The 7 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair, Tested and Approved

paul mitchell hair growth shampoo
paul mitchell hair growth shampoo

While thinning hair can be a shock to the system, everyone experiences hair loss to some extent. In fact, most people shed somewhere between 50 and 100 hairs a day, says Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. If you find yourself suddenly losing more hair than usual or feel like your hair is becoming much thinner than you’re used to, a quality shampoo for thinning hair can restore thickness and volume in a pinch. Thinning hair can have many causes, including aging and changing hormones. While seeing an expert is always your best bet to identify underlying causes and find a solution, a shampoo with specific ingredients to boost hair growth, strength, and thickness is a great place to start.

To help you find the right product, we spoke to experts and tested 21 popular shampoos. We carefully evaluated each product based on criteria such as ease of use, effectiveness, cleansing ability, scent, and overall results. These are our top picks.

Ingredients To Look For and Avoid in Shampoos for Thinning Hair

To improve the length, thickness, and strength of your hair, look for ingredients like niacin, biotin, saw palmetto, and rosemary oil as they help drive blood circulation to the scalp and promote growth. Likewise, histidine, ceramides, and keratin nourish your strands and resist damage.

Stay away from harsh ingredients like sulfates, phthalates, and anything else that strips your hair of natural oils. These ingredients can cause dryness, brittleness, and breakage.

What Healthcare Experts Want You to Know

  • Efficacy: When formulated with the right ingredients, shampoos for thinning hair can enhance hair thickness and volume while encouraging new hair growth. For the best results, look for ingredients that target your specific problem areas and hair type. You can generally use a shampoo for thinning hair in place of your regular shampoo, using it as often as you feel necessary. Follow the instructions on your particular shampoo for the best results.
  • Best use practices: Because hair only grows at an average rate of around 1 centimeter per month, you should consistently use products for thinning hair for at least three or four months, advises Camp. This will give you enough time to accurately determine if your shampoo is making a difference in your hair loss.
  • Hair loss: If you’re experiencing thinning hair, it’s recommended to shampoo two to three times a week, according to Camp. Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. says you shouldn’t need to change the frequency of hair washing because of hair thinning. Make sure you’re not being aggressive when washing your hair since this could irritate your scalp and cause breakage.