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The 8 best shampoos for thinning hair in 2024, according to dermatologists and trichologists
From thinning hair to hair loss, these shampoos can help restore your distressed tresses
An estimated 35 million men and 21 million women are dealing with some degree of hair thinning and loss, according to the Hair Society. And we're not just talking about the 100 strands the average person loses each day naturally. Thankfully, there are plenty of hair growth products available both over the count and by prescription that can help you stop the thinning and reverse the shedding. Some of the best hair growth products come in various forms, such as shampoos, serums and topical solutions, laser caps and supplements. There are also gender-specific formulations due to differing genetic skin sensitivity between men and women, so the best hair growth product for men is not always going to be the best hair growth product for women. In this article, we will explore the best shampoos for thinning hair with the help of our expert panel of dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons.
KeraFactor Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner
Best hair thinning shampoo and conditioner combo
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
best budget-friendly shampoo for thinning hair
Nutrafol Shampoo for Thinning Hair
The best shampoo for thinning hair runner-up
Harklinkken Stabilizing Scalp Shampoo
Best overall shampoo for thinning hair
Hims Thick Fix Daily Thickening Shampoo for Men
best shampoo for thinning hair formulated for men
Hers Triple Threat Shampoo
Best shampoo for thinning hair for women
Bosley MD BosRevive Color Safe Nourishing Shampoo
Best hair growth shampoo for color-treated hair
Nioxin System Kit 2, Hair Strengthening & Thickening Treatment
Best Shampoo and Conditioner Kit for Thinning Hair
Glenn Vallecillos, a board-certified plastic surgeon, tells Yahoo Life that, “Depending on the reasoning for hair loss, there are shampoos that do show promise, with the focus of these products centered around maintaining healthy hair follicles by preventing damage and promoting growth.”
Since not all shampoos for hair growth and thinning hair are created equal, we researched and tested more than 43 shampoos for thinning hair on the market formulated for men, women, and gender-neutral to find the best for various needs and conditions. We started the research by speaking with board-certified dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons to learn what key ingredients to look for — and what to avoid — and if they recommended any specific products or brands that were leading the charge. Using our experts's input and in-house tester feedback, we rated each hair growth shampoo based on key ingredients, brand reputation, quality, efficacy, cost and tester feedback. These are the best shampoos for thinning hair in 2024, according to our experts and in-house testers.
Read More:
The best shampoo for thinning hair overall
Features: KeraFactor's 7 Polypeptides Peptide Complex (KFP™), | Special use: Halts thinning and promotes growth | Hair type: All hair types | Formula: Proprietary Peptide Complex (KFP™) | Scent: unscented | Size: 3.5 oz
KeraFactor is not only an industry leader in hair growth, but its products are so good that they are sold exclusively at the offices of dermatologists and other medical professionals who focus on hair regrowth. What makes KeraFactor stand out is its proprietary KeraFactor Peptide Complex (KFP™), which features 7 Polypeptides that promote whole hair and scalp health. The patent-pending formula helps to “turn on” weak or resting hair follicles, improve scalp circulation, and add nutrients to help produce thicker, longer, healthier-looking hair.
KeraFactor Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner has also become a favorite of Yahoo's senior health editor due to the ease of using a combination shampoo and conditioner: "I love how the shampoo lathers and feels when I'm working it into my scalp. I'm also incredibly impressed by how soft my hair feels once dry. I've never encountered a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that cleanses my hair and leaves it soft without buildup. My hair feels fuller, clean and reinvigorated. A total winner in my book!"
- Dermatologist recomended
- Shampoo and conditioner in one
- Features 7 Polypeptides
- Expensive
- Small bottle compared to others on this list
Other top shampoos for thinning hair we recommend for 2024
Features: Hair strengthening | Special use: Helps grow longer hair | Hair type: All hair types, including sensitive skin and hair | Formula: Rosemary, mint, biotin. horsetail extract, babassu seed oil | Scent: Rosemary mint | Size: 12 oz
The Mielle brand is a cult favorite across the internet and in the Yahoo offices; we all love this brand's shampoo, conditioner and hair growth oil. We also love that this product proves you do not have to spend a ton of money on hair growth products, you just have to know what ingredients to look for. The secret to the brand's success can be found in the organic rosemary oil, which has been clinically proven to be as effective as the FDA-approved 2% Minoxidil hair growth treatment, and without all the side effects!
The shampoo is also fortified with hair-strengthening biotin and certified organic hair-helping ingredients, such as coconut and babassu seed oil, horsetail plant extract, chamomile and hops. This shampoo works to improve the entire scalp environment and leaves you hair and scalp, clean, nourished and ready for some serious growth. We truly cannot say enough about this brand and its wonderful products.
- Budget-friendly
- Clinically proven ingredients available everywhere
- The rosemary-mint scent may be too much for some
Features: Root purifier | Special use: Extensions and dyed hair | Hair type: All hair types, including processed hair and extensions | Formula: Vegan protein, prebiotics, biosurfactant | Scent: Unscented | Size: 8 oz
Nutrafol is a leader in the hair care industry, and for good reason: the products are physician-formulated and clinically tested for efficacy. Even A-list celebrities like Alyssa Milano sing its praises. While the company offers a wide variety of hair growth products for men and women, its shampoo for thinning hair was specifically formulated to balance oil production without stripping the scalp, then hydrate and nourish the scalp to visibly improve volume, strength, and texture. How exactly does this help your hair grow? By creating an optimal scalp environment free of build-up, your hair follicle health improves, which leads to growth.
An independent lab study of 37 people showed a 100% improvement in scalp dryness and flakiness after just two weeks of use, and a 100% reduction in sebum, which is known to stifle follicle and hair growth. The lab studies on Nutrafol's hair growth supplements were even more impressive!
- Physician-formulated
- Clinically proven results
- Gentle yet effective
- Fragrance added
Features: Scalp stabilizing | Special use: Extensions and dyed hair | Hair type: All hair types | Formula: Proprietary blend | Scent: Unscented | Size: 9.81 oz
It is incredibly rare for a doctor to outright recommend a brand to the media, so we were amazed and intrigued when Dr. Vallecillos told us, "In our practice, we have seen great success with the Harklinikken line, which addresses specific types of hair loss by offering customized, targeted and responsive treatments, based on the patient's unique history, scalp profile and hair loss circumstances." Let me be clear: Vallecillos has no ties to Harklinikken and will not receive a penny from your order. His practice truly believes in the company's products.
But Vallecillos isn't the only doctor singing Harklinikken's praises: the entire line of "hair gain" products are multi-award-winning. The Stabilizing Scalp Shampoo is best suited for those with an oily scalp, dandruff, dry or color-treated hair, or hair that lacks shine. The shampoo is effective in removing oil, product buildup and surface pollution without disrupting the scalp’s barrier. It stabilizes the scalp’s microbiome, promoting the optimal condition for hair growth while reducing the risk of thinning and scalp issues by balancing excess sebum. Best of all, it reinvigorates and strengthens the hair, restoring it to its natural thickness and vibrancy. THAT is about as good as it gets!
- Award-winning
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Clinically proven
- Expensive
Features: 100% Vegan | Special use: Thickening shampoo | Hair type: Male pattern baldness | Formula: Saw palmetto, Hims' proprietary blend of DHT blockers | Scent: Eucalyptus | Size: 6.4 oz
According to Dr. Vallencillos, men are more likely to experience hair loss due to hormonal-driven differences between men and women. A leader in the men's health and wellness industry, Hims designed its Thick Fix Thickening Shampoo to cleanse away excess sebum to allow new follicles to grow strong and healthy; that, in combination with DHT-blocking saw palmetto, immediately increases hair volume.
Thick Fix features a refreshing eucalyptus scent and easily lathers to permeate the scalp for a seriously deep clean. One reviewer said, "For years, I have fought hair loss and thinning hair. Within a week of using this product, I felt like I was finally winning that fight."
There's also a Power Pack ($60) if you want to go extra hard at your thinning/loss issues.
Looking for more information on men's hair health? Read our full review on hair growth products for men.
- Explicitly formulated for men
- Hims is a leader in the men's health and hair loss industry
- Clinically proven ingredients
- Some did not like the eucalyptus scent
Features: 100% Vegan | Special use: Thickening shampoo | Hair type: All hair types experiencing shedding and thinning | Formula: Biotin, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil | Scent: Napa Rose | Size: 6.4 oz
Hers is the sister company of the above-mentioned Hims and also stands as a well-respected leader focused on women's health and wellness by offering over-the-counter and prescription medication for various conditions from sexual health to mental health to hair loss. The Triple Treat Shampoo from Hers is clinically proven to boost hair and scalp health and promote hair growth. Yahoo's senior health editor, April McCormick, personally tested this shampoo and said she loved it, "After the first wash, my scalp felt clean and invigorated." By the end of the testing period, she was a believer and bought a second bottle.
What makes this product work is the combination of biotin, saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil working in tandem to cleanse the scalp, gently exfoliate away sebum build-up and promote blood flow and oxygen to the hair follicles.
For more products that help with hair and scalp health, read our article on the best hair growth products for women.
- Formulated for women's skin to reduce irritation
- A favorite of Yahoo's health editor
- Clinically proven
- The rose scene can be overpowering for some
Features: Hair strengthening and thickening | Special use: Halts thinning and promotes growth | Hair type: All hair types, including over-processed hair | Formula: Proprietary blend with saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil and panthenol | Scent: unscented | Size: 10 oz
A well-known and long-standing leader in the hair regrowth industry, Bosley's CosRevive Color Safe Nourishing Shampoo is a perfect choice for those with color-treated or overly processed hair. The shampoo gently exfoliates away product build-up, DHT and pollution from the scalp surface. The natural DHT-blockers pumpkin seed extract and saw palmetto work in tandem with rosemary extract and panthenol to help reduce scalp inflammation, increase scalp circulation and strengthen the hair to promote healthy hair growth, and almost instantly give the appearance of thicker, fuller-looking hair.
There's also a men's hair thickening conditioner available.
- Trusted leader in the hair regrowth industry
- Great for those with over-processed and color-treated hair
- Packed with hair growth and scalp cleansing botanicals
- Pricey
Cost: $35 | Key ingredients: Caffeine, mentha leaf oil, peppermint mint, niacinamide | What it does: Exfoliates, cleanses and conditions to promote thicker, fuller, longer hair | Best for: All hair types and genders | Size: Shampoo and conditioner 10oz; topical 3.4 oz
Nioxin has been around for decades, and for a good reason: it really works. In fact, A-list celebrities like Alyssa Milano sing its praises, and so do we. While there are four Nioxin system kits to choose from depending on your level of hair thinning and the condition of your hair, the #2 System Kit is the most popular as it treats progressed thinning for people with normal, un-processed or color-treated hair. The kit includes an antioxidant-rich three-hit combo in the form of shampoo, conditioner and a topical leave-in foam to ensure you're getting the best, most effective treatment in one easy-to-use kit.
The complete system is fortified with proven ingredients that promote both scalp and hair health, which in turn creates the optimal environment for hair to return to its former glory. The key ingredients include caffeine, which stimulates hair follicles and increases blood flow to promote hair growth. Mentha leaf, coupled with peppermint, regulates oil production and product buildup on the scalp that can clog and stifle hair follicles. Last, niacinamide, which promotes overall scalp health, leaves your scalp and hair healthy and thriving. By using all three products at least three times a week, you will be well on your way to thicker, healthy hair in 30 to 60 days.
- Easy to use
- Works with color-treated hair
- Trial size available
- Three step routine can be too time-consuming for some
What to consider when choosing a shampoo for thinning and hair growth
Type of hair loss It’s important to understand what caused your tresses to stress in the first place. Thinning and shedding can be caused by a plethora of reasons: genetics, Covid, illness, stress, pregnancy, diet, alopecia areata and lifestyle are only a few possibilities. Zeroing in on what caused the thinning will help you better figure out if this is a temporary issue, something that can be resolved with a lifestyle change (eat better, stress less) or if it's a medical condition requiring a visit to the doc.
Budget Seeing as how stress can cause thinning, make sure you can comfortably afford the product you choose. The last thing you want is for the price of your hair-thinning shampoo to stress you out and cause your hair to thin more.
Genetic/gender formulations Hair-loss formulas geared towards men and women may differ due to the different hormonal causes of hair loss for each gender. “Men's formulas often contain DHT blockers (dihydrotestosterone) like saw palmetto, since male pattern baldness is largely caused by DHT, a derivative of testosterone,” says Bauman. “Women's formulas, on the other hand, may contain more nourishing and hydrating ingredients to address the overall hair thinning often seen in female pattern hair loss.” With that said, Bauman adds that many active ingredients found in the best hair growth products like Minoxidil and Finasteride are generally effective for both men and women with dosage adjustments made based on gender. In addition to topical products, there are also clinically proven and FDA-approved oral vitamins and supplements for hair growth, also formulated according to genetics.
Ingredients There are a few key ingredients you’ll want to be on the lookout for: Rosemary oil, mint, turmeric, salicylic acid, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, minoxidil, finasteride, biotin, hydrolysed pea peptides are all key to look out for.
How we tested and chose the best shampoo for thinning hair
To find the best hair-growth products, we browsed over 40 different shampoos for thinning hair that would not only clean strands but also stimulate growth and enhance volume. We spoke with dermatologists and trichologists about hair loss and hair growth and what ingredients are important to keep an eye out for and those to steer clear from. Plus, we kept in mind factors like price, accessibility and brand reputation when creating our list.
Frequently asked questions
What causes thinning hair?
A variety of factors impact your hair health and whether or not you experience thinning hair and hair loss. Some of these factors are within your controls and others aren’t. Getting down to the root - pun intended - is key to solving your woes.
Genetics: Hair loss caused by genetics is known as Androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary condition that can affect both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female pattern hair loss) if they’re genetically predisposed. “Androgenetic alopecia usually results in a receding hairline and thinning on top of the scalp for men, and overall thinning of hair for women," explains hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Alan J. Bauman.
Covid: Have you suffered from a moderate to severe case of Covid-19 in the past few months? If so, that could be the culprit behind your thinning and shedding. But don't fret, Dr. Bauman tells us COVID hair loss is typically a temporary condition known as Telogen effluvium, which is often triggered by severe illnesses.
Stress: You might notice that your hair may fall out or look thinner when you're more frazzled than usual. No mystery there: Hair loss related to stress is fairly common, whether owing to a high-pressure daily routine or the fallout (as it were) from a particularly nerve-wracking or traumatic event.
Lifestyle: Aside from the above, lifestyle factors may also have an impact on hair loss. There are certain lifestyle choices that can impact the scalp and/or hair follicles, leading to hair thinning or hair loss, such as chemical hair treatments, blow dryers, curling and flat irons, poor diet and extreme weight loss.
Do shampoos for thinning hair really work?
Yes, shampoo for thinning hair really works. "There are hair regrowth shampoos that do show promise, with the focus of these products centering around maintaining healthy hair follicles by preventing damages and promoting growth," says Vallecillos. "These products tend to be void of harsh chemicals and dyes normally seen in mainstream haircare products, and rather, contain things such as peptides, vitamins, and natural extracts, which act to strengthen the hair, help reduce inflammation and hair loss, and promote thicker and fuller hair."
What hair growth products are FDA approved?
Topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, baricitinib and low-level light therapy are the only FDA-approved therapies to treat androgenic alopecia (male-pattern/female-pattern baldness). That said, Minoxidil can be found in all types of great hair loss products, including those that also help with nourishing the scalp and hair shaft, such as oils and serums for hair loss.
How long does it take to see results from shampoos for thinning hair?
The best hair-growth products provide results at various rates depending on the individual. “Typically, consistent use for at least three to six months is often necessary before noticeable results can be seen,” says Bauman. “Hair grows slowly, about half an inch per month, so changes can take time. They are generally most effective when used as part of a comprehensive hair-care and treatment plan, possibly including medications, topical treatments and a balanced diet.”
Is shampoo for thinning hair safe for everyone to use?
Yes, shampoo for thinning hair is safe for everyone to use. These products tend to be void of harsh chemicals and dyes normally seen in mainstream hair care products, with most containing ingredients such as peptides, vitamins, and natural extracts.
Meet our Experts
Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, Board-certified dermatologist
Michelle Henry, MD, Board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained Mohs surgeon
Glenn Vallecillos, MD, Board-certified plastic surgeon
Jose Diego Mier, MD, Board-certified dermatologist
Jake Woods, MD, Board-certified dermatologist
Andy Goren, Board-certified dermatologist, trichologist and professor
