40 of the best shampoos for thinning hair reviewed, see what won
Most of us are ready to put the colder months behind us as we head into summer. However, that means dealing with the toll that winter often takes on our hair. Freezing temperatures and dry air can damage your hair from cuticle to tip, and if you are already concerned with your hair’s fullness, getting your locks summer-ready can be a daunting task. After all, feeling our best often means looking our best, but thinning hair and hair loss can make that a challenge for many struggling with poor hair health. And no, we’re not just talking split ends or damaged hair. Those with thinning hair can benefit from trying something from this list of best shampoos for thinning hair.
According to The Hair Society, an estimated 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss. These numbers may sound staggeringly high, but there are many reasons people experience hair thinning and loss: Genetics, pregnancy, stress, poor diet, COVID-19, severe illness and underlying health conditions are just a few of the culprits. It’s no surprise then that hair growth products like growth oil, vitamins, and supplements are gaining popularity.
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If you, like so many, are searching for a solution to your hair thinning woes, one of the best hair growth products to start with is a shampoo that can reverse thinning and promote regrowth. Shampoos for thinning hair often target various aspects of hair health, from balancing the scalp to protecting against split ends.
To help you get on track to restoring your hair’s health, we evaluated 43 hair-thinning shampoos and spoke with nine experts to find the best shampoos for thinning hair. With high-quality anti-thinning shampoo products such as these, the worst case scenario is you’ll experience a rich lather from a nourishing shampoo that adds a touch of volume to nearly every hair type.
The best overall shampoo for thinning hair
Other top shampoos for thinning hair we recommend for 2024
Factors to consider when choosing a shampoo for thinning hair
Key Ingredients: When shopping for shampoos, you’ll notice that some promise to nourish existing hair with active ingredients like biotin and keratin, which means they act on hair loss symptoms (thin, flat hair) more than stimulate new growth. However, these strengthening ingredients can make tresses appear thicker and protect them from breakage. Some products have growth stimulators, like coffee, caffeine and certain plants. Botanicals have been used for millennia to promote a healthy scalp and address hair loss. Other commonly used natural ingredients with immense benefits to hair and scalp health include rosemary, menthol, red clover, nettles, eucalyptus and tea tree.
Hair Condition: The condition of your hair and the reason for your hair loss or thinning will also matter as you choose products. If you have patches where hair has fallen out due to illness, stress or childbirth (these forms of hair loss are typically temporary and treatable), pick cleansers that stimulate new growth so you can restore your hair to its former glory at home and ASAP. Formulas that help with scalp health can also directly and indirectly promote hair growth.
How we tested
To pick the best shampoo for thinning hair in 2024, we looked at 43 different shampoos and evaluated each on the inclusion of ingredients proven to stimulate hair growth or support growth through treating the scalp, as well as those that help strengthen and protect hair. In doing our research, we first omitted any products that had under a 4.5-star rating, then assessed the remaining shampoos based on key ingredients, reported adverse effects, price point, customer satisfaction, and overall success. Customer satisfaction was a primary consideration. We combed through self-reported results, taking note of any negative side effects or significant numbers of poor reviews. We also looked at affordability, brand reputation, and ethical or clean beauty commitment.
If you’re looking for a shampoo to promote general hair growth in the face of hair loss, we have tons of recommendations for that too. Plus, most hair types will benefit from a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant. We know what helps there, too.
Shampoos for thinning hair FAQs
Do shampoos for thinning hair really work?
Hair thickening and strengthening agents can change the texture of thinning hair to make it appear denser, while certain other ingredients may help with growth. People with nonscarring hair loss can grow hair back using shampoo, says Gitau. However, everyone’s different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
For example, “in populations of African Americans and Africans, scarring conditions such as Central Centrifugal Scarring Alopecia will be more prevalent due to the tradition of braiding, heat styling, relaxing, coloring, locs, and frequent hair manipulation,” she says. If this is you, it’s a good idea to see a specialist who can determine your best course of action.
If your hair loss was caused by stress or lifestyle factors, be sure to address those factors, whether that means getting support from a therapist, incorporating supplements or eating a more balanced diet.
How long until I see results from shampoos for thinning hair?
Shampoos that mask symptoms of hair loss by thickening, moisturizing, and strengthening follicles can give results after a few washes. However, those that promote hair growth either directly or indirectly will take time (think at least a month) to show results. For example, rosemary oil (one of the most common hair growth shampoo ingredients) may take up to six months to work. Also consider how the shampoo works for your hair type, as scalp flaking among other issues can be caused by product build-up and hinder results.
Is shampoo for thinning hair safe for everyone to use?
Shampoos differ from topical treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride. Those topical treatments are stronger chemicals with more potential side effects and can require a prescription. Hair growth shampoos typically contain natural ingredients and should be as safe to use as any other hair cleanser, as long as you don’t have an allergy to them.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Amy Taub, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist and trichologist
Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
Dr. Alan J. Bauman, hair transplant surgeon
Dr. Rekha Singh, board-certified dermatologist
Meerika Khanna, certified trichologist