Hair loss is a very common problem nowadays, not only for Caucasian men but also for black men. If you’re one of these men looking for answers, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll not only give you the best hair growth products for black men but also discuss the causes of black men’s hair thinning and hair loss.
Best Hair Growth Products for Black Men
Why do Black Men Lose Hair?
Hair Products
While there are many possible causes of hair hair loss, including genetics and age, one often overlooked factor is men’s hair products. Shampoos, hair gels, pomades, and hairsprays can all contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Sulfates, for example, are a type of surfactant that can strip the natural oils from the hair, making it dry and brittle. Dimethicones are silicone-based compounds that can build up on the scalp, suffocating the hair follicles. And formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause irritation and inflammation.
Tight Braids and Dreadlocks
For black men, their hair is an important part of their identity. From cornrows to dreadlocks, many styles require tight braiding or pulling, which can strain the hair follicles. Over time, this strain can lead to traction alopecia, characterized by thinning hair or excessive hair loss. In extreme cases, the hair follicles can be permanently damaged, leading to permanent hair loss.
Stress
When the body experiences stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps the body deal with short-term stressors by giving it a boost of energy. However, when cortisol hormone levels remain high for a prolonged period, it can cause various health problems, including hair loss.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Just as our bodies need the correct mix of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, our hair depends on nutrients to maintain its strength and vitality. When we don’t get enough of these essential vitamins, symptoms show up, often in the form of thinning or excessive shedding. While it can be due to a number of factors, vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss.
For example, a lack of iron B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, which can result in thinning hair. On the other hand, low levels of biotin, Vitamin C, and collagen in the body can cause brittle nails and dry hair.
Alopecia in Black Males
Alopecia is a general term for baldness more common in men and African Americans. Roughly 147 million worldwide suffer from it.
Today, different types of alopecia are discovered, but the most common form is androgenic alopecia, which affects both men and women. While the exact cause of androgenic alopecia is unknown, it is thought to be hereditary. Studies have shown that there is a strong genetic component to the condition, and it often runs in families
How Can Black Men Stop Hair Thinning and Prevent Hair Loss?
Now that you know some of the main reasons for black men’s hair thinning and hair loss, what steps do you need to take to stop it on its track?
First, stop wearing tight dreadlocks and limit or use harmful hair products. Second, lower the toxins you’re putting in your body by quitting smoking, alcohol, and drugs that negatively affect your overall health.
Third, you should manage your stress by getting enough rest and sleep. Take some yoga classes or breathing and relaxation classes. Give your body the signal that you are not in any dangerous situation and are in a safe space for healing and growth.
And last but not least is giving your body the nutrients it needs to build stronger hair by eating nutrient-rich food and supplementation.
Best Hair Growth Products for Black Men with Thinning Hair
There are many hair growth products for black men with thinning hair or balding issues. Here are products you can take in or apply to your scalp to improve your condition and maximize your hair growth results.
Hair Growth Supplements
Another step in supporting your overall health is getting the necessary nutrients to regrow your hair. Aside from eating fresh and nutritious foods, the most effective way to replenish the bulk nutrients lost due to stress is by taking supplements.
Hair growth supplements work by addressing nutritional deficiencies in your diet. They usually contain vitamins and minerals essential to hair production, such as vitamin E, zinc, iron, and amino acids. In addition, hair loss supplements today contain ingredients that target the root cause of hair loss or stimulate blood flow on the scalp and hair production. Below I’ll list some of the best supplements on the market today.
Best Hair Growth Products for Black Men
#1 Folexin For Black Male Hair
Folexin works so well to help black men grow hair naturally because of its potent ingredients. Poor hair growth is often caused by nutritional deficiency. By filling up your cells with the vital nutrients in this product, you are giving your hair the best support it needs to grow healthy.
The ingredients include a proprietary blend of the best compounds known to grow hair: Saw Palmetto, Biotin, and Fo-Ti.
Saw Palmetto is a popular ingredient in most hair loss products today because it prevents the formation of DHT on the scalp. DHT is a hormone that shrinks your hair follicle and causes hair loss.
Biotin supports keratin, a protein in the body responsible for growing healthy hair, skin, and nails.
On the other hand, Fo-Ti is a Chinese plant used primarily for its anti-aging benefits. This herb helps promotes healthy hair growth and prevents gray hair.
In addition, Folexin has other essential vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that don’t only nourish your hair but also improve your overall health.
Complete Ingredients List:
Horsetail Extract, Fo-Ti, Stinging Nettle, Spirulina, Plant Sterols, Chinese Peony, Bamboo Extract, Barley Grass, Alfalfa, Saw Palmetto, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Potassium
Pros:
- One of the most affordable hair growth supplements
- Natural Ingredients
- No extreme side-effects
Cons:
- Unlike medical-grade hair loss products, it takes time to see results or may not work for every user.
- Primarily targets hair loss
Best Vitamins for Black Men
#2 Hairprin Natural Hair Support
Hairprin is another hair supplement that can help with black men’s hair thinning and hair loss. Medical experts from Approved Science formulate this natural hair support vitamin.
Hairprin contains a wide range of nutrients, vitamins, and natural products your body needs to regrow hair. It contains healthy amounts of zinc, iron, iodine, and selenium, the nutrients the body consumes during stressful situations. In addition to that, it also contains vitamins and minerals to help fight oxidation and prevent further black men’s hair thinning.
Complete Ingredients List:
Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Biotin, Folic Acid, Iodine, Selenium, Saw Palmetto, L-Cysteine, L-methionine, Gingko BIloba, Fo-Ti, MSM, Silica, Borage,
Pros:
- Contain more vitamins and minerals to support hair health
- Made in the U.S.A
- Vegan Friendly and GMP Certified
- No adverse side-effects
Cons:
- More expensive than Folexin
- Not FDA approved and may not work for everyone
Best Hair Growth Supplement for African American Hair
#3 SeaNu Hair Supplement
Seanu Hair supplement also contains almost the same nutrients as the other hair growth products for black men above. The only difference is that this supplement, as the name implies, is packed with sea and freshwater ingredients.
The formula includes Green Lipped Mussel, Kombu Thallus Extract, and Chlorella Cracked Cell Powder. These sea and freshwater ingredients provide some of the needed nutrients for building strong and healthy hair.
It contains some of the rarest micronutrients you can’t even find in any land-based foods. If SeaNu Hair intrigues you, we have created an in-depth review of this product.
Ingredients:
Niacin, Biotin, Zinc, Cistanche tubulosa Root Extract, Saw Palmetto Extract, Beta Sitosterol, Green Lipped Mussel, Kombu Thalus Extract, PABA, Horsetail Extract, Chlorella Cracked Cell Powder, Quercetin, Silica
Pros:
- Slightly cheaper than Hairprin
- The unique formula contains sea and freshwater ingredients
- Natural Ingredients
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for people with seafood allergies
- Dietary supplement only and may not work for extreme hair loss cases
Premium Black Male Hair Growth Product
#4 Nutrafol for Men
Just like the first three products mentioned above, Nutrafol’s main action is the prevention of further hair thinning. It doesn’t only has DHT-fighting ingredients but contains a comprehensive list of vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients that support overall health.
Nutrafol is a brand backed by some of the best hair experts in the world. Its formula is one of the best in the market today. Additionally, Nutrafol offers a hair growth serum that you can use to apply to your thinning or balding spots directly. Check out our Nutrafol for women and men review for more information.
Complete Ingredients:
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Biotin, Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Saw Palmetto, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen, Ashwagandha Extract, Curcumin, Palm Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, L-Cysteine, L-Lysine, L-Methionine, Horsetail Extract, Japanese Knotweed, Solubilized Keratin, Black Pepper, Capsicum Extract
Pros:
- Clinically proven Ingredients
- 100% Drug-Free Formula
- Award-winning and derma-approved supplement
Cons:
- Expensive
- Large capsules
Hair Growth Medication
Minoxidil and Rogaine are the most common names in the hair growth medicine industry. These two are the same item – it’s just that Minoxidil is the generic name of the Rogaine brand. This treatment works by dilating your hair follicles, encouraging blood flow and nutrient delivery so that your head can grow a full crop of healthy hair again.
Best Minoxidil for Black Male and Black Hair
Rogaine Men’s 5% Topical Solution
Minoxidil is one of the two FDA-approved medications for hair loss today, and Rogaine contains 5% of this ingredient. Minoxidil has been clinically proven to work on all forms of alopecia (frontal/vertex) and all types of hair, including African American hair. Additionally, studies show that minoxidil-containing Rogaine can provide visible results as early as eight weeks.
Due to its on-the-skin treatment, Rogaine Men’s Extra Strength 5% Topical Solution can cause unintended side effects if it trickles down to any other parts of your body. Like all minoxidil treatments, caution is advised when applying this topical solution. I suggest you use a dropper to slowly but surely apply the minoxidil medication to the thinning or bald spots on your head.
Additionally, be wary of its propylene glycol content, another inactive ingredient most people are allergic to. For fewer side effects, you can also try the Rogaine Foam (propylene glycol-free) or Rogaine Women with only 2% minoxidil for female users.
Complete Ingredients:
Minoxidil 5%, alcohol, propylene glycol, water.
Pros:
- FDA approved
- Clinically-Effective Ingredient
- Available over the counter
Cons:
- Causes initial hair loss side effects
- Causes adverse side effects like dermatitis, headaches, and nausea
Hair Growth Topical Treatments
Aside from Minoxidil, there are topical treatments for hair growth. They usually come in serums, oils, creams, or grease. These items are typically loaded with moisturizers and nourishing substances – the same stuff found in supplements – to help repair your hair and scalp.
Natural topical treatments also often include DHT blockers like caffeine, saw palmetto extract, and rosemary oil. Below are some of the best hair growth tropical treatments for black men.
Best Hair Growth Serum for African American Hair
Folliboost Hair Growth Serum
If you’re looking for a topical product alternative to Minoxidil, I highly suggest that you try out Tricho Labs Folliboost Thickness Hair Growth Serum. It uses proprietary ingredients like Anagain and Baicapil to restore your hair’s natural vitality.
Anagain is a patented formula derived from pea sprouts proven to regrow hair when applied orally and taken internally. On the other hand, Baicapil contains wheat and soy sprouts rich in antioxidants and fats that help fight free radicals and protect the scalp from damage.
It also contains Vitamin E and Biotin, which are both beneficial to growing hair. The Peppermint oil ingredient, on the other hand, gives your hair a refreshing scent after each use.
Complete Ingredients:
Deionized water, propylene glycol, propanediol, arginine, lactic acid, soybean extract, wheat germ extract, glycerin, Chinese skullcap extract, Arginine HCL, Pea Sprout Extract, Xantham Gum, Polysorbate 80, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, potassium sorbate, peppermint oil, ubiquinone, squalene, sodium EDTA, Vitamin E, Pseudoalteromonas extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, tripeptide-10 citrulline, Tripeptide-1, Lecithin, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Biotin, D-Panthenol.
- Contains clinically-effective ingredients
- Easy to use
- Soothing peppermint smell
- Not sticky compared to regular hair growth oils or topicals
Cons:
- Not all-natural and may cause side effects like headaches and flaking
- Pricey for a 60ml bottle
- It doesn’t provide instant results
Best African Hair Growth Cream
RX 4 Hair Loss Restoration Scalp Cream
RX 4 Hair Loss Restoration Scalp Cream is specially formulated with DHT blockers. Its ingredients are scientifically proven to combat genetic hair loss and work for male and female pattern baldness. Additionally, its 100% natural formula makes RX 4 Hair Loss Restoration Scalp Cream safe for all skin and hair types or colors.
This anti-thinning formula contains B complex vitamins, coconut, aloe vera, tea tree oil, garlic, rosemary, and saw palmetto essential oils. These ingredients make a hair growth product that discourages DHT synthesis and moisturizes your hair to create a full, majestic mane.
RX 4 Hair Loss Restoration Scalp Cream also contains natural oils that strengthen your hair and keep it lustrous and healthy. This Restoration Scalp Cream is also free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
Complete Ingredients:
Deionized Water, Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Shea Butter, Emulsifying Wax NF, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Grape Seed Oil, Glyceryl Monostearate, Japanese Green Tea Leaf Extract, Vitamin E, and Lemongrass (Scent).
Pros:
- All Natural Ingredients
- Affordable
- Made in the U.S.A
Cons:
- This is a non-medical grade formula and may not work for all users
Best Hair Growth Grease for Black Males
Alopecia Amazing Hair Growth Grease
Hair grease is a popular black hair styling product, but its early use was primarily for hair loss. Also called bear’s grease in the 1650s, hair grease was believed to grow hair just like it grows a bear’s mane. Today, hair greases are synonymous with hair oils and usually contain natural and essential oils.
Alopecia Amazing Hair Growth is one of these and by far one of the best hair growth grease in the market. It’s composed of powerful, organic ingredients like jojoba oil, borage seed oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, grape seed oil, and carrot seed oil. These oils help increase blood circulation on the scalp and stimulate your hair follicles’ growth.
As a leave-in product, Alopecia Amazing Hair Growth is light and non-greasy, letting you go about your business even as it works to regrow your hair. While its primary purpose is to fight hair loss, many customers have also reported that Alopecia Amazing Hair Growth works as a powerful yet gentle moisturizer. It’s also safe for all hair types, including chemically treated or kinky curly hair.
Note: When using hair oil or grease, use it on moist skin and hair. This will keep moisture in and prevent dry scalp.
Complete Ingredients:
Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Jojoba Oil, Fragrance, Carrot Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Menthol, Thyme Extract, Rosemary Oil, Lavender Oil, Cypres Oil, Cinnamon Leaf, Juniper Bery, Geranium Essential Oil
Pros:
- All-Natural Ingredients
- Smells great
- Moisturizes hair and scalp
Cons:
- Not suitable for thin hair
- Ingredients are not clinically proven to grow hair
Best Hair Growth Oil for Black Men
Wild Growth Hair Oil
If hair grease for black hair is too greasy for you, then Wild Growth Hair Oil is another popular hair growth oil for black men.
A simple, unassuming appearance belies this hair oil’s efficiency in promoting hair growth. Utilizing the power of natural oils, namely jojoba, coconut, olives, rice bran, lentil, peppermint, lavender, and many more, Wild Growth Hair Oil is a product that produces results. Its blend of organic ingredients means that Wild Growth Hair Oil pulls double duty as a hair growth product and a moisturizer. Because it doesn’t use synthetic materials, this also means that Wild Growth Hair Oil is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
Wild Growth Hair Oil doesn’t only promote thick and long hair growth. It also nourishes, detangles, and tames coarse hair strands. Its light formulation also significantly reduces blow-drying time while leaving you feeling refreshed.
Wild Growth Hair Oil can be a standalone product or complement other hair growth shampoos, creams, or conditioners. It’s also a popular oil used when installing dreadlocks.
Complete Ingredients:
Coconut Oil Jojoba Oil, Rice Bran, Cocoa, Acerola, Pomegranate, Rosehip and Pumpkin Seed, Mushroom Extracts, Chick Pea, Lentil, Cocoa Mass, Sesame Seeds, Clary Oil, Sage Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Peppermint
Pros:
- Light and not sticky
- Natural Ingredients
- Cools Scalp
Cons:
- Not suitable for thin hair types
Best Hair Growth Shampoo for Black Men
Lipogaine Big 5 Hair Stimulating Shampoo
Shampoos are also infused with hair-growing ingredients today. And if you want to maximize your hair growth potential, one of the best in the market is Lipogaine’s The Big 5.
Like the other products above, Lipogaine Big 5 Hair Stimulating Shampoo contains biotin, nicotinic acid, castor oil, argan oil, and caffeine. These nutrients stimulate and nourish the scalp to help it regrow new hair follicles and healthier hair strands.
Aside from shampoos, Lipogaine for men also offers different types of products for different hair needs.
Complete Ingredients:
Deionized Purified Water, Decyl Glucoside, Coco glucose, Glyco Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine‡, Polyquart-10#, Alkyl Sulfonate ‡, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate‡, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tea Tree, Argan oil, Ylang Ylang Cananga Odorata, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil*, Biotin (Vitamin H), Black Caster Oil*, Nigella Sativa Oil (Black seed), Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry), Caffeine, Urtica dioica extract (Nettles extract), Serenoa Serrulata extract (Saw Palmetto extract), Cedrus atlantica oil (Cedarwood oil), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary oil), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea), Salvia Sclarea oil (Sage oil), Beta Sitosterol, Polygonum Multiflorum Root (He Shou Wu), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon oil), Hibiscus (Rosa-sinensis) Extract, Nicotinic acid (Niacin), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Soy Isoflavone (Non-GMO), Sorbitan Oleate Decyglucoside Crosspolymer , Phenoxyethanol (Mild Preservative), Caprylyl, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Citric Acid (Derived from Citrus fruits).
Pros:
- It contains potent natural ingredients
- A better alternative to harsh shampoos
- Works on all hair type
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional shampoos
- It can’t grow hair alone. It must be used in tandem with other hair growth supplements or medical-grade topicals.
Laser Therapy
The latest technology in regrowing black men’s hair is laser therapy. Laser therapy works similarly to Minoxidil in dilating your skin and encouraging blood flow for faster hair growth. The main difference is that laser therapy is more expensive but has fewer side effects.
Best Laser Products for Afro Hair Growth
Laser Caps
If supplements and shampoos don’t work for you, then LLLT or Low Light Laser Therapy might help with your thinning hair. It has been found that lasers can increase ATP or energy production in the scalp. When this happens, hair metabolism and hair growth are activated as well.
Laser Caps Pros:
- Easy to Use
- No adverse side effects
- Pain-Free and non-invasive
Laser Caps Cons:
- Expensive
- It may take up to 24+ months to work
Aside from Capillus Laser Cap, we’ve reviewed several laser caps and laser hair growth products that were proven effective in regrowing your hair.
- HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 272
- Kiierr Laser Cap
- HairMax LaserBand 41
- Hairmax Ultima 9 Classic Laser Comb
- iRestore Laser Hair Growth System for Hair Loss
Hair Growth Products for Black Men: Final Thoughts
Growing your hair back will take some time. Hair growth products can help, but you should also address your hair loss from within. Start making some lifestyle modifications. Be sure your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables with the essential nutrients to support health. Drink plenty of water because poor hair growth is often linked to dehydrated hair follicles.
Stop smoking, which blocks oxygen from reaching hair follicles and dries out your system. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see a physician to see if you have a clean bill of health. Having blood work will let you know if there’s something you need to target specifically.
Finally, choose the best hair growth products for black men’s hair mentioned in this article. One amazing hair loss supplement to try that is not on this list is New Nordic Hair Volume. It has millet in its ingredients, which is a grain cultivated in Africa. Stay away from any harsh chemicals that cause damage to your skin and hair follicles.
Growing your hair naturally with these products and the right lifestyle choice is one of the best decisions you’ll make for your hair.
