Noticing that your hair is way thinner or that you’re experiencing hair loss can be an emotional time. But taking action is easier than you think. First, understand that hair shedding can be caused by a number of things, such as hormones, stress, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and genetics (just to name a few). So, your best bet to address the root cause is to consult with a dermatologist.
Then, if you need a supplemental product to your doctor-recommended hair growth treatment or hair growth vitamin, the best shampoos for thinning hair can help. You may be thinking, Really, a shampoo can actually help with my hair thinning? Yes—hear us out: “There are certain basic properties of shampoo that can be hugely beneficial if you’re trying prevent or reduce hairshedding,” says dermatologist James Kilgour, MD. “But because shampoos are rinse-off products, they’ll have limited benefit in terms of stimulating new growth.”
Best Shampoos For Thinning Hair
Many shampoos designed to combat hair loss work to strengthen the strands you’ve got and volumize for a fuller appearance rather than giving you a new head of hair. A good shampoo can also remove dirt, product buildup, excess oil, and dandruff (all of which can clog the follicle and cause hair loss). At the end of the day, shampoo is one of the hair products most people use regularly, so getting familiar with the best options for hair loss specifically can be helpful if thinning is a concern.
What to look for in shampoos for thinning hair
If you’ve already read through the most recommended products above, you might have an idea (or a few) of which ones you’d like to invest in. But first, considering these key qualities:
Ingredients
A hydrated scalp is a healthy scalp, so look for hyaluronic acid, which is an emollient that can lock in moisture, and glycerin, which is a humectant that draws moisture from the air and deeper layers of skin. Additionally, peptides can help if you have fragile or brittle hair, and keratin can improve the strength of you hair to reduce breakage, promoting a fuller appearance over time. Some the best shampoos for thinning hair contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent that has been shown to address hormonal-related hair loss, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. Dr. Kilgour also likes this ingredient and because it kills off the malassezia (the fungus that causes dandruff) and prefers the prescription version because it’s fragrance-free and better on sensitive skin.
Additionally, certain oils can go a long way for thinning hair. “Things that can help the skin and follicles include topical oils that can be anti-inflammatory like coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, rosemary oil, and tea tree oil,” says Jennifer Baron, MD, a dermatologist. Niacin, saw palmetto, biotin, and vitamins E and B3 are effective for hair growth as well. “These ingredients help restore shine to the hair and provide hydration for both the hair shafts and scalp,” says dermatologist Michelle Green, MD.
Depending on your hair type, you might also want to steer clear from “sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, silicones, parabens, and other preservatives,” says dermatologist Jeanette Graff, MD, who adds that they can be irritating to the scalp. They also keep healthy ingredients from being able to penetrate the hair shaft. DMDM Hydantoin is another one to watch out for, says dermatologist Bobby Buka, MD.
Hair type
In short, different hair has different needs, and the shampoo you choose should reflect that. “People with frizz-prone, curly hair should avoid overly astringent or clarifying shampoos, and instead opt for a sulfate-free product with more silicone to cause less damage on your hair especially if it’s fragile,” says Dr. Kilgour.
On the flip side, clarifying shampoos can help remove oil for those with oily scalp. Do you have sensitive skin? Go with something that’s fragrance-free. Have dandruff? Get an anti-dandruff shampoo. And for dry scalp, Dr. Kilgour recommends reaching for products with some of those hydrating ingredients mentioned above while avoiding sulfate.
How we selected
Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner consulted ten dermatologists who specialize in hair loss as well as a hair restoration specialist and asked for their recommendations for the best shampoos for thinning hair. Then, we put their picks to the test with the help of the entire Women’s Health editorial team, a group of testers with various hair types and textures. Based upon their feedback, we narrowed the list down to the 9 best shampoos for thinning hair.
Keep scrolling to learn more about our top picks.
Best Overall
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
ProsRestores hair health after heat damageStrengthens hair to prevent breakageConsConsistency makes detangling difficult Size8.5 ozKey IngredientsRosemary leaf extract, glycerin, coconut oil-derived surfactantsHair TypeAll
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo takes our top spot for best overall for a multitude of reasons. For starters, it contains key ingredients that our experts recommend, such as glycerin and coconut oil-derived surfactants that cleanse hair without stripping it. It’s also pH-balanced and free of sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and parabens. Plus, it’s color safe.
If you have thinning hair that’s also brittle, bonding treatments like this shampoo can really come in handy: The formula strengthens and repairs hair while adding moisture and nourishment. Dr. Kilgour, who recommends this product, also uses it on a regular basis and has experienced the benefits of it first hand. “I really like that it’s sulfate-free and has a nice amount of amodimethicone in it, so it leaves my hair feeling very manageable,” he says. “The bond building ingredients are good for maintaining the strength and the health of the hair you have rather than making your hair look thinner—it has less of a role in stimulating new growth by itself.”
Women’s Health beauty director Brian Underwood is a big fan: “My hair is generally pretty thick, but I have noticed some thinning around the crown that’s been bothering me lately,” he says. “What I love about this shampoo is how thick and nourishing it is—my hair feels really clean, but not stripped after I use it. I do use some heat on my hair in the form of blow drying, and I’ve noticed that since I started using this product, my strands don’t feel as straw-like and brittle after styling, which is a huge plus. I’ve definitely noticed a strengthening benefit, for sure.”
That said, you may want to weigh the pros with the cons, as some say the consistency of the shampoo is on the thicker side, which can make the detangling process a bit of a challenge—a huge consideration for someone with textured hair.
Read more: The Best Vitamins For Hair Growth
BEST SHAMPOO FOR THINNING CURLY HAIR
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo
ProsAdds strength and prevents with keratinReduces frizz and adds definition for a fuller appearance ConsDoesn’t work as well on tight coils and curlsSize12 ozKey IngredientsRice Curl Complex (a blend of rice, keratin amino acids, and enzymes)Hair TypeCurly
If your curls need some love, just know our testers are obsessed with this product for its growth-enhancing ingredients like rice, keratin, and amino acids. The price tag of $14 is the cherry on top. “Made for all curl types, this keratin shampoo cleanses and delivers a boost of moisture and hydration,” says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.
This shampoo will leave your curls with less frizz and added definition that lasts all day long, creating a fuller look overall. Plus, it’s lightweight enough so that it won’t weigh your hair down and make it look flat and lifeless. On thing to note: the formula may not be the best option for those with tighter coils and curls, as they typically need a thicker formula.
Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair
Pureology Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo
ProsThe green tea soothes itchy scalpReduces oily scalp and removes build upConsSome users find the fragrance too strongSize9 ozKey IngredientsJojoba oil, lavender, green tea
Color-treated hair can be more brittle than virgin hair and end up looking lifeless and flat. Those who dye need a super-lightweight shampoo that won’t mess with their volume, and for that, Pureology’s option is a solid choice. Overall, it’s formulated for people with dry, fine hair, delivering moisture exactly where it’s needed with key ingredients such as jojoba, soothing green tea, and sage. As a bonus, it smells of eucalyptus, lavender, and bergamot.
As someone with super-dry, fine hair, WH associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner can attest to the fact that this shampoo adds a gorgeous gloss and a dimensional shine that makes her hair appear lush and thick. “It leaves my scalp feeling super fresh and clean with no oil in sight,” she says. And no oil, means hair won’t be weighed down. She adds that she washes her hair twice with this shampoo on days when her hair is feeling greasy to rejuvenate her strands.
Most Strengthening Shampoo For Thinning Hair
Ouai Fine Shampoo
ProsReduces oily scalp, preventing clogged follicles Reduces buildup for a fuller appearance ConsSome users find the rose scent too strongSize10 fl ozKey IngredientsBiotin, hydrolyzed keratin, chia seed oilHair TypeWavy, textured, curly, fine, straight
Dr. Camp says this formula is infused with all sorts of strengthening ingredients like biotin, keratin, and chia seed oil. ICYDK: Biotin boosts the production of keratin, a protein that keeps hair strong and elastic. Similarly, chia seeds are high in protein and can increase volume.
Those with oily hair will love that Ouai’s shampoo will allow them to go more days without the oiliness, which translates to less buildup and a fuller appearance. It leaves their hair feeling clean, soft, and voluminous, making it well worth the investment. One thing to note is that the scent can be a bit overwhelming, with strong hints of rose oil.
Best Shampoo For Oily Scalp
Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo
ProsReduces itchy scalp to protect hair folliclesBreaks down scalp buildup for a clean scalpConsSome found the coconut oil to be dryingSize8 ozKey IngredientsBinchotan charcoal, peppermint, coconut oilHair TypeStraight, wavy, curly, and coily
In a way, you want your hair follicles to be producing a lot of sebum because that’s what keeps your hair shiny, hydrated, and healthy. But again, too much of it can leave locks looking limp and wimpy. Plus, an “overproduction of oil may lead to build up and contribute to scalp conditions that may worsen the appearance of hair thinning or hair loss,” says Dr. Garshick. One example of this is dandruff, which can cause itchiness and as a result hair loss. Oily scalp can also lead to scalp acne that can lead to hair loss if it’s severe or causes scarring.
So, if you’re itching to get some of that buildup, Briogeo’s Micro Exfoliating Shampoo is a great place to start. It uses dissolvable granules and charcoal to slough off unwanted oil and dirt and deep-clean hair follicles so healthy hair can grow. This one contains coconut, tea tree, and mint oils that leave our testers scalps feeling clean and their hair bouncy and fresh.
Best Volumizing Formula
Oribe Shampoo For Magnificent Volume
ProsPrevents breakageAdds volumeConsMay cause hair tangles for someSize8.5 ozKey IngredientsOribe signature complex, high-tech polymer blendHair TypeFine, medium, dry
Longing for va va voom volume? Look no further than this strengthening, splurge-worthy formula that our testers love. “I tend to reach for this shampoo the night before a big occasion or when I want to leave a lasting impression,” says WH contributor Dana Parra. “Unlike other shampoos that only provide the same ‘wash-day’ volume, this color-safe hair cleanser allows me to wake up the next morning with the same shape and volume I had the night before! No touch-ups required.” She adds that while the bottle is pricey, the high-quality formula goes a long way.
This contains ingredients like lupine protein and saw palmetto extract to balance scalp pH and energize hair follicles while the signature complex protects hair from environmental damage, photoaging, and keratin deterioration. It important to keep in mind that this volumizing shampoo will strengthen hair to prevent breakage and make your hair appear thicker, but it’s not exactly the sole solution to thinning hair. That said, many users think that, in contrast to other volumizing products, this one is especially gentle on the scalp. Some also note that their hair feels fuller and thicker after just seven days.
Most Affordable Shampoo For Thinning Hair
Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo
ProsSoftens hairGood for damaged hairConsNot ideal for oily hairSize13 ozKey IngredientsManuka honey, mafura oil, fig extractHair TypeDry, frizzy
Many volumizing shampoos can strip hair of everything—including moisture—so your hair may feel fuller, but it’s also left to be super dry and brittle. This affordable pick by Shea Moisture uses honey to keep strands silky smooth without the weight so you can have your volume and healthy hair, too.
“Honey, shea butter, and aloe leaf juice are featured in this hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo made to soften and revitalize your hair,” says Dr. Camp. Our testers rave about the quality of this shampoo, noting that the consistency and ingredients lead to improved results over time.
Best Shampoo For Shedding
VIRTUE Flourish
ProsIt decreases sheddingClears debris from hair folliclesConsMay dry out hair for someSize8 ozKey IngredientsKeratin protein, red algae extract, peptidesHair TypeOily hair
This formula was created to remove build up, which can weigh hair down and make it appear thinner. This is done with the help of key ingredients such as alpha and gamma keratin proteins, plant extracts, and rice-based humectants. The result? A flake-free scalp minus the irritation. It also works in increase elasticity and improve overall hair strength.
“Two weeks into using this shampoo, I already noticed less shedding while showering and styling my hair,” says Parra. “(The ingredients) provide moisture to the follicle to keep them plump and smooth, while biomimetic signal peptides calm and nourish the scalp to help encourage new growth.” If you end up loving this shampoo just as much, know that you can get double the benefits using the brands conditioner for thinning hair.
Best Shampoo for dry scalp
Fable & Mane Volumizing Shampoo for Fine, Dry, Thinning Hair
ProsProtects hair from UV damageProvides volume to create a fuller appearance ConsContains fragrance, which may irritate skinSize8.5 ozKey IngredientsGlycerinHair TypeDry
This product is a standout for all the positive feedback it’s received from testers and WH editors. It contains unique ingredients such as onion juice to strengthen your hair and reduce breakage. Meanwhile, the fenugreek seed adds volume and promotes a healthy scalp. And just like how your skin needs UV protection, so does your hair. Luckily, this formula also has amla extract that gets the job done while softening your strands.
Parra notes that her volumizing shampoos rarely get used because they dry out her hair and weigh her down by day two or three. Her experience with this product has been different. “I’ve had really good volume, and my day two and three hair looks just as good as day one (without any greasiness),” she says. “I even worked out on some of the non-wash days, and still had a great blowout the next day.” To avoid any potential dryness, she follows it up with deep conditioner or a hair mask. Plus, it smells super fresh!
What causes hair loss?
According to Dr. Jhin, hair thinning can be caused by a number of factors, including (but not limited to):
aginggeneticsdiethormonestrauma and stress
Stress-caused hair loss can even take place up to six months following a stressful event, due to the hair cycle, Dr. Green says.
That said, all the dermatologists our team spoke to noted that the most common type of hair loss is pattern hair loss—and it’s totally natural. Dr. Jhin says that this type of hair thinning affects more than 80 percent of males and 50 percent of females in their lifetime. “Your hair follicles begin to shrink with every growth cycle, causing hair strands to become thinner and more fragile over time,” she says. “The truth is, change is an inevitable part of aging and your hair is no different.”
Can hair grow back after thinning?
Shampoo can be used to address thinning hair, but pairing it with a treatment like minoxidil, as well as in-office procedures like Platelet-rich plasma can provide optimal results, says Dr. Garshick.
The cause of your hair thinning or loss will also dictate how much your shampoo will work. “If hair loss or thinning is happening because of hormone shifts like postpartum, aging, or genetics, there is only so much that shampoos can do without getting to the root cause of the problem,” says Dr. Graf. “And sometimes, like in the case of of aging, hair loss can be inevitable for some people.”
If you want to fully restore your hair after it has fallen out, Dr. Davis and Dr. Graf recommend consulting with a hair restoration professional to discuss oral and topical prescription medications, scalp treatments, or hair transplantation procedures that can further restore the appearance of healthy hair,” says Dr. Davis.
What can you do to prevent hair thinning?
Truthfully, Dr. Jhin actually says there’s technically no medical cure for patterned hair loss, but the good news is that you can definitely take preventative measures that’ll help keep thinning to a minimum. Firstly, she says to avoid certain hairstyles like tight braids and ponytails, but it’s also super important that you monitor your overall scalp health. “Dandruff or residue buildup can cause inflammation and increase the likelihood of hair loss,” she says. “It’s extremely important to start considering your scalp as part of your anti-aging routine. Consistent, ongoing treatment is essential.”
And, of course, that’s why it’s necessary to use a good shampoo. Because you likely use one at least twice a week, prioritize using a shampoo that really takes care of your scalp.
Meet the experts
Brendan Camp, MD, is a double-board certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology.
Jennifer Baron, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.Brandon Kirsch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Kirsch Dermatology.Bobby Buka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of The Dermatology Specialists.Michelle Green, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.Marie Jhin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Premier Aesthetic Dermatology.Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology.Deanne Mraz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Co-Founder of Modern Dermatology.Jeanette Graff, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai School Of Medicine. Patrick Davis, MD, is a hair restoration specialist and facial plastic surgeon.James Kilgour, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of KilgourMD.
Shop more of the best shampoos
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Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.
