The 26 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair to Give You Your Fullest-Looking Locks Yet
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Fact: Hair loss happens to nearly everyone. Whether it’s due to postpartum hormonal changes, stress, medication or simply aging, seeing your hair thin or fall out can be super alarming. If you're noticing more hair than usual washing down the drain or accumulating on your brush, however, don’t panic. One of the simplest ways to treat your tresses is with the best shampoo for thinning hair.
To find out which shampoos are actually worth investing in, we reached out to a few hair experts to help you get to the bottom of why your hair is becoming finer—and what you can do about it. We also looked at more than 50 different shampoos for thinning hair, culling our list down to 26 of the very best products. For some, it will be Pura D'Or's top-rated anti-thinning shampoo ($28), which boasts an impressive 25,000+ Amazon reviews. For others, it will be worth investing in the splurge of the Vegamour Gro Kit ($308). Read on to find out which hair cleanser is right for you.
The Top 10 Shampoos for Thinning Hair at a Glance
Meet the Experts
What Should I Look for in Shampoo for Thinning Hair?
When shopping for a shampoo for thinning hair, you'll want to take a closer look at the label. While Kinler points out that products containing minoxidil or other growth factors will be the "most effective with slowing down hair shedding or reversing hair loss," this FDA-approved medical ingredient is largely seen in hair growth treatments as opposed to shampoos. "Some of these products are available over the counter while others require a prescription," she says.
Luckily, there are other key shampoo ingredients that have shown promise for hair growth, several of which we've outlined for you below.
Beyond seeking out effective active ingredients, Dr. Marcus suggests looking for shampoos that aren't super heavy. "[In general] shampoos for thin hair should be light, so as not to weigh the hair down," she says.
What Shampoo Do Doctors Recommend for Thinning Hair?
While all of the shampoos on our list were selected for their doctor-recommended or study-proven hair loss ingredients, Dr. Gohara recommends Nioxin cleanser shampoo (from $30) in particular because she says it slows the progression of hair thinning by removing barriers to new growth (i.e., any buildup of oils, debris or toxins on the scalp) with its salicylic acid exfoliation. "It's specifically designed to promote thicker, fuller-looking hair and a healthy scalp, and it addresses different levels of thinning across various hair types," she explains.
What Shampoo to Avoid for Thinning Hair
If you have thinning hair, one ingredient you may want to be sure to steer clear from in your shampoo is sodium laureth sulfate, also known as SLS. Often found in shampoos, SLS is what creates the foamy lather that most of us associate with truly getting our hair clean. Unfortunately, sulfates can strip the hair of natural oils, damage the proteins in your hair and irritate your scalp, all of which can lead to breakage and hair loss. Depending on your hair type, you may want to opt for a sulfate-free shampoo to reduce the risk of causing further hair thinning.
How We Chose the Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair
When looking for the best shampoo for thinning hair, we took into account the advice from the experts we consulted and looked for lightweight shampoos that won't weigh down hair, as well as those that exfoliate the scalp of buildup and debris. We also paid close attention to which shampoos included proven ingredients for hair growth.
Below, find the 26 best shampoos for thinning hair based on our in-depth research.
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1. Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo
As mentioned above, Dr. Gohara recommends this cleanser for its scalp-purifying salicylic acid. We also like that you can choose the correct formula for your level of thinning and hair type. While this cleanser will work best for those with normal-to-light thinning and normal hair, those with more progressed thinning will want to use system 2. If you have dry hair and normal-to-light thinning, you should use system 3, while system 4 is best for those with dry hair and more progressed thinning. Last but not least, there's system 5 for those with dry and damaged hair and normal-to-light thinning and system 6 for dry, damaged hair types with progressed thinning.
For best results, you should massage it into your scalp for a minute or two, then rinse it clean. (Tip: Pair this shampoo with the brand's scalp relief system kit, $46, for even more fullness and a soothed scalp.)
2. Bosley BosRevive Shampoo
Bosley may very well be the OG hair growth clinic, and now all of the brand's accumulated years of knowledge are available in a line of shampoos and conditioners designed just to help with thinning hair. The BosRevive nourishing shampoo, for instance, includes pumpkin seed extract (pumpkin seed oil has been shown to increase hair growth in mice), saw palmetto to block DHT and rosemary extract to help reduce scalp inflammation and increase circulation. Users love that it doesn’t have a strong fragrance and that it’s safe for color-treated hair.
3. Pura D'Or Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo
If you want results, Pura d'Or claims to deliver them: The company conducted a clinical study over eight weeks that reportedly proved its product resulted in less hair shedding. It relies on biotin as its main volumizing ingredient, but also includes black cumin seed oil, which may potentially aid in promoting hair growth and reducing hairfall, as well as vitamin E and saw palmetto, which may aid in growth and hormone balancing. All in all, it's jam-packed with more than 17 herbal ingredients that promise to nourish, cleanse and protect the scalp after every wash.
To use it, lather up with it and leave it on your hair for a good two minutes before rinsing it out.
4. Rahua Voluminous Shampoo
Long used to achieve glossy hair in the Amazon rainforest, rahua oil (extracted from nuts) is the basis for this plant-based shampoo. According to the brand's CEO, Anna Ayers, who spoke to Forbes, the rahua nut "is known to possess naturally fortifying and strengthening benefits that nourish hair, promote the hair follicle and scalp health and keep hair color vibrant by pushing color pigmentation deep into the hair shaft.” It also features lavender, which had a "marked hair growth-promoting effect" in a 2013 study, anti-inflammatory rosemary, UV-blocking green tea and lemongrass, which the brand claims adds bounce. With a mild citrus and lemongrass scent, this shampoo is also ideal for those looking for a clean option with a great fragrance.
5. Augustinus Bader The Shampoo
If you’re dealing with several hair issues at a time, such as hair loss, dullness and damage from over-styling and coloring, this Augustinus Bader shampoo may be just what you need. Think of it as the jack-of-all-trades of hair products. While the brand's legendary Trigger Factor Complex, or TCF8 (a proprietary blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and peptides) reportedly provides vital nutrients to the scalp, other ingredients, like watercress extract, have been proven to improve hair density and thickness. Meanwhile, maca root extract is included to improve thickness, while vitamin B5 is added to reportedly soothe.
A 12-week study conducted by Augustinus Bader reportedly resulted in 98 percent of its 35 male and female participants, all of whom had varying hair types, reporting that their hair felt thicker and appeared fuller.
6. Vegamour Gro Complete Kit
Anti-thinning shampoos can sometimes be paired with similarly formulated conditioners and other products to boost overall results. This comprehensive kit from Vegamour comes complete with a foam, a hair serum, a detoxifying scalp serum, a dry shampoo, biotin gummies and a conditioner that are all meant to aid its shampoo.
While it’s definitely a splurge, Gro touts its proprietary “Karmatin”—a vegan version of hair’s own vital protein, keratin—as its key hair-saving ingredient, while its wild-harvested marula oil, organic murumuru butter and ximenia oil aim to condition, hydrate and protect locks without clogging pores. It also has red clover, which has shown promise as a DHT-blocker.
According to studies conducted by the brand on 40 subjects over a four-month period, the formula increased the appearance of hair density by up to 52 percent. A separate study by the company of 20 subjects over the same time period also saw a 76 percent reduction in hair shedding.
7. Virtue Flourish Shampoo
This shampoo's core ingredients are not only formulated to nourish your hair and clear buildup from your scalp, the keratins are likely to make hair look fuller—and nurture it. "As new, fragile hair emerges, this shampoo ensures that it’s nurtured and cared for, so that it grows stronger and thicker," Vellozzi claims.
Virtue also reports that in an independent six-month study of 35 female participants who used the shampoo in combination with the brand's Flourish conditioner (from $20) and Flourish density booster (from $28), 91 percent reported a decrease in hair fallout, while 94 percent said they had more volume.
8. Biolage Full Density Shampoo
Given that thickening is in this cruelty-free shampoo's name, it stands to reason that you should expect voluminous results, and that's exactly what you'll get from it, according to reviewers. Its unique blend includes hair growth star biotin, zinc and gluco-omega, all of which aim to get the anti-thinning job done. According to the brand, this formula also reportedly clears clogged follicles and removes buildup on your scalp, which Marcus and Gohara noted can weigh strands down, leaving them looking finer than they already are.
9. Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Shampoo
This shampoo's secret lies in its vitamin E, which is a proven driver of hair growth. It's also full of organically-sourced argan oil, which has been shown to not only maintain moisture, but to improve scalp health, according to Healthline (both good things when attempting to stave off hair loss). It also boasts hair-healthy grapeseed oil and nourishing aloe vera to give your locks a shiny finish. And as for that herbaceous scent? Shoppers say it's a refreshing treat for the senses, to say the least.
10. SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo
Curly and coily gals can rejoice knowing there's a shampoo for their thinning natural hair. While this brand doesn't claim its shampoo will grow hair quicker, the formula, which features castor oil, shine-boosting apple cider vinegar and strengthening shea butter, has omegas galore, which the company claims will reduce breakage. It's also full of rice protein, which has shown promise in studies for hair growth. Add growth-proven peppermint oil to the mix, and your scalp will get a tingling sensation that leaves your hair feeling refreshed, shiny and soft.
It may be best to use this one in moderation, however, as some have noted that the castor oil and protein is heavy on their scalp, leaving behind potentially damaging buildup. Shoppers are also divided on the vanilla-like scent, which some say is heaven-sent and others find off-putting.
11. Pure Biology RevivaHair Shampoo
On the hunt for a gentle blend in a simple bottle? In addition to the biotin, keratin and plant-derived saw palmetto (an ingredient that can help balance the sex hormone DHT, which is often linked to hair loss), this anti-thinning formula is loaded with soothing coconut oil, vitamin E and nourishing green tea. Better yet, Amazon reviewers say it's lightweight enough for everyday use.
12. OGX Thick and Full Biotin and Collagen Shampoo
Believe it or not, you can promote hair growth without having to break the bank. This sulfate-free shampoo, which rings in at less than $10, has more than 3,500 glowing reviews from Amazon shoppers. It uses both biotin (which, as we mentioned above, has shown promise for hair growth in supplemental form) and collagen. (Psst: Healthline says this protein helps with hair strength.)
13. Paul Mitchell Scalp Care Regeniplex Shampoo
This vegan and cruelty-free salon-grade option includes turmeric and tea tree oil. Turmeric may not stimulate hair growth directly, but it has shown promise in improving skin conditions, such as scalp psoriasis, which can result in a scaly, itchy scalp and is closely associated with hair loss. There's also ginseng and kakadu plum to stimulate the scalp, per Paul Mitchell, and to increase the density of each strand, reducing breakage so your hair feels thicker as it grows.
14. Jason Thin-to-Thick Shampoo
Sometimes, less is more. In the case of Jason's Thick-to-Thin shampoo, for instance, the fewer the chemicals in your shampoo, the better the results. It employs a simple blend of biotin and panthenol (which comes from the B5 vitamin) to plump up tresses. It also has Dr. Gohara's recommended ingredient of salicylic acid. According to the brand, there are no drying sulfates to be found within, and plenty of reviewers have vouched for this gentle, lightweight formula, which they say strengthens strands without weighing hair down.
15. Aveda Invati Advanced Shampoo
This plant-based formula has exfoliating, buildup-reducing salicylic acid for the scalp in addition to red ginseng to combat thinning hair. It's cruelty- and sulfate-free, which means it may not be the best choice for greasy-haired girls, but the brand's signature scent—a divine blend of lavender, vanilla and rosemary—adds a nice touch. Like the Nioxin, there are different cleansing formulas of light (for fine hair with a normal to oily scalp) and rich (medium to thick hair with a normal to dry scalp) hair types. The company recommends using it for up to 12 weeks to see the best results.
16. Living Proof Full Shampoo
You know the saying fake it 'til you make it. This vegan shampoo may not contain ingredients that will make your locks grow, but it will make your strands look up to two times fuller than normal courtesy of the thickening wheat protein moisturizers—this according to a brand study of the product against untreated hair. It's also incredibly lightweight (because the last thing anyone with thinning hair needs is a shampoo weighing down their already-limp locks). Formulated to leave your scalp feeling refreshed thanks to the citric acid exfoliant found inside, it's a great option for people with chemically-treated or bleached hair, as the gentle, sulfate-free formula protects your color and won't be stripping.
17. Alterna Caviar Clinical Densifying Shampoo
True to its name, the core ingredient in this shampoo is caviar, which Byrdie reports provides the extra nourishment that mature hair needs, but it also has Indian gooseberry. Both are rich in fatty acids, which can add (and help retain) moisture, shine and elasticity. The added red clover, meanwhile, is said to be chock-full of vitamins and to have shown promise as a DHT-blocker. Together, buyers say they make for a lush lather that will leave you feeling like royalty every time wash day rolls around.
18. Verb Volume Shampoo
With thinning hair comes a lack of shape. Rather than kiss your bounce goodbye, you might try this shampoo, which uses keratin and the aforementioned vitamin B5 to bring your broken-down strands back to life (zhuzhed-up tresses, here we come) and leave them nice and soft. It even has sunflower seed extract to protect color from fading. What's more, the hint of grapefruit and oatmeal will leave things smelling fresh-but-wholesome, and not overpowering, with softness as an added bonus.
19. Briogeo Blossom and Bloom Shampoo
This extra-clarifying blend was formulated to thoroughly clean your oily scalp while simultaneously enhancing your thin strands with biotin and ginseng. It's also armed with maltodextrin, a natural sugar starch that can temporarily thicken and separate strands for what the company claims will be "added volume without stickiness." It should be noted that it is made without sulfates, however, which some extra-greasy scalps may prefer in order to truly eradicate residue.
20. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo
Panthenol, which is the star of the show in this shampoo, was shown to reduce cell death and stalling in human hair cell follicles in a 2021 study. What's more, it stimulated an elongated anagen phase of hair growth. If you're scratching your head and going, "Um, translation?" Verywell Health explains that this is all just a very scientific way of saying that it worked to amp up the hair growth stage in which your strands are "actively generated." According to reviewers, just a dollop of this shampoo will turn your hair into a soft, hydrated masterpiece thanks to ingredients like aloe vera while also thickening your locks with every wash.
21. ThickTails Stimulating Shampoo
In a world full of hair loss products targeted towards men, it’s refreshing to know that this particular shampoo was created with ladies in mind. It offers a one-two punch of hair growth-inducing biotin and DHT-blocking caffeine and saw palmetto to balance out any excess production that may naturally occur in some women, including those who may be going through menopause. Plus, it's safe to use on color-treated hair and is especially gentle on graying strands.
22. Honeydew Folimax Biotin Shampoo
Don’t let the generic-looking bottle fool you: Honeydew’s shampoo has 700-plus rave reviews from Amazon shoppers and is reported to perform just as well (if not better than) its pricier competitors. With a fortifying formula that includes the ever-popular biotin, plus zinc, calming rosemary oil, shine-inducing jojoba and coconut oils and scalp-clarifying tea tree oil, it will leave your hair feeling clean, sleek and amplified.
23. Philip B. Peppermint Avocado Shampoo
This gentle formula, which includes peppermint oil and revitalizing avocado, is largely praised for its ability to cut down on dry, flaky scalps—which makes perfect sense, considering that peppermint is both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. As we've learned, this in turn leads to healthier locks overall. "[This shampoo] also allows for moisture and other treatments to penetrate, thereby keeping hair strong and healthy with lots of body," explains Philip B. It is recommended to apply the product to your scalp, massage it in with your fingers or a scalp massager and leave it on for three minutes before rinsing for best results.
24. Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo
Healthy hair starts at the scalp, and if you have an overly oily scalp, chances are, yours has a pH balance that's out of whack. Nutrafol’s formula works to correct this, giving you a deep clean while balancing sebum levels, all without stripping your scalp of its essential oils. This physician-developed shampoo also works to nourish your existing locks with its antioxidant-rich Australian wildberries, strengthening vegan proteins and prebiotics to keep your scalp’s microbiome healthy and thriving—which, as we all now know, is key for growth and preventing loss.
According to Nutrafol, a two-week brand study resulted in 100 percent of participants reporting sebum reduction. (Read: Their locks were far less oily.)
25. Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
This biotin-infused mint shampoo works threefold. First, it hits your scalp with its rosemary leaf oil, which experts have compared to 2.5 percent minoxidil. It's believed to promote circulation in the scalp, thus leading to cell turnover and growth. The peppermint oil, meanwhile, as mentioned above, is not only potentially effective for hair growth, but naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, helping to keep your scalp heath in check. Last but not least, there's biotin, which has also been linked to hair growth. Per reviewers, the rich texture makes a regular shampooing feel like a luxurious treatment and will leave you with a shiny and soft rinse that doesn’t feel stripped.
26. R+Co Dallas Shampoo
Biotin is once again the star of the show in R+Co’s Dallas shampoo, aiming to up hair density and bring volume back to flat and lifeless hair. Better yet, it's got an added boost from DHT-balancing saw palmetto. Fans of this formula love how soft it makes their hair, thanks to bonus nourishing ingredients, like vitamin-packed berry extract and healthful coconut oil. It also reportedly helps keep hair clean for longer and gives some extra lift at the root. As if all of that wasn't exciting enough, it’s color-safe and heat and UV protective to boot.
What Causes Hair to Thin?
From a change in diet to an increase in stress, there are seemingly hundreds of reasons that hair thinning can occur. In fact, it's actually far more common than you might think. "Hair loss is really a silent epidemic [for women]," Vellozzi tells PureWow. "40 percent of women will experience it by the time they’re 40 and the number increases to 50 percent by the age of 50."
According to Vellozzi, hereditary hair loss, which is a natural condition influenced by our genetics, and hormonal hair loss, which occurs when estrogen and progesterone levels fall, increasing androgens, or male hormones, are the two most common culprits, but she notes that the health of our hair goes hand-in-hand with the health of our bodies. "Sleep, nutrition and stress management can play a role in the way our hair and skin age," she says. "When the body is experiencing extreme stress—either mental or physical—the health of the hair often follows."
Other factors, specifically lifestyle habits, can cause thinning, too. Kinler points out that chemical treatments (color, perm or relaxers), harsh styling products (extreme-hold hairspray and gels) and tight hairstyles can also be behind hair loss. "Whether you’re wearing braids, locks, up-dos or pulling your hair up in a ponytail for extended periods of time, it can permanently damage your follicles, causing hair loss and thinning over time. This type of hair loss is commonly referred to as traction alopecia," adds Kinler.
What's more, improper scalp care can lead to loss. "Damaged, irritated or inflamed follicles on the scalp can weaken and thin hair," cautions Dr. Gohara.
How Do I Treat Thinning Hair?
If you're at the beginning stages of hair loss, you can consult with your dermatologist about medical options. "Fortunately, hair thinning can sometimes be reversed, depending on the cause. If you are shedding more than 150 hairs per day, it’s time to consult with a hair loss expert," says Kinler. She points out there are growth factor treatments, laser therapy, supplements and even hair transplants that can focus on specific needs.
If you prefer to start at home, however, you should begin with some solid scalp care. Anti-thinning shampoos often include ingredients that exfoliate the scalp to clear away any buildup that may have accumulated, getting in the way of growth. "Caring for your scalp is key to treating and reducing thinning hair," says Dr. Gohara. "You should care for your scalp like you care for your face. Gently exfoliate, avoid harsh products and regularly hydrate to keep your scalp happy and healthy in order to avoid thinning hair."
As Dr. Marcus explains, anti-thinning shampoos can also make hair look fuller as you work to strengthen it. "Hair-thickening shampoos actually coat individual strands of hair and cause them to appear thicker by increasing the diameter of each strand," she says.
In addition to practicing proper scalp care and stocking up on the right products, you can try reducing your use of heating tools and avoid rinsing your locks with super hot water, as well as steering clear of harsh treatments or drying products. "These aggressors are constantly degrading our hair’s protective cuticle, causing cracks through which protein leaches out," says Vellozzi. "Regularly repairing that damage with protein-rich products is the key to maintaining hair health,"
Another pro tip? Add a handy scalp massager into your hair care mix to encourage circulation—they've been proven to increase hair thickness, per a 2016 study published in Eplasty.
We Ask the Experts: How Fast Does Hair Grow (And Is There a Way to Make It Grow Faster)?
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