FYI: Hair loss is completely normal. “We are all preprogrammed to lose hair,” says Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery, adding, “How quickly or how much depends on genetics and environmental factors.” So, although hair loss is, at least to a certain extent, predetermined by your genetics, environment, and age, you can take steps to create ideal conditions for hair growth—like, for example, using a shampoo specifically formulated for thinning hair.
The right shampoo can slough away the buildup of excess product and sebum on your scalp, minimize shedding, promote hair growth, nourish follicles, and support overall hair health. So don’t automatically panic if you notice a little hair in the shower drain or feel like your ponytail is slightly smaller (that said, it’s always a good idea to consult a trusted medical professional if you experience extreme, sudden hair loss).
We spent eight weeks testing 21 shampoos for thinning hair, evaluating each one’s ease of use, cleansing ability, ingredients, and more. We also considered the formulas’ impact on hair fallout, volume, density, and texture. The below list features the products that met—and exceeded—our standards.
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: After using this product two to three times per week, our tester didn’t notice any premature fading in their color-treated hair. Because of the formula’s menthol, which promotes hair growth, you may notice a tingly sensation on your scalp as you massage in the product. Our tester, who has type 2 hair, noticed significantly less shedding after incorporating this shampoo into their routine. “I used to see a lot of shedding whenever I used hair tools, which concerned me,” she said. “But since I started using this shampoo, it’s become minimal.” She also noticed a positive difference in the size of her ponytail after using this Keranique product. “I was looking at photos taken before and after I started using the shampoo, and I can noticeably see a thicker ponytail in the ‘after’ images.” Although she did use a conditioner to add moisture back into her hair, she never felt like her hair was very dry following a wash. What’s more, the tester said this shampoo didn’t strip her hair of its color treatment.
Who It’s For: This Keranique product works well on any hair type, including those with color treatments who worry about fading. Plus, our tester noticed a big boost in how thick her hair looked and felt once she started using this shampoo on a regular basis. Many bonuses aside, this shampoo may not be your top pick if improved shininess is a priority for you.
Key Ingredients: Keratin, panthenol | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes; Japanese bamboo | Size: 3.4, 8, 12 oz
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: If you regularly color or apply heat to your hair, it may be in need of some TLC, and this Shea Moisture shampoo delivers on that front. A blend of Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter, and peppermint oil work to inject moisture back into strands while also promoting hair growth. “My hair felt healthy after using this shampoo,” said the tester (*who is not the one shown below). Even with heavy-hitting ingredients, this shampoo doesn’t weigh down hair. In fact, our tester found it easy to apply to her scalp, and when she washed it out, she didn’t feel any leftover residue in her type 3 curls. Speaking of washing—this formula does lather despite being sulfate-free, which can elevate the overall experience.
Who It’s For: This shampoo is a solid choice for those looking for an effective, affordable shampoo that promotes healthy hair, and it’s particularly nourishing on waves, curls, and coils. If possible, try sampling the smell before purchasing this shampoo. While we didn’t find its fragrance to be overpowering, it did linger for a few days—so you should make sure you like it.
Key Ingredients: Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter, peppermint extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes; Castor oil | Size: 13 oz
PHOTO: InStyle
PHOTO: InStyle
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Biolage’s vegan, sustainably packaged shampoo uses biotin to strengthen hair from the scalp all the way to the bottom of each strand. The zinc PCA in the formula gently cleanses and rebalances the scalp, ridding it of buildup that clogs follicles and blocks hair growth. After using this shampoo two to three times per week, our tester, who has type 2 hair, said she experienced reduced hair shedding and reported having thicker-looking strands. A little product also goes a long way. “The shampoo lathered well, making it very easy to spread the product over my scalp without using a ton of product,” said the tester. “I always double cleanse my hair, but this shampoo made me feel like I didn’t have to.” She also loved that this Biolage product added volume without leaving behind any greasy residue.
Who It’s For: We recommend this product for anyone looking to combat hair thinning (yes, it works on strands of all types). With a foamy, lightweight texture, it leaves locks clean, refreshed, and thicker in appearance. That said, if you like to hop in and out of the shower and are short on time, this Biolage shampoo might not be the best option. Because it lathers up so well, it can take a little longer than usual to completely wash out of your hair.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, zinc PCA | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 13.5 oz
PHOTO: InStyle
PHOTO: InStyle
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: With powerful ingredients including castor oil, black cumin seed oil, and ginger, this paraben-free shampoo cleans, moisturizes, and strengthens weak hair to help prevent breakage. Our tester used it on her type 3 curls and noticed smoother, stronger hair. “This shampoo removed product buildup on my scalp without drying it out,” she said, adding that it kept her hair healthy overall. The shampoo’s consistency is pretty thick right out of the bottle, but our tester found that the product spread and lathered effortlessly once she combined it with water. The formula rinses out easily without leaving behind any residue and features a warm, woody scent that lingers after you step out of the shower.
Who It’s For: This product is ideal for shoppers with dry, curly hair who want a formula free from parabens, mineral oils, and sulfates. However, even though our tester enjoyed the product’s fragrance, those sensitive to smells may find it a bit overwhelming.
Key Ingredients: Castor oil, black cumin seed oil, ginger | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes; Warm and woody | Size: 11 oz
PHOTO: InStyle
PHOTO: InStyle
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: More of a gel than a cream, this clinically tested shampoo creates plenty of lather, allowing for easy application. It has a peppermint fragrance and stimulates a cool, tingling feeling on the scalp. Our tester with type 1 hair found that the shampoo left her scalp feeling very clean (a.k.a. better for hair growth). The ingredients—including wild mint oil, peppermint oil, niacinamide, and caffeine—don’t just get rid of excess scalp sebum and buildup, they also improve the appearance of hair volume and density. The tester credited the shampoo with curtailing breakage and making her hair look thicker and fuller. Although she said her hair was a little bit tangled after she washed out the formula, the tangles weren’t an issue once her hair dried.
Who It’s For: If you have thinning, untreated hair, consider incorporating this Nioxin shampoo into your shower routine (it’s especially effective on untreated curls and coils). Although it has a lightweight, peppermint fragrance, it isn’t too overpowering, nor does it linger, making this a great option for those with sensitive noses.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, wild mint oil, peppermint oil, niacinamide | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: Yes; Peppermint | Size: 10.1 oz
PHOTO: Sephora
Why We Love It: This lightweight, peptide-infused Briogeo shampoo can make hair look denser and fuller immediately and over time. Our tester loved how quickly the formula revived their dry, thinning hair and boosted its volume, smoothness, and shine. It was also gentle enough to cleanse away dry flakes without triggering even a hint of irritation on their sensitive scalp. After weeks of using the shampoo, the tester noticed some of their patchy problem areas started to fill in. One thing to note is that this shampoo is sulfate-free, so although it won’t lather as much as some other formulas, it still very much gets the job done.
Who It’s For: This shampoo is suitable for all hair types, and it’s a top-notch choice for those looking to improve the appearance of hair density, volume, smoothness, and shine. It’s not the most affordable option on our list (the price per ounce is a little steep), however you don’t need a ton of product with each use.
Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, biotin, zinc | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 8 oz
InStyle / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
PHOTO: Sephora
Why We Love It: We knew we were onto something when our hairdresser told us that our normally ultrafine, thin hair seemed fuller after we used this Kérastase shampoo, and that’s why we recommend it to those focused on hair growth and thickness. It came out of the bottle with a rich, creamy texture before developing into a luscious lather that our tester said felt amazing on their scalp. The shampoo washed out easily, leaving their hair feeling soft, shiny, and supple—sans conditioner. Their hair looked healthier and bouncier after the first wash, but their strands really got that extra oomph after a couple of weeks. The hyaluronic acid-infused formula plumped each follicle, giving their hair an instantly thick, lush appearance while also working to strengthen strands and stave off breakage down the line.
Who It’s For: This hydrating, conditioning formula is safe for all hair types. It’s deeply cleansing without triggering dryness or irritation. If you’re sensitive to smells, note that the shampoo’s floral fragrance may be a bit strong for you.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, gluco peptide, ceramides | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: Yes; Floral | Size: 8.5 oz
PHOTO: Sephora
Why We Love It: Hair thins and weakens as we age, but depending on the root cause, thickening, densifying shampoo can help revitalize locks—and that’s exactly what this BondiBoost formula does. Because the formula has a lengthy “free of” list (including parabens, sulfates, silicone, mineral oils, and more), it took our tester a little while to get used to the gentle shampoo’s lack of suds. They double cleansed some days to achieve the clean feeling they’re used to, but the results were visible from the very first wash. Their fine, curly hair had more bounce and shine and less frizz, and they noticed decreased oiliness in between washes. Our tester’s hair also looked more voluminous, felt softer, and had a glossy finish, but the best part is that they noticed a decrease in hair shedding while testing the shampoo.
Who It’s For: People with normal to oily hair who want to reduce shedding while adding more bounce and shine. Not only does this shampoo preserve thin hair, it can strengthen it.
Key Ingredients: Saw palmetto, aloe vera | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: No | Size: 10.14, 16.9 oz
PHOTO: Sephora
Why We Love It: You can’t talk about hair health without talking about scalp health, and this Vegamour shampoo works wonders to support thinning hair and combat pesky dandruff. Rather than tapping super strong ingredients that can trigger harsh reactions on both the hair follicle and scalp, this formula uses nourishing, plant-based ingredients, like hydrating baobao and fatty acid-rich marula oil, to soothe angry scalps. Meanwhile, its keratin-like protein bonds smooth and strengthen vulnerable strands. This botanical oil-based shampoo didn’t cause our tester’s dry, sensitive scalp to flare up. In fact, they noticed far less flaking after just two weeks of regular use. Overall, they found that their hair looked healthier and stronger, and the buildup on their scalp was a thing of the past. Although our tester felt it was necessary to use a complementary conditioner to fully hydrate their dry, thin hair, they reported far fewer fallen strands in their shower drain after using this Vegamour formula.
Who It’s For: This shampoo is a good choice for all types of hair, but people with flaky, dry scalps will probably find this shampoo’s combination of hydrating and strengthening ingredients particularly powerful and effective.
Key Ingredients: Biotin, caffeine | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes | Size: 1.7, 8 oz
PHOTO: Sephora
Why We Love It: One of our tester’s postpartum woes has been their quick-to-break hair strands, and despite their best efforts (and a bathroom vanity brimming with hair-growth products), nothing has seemed to work. However, they used this shampoo four times a week, and by the end of week three, their fine, brittle hair felt noticeably stronger and less prone to breakage. Not only that, but they started to sprout new hairs that appeared thicker. Unlike many other options on this list, our tester found this shampoo to be satisfyingly sudsy without stripping their hair of its natural oils, and they couldn’t get enough of the sensual woody and citrus scent.
Who It’s For: Those of us with fragile, easy-to-break hair. Listen: You probably won’t experience transformative, overnight volume or thickness from this shampoo, but it does a good job of strengthening strands. And if you crave a sudsy texture, this formula is a great option.
Key Ingredients: Rice water | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: Yes; Woody and citrusy | Size: 2.5, 10.1 oz
InStyle / Ciara O Grady
PHOTO: Paul Mitchell
Why We Love It: This formula adds slip to hair, making it easier to detangle and potentially leading to less shedding. When you use tea tree oil on the scalp, it can help dandruff and other inflammatory conditions that may play a role in hair thinning or loss. This formula pairs those cleansing and clarifying benefits with a botanical blend of Kakadu plum, pea peptides, clover flower, turmeric, and ginseng to revitalize hair follicles and the scalp. The result? Hair that looks and feels fuller and thicker. The tester used this shampoo two to three times a week on her long, curly hair, and within the first couple of washes, she said her mane looked and felt healthier and more voluminous. She also noticed it was easier to detangle in the shower, with fewer strands falling out. The tea tree oil, turmeric, and ginseng give this formula a zesty fragrance and a tingly quality that never caused our tester any scalp irritation, but it could be a bit sensitizing for some.
Who It’s For: This affordable shampoo can boost all types of hair. Even though the tingly sensation our tester felt from the formula’s tea tree oil didn’t bother them, it may be too much for extra-sensitive scalps.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Kakadu plum, pea peptides | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes; Zesty | Size: 10.14, 33.8 oz
InStyle / Taylor Fox
PHOTO: Sephora
Why We Love It: Because fine hair can be brittle, it’s generally more susceptible to breakage and other damage. Keeping it nourished without weighing it down is a must, and this hydrating, strengthening formula does just that. It joins tiger grass, an Ayurvedic herb known for its natural purifying and healing properties, with aloe vera to gently cleanse and soothe the scalp. The tester wasn’t sure what to expect while using this rich, creamy formula in their ultrathin, dry, and color-damaged hair, but running it through their hair three to four times a week completely revitalized their strands. The shampoo lathers well despite its creaminess, and our tester found the tropical scent to be deeply relaxing. The shampoo had instant hydrating benefits, and our tester said their hair felt thicker following one month of regular use. The gentle formula soothed their scalp and gave their nourished locks more body and shine. Plus, they said their hair seemed to stay clean for longer between washes.
Who It’s For: This product works wonders on fine, thinning hair. It pulls off the impressive feat of hydrating and repairing fine, damaged locks without weighing them down. Because the formula has coconut oil, it may not be the most compatible for people with very oily hair.
Key Ingredients: Tiger grass, coconut oil, aloe | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes; Tropical | Size: 8.5 oz
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: This shampoo comes in six systems—with each one formulated for a specific hair type (such as natural, color-treated, chemically-treated) and degree of thinning (light to progressed)—so you can choose the one that most fits your needs. From the very first use, the detoxifying formula gently cleanses and refreshes the scalp to remove product buildup and other pollutants. It also fortifies hair follicles to build strength and prevent breakage. After a month of using System 1—which is for fine, untreated hair experiencing mild thinning—four to six times a week, our tester noticed their hair looked thicker, fuller, and longer. The areas where they previously had sparse patches and stringy, broken strands appeared more filled in, and they noticed less breakage.
Who It’s For: Because this shampoo comes in six systems designed for a wide range of hair types, people with a variety of hair can use it to help thinning. Safe for daily use, it lathers well, rinses easily, and instantly makes hair feel softer and thicker. The gel-like formula’s oil gives the shampoo a peppermint smell subtle enough to be tolerated even by those who don’t usually like minty shampoos. However, be aware that the peppermint oil may irritate more sensitive scalps.
Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, salicylic acid, wild mint oil | Sulfate-Free: No | Fragrance: Yes; Minty | Size: 10.1 oz
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Formulated with types 3A to 4C hair in mind, the strengthening shampoo fortifies fragile, damaged strands while stimulating the scalp to encourage healthy growth. A little goes a long way with this gentle cleanser, as it rinses away scalp buildup and strands without stripping them of vital natural oils. In fact, coconut and babassu seed oils condition the hair, while biotin and horsetail extract help prevent shedding and promote growth. Rosemary and peppermint oils add a refreshing fragrance and gently exfoliate the scalp. The tester used the shampoo on their tight, type 4 coils two to three times a week and immediately noticed how refreshing it felt on her scalp and how well it removed residue. Each week, she experienced less shedding in the shower. Over the course of about a month, she saw new growth along her middle part, where she had started losing some hair, and on the bald patches along her edges.
Who It’s For: This budget-friendly strengthening shampoo is ideal for people with curly, coily hair (types 3A to 4C) that hasn’t been treated with colors or chemicals.
Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, biotin, horsetail extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: Yes; Rosemary and peppermint | Size: 12 oz
InStyle / Masego Manamela
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: This vegan bar is the equivalent of about 16 ounces of liquid shampoo and serves three purposes: cleansing, repairing, and smoothing hair. Triolein, menthol, and caffeine gently cleanse the hair and stimulate the scalp to promote healthy blood flow and circulation; the brand’s bond builder and vegan keratin repair and strengthen fragile hair fibers; and amala extract and rosemary oil boost overall shine and smoothness. The tester’s type 4C hair had experienced some damage and thinning as a result of hot tools, coloring, and styling-related tension. When they used the shampoo bar, they were amazed at how well it transformed into a milky lather following just a bit of rubbing. After one wash, their hair looked fuller and had less frizz. Over the course of the first month, their hair was noticeably stronger, their thinning edges experienced fresh growth, and their curls had more definition and bounce. As a surprise bonus, our tester’s honey-blonde dye job looked just as vibrant after using this product as it did the day they walked out of the salon.
Who It’s For: This strengthening and stimulating shampoo bar from Superzero is best for revitalizing color-treated hair. The bar format can take some getting used to, but it’s great for travel.
Key Ingredients: Vegan keratin, caffeine, amla extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Fragrance: No | Size: 2.15 oz
What to Keep in Mind
The Amount of Hair You’re Losing: It can be hard to remember what is and isn’t normal when it comes to hair loss. In reality, your “normal” changes over time. “The average head of hair has 90,000 to 150,000 hairs, and we lose an average of 100 to 150 a day,” says David Adams, a trichologist and co-owner of Fourteenjay, a hair salon in New York City. Although you’re more likely to lose more hair during certain times in life, like postpartum or periods of high stress, more often than not, hair loss is hereditary. “Genetic predisposition is the main cause of hair thinning and loss, but it can also be the result of hormonal changes, illness, iron deficiency, thyroid problems, certain medications, stress, and certain scalp rashes,” says Amy Wechsler, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York City, who adds that scalp assessments and blood tests can help rule out certain causes and determine the best course of treatment.
Lifestyle: Our hair’s main characteristics (think: thickness, texture, and growth cycle) are genetic and inherited, but lifestyle plays a large role in hair health. “Inadequate nutrition, stress, lack of sleep, certain medical conditions, excessive use of heat-styling tools, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles, and harsh hair-care routines can weaken and thin your hair,” says Sofia Baig, lead trichologist at Monpure London. “To promote healthy hair growth, focus on a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins (especially biotin, vitamin D, and vitamin E), and minerals like iron and zinc.”
Age: “With age, the natural process of hair growth tends to slow down, and the individual strands of hair may become finer and more delicate,” says Baig. “Furthermore, the hair-growth cycle may shorten, causing a larger number of hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase and subsequently shed.” This combination can lead to an overall thinning of the hair.
Scalp Health: “The scalp provides a nourished environment for hair follicles, promoting strong and vibrant hair,” Baig says. “The scalp maintains oil balance through sebum production, which moisturizes and protects the hair.” That means an imbalanced scalp can lead to dry, brittle hair or greasy, limp hair. “A clean and well-nourished scalp supports strong hair follicles, reducing breakage and minimizing the risk for hair loss,” she says.
Shampooing Technique: “When shampooing, you should be doing three things: cleansing the scalp, cleansing the hair, and conditioning the ends,” says Adams. “Do not massage the conditioner into the scalp as it may make the hair oily, it is meant for the mid lengths and ends only.” We should value scalp health just as much as we value skin health. “The hair grows through the hair follicle from the scalp. If the scalp is dirty, oily, flaky, or has a buildup of product, it will gather around the base of the follicle and can cause follicle miniaturization,” Adams says. This weakening of the hair follicle can lead to hair loss, as well as other inflammatory conditions that may cause thinning. “Maintaining a healthy scalp helps prevent hair loss caused by conditions like dandruff, scalp infections, or dermatitis,” says Baig.
Hydrating Ingredients: Shampoos need to gently cleanse the scalp and hair without causing irritation or dryness. They should also strengthen strands and improve scalp circulation to encourage healthy growth over time. Last but not least, many provide a temporary volumizing boost to make hair look fuller in the short term. “Most shampoos for thinning hair will contain conditioning and soothing ingredients,” says Adams. “Look for essential oils, jojoba oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, honey, and shea butter.”
Fortifying Ingredients: Adams adds that peppermint, seaweed collagen, biotin, vegan keratin, turmeric, hydrolyzed proteins (soy, wheat), and panthenol (a byproduct of vitamin B) have strengthening properties that minimize breakage and help anchor the hair strands at the follicle.
Your Questions, Answered
What causes hair loss?
“Genetic factors play a crucial role in the onset of conditions such as pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), which leads to a gradual reduction in hair volume and thinning,” says Baig. Additionally, medications for cancer, thyroid conditions, diabetes, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety can include hair loss as a side effect. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or irregular menstrual cycles can also impact hair growth, as can stress-related hormone fluctuations.
Adams says, “Consider what is going on with your body right now. Have you had COVID-19? Do you have a compromised immune system? Are you feeling tired or weak? This could be iron deficiency in women.” Because hair is made up of protein, Adams explains that we need to make sure to eat enough protein to support hair growth. “Vegetarians and vegans may suffer with hair, scalp, and nail issues due to not eating enough protein,” he adds. Of course, you can consult a licensed professional to find the best dietary plan for you.
Do hair thinning shampoos really work?
“There are a lot of bold claims by brands, but they don’t have the science to back it up,” says Dr. Bhanusali, adding that paying close attention to the ingredient list on each bottle is nonnegotiable. “The effectiveness of shampoos advertised as solutions for hair thinning can vary depending on their ingredients,” says Baig. “While they may claim to improve the appearance of thinning hair, it is important to understand that they cannot effectively tackle the underlying causes of hair loss or stimulate significant hair regrowth on their own.”
Can my hair grow back thicker after thinning?
In many cases, yes! “Thinning hair has the potential to regrow depending on the underlying cause of the thinning,” says Baig. “There are various factors that can contribute to hair thinning, including temporary elements like stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or specific medications.” The first step is getting to the root cause. However, go in knowing that male or female pattern baldness is usually hereditary and irreversible, and getting hair to grow back may be a fruitless mission.
How can I treat thinning hair or hair loss?
Once you’ve ruled out any underlying medical conditions causing hair thinning and loss, there are over-the-counter treatments, in-office procedures, and lifestyle modifications that can support regrowth. “In-office treatments, like platelet-rich plasma, and hair transplants, can be effective,” says Dr. Wechsler, adding, “Topical and oral minoxidil, oral spironolactone, and oral Propecia are options too.”
And don’t underestimate lifestyle changes. “I always recommend engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, yoga, or hobbies to promote overall well-being,” says Baig. She continues, “Ensure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins from foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.”
Why Shop With Us
Ama Kwarteng is a freelance writer and editor with over seven years of experience in the beauty editorial industry. As someone with curly hair who has also struggled with thinning edges, she’s always looking for hair care products that thicken and strengthen her hair. Meg Storm is a freelance writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience covering the beauty industry. As someone with fine, limp hair that is prone to periods of excess shedding, she is always on the lookout for hair care that thickens, volumizes, and strengthens strands. In this piece, they included expert quotes from board-certified dermatologists Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali and Dr. Amy Wechsler along with trichologists David Adams and Sofia Baig.
