There are many things that cause thinning hair, such as genetics, hormones, underlying medical conditions, or simply just getting older. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) we typically lose around 50–100 hairs per day, which is nothing to worry about. While shedding is perfectly normal, losing more than 100 hairs per day could contribute to overall thinning hair, which will therefore be more noticeable to yourself and others. But what can be done about it?
If you are experiencing hair loss, the good news is that all hope is not lost. We’ve spoken to hair experts, and the first step to take in combatting thinning hair is to start using the right shampoo. And luckily, we have 15 of them to choose from!
Hair loss isn’t just about what shampoo we use though. In addition to finding the right shampoo (and by extension, conditioner and other hair care products) Dr. Rebecca Hilton, dermatologist at J-Beauty, reminds us that it is also important to take other steps to help combat hair loss. “Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress can all help to reduce hair shedding,” Hilton advises, adding: “Additionally, taking certain supplements such as iron and omega 3 fatty acids can also help to promote healthy hair growth.” Noted!
Finding the right shampoo is the perfect first step in combatting thinning hair, so let’s take a look at 15 of our top shampoos for thinning hair below…
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 contains a blend of biotin, saw palmetto, quinoa protein and vitamin E, and helps build body in fine, thinning hair while strengthening the hair strands. It also cleanses and nourishes hair from root to tip – perfect!
2. Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Hair experts recommend shopping for sulfate-free shampoos with a pH level of 6 to 7 for straight hair and 4.5 to 5.5 for curly hair. As for ingredients in hair care products that repair damage, strengthen hair, and moisturize, look for biotin (Vitamin B7) for follicle growth and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) to strengthen hair.
"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."
3. PURA D'OR Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo
Instead of shopping for shampoo brands you like, consider taking a deep dive into ingredients that can help boost your hair's volume and make it look thicker and healthier. Experts swear by these shampoo ingredients to grow thicker, fuller hair: saw palmetto, biotin, keratin, and Argan oil.
This PURA D'OR Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo is vegan and contains so many nourishing ingredients like biotin, organ oil, and niacin. It's also cruelty-free and free of sulfates that can strip your hair of moisture and mess with your hair color, as well.
4. Shapiro MD DHT Fighting Shampoo
Hair loss can make you feel powerless. You can take back control by choosing shampoos that contain ingredients deemed effective that can help make your hair look thicker and boost growth.
Everything you need to know about this shampoo's intentions and benefits is in its name: it contains ingredients designed to block DHT, the hormone that can cause hair loss and thinning. Among the ingredients found in this shampoo are saw palmetto, argan oil, antioxidant EGCG, and hydrating oils like avocado, chia seed, and pumpkin seed oils.
5. R+Co Atlantis Moisturizing B5 Shampoo
To learn more about the best solutions for hair loss, we spoke to celebrity hair stylist Michael Canale, who told us the best shampoo options to combat thinning hair are those that contain B-5.
Vitamin B-5, or pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble B vitamin that can be extremely helpful in thickening hair and preventing hair loss. It's also highly moisturizing. Canale says it's one of the most common ingredients in hair-thickening shampoo—and for good reason! When used regularly, B-5 strengthens your hair follicles and works to thicken each individual piece of your hair.
"This ingredient swells the hair shaft, plumping each strand of hair to give it a thicker and more voluminous appearance," Canale explains. And this Vitamin B5: R+Co Atlantis Moisturizing B5 Shampoo is a great option!
6. Odele Volumizing Shampoo For Lift + Fullness
It turns out there is such thing has hair that is too clean, especially if you're dealing with flat or thinning hair. For this reason, Simmons says you should avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, which are used to cleans dirt and oil from your hair—and can sometimes do their job a bit too well. "Sulfates can over-wash hair by stripping away the natural oils it needs to have movement and shine without frizz," Simmons explains, noting that "you might feel it in a 'squeaky clean' way and see it in a sudsy lather."
Simmons warns that super-clean hair can be "counterproductive," leading to extra oil production in the long run. This is because when you strip your hair of all of its vital oils, your body will work extra hard to replenish them, which can end in a greasy mess and weigh your hair down. This will result in flat, lifeless hair that needs a serious volume boost. Additionally, some sensitive scalps can be irritated by this cleansing ingredient; and an irritated scalp is one major culprit of hair loss.
That's why a sulfate-free shampoo such as the Odele Volumizing Shampoo for Lift + Fullness is the best option if you want to avoid thinning hair and keep your locks as thick and healthy as possible. "Choose a shampoo without sulfates to avoid stripping natural oils your hair needs," Simmons suggests.
7. Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Dermatologist Dr. Leela Athalye at Island Dermatology has a few shampoos to consider for thinning hair, with this Nizoral shampoo being one of the top shampoos on her list.
Dr. Athalye says Nizoral can help decrease yeast that contributes to dandruff, adding: "Dandruff can be associated with hair loss so by decreasing the dandruff, hair can grow better."
8. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Shampoo
Dr. Athalye also credits the Nioxin Scalp Recovery Shampoo for increasing the blood flow to the scalp to help hair loss. The shampoo gently cleanses your scalp and reduces hair fall associated with itching, while also combatting dandruff from the very first use.
"This shampoo has completely transformed my scalp. It used to me so flaky and dry, would get itchy after a few days and all of that is gone. this is the only shampoo that's ever worked for me!" exclaimed one happy customer. Another said: "It cleans your scalp, eliminates all of your dandruff, reduces shedding and promotes the growth of new hair! I continue to use it even after my hair grows back to prevent shedding and breakage all the time!"
9. Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo For Thinning Hair
Nutrafol, the brand that provides a fantastic hair supplement for regrowth, also has a shampoo line that balances scalp oils without stripping the hair. It comes highly recommended from Dr. Athalye as well as many happy shoppers too!
"Root Purifier Shampoo has truly impressed me. Valuing hair health, I was intrigued by its physician-formulated formula. Within just two weeks of use, I noticed a significant improvement in my hair volume, strength, and texture. Plus, its natural ingredients ensure a deep cleanse without irritating my scalp," wrote one satisfied customer.
Another added: "The Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo for Thinning Hair is a game-changer! It not only cleanses my scalp thoroughly but also leaves my hair feeling fuller and healthier. I've noticed a significant decrease in hair fall since I started using it. Plus, the refreshing scent is a bonus. Highly recommend for anyone struggling with thinning hair!"
10. Thicker Fuller Hair Strengthening Shampoo
The Thicker Fuller Hair Strengthening Shampoo is designed to stimulate growth because it is made with a strong formula based with biotin, which we already know is one of the most powerful ingredients to look out for when shampoo shopping.
Biotin is a B vitamin that can help your body get energy and nutrients from the protein, fat, and carbs you eat and has been linked to hair growth. The best way to get results from biotin is to use it regularly while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. According to dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart: "Hair loss and brittle nails may have multiple causes and taking biotin supplements may actually halt this process and even help to reverse it."
The Thicker Fuller Hair Strengthening Shampoo strengthens the hair strands while gently cleansing the hair and scalp. It uses organic quinoa, baobab and biotin to fight the causes of thinning hair and resets thinning hair with natural ingredients. Sounds perfect!
11. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
This cleansing hair treatment is made from a concentrated formula that strengthens the hair from within to reduce breakage and improve texture for a healthier look and feel. By addressing the causes behind damage, this treatment is able to restore, strengthen and protect the hair.
"Does wonders for damaged hair!" exclaimed one happy customer, as another called it "a true game-changer in the world of hair care." The second reviewer added: "As someone who has struggled with damaged and brittle hair, I am thrilled to share my five-star review for this remarkable product." A third wrote: "No 3 is my favorite. I use it when my hair is dry and it makes my hair so healthy and easy to style. My hair has grown and gotten so healthy bc of this. Love love love it."
12. Bumble And Bumble Full Potential Hair Preserving Shampoo
The Bumble And Bumble Full Potential Hair Preserving Shampoo is designed to exfoliate the scalp while nourishing the hair and promotes health all the way from the roots to the tips. It uses the brand's trademarked hair Preserve Blend to create an optimal scalp environment that reduces breakage in the hair. It exfoliates the scalp to remove buildup and unclog pores, and is proven to reduce hair loss due to breakage. It also helps to strengthen strands of hair, which is music to our ears!
13. Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo
This natural shampoo is fortified with biotin and bamboo, which are two of the strongest hair growth ingredients. Bamboo is rich in hair-healthy proteins and minerals and has been shown to help promote stronger, thicker hair.
"Such a good shampoo for an affordable price! The lather is amazing and leaves my hair feeling so clean. I have been using this for a while and noticed that my hair overall feels better!" wrote one satisfied customer. "First of all this shampoo smells amazing! I always get compliments because it is such a strong scent. This shampoo has also helped me get my hair at a long length," added a second, while a third said: "I have very fine thin hair, my scalp gets very itchy with certain shampoos, and I also have any issue with greasy hair after washing. With this shampoo all of it has gone away. I love love love it."
14. Laritelle Organic Shampoo
This shampoo is formulated to soften and nourish the hair shaft while rejuvenating hair follicles. It's made with certified organic Argan oil, therapeutic hydrolats, and best known to prevent hair loss and promote new healthy hair growth using essential oils of rosemary, clary sage, and palmarosa.
15. ArtNaturals Argan Oil Shampoo
Using a blend of Argan oil, aloe vera, rosemary, and many other key ingredients, ArtNaturals' Argan Oil Shampoo stimulates cell renewal and healthy growth as it revitalizes hair follicles and supports a healthy scalp. It also contains multiple DHT blockers that help prevent damage and hair loss.
