The 20 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair
Are you noticing more hair than usual washing down the drain or accumulating on your brush? Whether it’s due to postpartum hormonal changes, stress, medication or simply aging, seeing your hair thin or fall out can be super frustrating. Before going down a rabbit hole of searching for the best DIY remedies and treatments, you might want to consult with a dermatologist to find the safest ways to treat your thinning hair. But we have a feeling that the first step is improving your current haircare routine.
What causes hair to thin?
As mentioned above, there are various reasons for hair thinning. From a change in diet to an increase in stress, hair loss can happen to anyone at any time. And don't feel like you're alone in this; the search in treating hair loss has increased dramatically in the past year.
How do I treat thinning hair?
The road to stronger, thicker strands begins with the right shampoo (and a good scalp massager). As you massage the shampoo into your scalp, you're actually encouraging circulation, which can help with growth and lead to stronger strands over time.
What should I look for in a shampoo?
When shopping for a shampoo, ask yourself: Does it improve moisture, strength, and volume? You also want to take a closer at the ingredients list. Look for key ingredients like biotin, keratin and ginseng, which can help stimulate growth. Peppermint, castor and grapeseed oil have also been linked to combatting hair loss.
Thankfully, we don’t have to accept a meager ponytail as the new norm anymore. Behold: The 20 best shampoos for thinning hair, all of which will work to keep your locks looking lush and thick.
RELATED: The 9 Best Hair Growth Products That Work, According to Dermatologists
1. Pura D'Or Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo
Best Overall
Shown to result in less hair shedding after just eight weeks, this potent formula also promotes volume and hydrates dry strands. Its jam-packed with vitamins, amino acids and oils (like black cumin seed oil) to reduce thinning. But its the over 17+ DHT herbal blend that nourishes, cleanses and protects the scalp after every wash.
2. Artnaturals Argan Hair Growth Shampoo
Most Nourishing
Moisture is key to bringing back volume and fullness. Core ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera and rosemary nourish a dry scalp, while boosting shine and strength throughout the lengths of your hair.
3. Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo
Best for Volume
With 'thickening' in the name, be prepared for voluminous results. The strengthening combo, which includes biotin, zinc and gluco-omega, clears clogged follicles and removes buildup, so your strands aren't weighed down and can bounce back healthier than ever.
4. Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Shampoo
Best Organic Formula
Whether you have dull, weak or thinning strands, this shampoo strengthens and revitalizes your hair. Organically-sourced argan oil, grapeseed oil and aloe vera nourish your scalp and give your locks a shiny finish.
5. Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Best for Natural Hair
Curly and coily gals can rejoice knowing there's a shampoo for their natural hair. The formula (featuring castor oil, apple cider vinegar and shea butter) removes any dirt and oil sitting on the scalp. Add peppermint oil to the mix and your scalp gets a tingling sensation that leaves your hair feeling refreshed, shiny and soft.
6. Pure Biology Premium Hair Growth Shampoo
Best for Sensitive Scalps
On the hunt for a gentle blend in a simple bottle? We’ve got you covered. This anti-thinning formula is loaded with soothing coconut oil, vitamin E and green tea, and is lightweight enough for everyday use.
7. OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo
Best Budget
You can promote hair growth without having to break the bank. This pick is chock full of ingredients to improve thickness and dryness. The sulfate-free shampoo has biotin and collagen to ensure your hair receives all the nutrients it needs to thrive.
8. Teatree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo
Best Salon Treatment
If you're looking for a pro-grade treatment, look no further than this shampoo. The signature formula includes tumeric, ginseng and kakadu plum to increase the density of each strand and reduce breakage, so your hair feels thicker as it grows.
9. Hairgenics Propidren Hair Growth Shampoo
Best Splurge
If you suspect your hair loss is genetic, then you might already know the main culprit is a hormone called DHT. This formula from Pronexa contains DHT blockers, which are clinically proven to stop the hormone in its tracks. Sure, it might be a bit pricey, but consider this as a prescription-level treatment—sans the hassle of a doctor’s appointment.
10. Jason Thin-to-Thick Extra Volume Shampoo
Best Natural Formula
Sometimes less is more. And in this case, the fewer the chemicals in your shampoo, the better. With a simple blend of vitamins, proteins and botanical extracts and no drying sulfates, this gentle formula will strengthen strands, while soothing your scalp.
11. Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo
Best for Progressed Thinning
This cleanser slows the progression of hair thinning by removing any barriers to new growth (i.e., any buildup of oils, debris or toxins on the scalp). For best results, take your time and massage it into your scalp for a minute or two, before rinsing clean. Bonus: The thorough cleanse will restore volume and shine to your hair.
12. Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo
Most Exfoliating
This plant-based formula combats thinning hair with ginseng, which is known to thicken and strengthen lifeless strands. The brand's signature scent (a divine blend of lavender, vanilla and rosemary) adds a nice touch.
13. Living Proof Full Shampoo
Best for Fine Hair
Because the last thing you need is your shampoo weighing down your already limp strands. Thankfully, this cleanser leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and your hair lighter. It's also a great option for people with chemically-treated or bleached hair, as the gentle, sulfate-free formula protects your color and isn't stripping.
14. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo
Best Luxury Pick
The core ingredient in this shampoo is caviar. Yup, the decadent ingredient is also rich in nutrients that restore, protect and improve thinning, dull hair. The lush lather will make you feel like royalty every time wash day rolls around.
15. Verb Volume Shampoo
Best for Color-Treated Haiir
With thinning comes a lack of bounce and shape to your hair. This volumizing shampoo uses keratin, vitamin B5 and copolymers to bring your strands back to life, while sunflower seed extract protects your color from fading.
16. Briogeo Blossom & Blossom Ginseng + Biotin Hair Volumizing Shampoo
Best for Oily Hair
This extra clarifying blend thoroughly cleans and enhances your strands with ginseng and biotin without drying them out. With no more product buildup, oil and dirt getting in the way, your hair will spring back to life.
17. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo
Best for Straight to Wavy Hair
Just a dollop will do to turn your hair into soft, hydrated masterpiece. If body and density is what you're lacking, this cleanser's plumping technology (which includes ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin B5) will thicken locks with every wash.
18. Thicktails Hair Growth Shampoo
Best for Gray Hair
In a world full of hair loss products targeted towards men, it’s refreshing to know that this particular shampoo was created with women in mind. Whether your hair thinning was caused by menopause, postpartum and/or stress, this shampoo can help by blocking DHT production. Plus, it's safe to use on color-treated hair and is especially gentle on graying strands.
19. Honeydew Biotin Shampoo
Best Value
Don’t let the generic-looking bottle fool you. Honeydew’s shampoo has 100+ rave reviews and is reported to perform just as well (if not better than) its pricier competitors. With a fortifying formula that includes jojoba oil, tea tree oil and biotin, it leaves your hair feeling lush and smooth. Just what the doctor ordered.
20. Thicker Fuller Hair Strengthening Shampoo
Best Vegan Formula
Rest assured, no animals or animal byproducts were used in this shampoo. The vegan formula features baobab oil, biotin and quinoa to nourish and repair weak strands.
RELATED: We Ask the Experts: How Fast Does Hair Grow (And Is There a Way to Make It Grow Faster)?
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