Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair

Hair can thin for a number of reasons. In some cases, it may fill back in over time. In others, thinning may be permanent. In either case, a shampoo designed for thinning hair can help keep the locks you do have in top condition. These formulas are designed to clean effectively and efficiently, so they won’t weigh hair down with residue. Many also add volume, giving your style a thicker, fuller look. Some may even help to stimulate follicles and spur hair growth. 

Specialized shampoos deliver results, but it’s usually at a higher cost than standard shampoo. It’s important to choose a formula that meets your specific needs and challenges. Keep reading to learn more and see a few products we think stand out from the rest. 

Make sure you’re gentle on your locks when you brush and wash. Grooming wet hair with a wide-toothed comb can keep you from yanking out strands.

Key considerations

When choosing a shampoo for thinning hair, it’s important to try to understand why your hair started to thin in the first place. This knowledge can help you choose the best shampoo for your specific style.

Why hair thins

Genetics: This is the most common reason for hair loss. This hereditary hair loss, known as pattern hair loss, is gradual and hormonal in nature. Over time,  hormones cause follicles to shrink, growing finer, thinner strands, and eventually stop producing hair. Hair loss due to genetics is not usually reversible, but shampoo and other products can help keep your hair in the best condition possible. 

Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations affect hair growth during pregnancy and after childbirth, although locks often fill back in once the hormone levels return to normal. For many people, hair starts thinning in conjunction with menopause. Menopausal hair shedding may slow as hormones stabilize, and proper care can help prevent extra loss during this period.

Stress: Major bouts of stress can also wreak havoc on your tresses. Some individuals shed significantly — even losing clumps of hair  — six weeks to three months after the stressful event. Stress-related hair loss is not usually permanent.

Medication: Medications for conditions like cancer, heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression can cause hair thinning in both genders. Oral contraceptives can also cause hair-thinning hormonal changes. In many cases, hair will start to grow back within six months of discontinuing the medication. 

Medical conditions: Other medical conditions, such as lupus, scalp infections, ringworm, thyroid imbalances, and other diagnoses can cause patchy hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you suspect a problem.

Hairstyle: Hairstyles that place high levels of stress on the hair and scalp can also cause hair loss. Hair extensions, extremely tight ponytails, braids, and cornrows can all be culprits. Hair loss from this type of localized trauma is reversible if discovered early. 

Shampoo types

 Once you determine the reason your hair is thinning, it’s easier to choose a shampoo that will give you the results you desire. 

Cleansing: All shampoos are intended to clean hair, but cleansing shampoos remove product buildup, dirt, and other residue from your hair and scalp in a way that gives hair a fighting chance to grow back. Cleansing shampoos effectively remove product residue, which can easily weigh down and dull fine, thinning hair. They also remove excess sebum — scalp oil — and other secretions that can block follicles and limit hair growth. This makes them a good choice for those with hereditary and hormonal hair loss. Most formulas add moisture in ways that won’t block follicles, but people with dry or damaged hair should use with caution.

Thickening: These shampoos plump up thin strands so they take up more space, giving the appearance of a fuller mane. Effective thickening shampoos include both protein and moisturizing vitamin B5, usually listed as panthenol or pantothenic acid. In these formulas, the protein strengthens the outside of the hair, while the vitamins infuse each strand with moisture via the scalp. Thickening shampoos can help anyone with thinning hair get the most out of each strand, but they’re most effective when used on damaged hair, 

Volumizing: These shampoos are slightly different from thickening formulas. Rather than expanding the hair, these lightweight formulas help improve your hair’s texture in a way that creates lift, bounce, and body.  

Hair regrowth: Over-the-counter hair regrowth shampoos help repair and rebuild damaged hair using antioxidants and amino acids. These formulas may also help to reduce inflammation, which can block hair follicles as well as growth. Prescription hair regrowth shampoos disrupt the hormonal processes that cause thinning at the scalp level, and their use requires a doctor’s approval. 

If you're looking for a different kind of hair regrowth solution, there are also serums you can try. 

We research how well a thinning shampoo moisturizes hair and whether it has any drying effects.

We look at three shampoo types that target thinning hair: cleansing shampoos, thickening shampoos, and hair regrowth shampoos. The type needed depends on the reason why hair is thinning.

We take note of shampoos that contain argan oil and shea butter. Some consumers prefer to avoid these ingredients, as they tend to weigh hair down.

We assess the ingredients in each shampoo on our review list, watching for products that contain parabens and sulfates, as these can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Formulas that are free of artificial fragrances and use natural oils and botanical extracts tend to capture our attention.

Some shampoos for thinning hair are sold in conjunction with conditioner or other products as hair care systems. We evaluate the entire system when this is offered.

We look at each shampoo’s instructions to assess whether it’s safe for occasional use or frequent, daily/weekly use.

We look for shampoo that restores hair by unclogging follicles and removing buildup without drying it out.

When researching shampoo for our shortlist, we consider how much shampoo is needed to determine how long each bottle will last.

When researching shampoo, we keep in mind that some shampoos only work well for certain hair types. A good shampoo for thinning hair should work on all hair types.

A lot of shampoos for thinning hair add volume. If this is promised, we note it in our research, as volumizing products can help hair appear thicker.

Features

Once you narrow down the type of shampoo you need, look for the features that will mean the most for your hair.

Ingredients

Avoid these: You can’t afford to take risks with hair that’s thinning or damaged. Avoid harsh ingredients like parabens, which can mimic hormones and disrupt hair growth cycles. Skip the sulfates, too — they’re known to negatively impact proteins —  one of the main building blocks of healthy hair. Many also choose formulas that are free from artificial fragrances, which may irritate and dry sensitive scalps and skin. 

Look for these: While you’re reading labels, look for gentle ingredients that promote hair health. Many shampoos use natural oils and botanical extracts to moisturize your mane. Additionally, ingredients like vitamin C, B3 (niacin), biotin, zinc, iron, and rich gluco-omega blends nourish both your hair and your scalp. 

Multiproduct systems

Some shampoos for thinning hair are effective on their own; others are intended to work with a conditioner or other products as part of a hair care system. These multiproduct systems may be more effective than a single shampoo, but they can come with a high price tag. If a hair care system pledges specific results, it’s important to use all the products, since clinical results are measured using the products in conjunction. So, make sure you’re prepared to pay the price — and keep on paying it. 

Accessories

Hair vitamins: HairAnew Healthy Hair Formula Vitamins
Strengthen your hair from the inside, too, with these vitamins from HairAnew. Besides being chock-full of biotin, these vegan capsules are packed with 11 key vitamins that nourish hair, nails, and skin. Many users even enjoy fuller eyebrows and lashes. 

Semi-permanent hair color: DPHUE Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Stylists suggest that adding color to your hair can disguise overall thinning. But the salon isn’t always convenient. Luckily, a semi-permanent hair color is the next best thing. Experts say that semi-permanent coloring is gentler than harsh permanent dyes, and it delivers glossy, beautiful hues in under three minutes. 

Thinning hair shampoo prices

It’s hard to put a price on well-being and confidence, but you’ll find that shampoos for thinning hair are pricier than your average shampoo. 

Inexpensive: You’ll find quality shampoos designed for thinning hair starting at around $0.60 per ounce. At this price, you can find both volumizing and thickening formulas. They’ll be paraben-free, and some may contain natural botanical ingredients. 

Mid-range: These shampoos cost between $0.75 and $1.25 per ounce. Here, you’ll find shampoos that pull double duty, and maybe more. Many strip heavy buildup from both hair and scalp while simultaneously thickening and lifting your locks with gentle ingredients. 

Expensive: The most expensive shampoos for thinning hair cost $1.50 to $1.75 per ounce. These shampoos cleanse down to the follicle level, optimizing chances for regrowth. They also fortify your existing hair hair with healthy ingredients that nourish both hair and scalp.

Tips

• Avoid heavy oils. When choosing hair products, avoid those containing argan oil and shea butter. These heavier ingredients tend to weigh down thinning hair.

• Try a leave-in conditioner. If traditional conditioners seem too heavy for your locks, try using a lightweight spray-on, leave-in conditioner.

• Use caution if you have color-treated hair. Individuals who use color or highlights to disguise their thinning tresses should make sure the formula they choose is safe for color-treated hair. 

The average woman spends the equivalent of ten days a year on hair care and maintenance.

FAQ

Q. Should I use shampoo for thinning hair every time I wash?
A. Yes. Since you should only be washing your hair two to three times per week, your hair needs consistency to derive your shampoo’s full benefits. Follow your bottle’s specific instructions, but be prepared to leave your shampoo on for a few minutes so your hair and scalp can absorb the formula’s nourishing ingredients. 

Q. Do I need a conditioner for thinning hair, too?
A. Ideally, thinning hair should be conditioned every time it’s washed. Thin, fine hair gets easily tangled and needs a regular dose of smoothing and moisturizing. However, a special conditioner may not be necessary. Conditioner should be used only on the bottom half of the hair, not near the follicle, where many thinning problems originate. If, however, you choose a thickening shampoo that’s marketed in tandem with a conditioner, buy the conditioner, too. Any promised results are based on using the two formulas together, not just one. Additionally, a standard conditioner may wash out the beneficial ingredients the special shampoo leaves behind.

Q. Which styling products are best for thinning hair?
A. Light styling aids are best for thinning hair because they won’t weigh down the strands. Foamy, airy mousse can give texture without creating stiff, awkward locks. Lighter hair sprays let your style bounce naturally without hardening it into place. Avoid gels and heavy sprays that freeze your style too tightly in place.