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Many factors can influence and contribute to hair thinning, such as genetics, hormonal fluctuations, medical issues, and the natural aging process. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it’s normal to lose around 50–100 hairs each day. However, losing more than 100 hairs daily may result in noticeable thinning.
So, what steps can be taken to tackle this problem? We consulted hair specialists who suggest that the first action to take is to see a dermatologist. In the meantime, choosing the right shampoo is essential. Fortunately, experts have recommended three excellent options. However, dealing with hair loss involves more than simply choosing the right shampoo.
Dr. Rebecca Hilton, hair expert at J-Beauty, emphasizes that additional measures are crucial. She recommends eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and controlling stress to reduce hair loss. Additionally, Dr. Hilton highlights that specific supplements, like iron and omega-3 fatty acids, can promote healthy hair growth.
3 Expert-Recommended Shampoos To Address Hair Loss And Thinning This Winter
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 $9.25) 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 via the brand's site) 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. R+Co Atlantis Moisturizing B5 Shampoo
Celebrity hairstylist Michael Canale revealed to us that one of the best shampoo options to fight thinning hair is those that contain B-5. Vitamin B-5 (aka pantothenic acid) is a water-soluble B vitamin renowned for its ability to thicken hair and prevent hair loss. Furthermore, it offers excellent moisturizing benefits. According to Canale, Vitamin B-5 is a staple ingredient in hair-thickening shampoos—and for good reason.
When used regularly, it can help to strengthen hair follicles and works to thicken each individual strand, promoting healthier, fuller 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 ($34 via Amazon) is a great option!
2 Key Shampoo Ingredients That Encourage Hair Growth
1. Biotin
Biotin (aka vitamin B₇) is an important nutrient often found in foods like eggs, broccoli, bananas and milk. Many people take biotin as a supplement as they age, Abdullah explains, to strengthen their tresses. If also using a shampoo with biotin as a main ingredient, one can really reap the benefits of this vitamin in more ways than one.
“Biotin is the ingredient to look for in shampoo if you want thicker, fuller, healthier hair,” Ghanima Abdullah, cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, says. Abdullah highlights the benefits of incorporating biotin-infused shampoo into one's hair care routine, which includes enhancing hair growth, relieving discomfort associated with itchy hair. “Not only can it be taken as a supplement, but when used in shampoo the ingredient goes directly into the hair follicles.”
2. Saw Palmetto
Incorporating saw palmetto into your shampoo can prove to be advantageous in reducing hair loss, Hilton says, as it is a highly sought-after ingredient in the realm of hair care. "Saw palmetto is a natural extract from the berries of the Serenoa repens plant and has been used for centuries for the treatment of various conditions including hair loss," she explains.
Hilton adds that "saw palmetto works by blocking the production of DHT," which helps to "reduce hair shedding." Dr. Elaine Kung, MD, FAAD, founder of Future Bright Dermatology, concurs, and points out that because saw palmetto is a DHT blocker, it is "helpful in the treatment of female pattern baldness that can become quite apparent when a woman is in her 40s."
The Bottom Line
Overall, Kung 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.
