insulin to "work better" helps support normal levels of insulin in circulation and consequently less room for this to enhance DHT related hair loss. Progesterone (when low in the luteal phase in cycling women, or low in menopause) can lead to thinner, shorter hair. FUN FACT: Progesterone is ONE reason why women love their hair in pregnancy as progesterone becomes high in pregnancy.
Inositol Supplementation
A standard, heavily studied dose to help improve insulin utilization in the body is 2000mg twice a day with meal in the ratio in this exact product. You want fasting insulin to be 3 to 5 in the morning. Of course, talk to your MD before starting but this is low risk high reward for someone not taking insulin injections (at risk of serious hypoglycemia). Not sure if you have insulin resistance? You can self order a panel here.
Progesterone Cream
There is a ton of nuance to utilizing progesterone cream on the skin but for cycling women not on hormonal birth control, it's typically used and titrated for days 14-28 of the menstrual cycle and for menopausal women, it's usually used 25 days on and 5 days off. Talk with your MD about using this, but progesterone cream is over the counter and safe when done correctly and is effective. Not sure of your progesterone levels? Check HERE. Cycling women check labs between day 19-21 of your cycle and levels should be 10-20ng/mL. If not you could benefit from this. Postmenopausal women generally benefit from this too but talk with MD.
10. Pick the Nutraceuticals that are Relevant
As a registered dietitian, I cannot stress enough how important it is to do TARGETED supplementation for nutrient deficiencies that are seen in bloodwork. There isn't a quick, easy way to explain it all here and it is best to have individualized - which I teach on this in my online Hair Growth Program. But I will say if there is a demonstrated need, these are good supplements people use for the deficiencies they have if they need the targeted support. Of course food first, but people slip into deficiencies for all sorts of reasons (poor absorption, medication depleted it, mold exposure burned through the nutrient, a person is drinking antagonistic tap water and it's displacing minerals). I could go on and on. It's best to find the root cause of the deficiences and I help patients strategize this in 1-1 telehealth consultation. Did you know I take some insurances?!
Transdermal Multi- Vitamin
Got pill fatigue? This supplement line is genius! You can absorb nutrients through your skin and I see it work in my patients when we recheck their labs. If you need a multi - this one is fabulous! Don't do one with iron unless your labs show you need supplemental iron.
Essential Fatty Acids
There are so many hair growth supplements out there telling you that you need extra biotin and b vitamins...those aren't the big hair loss deficiencies. You want to know what I see low in blood work all the time - low omegas. People do not get enough essential fatty acids and the follicles do need this! Stop falling prey to marketing and take things you are actually low in.
Minerals & Electrolytes
Water is important but you need minerals—specifically electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium—because plain water cannot enter or stay inside your cells on its own. These charged minerals actively draw fluid into your tissues, regulate cellular balance, and prevent the water you drink from simply passing straight through your body. Needed for hair growth.
Transdermal Iron
Ummm how cool is this? You can absorb iron through you skin. But only take this if you labs so that you need it because you don't want to become iron overloaded. I go over this in my online program. No upset tummy or constipation like with oral iron supplements!
Copper Peptide Patches
Copper peptides are well studied to help grow hair. Don't like needles (as they are typically injected)? I wear these copper peptide patches which help your body endogenously make more of it's own copper peptides. This is non transdermal technology so won't interact with any prescriptions or medications. Wear one patch daily for 12 hours. Copper peptides are all the rage for good reason.
Collagen/Fiber/Probiotic
I love a good cost effective stack. So much goodness in one product! Collagen is helpful for growing hair and most people don't get enough fiber each day to help support good bacteria in the gut to flourish which keeps your gut balanced, less inflamed and absorbing nutrients better.
Ready to hit this head on and have 1-1 conversations? And bonus - our time is billed to your PPO insurance! Get the individualized assessment and care you want and need to really level up not just your hair growth game, but full body health. Functional medicine aligned RD over here eager to help out :)
1:1 Consulting
This expert written, self paced roadmap is designed to help you uncover and address your root cause(s) of excess thinning & shedding via access to self order labs + general interpretive guidelines & titratable protocols. Start testing, stop guessing. Precision is what you need, not arbitrary supplements and wishful thinking at Sephora.
The Hair Growth Online Program
