Whether it’s due to age, genetics, stress, or illness, hair loss isn’t easy to accept. We’re all looking for the hottest product or buzziest ingredient to help keep our strands long, luscious, and full of life. But if you’ve hit a dead end and nothing seems to work, it’s time to read our list of hair growth products misconceptions. We spoke to two experts who break down what you should avoid (or not rely on) when it comes to products and supplements—and what you should do instead.

“There are several active ingredients that have been shown to promote hair growth naturally, with minimal to no side effects,” says Vegamour ambassador, Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS. “In a clinical study, topical caffeine was shown to stimulate hair growth as well as 5% minoxidil. Products with extract of oryza-sativa, a specific type of rice, also can plump hair strands, absorb oil, and may stimulate hair growth. There is also some evidence that rosemary oil can stimulate hair growth, too.”