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Hair thinning can be caused by a combination of factors such as your health, habits, or genetics. See which shampoo bar could best help you.
- Best overall shampoo for thinning hair: Keeps Thickening Shampoo | Skip to Review
- Best all-natural shampoos for thinning hair: Hims Hair Thickening Shampoo, Hers Shampoo | Skip to Review
- Best shampoo for thinning for those with menopause: Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo | Skip to Review
- Best shampoo for hair loss caused by UV rays: Herbal Essences BioRenew Argan Oil Shampoo | Skip to Review
- Best shampoo bars for thinning hair: Lush Flyaway Hair Shampoo Bar, The Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar | Skip to Review
- Best shampoo for men with thinning hair: Jack Black True Volume Thickening Shampoo | Skip to Review
- Best shampoo for thinning hair on a budget: Renpure Originals Biotin & Collagen Thickening Shampoo | Skip to Review
- Best shampoo scalp cleanser for thinning hair: Nutrafol Root Purifier | Skip to Review
- Best shampoo volumizer for thinning hair: Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo | Skip to Review
- Best drugstore shampoo for thinning hair: BIOLAGE Full Density Thickening Shampoo | Skip to Review
Thinning hair and hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons. Because thinning hair has many causes, the type of shampoo that works for you may not work for someone else.
Determining the underlying cause, as well as having a trial-and-error approach to the types of shampoos and products you use, can make a difference.
Some shampoos on this list contain ingredients shown to be beneficial for reducing hair loss. Others provide a cosmetic fix by thickening or adding volume to existing hair.
We looked at scientific data and studies to determine which shampoo ingredients are the most effective. We also looked at factors, such as customer reviews, to produce this list.
Hair thinning refers to a gradual process where hair gets sparse in certain areas. It’s different from hair loss, which is defined by hair breakage from the scalp or when hair falls out from the root.
Hair loss can lead to baldness, whereas hair thinning doesn’t necessarily do so.
Genetics, medical conditions, and life circumstances (or a combination of all three) can cause hair thinning. Some of these include:
- vitamin deficiency, particularly vitamin D, iron, B12, and folic acid
- skin disorder or infection
- treatment for autoimmune disease or immune system deficiencies
- hormonal changes (including stopping birth control pills or having a baby)
- sudden, significant weight loss
- chronic stress
There are also lifestyle habits that can cause hair thinning. These include:
- using harsh products on your hair, like gel and hair spray
- overtreating your hair with relaxers and perms, chemical hair color, or heat styling tools
- wearing tight hairstyles, like ponytails and up-dos
Beneficial shampoo ingredients for thinning hair include:
- Histidine: This amino acid absorbs excess copper from hair, shielding it from UVA and UVB damage.
- Phyto-caffeine: Caffeine has been found to suppress excess testosterone in the hair root. Testosterone can suppress hair growth on the head in men and women.
- Niacin (vitamin B3): This vitamin promotes hair fullness. It also stimulates circulation and blood flow in the scalp.
- Biotin (vitamin H): Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s part of the B vitamin family. It’s important to have biotin in your diet for hair growth. Some shampoos also contain this ingredient, which may promote hair fullness and reduce breakage.
- Essential oils: A number of essential oils have been shown to thicken hair or make it healthier and less prone to breakage. They include peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, and thyme.
- Minoxidil: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this ingredient for the treatment of hair loss
when used as a 2% topical solution for women and 5% for men. Some shampoos also contain minoxidil as an active ingredient.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning, you’ll want to choose a shampoo that has active ingredients to help the problem at hand.
To select the best shampoos for thinning hair, we considered many factors, including:
- Brand reputation: We chose brands you can trust and vetted each product via our brand and content integrity standards. Read more about our product selection process here.
- User reviews: We looked for products that earned good reports from buyers.
- Formulation and active ingredients: Wherever possible, we chose shampoos with natural ingredients that are proven to help thicken and strengthen hair.
- Price: Finally, we did our best to include options for every budget.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $15
- $$ = $15–$30
- $$$ = over $30
| Price | Active ingredients | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keeps Thickening Shampoo | $$ | saw palmetto, biotin, caffeine, green tea | scientifically sound ingredients address specific hair-thinning needs |
| Hims Hair Thickening Shampoo | $$ | palmetto, niacinamide | subscription plan available |
| Hers Shampoo | $$ | cocamidopropyl betaine, lauric acid, decyl glucoside | strengthens and moisturizes hair |
| Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo | $$ | caffeine, zinc, niacin | specifically made for the hair and scalp during menopause |
| Herbal Essences BioRenew Argan Oil Shampoo | $ | sodium lauryl sulfate, glycol distearate, argania spinosa | affordable option for UV damage |
| Lush Flyaway Hair Shampoo Bar | $ | sodium coco-sulfate, hand-harvested sea salt (sodium chloride), seawater | good for oily hair |
| The Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar | $ | organic palm oil, organic sunflower oil, organic coconut oil | helps with thin hair and itchiness |
| Jack Black True Volume Thickening Shampoo | $$ | creatine, wheat protein, white lupine protein | heightens fullness in hair with daily use |
| Renpure Originals Biotin & Collagen Thickening Shampoo | $ | vitamin B7, biotin, collagen, keratin | nourishing and safe formula |
| Nutrafol Root Purifier | $$$ | sodium cocoyl sarcosinate | has been tested in clinical trials performed by the brand |
| Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo | $$ | ginger, ginseng, white lemon, witch hazel, biotin, maltodextrin | follicle-stimulating ingredients |
| BIOLAGE Full Density Thickening Shampoo | $$$ | biotin, zinc PCA, gluco-omega | removes impurities to make your hair more lightweight |
What other shampoo ingredients should I look for if I have hair loss?
Hair loss — meaning hair that falls out from the scalp — can occur as the result of genetics, diet, illness, stress, medications, and more. Addressing the underlying cause of thinning hair often reduces hair loss over time.
Once you’ve addressed the underlying cause, a good shampoo for you may include ingredients, such as:
- histidine
- peppermint
- phyto-caffeine
What shampoo ingredients should I use for hair breakage?
You may also notice that your hair appears to break off more easily and seems to be thinner and weaker than it was in the past.
Hair breakage may be the result of styling habits over time, such as using heat to style your hair. Using harsh shampoos, overwashing, and not conditioning your hair can also cause it to break and thin. Modifying these habits can help restore your hair.
Shampoo ingredients that may strengthen hair and give it the look of fullness include:
- ginseng
- biotin
- collagen
- aloe vera
Can diet help with hair loss?
Since diet can impact hair growth, making sure you eat enough iron and protein may also be beneficial.
There are several vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial for hair growth. Too much of others, such as vitamins A and E, may actually worsen hair loss.
Always consult a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your diet.
What are other treatments for thinning hair?
There are many other treatments for thinning hair, in addition to shampoo.
Scalp massage, either with your fingers or a handheld device, can stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. Laser therapy, used in-office by a dermatologist or with an at-home device, can help regrow hair as well. These treatments don’t work for everyone, however, and they can take months to see results.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, which are put into the scalp to create a healthier environment for hair growth, is also an option.
Another way to address thinning hair is by making sure your body is sufficient in vitamins, especially iron, vitamin D, folic acid, and zinc.
While vitamins can’t reverse hair loss, taking a daily multivitamin that includes the aforementioned nutrients can help hair grow thick and strong. (A blood test can determine if you are low in nutrients.)
Additional supplements, like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and biotin, can also have a positive effect on scalp and hair health.
Thinning hair and hair loss can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including stress, aging, genetics, and illness. Styling habits can also cause hair to become thin and breakable.
There are a number of active ingredients that can help reduce hair thinning and also promote the look of fullness.
It’s important to understand and address the underlying cause of your thinning hair.