Nothing inspires dread like glancing at the drain to see how much hair you’ve lost while showering . Though it’s normal for hair thickness and quantity to change over time, (a person might shed anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day) sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition . Regardless of the reason behind it, pattern hair loss is not pleasant for anyone, and can cause significant psychological distress to those experiencing it.

Though our experts say pattern hair loss is dictated by genetics, some hair growth products can help combat the issue and work to prevent it. But before you buy some too-good-to-be-true elixir in a panic, it’s crucial to figure out what is causing your hair loss in the first place. I talked to dermatologists and trichologists about what causes thinning hair and hair loss, as well as the best ingredients to combat thinning hair.

I also compiled expert-recommended hair thickening shampoos, treatments and more, plus highly rated products with dermatologist-approved hair thickening formulas. SKIP AHEAD How to treat thinning hair | The best treatments for thinning hair | How to prevent hair loss The experts I spoke to agree that the best treatment for thinning hair depends on the cause of that hair loss. Below are a few things our experts recommend keeping in mind to aid regrowth: I rounded up dermatologist- and trichologist-approved options to help promote hair growth and keep your strands healthy.

Best overall kit: Nioxin Syste.