1. Avalon Organics Thickening Biotin B-Complex
When you have thinning hair and want to encourage hair growth, it's all about finding shampoos that are gentle and nourish, says Casey Simmons, owner of Royal Locks Curl Care. And Allison Gandolfo, who is a designer colorist at Zahir Ziani Salon, went into more detail about some of the ingredients we should be looking out for when purchasing a shampoo for thinner hair.
Some of those are: essential oils, jojoba oil, peppermint, seaweed collagen, aloe vera, shea butter, and biotin. "The ingredients you want to stay away from are: sulfates, triclosan, polyethylene glycols, mineral oil, benzene, parabens, short chain alcohol, formaldehyde, dimethicone, diethanolamine, and artificial dyes," Gandolfo added. The Avalon Organics Thickening Biotin B-Complex shampoo boasts a powerful combination of biotin, saw palmetto, quinoa protein, and vitamin E.
2. Castor Oil
"Castor oil is a popular natural remedy for hair growth," Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Ph.D., board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert, explains. "It contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to improve scalp health and promote hair growth. Additionally, castor oil is high in omega-9 fatty acids essential for healthy hair and skin."
Goldman emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research before selecting a bottle of castor oil. "When it comes to using castor oil, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose a high-quality castor oil that is free of additives or impurities," he says.
"Secondly, use it sparingly — a little bit goes a long way. You can apply a small amount of castor oil to your scalp and massage it, leaving it on for 30 minutes to several hours before washing it."
3. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, recommends trying a "pumpkin seed oil" for your hair and scalp, as it has been "scientifically proven to grow more hair and aid those who have thinning hair."
She continues: "The best oil for thickening hair is pumpkin seed oil. It puts more hair follicles into the hair growth phase, which means you can see thicker hair near the roots in as little as three weeks."
4. Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Hair specialists advise opting for sulfate-free shampoos, ideally with a pH of 6 to 7 for straight hair and 4.5 to 5.5 for curly hair. When seeking hair care products that repair, fortify, and hydrate, prioritize ingredients like biotin (Vitamin B7) for promoting follicle growth and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for reinforcing hair strength.
"Hair products with proteins (wheat and soy amino acids) coat the hair shaft acting as bonds to the molecules, promoting the look and feel of thicker hair. A diet or supplements that includes these amino acids can likely add to further hair growth," Simmons said, before telling us why the Oribe shampoo gets her vote.
"Oribe is the king of styling products [and] makes a scalp shampoo that helps cleanse the scalp and promote hair growth," Simmons shared. "This sulfate-free shampoo keeps flakiness at bay while supporting optimal moisture balance of the scalp and hair. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates, while bilberry fruit and sugar maple extracts simultaneously soothe the scalp. Salicylic acid has proven to be adept at clearing dead skin cells and other pore-clogging impurities."
5. Peppermint Oil
Another oil that often leads to stronger, thicker and healthier strands is peppermint oil, Abdullah shares. Using this along with rosemary oil (more on this below) can "stimulate the hair follicles, and hydrolyzed protein and collagen can help fortify the hair shaft against damage and breakage," she says.
Regarding haircare products as a beginner, Harth says that "particularly those designed as scalp treatment serums," can be "beneficial for thin, fine hair." These oils, like many rosemary and peppermint-infused options, are "formulated to promote scalp health, nourish the hair follicles, and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp."
6. Biotin Supplements
Over the years, the benefits of biotin on hair growth may have been exaggerated a bit — it's not a cure-all for all hair issues. But it remains important because biotin (known as B7) helps produce keratin, which is a protein needed for strong hair, skin, and nails.
The recommended daily intake of biotin is 30 micrograms (mcg) for adults and 35 mcg for pregnant people. It's rare to have a biotin deficiency, and if you can obtain this nutrient from foods like egg yolks, salmon, legumes, and walnuts, all the better.
7. Rosemary Oil
According to Abdullah, rosemary oil "works against the hair loss hormone DHT," and "the hairline and crown are common areas of thinning for women with hair loss that's related to age." She advises "adding a few drops of rosemary oil to a 4 ounce bottle of lotion." Lotion works just as well (if not better) than oil for some women with thicker textures because it "absorbs quicker into the skin," she explains.
Abdullah recommends "using this solution twice daily." She stresses not "expecting to see results overnight," as it often takes "at least six months" to see hair regrowth at the crown. "If you're not sure what type of hair loss you have, use more than one essential oil [on its own or in] your lotion," she recommends.
8. Iron Supplements
Iron is so important for your body and hair because it helps your body produce hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body's cells, helping them repair and grow. Among those cells are cells responsible for hair growth.
This is one mineral that some women are deficient in, and a supplement can help (check with your doctor first). The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for all age groups of men and postmenopausal women is 8 mg/day; the RDA for premenopausal women is 18 mg/day. The median dietary intake of iron is approximately 16 to 18 mg/day for men and 12 mg/day for women.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has not been shown to grow hair, but because of its size, it can enter into the hair shaft and penetrate it with intense amounts of moisture. This hydration can cut down on breakage and fragility, which may in turn reduce shedding and split ends. One way to use coconut oil is as a pre-shampoo mask that you then wash out.
Dr. Dray, a board-certified dermatologist, reminds us that compelling data doesn't exist yet to prove that one particular hair oil is the best at helping to regrow hair. But incorporating oils into your haircare routine may help promote a healthy scalp and more hydrated strands — as a hair assistant, they show tons of promise.
10. A Hairdryer With Infrared Light Rather Than Heat
Popular beauty expert and makeup artist Risa Flashner recently shared a captivating and insightful video outlining eight methods she employs to maintain her luscious hair in her 50s. Flashner shared that her trusted hairstylist told her "how bad heat styling is" when it comes to the health of your mane at any age, but especially for mature beauties.
This inspired her to try a hairdryer from Zuvi, specifically the brand's 'Halo Hair Dryer' that uses infrared light to dry hair rather than heat. The light, she explained is "far more gentle" for mature tresses.
11. A Scalp Massager
Flashner also shared that one of the recent additions to her hair washing routine has been a scalp massager. She noted that they are important for "stimulating and unclogging the hair follicles, contributing to faster growth." After incorporating a scalp massager into her daily routine, Flashner said that she's noticing that she's been "losing a lot less" hair in the shower.
As per Healthline, current research, though sparse, indicates that scalp massages hold potential in fostering hair growth, even if they don't provide a cure for hair loss. You can perform a scalp massage with your fingertips or employ a specialized scalp massaging device.