We Tried 5 of the Most Popular Hair Regrowth Brands — Here’s What Actually Worked

Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S.
By Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S.
Updated on April 13, 2025

After months of testing, one natural solution stood out from the rest.

Let’s be honest—losing your hair can shake your confidence to the core. What starts as a few extra hairs in the shower drain suddenly becomes a thinning crown or receding hairline that’s impossible to ignore.

I know because I’ve been there. That moment of realization hits hard—whether it’s catching your reflection in a store window or seeing yourself tagged in a photo where your scalp is suddenly visible.

As someone who’s navigated this journey personally and professionally, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of hair loss solutions. When my editor proposed this comprehensive comparison of the top hair regrowth brands on the market, I jumped at the opportunity. Not just to find what works, but to provide fellow men with honest, research-backed guidance through this deeply personal challenge.

Why act now?

As our chart demonstrates, when it comes to combating hair loss, timing is everything. The effectiveness of even the best treatments diminishes with each passing month, creating a critical window of opportunity that’s closing as you read this.

Our comprehensive testing revealed a sobering truth: men who delayed treatment by just 6-12 months experienced significantly reduced results compared to those who acted promptly at the first signs of thinning. This isn’t marketing hyperbole—it’s the biological reality of how hair follicles respond to intervention.

Why is timing so crucial? Once a hair follicle remains dormant for an extended period, revitalizing it becomes exponentially more difficult. The science is clear: follicles that have been miniaturized for years are less responsive to treatment than those caught in the early stages of thinning.

Our Testing Methodology

For this comparison, our team followed a rigorous testing protocol:

  • Duration: Each product was tested for a minimum of 150 days (the timeframe most clinical studies indicate is necessary to see results)
  • Documentation: Weekly photos in identical lighting conditions
  • Metrics tracked: Hair density, visible thinning areas, hair loss during washing, scalp condition
  • User experience: Application process, side effects, daily commitment

We also interviewed dermatologists, trichologists, and hundreds of real users to understand these products from every angle. Here’s what we discovered.

The Top 5 Hair Regrowth Solutions Compared

#1: Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin® Serum For Men

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)

The Bottom Line: Bio-Pilixin® offered the most impressive combination of effectiveness, safety, and ease of use. Unlike drug-based options, this plant-powered formula delivered noticeable improvements without unwanted side effects.

Pros:

  • Drug-free formula with clinically tested plant ingredients
  • Reduced hair loss in 93.3% of users in clinical trials
  • Increased hair density in 73.3% of users
  • No reported sexual side effects or scalp irritation
  • Pleasant, easy application process
  • Comprehensive 150-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Premium pricing (though offset by money-back guarantee)
  • Requires consistent daily application
  • Results typically take 45-150 days to become noticeable

Our Experience: I was initially skeptical about a plant-based alternative to pharmaceutical options. However, after approximately 45 days of consistently applying the serum each evening, I noticed significantly fewer hairs in my shower drain—the first encouraging sign.

By day 90, both my barber and several colleagues commented on improved density around my crown area, which had been my primary concern. Photos confirmed what they were seeing—the thin spots were filling in gradually, and my hairline appeared stronger.

The formula’s star ingredient—Capilia Longa, derived from turmeric root—has been shown to reduce hair loss by up to 89% and improve density by up to 52% in some studies. The science checks out, and more importantly, so did our results.

What particularly stood out was the absence of side effects. The serum created a slight warming sensation upon application, but unlike other products tested, there was no itching, redness, or scalp flaking—and certainly none of the more concerning side effects associated with drug-based alternatives.

Best For: Men with early to moderate hair thinning who prefer a drug-free approach, especially those concerned about potential side effects of pharmaceutical options.

Editor’s note: Since receiving wide media coverage, we’ve been notified by Scandinavian Biolabs that their product can go out of stock soon.

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#2: Keeps Minoxidil + Fin

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)

The Bottom Line: Keeps offers a convenient telehealth approach to prescription hair loss treatments with a straightforward subscription model and medical consultation included.

Pros:

  • Combines two clinically proven ingredients
  • Convenient online prescription process
  • Regular physician follow-ups included
  • Subscription ensures you never run out

Cons:

  • Potential side effects including sexual dysfunction reported by some users
  • Requires indefinite use to maintain results
  • Cannot be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant

Our Experience: Keeps streamlines access to both topical minoxidil and oral fin through their online consultation process. The combination therapy approach is scientifically sound—minoxidil helps regrow hair by improving blood flow to follicles, while fin blocks DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles.

Results became evident around month three, with visible improvements along the hairline and crown. However, two of our testers reported side effects including decreased libido and mild scalp irritation, which mirror the known potential side effects of these medications.

The subscription model ensures you don’t accidentally miss treatments, but this also means committing to ongoing medication use and costs.

Best For: Men committed to long-term pharmaceutical treatment who value convenience and professional oversight.

#3: Rogaine (Minoxidil)

rogaine

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.8/5)

The Bottom Line: The original FDA-approved topical treatment remains effective for many users but requires consistent, indefinite use.

Pros:

  • Widely available over-the-counter
  • Decades of research supporting efficacy
  • Foam formula is easy to apply
  • Works well for crown thinning

Cons:

  • Less effective for frontal hair loss
  • Can cause initial shedding phase
  • Some users experience scalp irritation
  • Results disappear if treatment stops

Our Experience: As the pioneer in topical hair loss treatments, Rogaine has name recognition and research backing its efficacy. Our testers saw modest improvements after approximately 16 weeks of twice-daily application, primarily in the crown area.

The foam formula was less messy than liquid alternatives, though it sometimes left the hair looking greasy. Three testers experienced temporary increased shedding during the first month—known as the “dread shed”—which is actually a sign the product is working as new hair cycles begin.

While generally well-tolerated, two testers reported scalp dryness and mild irritation. Results plateaued after about six months of use.

Best For: Men with crown thinning who prefer an accessible, proven over-the-counter option and don’t mind committing to twice-daily application indefinitely.

#4: Hims Complete Hair Kit

Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.7/5)

The Bottom Line: Hims offers a comprehensive approach combining prescription and non-prescription products in one convenient package.

Pros:

  • All-in-one solution (minoxidil, shampoo, gummies)
  • Telehealth consultation included
  • Stylish, discreet packaging
  • Educational resources included

Cons:

  • Higher monthly cost than other options
  • Same potential side effects as individual medications
  • Some ingredients in the supplementary products lack strong evidence

Our Experience: Hims combines prescription minoxidil with supplementary products including thickening shampoo and biotin gummies. The comprehensive approach addresses hair loss from multiple angles, though the core effectiveness comes from the two medications.

Results were comparable to using minoxidil separately, with visible improvements beginning around month three. The additional products created a sense of a complete routine, though it’s difficult to measure their specific contribution to results.

The convenience of having everything shipped together was appreciated, but the cost adds up, especially considering that some components (like the biotin gummies) have limited evidence for effectiveness.

Best For: Men seeking a complete hair care system with both prescription and supportive products who don’t mind paying a premium for convenience and aesthetics.

#5: Copenhagen Grooming Beard & Hair Growth Kit

Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

The Bottom Line: This kit combines a derma roller with serum for a mechanical and topical approach to stimulation.

Pros:

  • Dual approach with both physical stimulation and topical ingredients
  • Well-designed packaging and tools
  • No prescription required
  • Can be used for both beard and scalp

Cons:

  • Derma rolling can be uncomfortable for some users
  • Time-consuming routine
  • Mixed evidence for effectiveness of derma rolling for pattern hair loss
  • Results highly variable among testers

Our Experience: Copenhagen Grooming takes a different approach, pairing a derma roller (microneedling device) with their growth serum. The theory is that microneedling creates tiny channels in the skin to enhance product absorption while stimulating blood flow.

Our testers reported mixed results. Three saw modest improvements in density after four months, while two experienced little change. The routine is more involved—derma rolling requires careful technique and can be uncomfortable.

The serum itself contains a blend of botanical ingredients, though with less robust clinical evidence than our top picks. The kit is well-designed and user-friendly, but requires a higher time commitment than topical solutions alone.

Best For: Men willing to commit to a more involved routine who prefer a mechanical approach combined with botanical ingredients, especially those interested in both scalp and beard enhancement.

Key Findings & Takeaways

After 150 days of testing, interviewing experts, and analyzing results, several key insights emerged:

1. Results Take Time

Across all products, patience was essential. Even our top performers required at least 45 days before showing noticeable improvements, with optimal results typically appearing between 3-5 months of consistent use.

2. The Natural vs. Pharmaceutical Divide

The choice between drug-based and natural solutions represents a significant trade-off. Pharmaceutical options like fin and minoxidil have decades of research backing their efficacy but come with potential side effects that some men find concerning. Natural alternatives like Bio-Pilixin® showed impressive results in our testing with minimal side effects, but typically work more gradually.

3. Consistency Is Non-Negotiable

Regardless of which solution you choose, consistent application proved crucial to success. Products abandoned or used sporadically showed negligible results.

4. Earlier Intervention Yields Better Results

Across all products, those with earlier-stage thinning saw more dramatic improvements than those with advanced hair loss. This underscores the importance of addressing hair loss at the first signs of thinning.

Why Bio-Pilixin® Took The Top Spot

What ultimately elevated Scandinavian Biolabs’ Bio-Pilixin® Serum to our #1 recommendation was its unique combination of effectiveness, safety, and science-backed formulation.

The serum’s key ingredient, Capilia Longa, has shown impressive results in clinical testing—reducing hair loss by up to 89% and improving density by up to 52%. But beyond the statistics, our testers consistently reported positive experiences across several dimensions:

Effectiveness Without Side Effects

While pharmaceutical options showed similar or slightly better regrowth in some cases, they came with reported side effects that gave testers pause. Bio-Pilixin® delivered noticeable improvements without the drawbacks.

The Science Holds Up

Scandinavian Biolabs stands out for their transparency about their clinical testing and ingredients. The Bio-Pilixin® formula underwent independent clinical evaluation by the Capillary Technology Center in a 5-month study, with impressive findings:

  • 93.3% of volunteers showed reduced hair loss
  • 73.3% demonstrated improved hair density
  • 80% reported moderate to intense hair loss reduction

Quality of Experience

The serum was pleasant to use, with a lightweight texture that didn’t leave hair greasy or require styling adjustments. The slight warming sensation upon application provided a reassuring sign the ingredients were working without causing irritation.

Risk-Free Trial

The company’s 150-day money-back guarantee aligns perfectly with the timeframe needed to see results, allowing users to fully evaluate effectiveness without financial risk.

How To Choose The Right Solution For You

When selecting a hair regrowth solution, consider these factors:

1. Stage of Hair Loss

  • Early thinning: All options may be effective; natural solutions like Bio-Pilixin® offer a gentle first approach
  • Moderate loss: Consider combination approaches or pharmaceutical options
  • Advanced loss: Pharmaceutical options may provide more dramatic results, though expectations should be managed

2. Side Effect Concerns

  • If you’re concerned about potential sexual side effects or scalp irritation, plant-based alternatives offer a safer starting point
  • Those comfortable with potential side effects might opt for pharmaceutical solutions with strong efficacy data

3. Commitment Level

  • Consider how the application process fits into your daily routine
  • Evaluate whether you’re comfortable with indefinite treatment (required for most options)
  • Factor in ongoing costs and accessibility

4. Timeline Expectations

  • All effective solutions require patience—typically 3-6 months minimum
  • Be wary of products promising overnight results

Final Thoughts

Hair loss might feel like something happening to you, but choosing how to address it puts you back in control. Whether you opt for our top pick, Bio-Pilixin® Serum, or another solution that better fits your specific needs, taking that first step is what matters most.

Remember that results vary from person to person, and the best approach is often one you can maintain consistently over time. For those hesitant to commit, Scandinavian Biolabs’ 150-day guarantee provides a risk-free opportunity to see if their plant-powered approach works for your unique situation.

Whatever path you choose, addressing hair thinning early yields the best results—and can help you reclaim not just your hair, but the confidence that comes with it.

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