We stepped into the shower to see which shampoos live up to the hype
Everyone experiences hair fallout (it’s normal to shed anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day), but if you regularly lose clumps of hair or notice patchiness on your scalp, it could be hair loss or thinning. “These signs may indicate miniaturization of the hair follicle, leading to permanent hair loss,” explains board-certified dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri, MD.
While the underlying causes of hair loss include hormonal changes, genetics, and even traumatic events, healthy hair usually begins with a healthy scalp, so using a specially formulated shampoo for thinning hair can help improve scalp conditions that contribute to hair loss.
“The right growth shampoo can promote a healthier scalp to keep the hair in the anagen (growing) phase longer, which results in less hair fall,” says Chilukuri. While there’s no need to stress if you’re seeing minor shedding in your hairbrush or shower drain, the best shampoo for thinning hair can help boost volume and thickness in most hair types.
We conducted hours of research to determine the best shampoos for thinning hair. We even put a few top-rated products to the test at home for several weeks, noting how well each formula addressed fallout, as well as overall hair thickness, fullness, and strength. After consulting both dermatologists and hair care experts, we landed on these top picks to give you the best in show.
Best Overall: Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo
This pick gets top honors for taking a two-pronged approach to thinning hair. First, it gently removes follicle-clogging impurities that can impede new hair growth. Then, it delivers a host of important nutrients—think biotin, zinc, and omegas—to strengthen the hair you have.1 So much so that, when used with the accompanying conditioner, it can reduce breakage by up to 95 percent. And when you’re already dealing with thinning, the less breakage, the better.
Byrdie contributor Leigh Weingus took this shampoo for a spin after experiencing postpartum hair loss, thinning, and general dullness. After using it, she notes that it not only left her hair shinier, fuller, and less staticky, but it also noticeably reduced the amount of shedding she had been experiencing. “I really, really loved this shampoo and can’t think of one bad thing to say about it,” she says.
Who It’s For
We recommend this shampoo for people dealing with thinning hair or who are seeking more volume and stronger hair overall. If you prefer “clean” personal care products, you’ll also appreciate that this formula is paraben-free, silicon-free, and vegan.
Best Budget: Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo
Viviscal’s oral hair supplement is a fan favorite, but we believe its topical products are just as deserving of a devoted following. Take this sudser, for instance: It works well on all hair types and textures, can be used daily, and, along with strengthening ingredients like keratin, biotin, and zinc, it also contains the brand’s proprietary complex that’s formulated to promote thicker strands.2 It gets bonus points for the fresh, botanical scent and reasonable price tag.
Makeup artist and Byrdie contributor Ashley Rebecca added Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo to her daily wash routine, and she loved that it added volume to her hair without leaving it greasy. She said that with continued use, it left her hair looking thicker and shinier. She also added that it didn’t matter whether she heat-styled or just applied product after washing, her hair had the same gorgeous sheen.
Who It’s For
This is a great choice for those who are looking for a super clarifying option that will keep the scalp clean without leaving extra residue. We also recommend this product for fine hair types or those dealing with breakage, as it makes the hair stronger over time.
Best for Natural Hair: SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
This ultra-hydrating shampoo is ideal for people with curly or kinky hair who want to grow their strands thicker and stronger. It’s also a great pick if you have hair that’s been damaged from heat or protective styling. It includes apple cider vinegar, black castor oil, and peppermint in the formula to deeply cleanse the hair and remove built-up product, while the shea butter adds back in hydration—which is especially needed for drier hair types.
We love that it helps retain length and thickness without sacrificing a squeaky clean and that it’s formulated with natural scalp-beneficial ingredients like peppermint extract and shea butter.
Who It’s For
If you have curly or coily hair and often use a lot of products to style (or wash weekly or biweekly), this is a great choice to clear out buildup while promoting growth and thickness.
Best for Volumizing: Living Proof Full Shampoo
Whether your hair is naturally fine, you’re experiencing more shedding, or that dreaded combination of both, reach for this guy. The star of the show is a patented healthy hair molecule that Living Proof has specially formulated to efficiently and effectively remove residue and build-up. Less gunk and grime equals thicker, fuller hair. Plus, this molecule also repels dirt and oil, so hair stays cleaner, longer. We’re not mad about that.
Who It’s For
We love this shampoo for those whose hair gets greasy easily since its clarifying formula can help extend the time between washes while adding volume and bounce.
Runner-Up, Best for Volumizing: Christophe Robin Volume Shampoo Paste
It admittedly takes a little bit of time to get used to this shampoo, given that it’s unlike any traditional liquid formula; you mix the paste with water, and it transforms into foam. But the volume-boosting results are well worth it. Rassoul clay and sugar crystals deep-clean both the scalp and strands, removing any trace of residue or oil that can weigh your hair down and leave it looking flat. Hot tip: It can sometimes make the lengths of your hair feel a bit dryer, so be sure to follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a shampoo that can deep clean the scalp and has a mostly natural formula, this is the pick for you. Since it can be a little drying, we recommend it for hair types that don’t need as much hydration.
Best for Strengthening: Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
When it comes to thinning hair, you want to go for a product that targets the scalp first, and this rosemary mint shampoo does just that. The formula is infused with ingredients like biotin to fortify the hair and help it grow thicker and stronger.3 This shampoo has a cooling, soothing effect on application due to the peppermint oil in the formula. Peppermint oil can promote hair growth and thickness, balance oil, and calm inflammation. Plenty of botanical extracts, including rosemary, ginger, and chamomile, are also in the formula to improve the overall health of the hair. You’ll also love that a little goes a long way, so you’re getting your money’s worth.
Who It’s For
The peppermint oil in this product makes it a great choice for people who have dry, itchy scalps. We also love it for natural hair types, especially if you’ve been having stagnancy in growth and want a little boost.
Best Anti-Dandruff: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
It may not seem like the most obvious connection, but untreated, chronic dandruff may be linked to unwanted shedding.4 The active ingredient in this pick, ketoconazole, is an “anti-fungal and anti-yeast medication that has been shown, when taken systemically, to disrupt the action of DHT,” says board-certified dermatologist Jeremy Fenton, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone that can affect the hair follicle, leading to thinning hair.5
“When using this shampoo, let it sit for two to three minutes on the scalp before rinsing to get the most benefit,” Fenton suggests. Another perk is that the shampoo has a great lather that leaves your hair feeling clean and refreshed. Fewer flakes and thicker hair? Yes, please.
Who It’s For
If you suspect that your itchy, flaky scalp is impacting your hair health and growth, we recommend giving the Nizoral shampoo a try. We love that it works well for all hair types.
Best for Scalp Health: évolis Professional Reverse Shampoo
This is a true multitasking shampoo that not only gently cleanses but also boosts thickness, strengthens hair, and helps keep your scalp healthy. Keratin and wheat protein improve hair elasticity and strength, while salicylic acid helps balance any excess oil on the scalp and prevents the build-up of dead skin cells.6 FYI, it’s sulfate-free, so it may not lather as much as you’re used to.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a shampoo that can improve the overall health of your scalp and hair, this is the one for you.
Best Hair Care System: Collective Laboratories Essential Hair Bundle
The products in this total hair-care system are medically reviewed and contain numerous ingredients that can improve the condition of the scalp and hair follicles. A multi-pronged approach is the most effective way to target hair loss, and this three-part system makes it easy to do just that. Start with the detoxifying shampoo, which boasts ingredients like saw palmetto, a natural DHT blocker. Follow it with the fortifying conditioner that hydrates and strengthens, and finish with the brand’s hero product, a leave-on activating serum that stimulates circulation, strengthens hair, balances oil production, and deters yeast growth (which can cause buildup and block healthy hair growth).
Who It’s For
Serious about improving your hair condition or experiencing a worrying amount of shedding? A complete system like this one could be your best bet for transforming the health of your hair for the better. It’s on the pricier end, but you may find the results are totally worth the expense.
Best for Damaged Hair: Bumble and bumble Full Potential Hair Preserving Shampoo
True to its name, this formula helps to reduce breakage so you can preserve more of the hair you do have. We also appreciate that it’s an exfoliating formula to help cleanse follicle-clogging residue and touts caffeine to help boost circulation on the scalp.7
Who It’s For
For people who are experiencing hair loss or thinning that’s potentially due to a build-up of product on the scalp: this shampoo is for you. With its exfoliating formula, you’ll be able to let your scalp breathe and make room for new growth.
Runner-Up, Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
It’s no secret that Olaplex shampoos are a godsend for brittle, damaged hair, but this product also makes a great choice for those who are dealing with hair loss or thinning. That’s because it’s formulated with the brand’s signature bond-building technology that’s able to repair and strengthen for healthier hair overall. With continued use, it’ll make the hair look thicker and shinier, with less static and split ends.
Who It’s For
Olaplex is genuinely a great pick for everyone because it’s efficient on all hair types and textures, cleanses well, and reduces damage. We think it’s especially beneficial for those who consistently heat-style or chemically process their hair, as it strengthens from the source.
Best for Colored Hair: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
The star of the show here is a vegan silk protein that bonds instantly to hair—and even stays put post-rinsing—making strands look and feel noticeably thicker. And while it gives your hair that instant boost and lift, it also works overtime to help make hair look fuller within three to four months. Plus, it contains a trio of plant-based oils to help impart plenty of softness and smoothness. Those who color their hair will also appreciate that it’s free of sulfates and super gentle.
Who It’s For
If you color your hair regularly, a protein treatment is a must—so this vegan protein-infused shampoo is perfect if you’re experiencing hair loss as well. We also recommend this for those who look for that squeaky clean feeling after washing their hair, as the exfoliating formula can remove built-up product.
Runner-Up, Best for Colored Hair: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Regeniplex Shampoo
Another option if you have colored hair is this pick from Paul Mitchell, which has tea tree oil and pea peptides to nourish and treat the scalp while promoting thicker, fuller hair. It’s also formulated with the brand’s botanical blend that’s engineered to stop hair loss in its tracks. We love that it makes the hair-washing experience more enjoyable with its lovely scent, which includes notes of lemon, basil, and vanilla.
Who It’s For
If you want to use a shampoo that can cleanse without making your hair color dull, this is a great pick. It’s also perfect for those who want more volume in their hair, as well as stronger strands.
Best Splurge: Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
This celebrity-loved hair care brand is known for its proprietary ingredient, Alpha Keratin 60Ku, which is a combo of two different keratin proteins that repair damage and bolster elasticity to help reduce breakage and fallout. It’s the star of the show, but this shampoo also contains peptides that promote scalp health, as well as red algae to seal moisture into the hair. We also appreciate that it suds up nicely, even though it’s sulfate-free. FYI, your hair will look and feel better after just one wash, but give it three to four months to see the full effects.
Who It’s For
Some strengthening formulas can wreak havoc on the scalp, but this is a gentle formula—making it perfect for those with a sensitive scalp.
Where We Stand
Our best overall pick is Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo, which contains biotin, zinc, and omegas to strengthen hair while removing follicle-clogging impurities that can prevent new hair growth. We also love the more affordable Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo, which has keratin, biotin, and zinc to fortify the hair and encourage thicker strands. If your hair thinning is due to chronic dandruff, consider Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with the potent anti-fungal ketoconazole.
What to Look For in a Shampoo for Thinning Hair
- Strengthening ingredients: When you’re already dealing with thinning hair, you want to prevent breakage as much as possible. To do this, give your mane a strengthening boost with ingredients like biotin, keratin, and zinc. “Biotin improves the internal structure of the hair, which can help to prevent snapping and breaking,” says Federico. Using a shampoo that’s formulated to make hair more resilient—like our best overall pick from Biolage—means you’ll experience less breakage and fallout.
- Healthy oils: If your hair is dried out, nourishing plant oils can help replenish moisture loss and prevent breakage. “Coconut oil promotes scalp health and helps prevent splitting and breakage,” explains Federico. These oils can be especially helpful if your hair is thinning out due to damage from chemical treatments or dyes. The Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo is full of natural plant oils, including coconut, rosemary, and more.
- Sulfate-free formulas: Sulfates break down hair protein, strip hair of its natural oils, and can potentially cause even more breakage.8 Due to this, avoiding sulfates as much as possible will help prevent more breakage and help prevent dryness. Some of our favorite sulfate-free picks include the Virtue Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair and the évolis Professional Reverse Shampoo.
FYI, your scalp routine matters too. “To repair thinning hair, you must take a very aggressive approach,” explains Federico. “First and foremost, I recommend doing everything you can to assure that your scalp is in its best condition. Hair grows through follicles on your scalp, and if those follicles are blocked or obstructed by dead skin cells, growth can slow or stop completely.”
FAQ
Do shampoos for thinning hair actually work?
While results may vary depending on the product, the right shampoo can help slow and reverse hair loss. Look for a shampoo that gets to the root of the issue. If you have seasonal or hormonal hair loss, try a product like Davines Energizing Shampoo, which the brand’s hair care expert Chelsey Pickthorn explains works by adding shine and thickness to balance harsh environmental factors. Caffeine is also being used in shampoos and other hair products due to its ability to promote and stimulate hair growth.
Is dry shampoo bad for thinning hair?
Those dealing with thinning hair may want to avoid dry shampoo, so as not to cause further hair loss. Board-certified dermatologist Neil Sadick, MD, explains that excessive use of these products can lead to buildup, occlusion, and inflammation, all of which may lead to or escalate thinning hair. It’s better to use dry shampoo sparingly and instead wash your hair as often as it needs.
