The Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, According to Dermatologists
A head of full and luscious hair is often pegged as the beauty ideal, but it’s not an attainable standard for everyone. Many women experience thinning hair and hair loss for a multitude of reasons: age, changes in diet, and product alterations, to name a few. Thin hair is nothing to be ashamed of — it's a fact of life shared by many.
But if thin hair is an issue that really bothers you, you might want to consider modifying your hair routine — and shampoos are a great place to start. “An ideal shampoo for thinning hair needs to not only improve the volume of your strands but also encourage growth and circulation of hair follicles,” advises New York City dermatologist Neil Sadick. But first things first: New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco advises women to determine the cause of their thinning hair with a professional. She identified androgenetic alopecia and dandruff as two common reasons women lose hair without understanding why.
“The DHT hormone (dihydrotestosterone) can contribute to thinning in women who are genetically predisposed to female pattern thinning,” Fusco says. For those whose case falls into this category, she advises a prescription shampoo with ketoconazole 2 percent, as it has anti-androgenic properties. “Ketoconazole has been proposed to disrupt the pathway of DHT leading to thinning of follicles.”
Chronic dandruff can also lead to hair shedding if it’s left untreated or undertreated. “Many women with dandruff don’t use a dandruff shampoo regularly because they are concerned with the lack of cosmetic elegance and the concern that it won’t beautify their hair,” Fusco explains. “A dandruff shampoo and conditioner that contain ZP [zinc pyrithione] and ingredients that beautify the hair can be used every day, as they will control dandruff, reduce inflammation, and thereby diminish shedding.”
Sadick suggests avoiding “products with dyes and preservatives, like parabens and synthetic fragrances.” Ingredients that thicken the hair include amino acids, biotin, ginseng root, and menthol or peppermint oil — these are what you want to look for. “Amino acids provide the building blocks to build new strands, while biotin, part of the B-vitamin complex, is required by hair to metabolize amino acids and can help strengthen hair,” Sadick says. “Antioxidants such as vitamin E and ginseng are beneficial to promote hair growth because they reduce free radicals from sun, stress, or overprocessing and have anti-inflammatory properties.” Last but not least are the botanicals, which are great as they are rich in antioxidants and other compounds that stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth.
Below, find 10 products that Fusco and Sadick recommend that you can buy without a prescription:
Bumble and Bumble Bb. Thickening Shampoo
A super lightweight formula that builds lots of volume. Ingredients like aloe vera juice, panthenol (a B vitamin), and glycerin to soften hair.
$26 (Shop Now)
Ogx Thick and Full Biotin and Collagen Shampoo
It’s all about that texture! This formula aims to thicken strands with a blend of vitamin B7 biotin, collagen, and hydrolyzed wheat protein.
$8 (Shop Now)
Jason Thin to Thick Extra Volume Shampoo
Combat fine, limp hair with this extra volume shampoo infused with biotin, panthenol, and proteins.
$11 (Shop Now)
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo
This color-safe shampoo has a mix of kakadu plum, pea peptides, clover flower, turmeric, and ginseng.
$20 (Shop Now)
Nioxin Cleanser
This hair cleanser contains amino acids, antioxidants, and peppermint oil.
$19 (Shop Now)
Living Proof Full Shampoo
This product helps strengthen your hair and add volume.
$25 (Shop Now)
Laritelle Diamond Strong Shampoo
Another splurge crafted from amazing ingredients: organic argan oil, jojoba oil, rosemary, lemongrass, ginger, and cedarwood essential oil.
$50 (Shop Now)
Dove DermaCare Scalp Pure Daily Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Fusco (who is also a consultant for Unilever) suggests this shampoo, containing one percent zinc pyrithione, that gently fights dandruff without irritating the scalp.
$5 (Shop Now)
Ogx Rejuvenating Cherry Blossom Ginseng Shampoo
This shampoo is crafted from ginseng root extract, silk amino acids, and bamboo extract.
$8 (Shop Now)
Shea Moisture African Water Mint & Ginger Detox & Refresh Hair & Scalp Gentle Shampoo
Shea butter, ginseng, mint, and vitamin E are all bottled up in this shampoo.
$11 (Shop Now)
More healthy hair tips:
Can Coconut Oil Make Your Hair Dry? Here’s Why It Doesn’t Work for All Hair Types
Trendy Skin-Care Ingredients Are Being Added to Hair-Care Products
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