Review of the 5 Most Effective Hair Growth Treatments (Serums, Tonics, & Treatments)
After ensuring internal nutrition is sufficient, the next step is to ‘attack’ the hair loss problem from the outside. External (topical) treatments aim to ‘awaken’ dormant hair follicles, improve blood circulation in the scalp, and strengthen fragile hair roots.
The market is flooded with products making ‘miracle’ claims. But not all are created equal. There’s ‘Hair Tonic’ (light treatment), ‘Hair Serum’ (intensive treatment), and ‘Medical Treatment’. What’s the difference and which is most effective? Here’s a review of the 5 most popular hair growth treatments in 2025.
- 1. Hair Tonic (Daily Care & Prevention)
What it is: A light liquid (often alcohol/water-based) with herbal active ingredients like Ginseng, Urang-Aring (Eclipta prostrata), or Menthol. Its purpose is to ‘refresh’ the scalp and improve circulation.
Review: This is a daily ‘vitamin’ for your scalp. Excellent for ‘preventing’ mild hair loss or maintaining normal hair. Provides a comfortable cooling sensation. However, for severe hair loss, ‘Hair Tonic’ alone will not be strong enough.
- 2. Hair Serum (Science-Based Intensive Treatment)
What it is: A more ‘potent’ (thicker) and ‘concentrated’ formula with ‘modern’ scientifically proven active ingredients. Ingredients to look for: Redensyl, Anagain, Capixyl, or Aminexil.
Review: This is a ‘game-changer’. Serums with the ingredients above (especially Redensyl) are clinically proven to ‘awaken’ hair follicle stem cells. Much stronger than tonics. Use once daily on the scalp, massaging gently. Results are usually visible after 2-3 months of regular use.
- 3. Minoxidil (Medical Drug)
What it is: This is not a ‘cosmetic’; it’s a ‘drug’ (formerly a hypertension medication). Minoxidil (popular brands: Regrou/Rogaine) is the only FDA-approved ingredient to ‘regrow’ hair due to pattern baldness (genetic).
Review: Highly effective, BUT… it requires a lifelong commitment. Minoxidil works as long as you use it. If you stop, any new hair grown will fall out again (and sometimes worse). There are also initial side effects (increased shedding) and irritation. Use only after consulting a doctor/dermatologist.
- 4. Rosemary Oil (Natural Alternative to Minoxidil)
What it is: Rosemary essential oil. A 2015 study showed that Rosemary Oil was ‘as effective’ as 2% Minoxidil in treating genetic baldness after 6 months, BUT with fewer ‘itching’ side effects.
Review: A very promising natural option. How to use: mix 3-5 drops of Rosemary Oil with 1 tbsp of ‘carrier oil’ (such as Jojoba or Argan), then massage into the scalp. Leave on for at least 30 minutes before shampooing. (Read our ‘Hair Oiling’ guide).
- 5. Salon Treatments (PRP & Microneedling)
What it is: Clinical treatments. Microneedling (Dermaroller): The scalp is ‘injured’ with tiny needles to stimulate repair and serum absorption. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Your blood is drawn, its ‘good plasma’ is separated, then injected back into your scalp to ‘nourish’ the follicles.
Review: Highly effective (especially PRP), but also the most ‘expensive’ per session and requires multiple treatments. This is the ‘ultimate weapon’ if serums and topical medications are not effective.
Recommended Treatment Plan
- Mild Hair Loss/Prevention: Hair Tonic (after shampooing) + Hair Oiling (Rosemary, 1x a week).
- Moderate/Severe Hair Loss: Replace Tonic with Hair Serum (Redensyl/Anagain) every night + Hair Oiling (Rosemary, 2x a week).
- Genetic Baldness: Dermatologist consultation (options: Minoxidil or PRP).
