The Wikipedia entry on minoxidil says that “Minoxidil, applied topically, is widely used for the treatment of hair loss. It is effective in helping promote hair growth in both men and women.”
For women, there is no other way to regrow hair other than using minoxidil. If you’re considering buying a product that promises to grow hair and it doesn’t contain minoxidil, then it’s a scam, period.
Now men do have one other option for regrowing hair—it’s a product called Propecia. You need a prescription in order to buy Propecia. However, users of Propecia report some very serious side effects, including permanent sexual dysfunction.