Here’s a breakdown of the top non surgical hair replacement options, including what they are, how they work, and what to expect.
1. Minoxidil (Rogaine®)
Minoxidil is one of the most popular non surgical hair restoration treatments on the market — and for good reason. This topical treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for treating hair loss.
Minoxidil works by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to hair follicles, which helps prolong the growth phase of your hair cycle. This can slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
You can use minoxidil to treat many types of hair loss, including:
Androgenetic alopecia, also called male pattern baldness
Chemotherapy-induced hair loss
Traction alopecia, which is hair loss due to tension at the roots
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss
Telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss from stress or illness
Another bonus? Minoxidil is available over the counter, making it more accessible.
How to use it:
Apply it topically to the scalp once or twice daily. It’s available as a foam or liquid. Learn more about how to apply minoxidil for hair growth.
What to expect:
Results can take 3 to 6 months, and you need to use it continuously to maintain any progress. Stop using it, and the gains may reverse.
Cost:
Usually $30 – $60 per month depending on the brand, formulation, and the surface area you need to cover.
Potential side effects:
Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation, dryness, or flaking. These are usually mild and manageable with proper care.
2. Finasteride (Propecia®)
Finasteride is a once-daily oral medication that targets DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone linked to male pattern hair loss.
DHT attaches to the hair follicles in your scalp, gradually shrinking them over time. As a result, you’ll experience pattern hair loss, which can look like thinning hair on your crown or a receding hairline. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride can slow hair loss.
Oral finasteride is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment. It’s only available by prescription. You can also try topical finasteride.
Learn more in our guide to finasteride.
How to use it:
Take your dosage as directed daily. You can also use finasteride along with minoxidil — a safe and powerful combo.
What to expect:
It may take 3 to 6 months to see results, with peak benefits usually appearing after a year of consistent use.
Cost:
Prices vary, but expect around $20 – $75 per month.
Potential side effects:
Possible side effects include decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, or mood changes. Always speak with a healthcare provider to determine if it's the right fit for you.
3. Hair Loss Shampoos
Some hair care products contain ingredients that may reduce hair shedding. For example, there’s some promising evidence that saw palmetto and ketoconazole may slow down hair fall.
Shampoos alone won’t keep your hairline intact, though. Rather use them alongside proven medications — like finasteride and minoxidil — to reduce hair loss.
Looking for a quality hair loss shampoo? Try our thickening shampoo with saw palmetto.
How it works:
Use hair loss shampoo like you would use your regular shampoo, following the instructions on the packaging.
What to expect:
Shampoos won't stop hair loss on their own, but they can help slow the process and improve the look and feel of your hair.
Cost:
A bottle usually costs $20 to $60 depending on the brand, size, and active ingredients.
Potential side effects:
Some medicated shampoos may be too drying if you use them daily, so try alternating with a gentle cleanser to help maintain a balance. Choose a product that suits your hair type.
4. Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
Also called laser therapy, LLLT uses red or near-infrared light to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate hair follicles. This is meant to promote healthy hair growth without any medication or needles.
A systematic review of studies looked at seven randomized controlled studies on the effects of LLLT for androgenic alopecia. All articles found that laser therapy improved hair growth without side effects.
How it works:
You can get laser therapy in a clinic or do it at home using a laser cap, comb, or helmet. Most at-home devices require you to use them two to four times per week for 15 to 30 minutes.
What to expect:
Consistency is key. Visible improvement usually takes 3 to 6 months, with better results when you combine LLLT with minoxidil or finasteride.
Cost:
Devices range from $200 to over $1,000. Clinical sessions may cost more.
Potential side effects:
LLLT is generally safe with minimal to no side effects. It’s a good option for men looking to support hair health long-term.
5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
A newer hair loss treatment, platelet-rich plasma therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to isolate growth-factor-rich platelets, and injecting them into thinning areas of the scalp. These platelets stimulate follicles and encourage stronger, healthier hair growth.
A 2022 review confirmed that PRP can stimulate new hair growth, prevent shedding, and increase hair thickness. A 2020 review found that PRP can also increase hair density.
Beyond treating androgenic alopecia, PRP can also treat telogen effluvium, according to a 2023 clinical trial. Other research suggests it can treat alopecia areata, too.
How it works:
You’ll typically get PRP treatments in a dermatologist’s office, often in a series of three or four sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every few months.
What to expect:
You may start noticing increased hair thickness and decreased shedding within 3 to 6 months. Results vary from person to person and require ongoing sessions for maintenance.
Cost:
Typically $500–$2,000 per session, depending on your location and provider.
Potential side effects:
Mild discomfort, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Downtime is minimal.
6. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic procedure that uses tiny, strategically placed pigment dots to replicate the look of real hair follicles.
SMP doesn’t regrow hair, though — it’s a visual solution. In recent years, SMP has improved drastically, allowing many men to achieve natural-looking results.
It’s ideal for men with significant hair loss or thinning who want the appearance of a clean, buzzed style or a denser scalp without actual hair growth.
How it works:
A technician uses micro-needles to deposit pigment into the scalp in multiple sessions. The result is a realistic shadow effect that mimics natural stubble or density.
What to expect:
Results are visible immediately but may take two or three sessions to perfect. The look lasts 3 to 5 years before touch-ups are needed.
Cost:
Usually between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the area covered and provider expertise.
Potential side effects:
As with any tattooing process, there may be some mild discomfort or temporary redness. Our article on scalp micropigmentation regrets shares more issues to be aware of.
7. Hair Systems (Wigs, Toupees, Hairpieces)
What is a hair system? Basically, it’s a modern-day wig or hairpiece, designed to blend into your natural hair.
Modern hair systems have come a long way since the days of obvious, old-school toupees. Today’s systems can be custom-fit to your head shape and matched to your hair color. Plus, they’re far more comfortable.
These systems can be made from synthetic or human hair. You can wear a variety of hairstyles with a quality hairpiece.
How it works:
Hair systems are attached using medical-grade adhesive, clips, or integration methods. Some are semi-permanent while others are removable.
What to expect:
A well-made system can be undetectable and provide a huge confidence boost. With proper care, systems can last several months before needing replacement or reattachment.
Cost:
High-quality systems range from $500 to over $3,000, plus maintenance costs for hair care products and services.
Potential side effects:
Hair systems require regular maintenance — and occasional professional upkeep — to help the hair look natural, healthy, and tidy.
