Many elements play a role in hair thinning, from genetics and hormonal fluctuations to medical conditions and the natural aging process. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. However, losing more than 100 hairs daily can result in noticeable thinning. So, how can this issue be tackled? We turned to hair experts, who suggest that the first step in combating thinning hair is to visit a dermatologist. In the meantime, choosing the right shampoo is essential.
Fortunately, specialists have recommended two excellent options and identified two types to “avoid” if you aim to encourage regrowth. Yet, managing hair loss involves more than just picking the right shampoo. Dr. Rebecca Hilton, a hair specialist at J-Beauty, stresses the importance of additional strategies. She recommends maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress to reduce hair shedding. Moreover, Hilton notes that certain supplements, like iron and omega-3 fatty acids, can aid in promoting healthy hair growth.
2 Expert-Recommended Shampoos To Address Hair Loss And Thinning This Fall
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.
This enriching formula (on sale now via Amazon for $13.28) not only fortifies hair strands but also enhances volume in fine, thinning hair. Additionally, it provides thorough cleansing and nourishment from root to tip, making it an ideal choice for healthier, fuller-looking hair.
2. 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 ($52 at Bloomingdale's) 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."
2 Shampoo Ingredients That Often Exacerbate Hair Loss And Thinning, Doctors Say
1. Silicones
Silicones, commonly found in shampoos, are often portrayed as beneficial due to their ability to enhance shine and gloss.
However, dermatologist Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, writer at My Eczema Team stresses, their detrimental impact on scalp health should not be ignored as they can stifle its ability to receive necessary nourishment.
"Silicones in shampoo can cause hair loss by coating the scalp so that nutrients cannot be absorbed," she warns.
2. Parabens
The presence of parabens in shampoos may lead to a host of hair-related issues, Factor tells us. These include "dryness and scalp irritation" as well as "fading hair color and hair loss."
Since they are "generally unsafe," she says "it is best to avoid parabens until proven otherwise."
The Bottom Line
Overall, Dr. Elaine Kung, MD, FAAD, founder of Future Bright Dermatology, stresses that choosing the right shampoo for your hair is crucial as "shampoos are not only scalp cleaners, but indubitably act as preventing the hair shaft damage." Many scalp diseases are also "treated by active ingredients that are added to the shampoo's formulations," she says.
She concludes that "shampoos are typically composed of 10–30 ingredients, although products with as few as four ingredients are available." While awaiting a doctor's recommendation for a tailored treatment for your hair and scalp, it is recommended to keep a lookout for products that contain biotin and saw palmetto, as suggested by our experts.
