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Dealing with thinning hair and excessive shedding can be daunting, but it’s essential to recognize the substantial benefits of using the right shampoos, hair oils, and scalp serums. With the proper regimen and products, especially for those over 40, you can rejuvenate hair follicles, nourish the roots, and foster stronger, healthier hair.
To help you navigate the extensive selection of shampoos and hair oils on the market, we sought advice from experts in dermatology, medicine, and haircare. Here, we present four introductory products for those new to anti-hair loss care, particularly beneficial for women with fine hair aiming to achieve thicker, more resilient locks.
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 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 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."
Doctor-Recommended Hair & Scalp Oils That Promote Thicker, Healthier Tresses
1. MDhair Regrowth Serum
According to Dr. Yoram Harth, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of MDhair, this serum, infused with potent DHT blockers, revitalizes both your scalp and hair. Specifically designed to enhance scalp wellness and invigorate hair follicles, this regrowth treatment transitions them from a dormant state to active growth. Packed with over 20 botanical ingredients, it promotes cellular renewal and naturally encourages fuller, stronger hair.
Key components include rosemary leaf oil, horsetail extract, saw palmetto berry extract, argan oil, tea tree oil, and more. "For beginners [to hair oiling], I recommend using a combination of plant-based scalp treatment serums like MDhair regrowth serum and another type of oil to apply often to the hair strands," Harth says.
2. MDhair Peptide Hair Repair Oil
This bond repair oil is a game-changer for those battling dry, frizzy locks ravaged by coloring, perming, or harsh chemical treatments. Harth notes that it is a lightweight, silicone-free formula that glides on effortlessly and works wonders for all hair types. Enriched with active oligopeptides, nourishing argan and avocado oils, and potent antioxidants, this elixir shields your hair from heat damage, amplifies shine and strength, and tames frizz, flyaways, and split ends.
"There are two types of hair oils. One, which is applied to the scalp skin and intended to help with scalp health and hair regrowth, is called a scalp treatment serum," Harth explains. "The other type of hair oil is applied to the hair strands and is intended to help strengthen the strands and reduce breakage and split ends," he adds.
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.
Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Ph.D., board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert. advises against relying on any one product as a cure-all solution for your hair woes. While these three hair oils may be beneficial, they are merely a component of a comprehensive hair care routine. “Remember your diet,” Goldman adds. “Your diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals. While using these oils, you should always be mindful of what you eat.”
When it comes to issues related to hair loss or other hair problems, it's crucial to seek advice from a dermatologist or other healthcare expert to identify the root cause and come up with a personalized treatment strategy, according to Goldman's recommendation. “If you're interested in trying oils for hair growth, I encourage you to do so — but remember to use it in moderation and conjunction with other healthy hair practices,” he concludes.
