Rogaine is the old-school gold standard for hair loss treatment. Its active ingredient is clinically proven to help stimulate hair growth, it’s easy to find in stores, and you can start using it right away without a prescription.
Happy Head, on the other hand, is a newer, dermatologist-formulated brand that offers customized serums based on your needs. Typically composed of multiple growth-supporting ingredients, it claims to be a more potent solution to hair regrowth.
I recently decided to test both for 120 days to see which actually worked better for me. Here’s how it went.
About the Two Brands
Before diving into the results, it’s worth understanding how these two products work.
Rogaine’s active ingredient, minoxidil, works by improving blood flow around the hair follicle. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach each follicle, essentially waking up any that are in a dormant state. It’s one of the few ingredients that has consistent clinical backing for stimulating regrowth.
Happy Head’s serums, on the other hand, contain a mix of botanical and nutrient-based ingredients like Procapil, Capixyl, Redensyl, ashwagandha, biotin, witch hazel, collagen, argan oil, rosemary oil, and peptides. Together, they’re designed to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair at the root, and create a healthier environment for growth. Notably, the formula I tried didn’t contain finasteride, retinoic acid, or minoxidil (though these options are available).
While Rogaine focuses on stimulating follicles directly, Happy Head’s blend emphasizes scalp wellness and protection from breakage and thinning. Think of it as more of a “feed and fortify” serum than a medical regrowth treatment. While Rogaine is more about stimulating new growth, Happy Head focuses on improving the quality and density of the hair you already have.
How I Tested Both Serums
I tested both products simultaneously, and to avoid confusion about which product was putting in the work, I applied Rogaine to one side of my scalp and Happy Head to the other. I applied each serum once daily (usually at night before bed) so it could absorb while I slept.
Other than that, I made a conscious effort not to change my daily routine. No new styling products, no diet changes, and no supplements. I had to adjust this strategy in month three, but more on that later.
For context, I have naturally thick, wavy hair, so I noticed quickly when there was more shedding in the shower and visible scalp near my crown. I wasn’t fully balding, but my ponytail had definitely lost some volume.
So how did it go?
Month 1: First Impressions
I’d never used hair growth serums, so first impressions were important to me.
Happy Head’s serum felt hydrating, and it didn’t leave my roots greasy — which was a big win since I wash my hair only three times a week. It absorbed quickly without much residue, so it didn’t really feel like anything new was there.
Rogaine, on the other hand, had a slightly stickier feel. I used the liquid version rather than the foam, and it took a bit longer to dry. The smell wasn’t bad… just a little medicinal.
By the end of month one, I hadn’t noticed any visible changes yet, but I knew that was to be expected.
Month 2: Early Changes
In the second month, I started noticing differences.
On the Rogaine side, my hair was actually starting to fall out more. This was worrying at first, but I looked it up and found that this was actually a sign that it was working — an initial shedding phase.
The Happy Head side of my scalp, on the other hand, felt softer and more moisturized, almost like the serum was conditioning my scalp as well as treating it. It felt a little thicker, but at this point, I wrote it off as just moisture.
Month 3: Noticeable Differences
Month three was when things visibly picked up, and this was when I noticed fewer strands in my brush.
First, the Happy Head side had slightly more volume at the roots. My hair felt coarser (in a good way) and had more body.
It was a similar story with the Rogaine side, but notably, it didn’t feel thicker. There looked to be more hair starting to come in, but my strands still felt weak and thin. I also noticed some dry skin forming around my hairline — nothing major, but enough that I had to deviate from my original plan and start applying a little scalp oil once a week to balance things out.
Month 4: Final Results
By day 120, both sides of my scalp told very different stories.
On the Rogaine side, there was definite new growth along my temples and part line. These new strands were still thin and soft, but they were proof that Rogaine was actively stimulating follicles.
The Happy Head side also looked visibly fuller. I didn’t see many brand-new hairs sprouting, but the existing ones looked healthier, thicker, and more resilient — giving my hair a more voluminous and coarser texture.
If I had to describe the results in two lines:
- Happy Head improved what I already had.
- Rogaine worked on creating what I didn’t.
Side-by-Side: Rogaine vs. Happy Head
| Category | Rogaine | Happy Head |
| Hair Thickness | Moderate improvement | Noticeable improvement |
| Coarseness & Texture | Little change in texture | Stronger and coarser hair |
| New Growth | Clearly visible baby hairs | Minor |
| Application Feel | Slightly sticky | Lightweight, non-greasy |
| Scalp Comfort | Can cause dryness or itching | Soothing |
| Regrowth Performance | Faster results in thinning areas | Slower |
My Takeaways
Styling and Daily Wearability
One thing I didn’t expect during this test was how differently my hair behaved when styling.
The Happy Head side became noticeably easier to manage. My waves held better, and my hair seemed to have more natural grip and body. It’s also worth noting that this side played nicer with heat styling! There was less breakage, and the ends felt smoother.
The Rogaine side required more maintenance. Because of the slight stickiness of the serum, my hair could look flatter on that side the next morning unless I brushed it out carefully. On wash days, though, that side showed slightly more lift near the crown where new hairs were emerging.
Winner: Happy Head
Cost and Convenience
Rogaine wins when it comes to convenience. You can find it at any drugstore or online, and a three-month supply is just $45.
Happy Head, however, is customized and dermatologist-formulated, which translates to a higher price. Mine came to about $80 for a 30-day supply. Though it was a cost I was happy to pay, given that it was tailored to my personal needs.
Winner: You Decide
Scalp Sensitivity and Side Effects
Despite the stronger formula, Happy Head’s serum made my skin feel calmer — although it’s worth noting I didn’t get the formula with finasteride or minoxidil.
Rogaine, on the other hand, caused mild dryness around my temples after about two weeks. It wasn’t painful or itchy, but I did notice some flakes that I hadn’t had before. Once I added a light scalp oil, it balanced out, but it’s worth mentioning if you already have a sensitive scalp.
Neither product caused shedding or breakouts for me, which was a relief. I’d call both safe for long-term use, though you should always do a patch test if you’re trying either for the first time.
Winner: Happy Head (likely dependent on specific formula, though)
Final Verdict
After a month, I walked away genuinely happy with both.
Happy Head made my hair look and feel instantly healthier, thicker, denser, and more manageable. Rogaine, on the other hand, showed enough visible regrowth to leave me impressed.
If I had to pick just one to continue using, I’d probably stick with Happy Head for now because my hair’s biggest issue isn’t bald patches — it’s the overall lack of volume and strength. Happy Head tackled that beautifully without any irritation. My hair looked visibly fuller by the end of the month, and the confidence boost alone made it worth it.
If your goal is new hair growth, especially if you have visible thinning areas, I think Rogaine is still the classic winner. It works steadily and predictably to stimulate regrowth, even if it doesn’t do much for the texture of existing strands.
My Personal Favorite: Happy Head
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