The 5 Best Underrated Alternatives to Rogaine

A couple of years ago, I made a big mistake—I tested out a trendy new shampoo that promised “salon-quality results.” Let’s just say that the only transformation I got was watching my hair fall out in the shower, like that scene from The Craft. For someone who’s always been well-known for massively thick, curly hair, this was an absolute nightmare.

Naturally, I panicked and made my husband run out to buy the most well-known hair regrowth treatment out there—Rogaine. And guess what? It worked. But not without some serious patience and minor side effects. My scalp felt constantly irritated, and it took almost two months before I saw any real regrowth. I wish I had known about the alternatives sooner. I probably would have avoided Rogaine altogether.

If you’re looking for the best alternatives to Rogaine, you’re not alone. Both men and women can experience hair thinning or hair loss for a number of reasons.

That’s why I created this guide. Not everyone wants to use Rogaine. Maybe you’re looking for something stronger, more on the natural side, or even budget-friendly. Or perhaps you just want something that won’t make your scalp feel like it’s on fire 24/7 (been there).

There are plenty of alternative options that work just as well—if not better. I’ve tried a few of these and spent a ton of time examining the others for their ingredients and user reviews. So, stick with me as I break down the best lesser-known Rogaine alternatives so you can find the perfect match for your hair regrowth plans.

My Short Answer:

If you’re looking for the best underrated Rogaine alternative, Happy Head is my top pick. It’s a customized, prescription-strength formula that combines minoxidil and finasteride for maximum hair regrowth—without needing to visit a doctor.

But not all hair loss treatments are one-size-fits-all. Some people want natural solutions, some need budget-friendly options, and others want prescription-strength results without the hassle.

Here’s a quick list of the top alternatives before we dive into the details:

Quick List: Best Underrated Rogaine Alternatives

• Best Overall: Happy Head
• Best for Prescription Strength Without a Doctor Visit: Keeps
• Best for All-Natural Ingredients: Nutrafol
• Best Budget Alternative: Kirkland Minoxidil
• Best for Scalp Health & Hair Growth: LUS Scalp Therapy Trio

What is Rogaine?

Before I jump right into the alternatives, let’s talk about what Rogaine actually does so you understand what to look for in a similar product.

Rogaine is actually just the brand name for a medical substance called minoxidil. It’s one of the only FDA-approved topical treatments to combat hair loss. The way it works is pretty simple, it speeds up blood flow to follicles, which stimulates new growth in the areas that are thinning.

So, that’s your first clue as to what to look for. The secret to hair growth is increased blood flow, and there are so many ways to do that.

Pros of Rogaine

• Clinically proven to regrow hair for most people.
• Easily get it over the counter at drug stores.
• Works for both men and women (though different strengths apply).

Cons of Rogaine

• Can take months to show any results.
• Can cause some scalp irritation, dryness, and even shedding (eeek).
• Not personalized—it’s the same formula for everyone.

So, if Rogaine isn’t working for you (or you’re tired of the side effects), here are some better options to consider.

Selection Criteria: What Makes These the Best Rogaine Alternatives

I learned pretty quickly that not all hair regrowth treatments are created equal. After testing a couple of different products (some of which left my scalp angry and irritated), I know what to look for—and what to avoid.

When looking for the best alternatives to Rogaine, I focused on these key factors:

Ingredients & Effectiveness

Does the product actually work? I prioritized clinically backed ingredients like:

• Minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine)
• Finasteride (a powerful DHT blocker)
• Redensyl & peptides (drug-free hair growth boosters)
• Botanical extracts (for natural scalp stimulation)

Customization & Targeted Solutions

Hair loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people need prescription-strength formulas, but I know others would rather use natural or hormone-free options. I included products that cater to different hair concerns, including:

• Genetic hair loss (DHT sensitivity)
• Postpartum or stress-related thinning
• Scalp health issues (inflammation, buildup, dryness)

Price & Value

Money’s tight these days! So, I compared cost vs. effectiveness because, let’s be real—some hair growth treatments are ridiculously overpriced. I made sure to include:

• Budget-friendly picks
• Premium, prescription-strength solutions
• Natural, plant-based alternatives

Ease of Use & Application

• Is it a messy, greasy serum that weighs hair down?
• Does it require long-term commitment?
• Does it absorb quickly and fit into a normal routine?

Because if a treatment isn’t convenient, most people won’t stick with it long enough to see results and could potentially miss out on one that actually does work.

Side Effects & Scalp Sensitivity

• Some Rogaine users, myself included, tend to complain about irritation, dryness, and increased shedding in the beginning.
• I looked for gentler alternatives that offer scalp-friendly formulas without compromising results.

The 5 Best Underrated Alternatives to Rogaine

Now, let’s get right into it. We know what to look for and what to avoid. You’ve probably got your budget in mind. So, here are my top five picks for products like Rogaine.

1. Happy Head

Best Overall Rogaine Alternative

Type: Topical solution (customized).

Price Range: $89.99/month (subscription-based).

Why It’s So Awesome

If you’re looking for something stronger than Rogaine but not as irritating, Happy Head is very likely the best option out there. It’s not just minoxidil—it’s a custom blend of prescription-strength ingredients like finasteride, a powerful DHT blocker (which Rogaine doesn’t have, btw). They also utilize dutasteride and minoxidil, which aid in hair regrowth.

So, Rogaine is basically a one-size-fits-all approach, but Happy Head is dermatologist-designed and fully customizable. You fill out a questionnaire and their certified dermatologist reviews it. Then, they create a customized formula just for you.

Plus, you never have to head to the store or even remember to get a refill. After you do the online consultation, they ship it straight to your door every month. It’s an easy, hassle-free solution for people who want stronger, faster results without the irritation of over-the-counter minoxidil.

Pros

• Custom prescription formulas tailored to your needs
• Stronger than regular Rogaine (includes finasteride)
• Free online consultation with dermatologists
• Convenient subscription service

Cons

• More expensive than standard minoxidil
• Requires a subscription

2. Keeps

Best for Prescription Strength Without a Doctor Visit

Type: Topical solution & oral pills.

Price Range: $10 – $25/month.

Why It’s So Awesome

Keeps is another great prescription alternative to Rogaine, with a ton of quality products that use both minoxidil and finasteride in topical and pill form. If you don’t want to visit a doctor for a hair regrowth treatment, Keeps makes the process painless and seamless.

Similar to how Happy Head is set up, you just complete a quick telehealth consultation, and a licensed doctor reviews your case to prescribe the best treatment that will actually work for YOU. Also, it happens to be one of the cheapest prescription-based options for hair regrowth, which makes it a pretty sweet choice for those on a budget. I love that they have so many products to choose from, depending on what you need. They even have stuff for sexual health and weight management, but let’s keep our eye on the prize here.

Have your pick of foam solutions, thickening shampoos, conditioners, pomade, supplements, and more. Like most subscription models, you pick what you want or need, and it’s delivered right to your door each month. They also have ongoing support after you purchase if the product isn’t working or if you have questions/concerns.

Pros

• Doctor consultation included
• Affordable compared to traditional prescription treatments
• Offers both minoxidil & finasteride

Cons

• Requires a minimum 3-month subscription
• Results take a few months

3. Nutrafol

Best for All-Natural Ingredients

Oral supplement.

Price Range: $79/month.

Why It’s So Awesome

If you’re hesitant about using minoxidil or finasteride because you have sensitive skin or known allergies, Nutrafol is a completely natural approach to hair regrowth. It’s a supplement packed with clinically backed botanical ingredients like saw palmetto, ashwagandha, and marine collagen peptides—all of which are well-known to help reduce hair thinning and promote new growth.

There are tons of different causes for hair loss in men and women, like hormonal imbalances, stress, nutrient deficiencies, poor lifestyles, metabolisms, and aging. This just sounds like the roster of issues for the average person these days, if you ask me.

But Nutrafol is actually designed to target these common culprits. Take their quiz to determine where your problem areas are, and they’ll recommend solutions tailored to your needs. Just keep in mind that it’s definitely not a quick fix. Most natural alternatives to things take longer than their medical counterparts. But most users still see results in 3-6 months, and they have one, three, and six-month plans to choose from that you can opt out of at any time.

Pros

• Completely natural & drug-free
• Targets multiple causes of hair loss
•  Includes vitamins for overall hair health

Cons

• Takes longer to see results
• More expensive than minoxidil-based options

4. Kirkland Minoxidil

Best Budget Alternative

Type: Topical minoxidil (5% solution or foam)

Price Range: $25 for a 6-month supply

Why It’s So Awesome

Let’s be real: Rogaine’s biggest drawback is the price. So, if you want Rogaine results without the brand-name price, Kirkland Minoxidil is literally the exact same thing.

Costco’s private-label version of minoxidil contains the same active ingredient and strength as Rogaine (5% minoxidil), but it costs a fraction of the price. If you don’t care about fancy branding and just want a no-frills, effective treatment, this is hands down the best deal.

Gosh, I love Costco.

You can choose between liquid or foam—the foam dries faster and is better if you have sensitive skin. The liquid version contains propylene glycol, which can cause irritation for some people.

Kirkland vs. Rogaine – What’s the Difference?

Other than the price? Absolutely nothing. They have the same formula, same strength, same application process—just different labels.

Pros

• Same active ingredient as Rogaine (5% minoxidil)
• Super affordable (6-month supply for the price of a single Rogaine bottle)
• Available in foam & liquid versions
• Great for long-term use without breaking the bank

Cons

• No additional ingredients for boosting growth (just minoxidil)
• No personalized options (unlike Happy Head or Keeps)
• Only sold at Costco or online

5. LUS Scalp Therapy Trio

Best for Scalp Health & Hair Growth

Type: Scalp detox serum, exfoliating scrub, and growth oil

Price Range: $75 for the full set

Why It’s So Awesome

Okay, so most people only focus on hair strands, but healthy hair starts at the scalp. After the worst shampoo I’ve ever used (they’ll go unnamed), I used Rogaine to try and get back some of the volume I lost.

I did notice new hair growth starting after about a month and a half, but the side effects were just too much for me. My scalp always burned, and I thought it was due to my sensitive skin. But then I learned that it was a common issue with most Rogaine users.

At the time, I wasn’t aware of companies like Happy Head or Keeps, but my favorite hair care brand, LUS, had rolled out a scalp serum that promised growth. So, I tried it, and lemme tell you…IT WORKED!

I applied the serum to my scalp every night before bed, and after about a month, my massively thick and curly hair returned to normal.

LUS (Love Ur Self) is a Canadian-based haircare company (I love supporting fellow Canadians!) that built a cult following for curly hair products—but their Scalp Therapy Trio is an underrated gem for all hair types, not just curly ones. I promise!

This three-step scalp treatment is designed to:

1. Detoxify the scalp (clears buildup, oil, and dead skin)
2. Exfoliate & unclog hair follicles (stimulating new growth)
3. Nourish the scalp with biotin, peptides, and essential oils

This is not a minoxidil-based product, but it’s a fantastic complementary treatment for anyone dealing with thinning, slow-growing, or unhealthy hair. So, overall, it’s not a total fix for thinning hair, but it pairs well with other products and also works as a preventative measure.

Pros

• Deep-cleans & detoxifies the scalp
• Nourishes follicles with growth-boosting ingredients
• Helps reduce shedding
• Perfect for sensitive scalps (no harsh chemicals)

Cons

• On the pricy side
• Might not work as well on more severe hair loss

If your hair isn’t growing like it used to, but you don’t have full-blown hair loss yet, this trio will help keep your scalp in top condition for stronger, healthier hair growth.

My Final Thoughts: There’s More Than Just Rogaine

I promise you don’t have to settle for Rogaine if it’s not working for you. Take from someone who literally tried it out and felt the side effects firsthand.

Whether you want prescription-strength treatments like Happy Head or Keeps, natural solutions like Nutrafol or LUS, or budget-friendly options like Kirkland Minoxidil—there’s something out there for everyone dealing with hair loss or thinning.

Overall, I highly recommend Happy Head. You just can’t beat those user reviews, and I love their personalized system and reasonable pricing. Have you tried any of these? Drop a comment and tell us about your experience!